Addis Ababa Is Emerging as a Model for African Cities, Mayor Adanech Says

Addis Ababa, October 14, 2026 (FMC) — Addis Ababa is sharing its urban transformation experience with city leaders from across Africa as it hosts the 2026 African Mayors Leadership Initiative (AMALI) Mayors Leadership Forum for the second time, Mayor Adanech Abiebie said today.

In a social media post welcoming forum participants, the mayor said the gathering offers an opportunity for African city leaders to exchange experiences, learn from one another and explore approaches to urban development.

She said Addis Ababa’s transformation is guided by the vision of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, with investments in transport, housing, technology-enabled public services and the development of future generations aimed at improving residents’ lives.

The mayor emphasized that the city is building on its own financial and knowledge capacities to develop solutions that could offer lessons for cities across Africa and beyond.

She also highlighted Addis Ababa’s commitment to becoming a city where children can grow up with access to care, education and better future opportunities. Strengthening Early Childhood Development (ECD), she said, has become a central part of the city’s development agenda.

During the forum, the mayor joined AMALI leaders and other participants in inaugurating a newly designed childcare center in the capital. The facility was opened for service and named in memory of Lisa Diego, whose contribution to the program the mayor described as invaluable.

Adanech expressed appreciation to Jemmy Cooper, Founder, Chair and President of Big Win Philanthropy; Dr. Kesetebrihan Admasu, the foundation’s CEO; and the initiative’s advisers and program leaders for their contributions.

The gathering brings African mayors together around shared urban development experiences, with Addis Ababa using the occasion to present its ongoing transformation and approaches to building city-level capacity.