Zones constitute the second and final administrative level in Ethiopia's governance structure, with 85 such divisions currently operating across the country. These intermediate administrative units serve as a crucial link between regional governments and local woreda administrations, facilitating the implementation of regional policies and coordinating public services across their jurisdictions. Zones typically handle functions such as regional development planning, coordination of health and education services, infrastructure oversight, and administrative support to lower-level authorities. They play a significant role in resource allocation, inter-district coordination, and ensuring that federal and regional directives are effectively executed at the local level. The zonal administration also manages judicial and security matters within its boundaries and serves as an important mechanism for addressing issues that transcend individual woreda capacities.