AMN PLUS-September 15, 2026
Addis Ababa is deepening its engagement with cities around the world by expanding its network of sister-city partnerships.
As part of efforts to strengthen cooperation across various fields, the number of sister-city partnerships involving the Ethiopian capital has increased from 20 to 30 over the past five years, according to the Office of the Mayor.
With its rich history and the comprehensive transformation it is currently undergoing, Addis Ababa is strengthening sister-city relationships with numerous cities around the world.
This strategic partnership will further reinforcing Addis Ababaβs diplomatic and economic cooperation with cities around the world.
It will also foster a conducive environment for the exchange of experiences, and best practices in modern urban development.
The ongoing transformation of Addis Ababa has positioned the city as a prominent center of international attention and engagement.
International organizations are increasingly choosing Addis Ababa as a preferred destination for hosting major meetings, conferences, and other high-level events.
In the 2018 Ethiopian fiscal year alone, the city hosted 221 international and continental conferences, underscoring its growing prominence as a major hub for global and regional gatherings.
In recognition of its sustained efforts and the significant progress it has achieved, Addis Ababa has received numerous international awards and accolades.
Among these recognitions are the School Feeding Program Award received in Rio de Janeiro; the Seoul Smart City Prize (2024), presented in South Korea in recognition of the cityβs leadership; The C40 Cities Bloomberg Philanthropies Award, presented in Buenos Aires for significant improvements in solid waste management; the Africaβs Best Smart City Award (2024), presented at the Africa Smart Cities Investment Summit held in Nairobi, Kenya; and the Gold Medal awarded to Addis Ababa in an international cities competition in recognition of its achievements in road safety and speed management.
These international recognitions represent significant achievements that clearly demonstrate Addis Ababaβs positive transformation and multifaceted progress on the global stage.
By Leta Teresa