AMN PLUS-October 16, 2026
Addis Ababa is emerging as a model for African and international cities in early childhood development, with its achievements drawing praise from participants of the African Mayors Initiative Forum.
The participants commended the Ethiopian capital for its progress in creating child-friendly environments, expanding childcare facilities, and strengthening early childhood development initiatives, describing its experience as a valuable model for other cities to learn from and adapt.
Addis Ababa hosted 2026 African Mayors Leadership Initiative (AMALI) Forum, which brought together city leaders, development partners, and experts to exchange experiences and explore effective approaches to improving the well-being and development of young children.
The forum highlighted the progress achieved through partnerships involving the African Cities Network, Big Win Philanthropy, and Bloomberg Philanthropies.
At the conclusion of the forum, Addis Ababa City Mayor Adanech Abiebie, alongside forum participants, inaugurated a newly constructed childcare center, marking another step in the city’s efforts to expand services and create supportive environments for children.
Jamie Cooper, Founder and Chair of Big Win Philanthropy, praised Addis Ababa’s remarkable progress in becoming a city that prioritizes children. Cooper recalled that seeing children playing outdoors had once been uncommon in the city. Today, however, children can be seen enjoying playgrounds established across different neighborhoods, reflecting the city’s growing commitment to child-friendly urban development.
She also commended Mayor Adanech’s leadership, noting improvements in children’s participation and engagement in school. Cooper added that Zambia, Kenya, and Tanzania had begun adopting lessons from Addis Ababa’s early childhood development experience.
Professor Edgar Pieterse of the University of Cape Town in South Africa also expressed admiration for the city’s achievements, describing the progress made in transforming early childhood development within a relatively short period as impressive. He said the experience offered valuable lessons for South Africa and expressed his intention to explore ways of adapting and implementing similar approaches in his country.
Alhaji Adam Abubakari Takoro, Mayor of Kasel City in Ghana, praised the urban infrastructure he observed in Addis Ababa, expressing interest in exploring similar development initiatives for implementation in his home country.
Meanwhile, Goip Presher, a lecturer at the University of Toronto in Canada, reflected on the remarkable transformation of Addis Ababa since his previous visit 21 years ago. He noted that the city’s rapid development had significantly changed its urban landscape, placing it among the cities attracting international attention for their progress.
The forum served as a platform for African city leaders and international experts to exchange knowledge, share practical experiences, and explore opportunities to strengthen early childhood development across the continent.
Addis Ababa’s experience demonstrates how leadership, strategic partnerships, and investment in child-friendly infrastructure can help cities create better environments for young children to learn, play, and thrive.
By Birhanu Workneh