AMN PLUS-September 4, 2026
Addis Ababa’s international awards and recognition are not attributed solely to its infrastructure development and successful projects.
A key factor behind the city’s growing international recognition is its transformative work in human development and in nurturing the next generation as part of its broader journey toward inclusive prosperity Mayor Office of Addis Ababa said.
The Office made the statement while highlighting the city’s achievements in early childhood development and its efforts to make Addis Ababa a child-friendly city and one of the best places in Africa to raise children.
Mayor Adanech Abebie was recognized as an Early Childhood Development Champion by the international Act for Early Years initiative for her effective leadership of the city’s Early Childhood Development Program.
According to the Office, the recognition reflects Addis Ababa’s vision of becoming a child-friendly city and one of Africa’s leading cities for raising children, while demonstrating the impact of its investment in human development and building the next generation.
One of the most visible indicators of the city’s progress in this area is the remarkable expansion of playgrounds and childcare centers.
The city administration has increased the number of playgrounds from just 20 to 5,500 within three years. In addition, 5,003 playgrounds designed with children’s developmental stages and needs in mind have been constructed and are currently providing services.
The number of public childcare centers has also increased from only 11 to 1,100. Including childcare centers organized under various models, the total number has reached 1,155, providing services to 27,302 children.
The successful Early Childhood Development Program is designed to reach nearly 1.3 million children in the capital, including approximately 330,000 children from low-income families. The program focuses on five key priority areas aimed at ensuring comprehensive support for children’s development.
The Office said Addis Ababa’s transformation and growing international attention are not attributable only to its attractive corridor developments, revitalized riversides, and other major urban projects.
Rather, the city is also gaining recognition by demonstrating in practice its commitment to raising a healthy generation with bright minds and by implementing human development initiatives that improve the lives of citizens, particularly children.
The Office further stated that the city’s deep investment in humanity and the next generation has translated the government’s philosophy of Medemer into practical action, mobilizing citizens around a shared vision and helping transform Addis Ababa into a symbol of prosperity.
According to Mayor Office of Addis Ababa, this investment in human development and the next generation is one of the major factors behind the city’s repeated international recognition and awards.
By Leta Teresa
