This article demonstrates the utility of explicating underlying forces that have brought about, shaped and underpinned provision of social protection in each sub-Saharan African country. It does so in the context of examining six such forces, namely: tradition and culture, drought and famine, relations among key actors, the mainstream paradigm of development, the poverty reduction agenda of the ruling party, and constrained fiscal space that have historically contributed to current provision of social protection in Ethiopia. Recommendations are given for social work policy practice to enable decision-makers to integrate developmental and human rights objectives in Ethiopia’s forthcoming national social protection strategy.