Youth as a societal category and policy tool must be recognized as a legal construct within the system. In Ethiopia, the model of youth empowerment is inspired by the vision to create an empowered young generation with democratic outlook and ideals, equipped with knowledge and professional skills, get organized and built on ethical integrity.Participation forms the underlying make-up of empowerment while empowerment might mean transforming power relationships through transforming one's self, changing relationships in society, and changing cultural patterns. Empowerment, as an ongoing process in the paradigm shift to human-centered development, is the highest developmental stage and the transformed form of participation.The youth development and empowerment model, envisioned under the Ethiopian National Youth Policy and Development Packages, which is characterized by strategic youth leadership, governmental supportive environment, multi-sectoralism and mainstreaming, will be effective, efficient and responsive with the codification of a comprehensive and unified body of youth legislation and establishment of corresponding youth focused institutional mechanisms fit tothe purpose.