About Us

Driving Action | Creating Impact

We combine sharp strategy with a relentless focus on impact. Every action we take is designed to deliver tangible outcomes that address critical challenges. Our pragmatic approach ensures solutions are not only effective, but also sustainable, driving positive change that lasts.

Strategy
Initiative
Methodology

Building a Better Ethiopia: NeFRaD is committed to supporting Ethiopia’s transformation through four key focus areas:

State and Nation Building: We believe in fostering a strong, unified Ethiopia where all citizens feel represented and empowered.
Democracy: A thriving democracy is essential for sustainable development and progress. NeFRaD champions democratic principles and institutions.
Equitable Development: We advocate for inclusive growth that benefits all Ethiopians, regardless of background or region.
Principled and Mutually Beneficial International Relations: Ethiopia’s success is intertwined with the global community. NeFRaD promotes partnerships based on respect and shared interests.

These interconnected priorities form the foundation of NeFRaD’s work in Ethiopia. By addressing these critical areas, we aim to contribute to a more stable, prosperous, and just future for all Ethiopians.

Driving Effective Policy Reform: A Multifaceted Approach: NeFRaD recognizes the challenges of achieving meaningful public engagement with policy. To address this, we utilize a comprehensive approach that integrates four key pillars:

Knowledge Production: We conduct research to inform policy decisions and ensure they are based on evidence.
Citizen Empowerment: We equip individuals with the knowledge and tools to actively participate in the policymaking process.
Public Mobilization: We facilitate collective action to raise awareness and advocate for policy change.
Effective Institutional Performance: We work to strengthen institutions’ capacity to develop and implement sound policies.

Finding Common Ground: NeFRaD’s Pragmatic Engagement Methodology: Ethiopia faces complex challenges, and navigating them effectively requires a nuanced approach. At NeFRaD, we recognize that extreme viewpoints can hinder progress. That’s why we champion a Comprehensive and Pragmatic Engagement Methodology.

What does this mean?

Acknowledging Diverse Perspectives: We understand that Ethiopians hold a wide range of political, social, and historical beliefs. We value this diversity and ensure all voices are heard.
Striving for Balance: We move beyond polarized narratives by seeking common ground. We present a balanced view of issues, considering all sides and their potential impact.
Focus on Pragmatism: We believe solutions lie in practical approaches informed by evidence and a deep understanding of Ethiopia’s context.
Contextual Objectivity: We strive for objectivity that considers Ethiopia’s unique history, culture, and current realities.

Mission

promoting policy reform via research, advocacy, education, and capacity building initiatives in order to accelerate and sustain Ethiopia’s transformation towards a peaceful, prosperous, and democratic republic, with a positive influence on development and stability across the Horn of Africa and beyond

Our Goals

inform

to enable intellectual, institutional, and cultural environments conducive to policies aimed at stabilizing, harmonizing, and advancing Ethiopian society

influence

to exert influence on policymakers by means of public education, networking, and institutional enhancement

facilitate

to facilitate increased engagement of foreign partners in mutually beneficial investments, diplomacy, and developmental collaboration with Ethiopia

enable

to enable intellectual, institutional, and cultural environments conducive to policies aimed at stabilizing, harmonizing, and advancing Ethiopian society

nurture

to foster the development of future progressive policy-makers and facilitators by expanding opportunities for education, mobilization, training, and networking

enhance

to advance Ethiopia's contribution to peace, innovation, and economic development in the Horn of Africa and beyond by fostering mutually beneficial foreign policy discussions

Philosophy

We acknowledge and celebrate the diversity of Ethiopians in ethnicity, language, religion, and culture while strongly rejecting any kind of discrimination based on these or any other facets of their individual or collective identity or status.

Our mission is centered on engendering a culture that values diversity, critical thought, inquisitiveness, creativity, and pragmatism in all aspects of our work. Aligned with this dedication, we advocate for human rights, civil freedoms, social harmony, democracy, economically suitable development policies, and republicanism, all while being faithful to our core values of research, education, and transformation. We are committed to preserving an independent, non-partisan, non-sectarian, and non-profit character in all our activities.

Strategic Themes

State Building

State structure and governance
People groups and relationships
Identity, diversity, and expression
Justice system, peace, and security

Democratization

Democracy and civic engagement Governance and accountability Freedoms and rights

Economic development

Private-public partnership
Urban-rural dynamics
Natural resources
Climate change
Land tenure
Technology

Foreign Relations

Geo-politics
Global politico-economic order