Salam, Localisation and Zurt: The Ethiopian Localization Lab Showcase
by Eric Onyango, Africa Regional Representative
On 29 October 2025, the Ethiopian Localization Lab (ELL) convened a vibrant Innovation Showcase and Networking Event with 20 members at the Tolip Olympia Hotel in Addis Ababa. The half-day event brought together members of ELL, local civil society organisations, and partners to celebrate achievements in localisation, exchange innovative practices, and strengthen collaborative networks.
The day began with registration and informal networking, allowing participants to connect before the official proceedings. Mr. Lulseged Mekonnen, AISDA’s Executive Director, and ELL Convenor, the welcomed attendees with opening remarks and invited me to address the attendees, setting the tone for a day of learning, sharing, and collaboration.
ELL members introduced their organisations, each highlighting their role in promoting localisation across Ethiopia. This session fostered understanding of the diversity and strengths within the Lab, creating a platform for shared learning.
The ELL brings together a diverse group of local organisations driving impactful, community-rooted change across the country. Their work spans humanitarian response, education, gender equality, youth empowerment, WASH, and livelihoods, reaching thousands of households nationwide. Members such as HRO Ethiopia lead multi-partner initiatives on gender and youth, while others champion women’s empowerment and address pastoralist challenges through education, peacebuilding, and social accountability. One of the lab members supports over 140 community-based organisations, operate across seven regions, and respond to the needs of internally displaced persons (IDPs) affected by conflict and drought through livelihood recovery, livestock feeding, and food assistance. With a strong focus on research, policy engagement, disability inclusion, and environmental protection, several Lab members also have cross-border experience in Kenya, Oromia, and Somalia, advancing social cohesion, intercommunity peace, and resilience. Together, these organisations exemplify the strength and innovation of local actors leading Ethiopia’s localisation movement.
AISDA presented the ELL Journey, highlighting key localisation pillars, successes, challenges, and emerging opportunities. This presentation provided valuable context for participants, illustrating how ELL has been advancing local leadership, decision-making, and capacity-building in humanitarian and development efforts.
The Innovation Showcase allowed volunteer ELL members to present their field experiences and innovative approaches to localisation. These presentations offered practical insights, demonstrating how local actors are shaping solutions that are contextually relevant, sustainable, and impactful.
A lively interactive discussion followed, focusing on “Building Bridges for Sustainable Localisation and their Challenges”. Participants explored strategies to strengthen collaboration, improve resource access, and tackle systemic barriers, ensuring that local voices drive decision-making in humanitarian action.
The event concluded with a Networking and Collaboration Session, where members explored partnerships and potential joint initiatives. Closing reflections summarized key takeaways and outlined actionable next steps, reinforcing ELL’s commitment to fostering a cohesive and impactful network of local actors.
The ELL Innovation Showcase underscored the transformative potential of localisation when local organisations are empowered, connected, and supported. Through continued collaboration, learning, and innovation, ELL members are advancing a vision of sustainable, locally led development across Ethiopia.
To crown the visit, I was treated to an authentic Ethiopian experience — a traditional meal known as “Kurt”, which is raw beef delicately seasoned and shared among friends. In Ethiopian culture, sharing Kurt is more than just a meal; it is a symbol of respect, friendship, and unity. Serving raw meat to a guest signifies high honor and hospitality, while eating together from a shared platter reinforces trust and social bonds. Traditionally reserved for special occasions, holidays, or important gatherings, it was a fitting conclusion to a meaningful week, marking my first engagement with the Ethiopian Localization Lab.
