AMN Plus – October 9, 2026
Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie has shared the city’s achievements and experiences in early childhood development with Nigerian Vice President Kashim Shettima and his delegation during their visit to the Ethiopian capital.
In a message posted on her official social media account, the mayor said the delegation visited neighborhood playgrounds, childcare centers, kindergartens, health facilities, and counseling centers serving parents and caregivers. The facilities are part of the city’s efforts to nurture a “Medemer Generation.”
The visit provided an opportunity to exchange experiences and best practices in early childhood development, highlighting Addis Ababa’s efforts to place children’s well-being at the center of its development agenda.
“Our development agenda goes beyond infrastructure investment. We place people at the center of our efforts, with particular emphasis on children’s growth, well-being, and happiness.
Investing in early childhood development is not merely a social responsibility; it is a strategic investment in building a capable, healthy, and responsible future generation,” Mayor Adanech stated.
She noted that since the launch of the program, the number of children’s playgrounds in Addis Ababa has increased from 11 to 6,000 within three years, while childcare centers have grown from 20 to 1,200, significantly expanding access to essential services for children and their families.
The mayor also reported a substantial reduction in developmental delays among children, saying the prevalence had declined from 13.5% to one-fifth of its previous level.
“We are committed to making Addis Ababa one of Africa’s leading child-friendly cities, where every child has the opportunity to grow, learn, and thrive,” she said, adding that investing in children today is essential to building a better Ethiopia tomorrow. “Nurturing a better generation remains at the heart of everything we do,” the mayor stated.
