This study explores the scope of governance in addressing HIV/AIDS issues in Ethiopia by making use of HIV/AIDS partnership forums that exist in the country. Individuals representing the government sector, the non for profit sector, the for profit sector and HIV/AIDS Prevention and Control Office both at the national level and in the three regions namely Oromia Region, Southern Nations, Nationalities, and Peoples' Region and Addis Ababa have been interviewed. Additional data were gathered using a PARTNER tool survey and also relevant documents have been analyzed. With the help of a problem tree and thematic analysis the study describes the causal effect relationship of the factors affecting partnerships and their ultimate consequence in maximizing social capital and governance. Accordingly, the study identifies the specific effects of the Charities and Societies Proclamation No. 621/2009 on partnership endeavors in particular and HIV/AIDS policy implementation in general. Moreover, the study points out the existence of insufficient partnership in both decision making and policy implementation.