The EEF is the apex employers’ organization in Ethiopia. As a national employers’ organization, the EEF groups branches all over the country as well as sectoral associations of the private sector. It is the vital and considered voice with regard to employment, labor, industrial relations, social issues, etc. As such, its primary mission is to safeguard and defend the interests of employers and, by extension, the promotion of free enterprise in Ethiopia.

The Ethiopian Employers Federation was first established in 1964 during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie. It existed for about fourteen years as a strong and influential employers’ organization. However, the previous government, which had a socialist–oriented policy, did not like the existence of such an influential employers’ organization, which supports the development of the market economy. As a result, the EEF was dissolved in 1978. Since then the employers had no true representation locally and internationally.

The change of government in May 1991 and the subsequent declaration of the Transitional Government in November 1992 to follow a new economic policy, a free market policy, paved the way for renaissance of the employers. The new economic policy was reinforced by the Federal Constitution promulgated in December 1994.The Federal Constitution and the Labour Proclamation restored freedom of association and thus, gave an opportunity for employers to get organized. Consequently, a number of sectoral associations, including the Ethiopian Employers Federation emerged.

The EEF was reestablished in 1997 at its founding assembly on the basis of the Ethiopian constitution, Labor proclamation No.42/1993, and the International Labor Organization’s convention 87, Freedom of association and protection of the rights to organize, which Ethiopia as member state of ILO ratified it in 1984. The Ethiopian Employers Federation consists of member organizations from a broad range of sectors like transport, construction, garages, hotels, airlines, banks, insurances and many more.