Addis Ababa, July 24, 2026 — Breaking ground on a major milestone for the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie has initiated the construction of Ethiopia’s first-ever Smart Polytechnic College.
The pioneering technical and vocational institution is being realized in partnership with the Menschen für Menschen Foundation.
Upon finalization, the academy will equip young learners with hands-on, technology-oriented instruction tailored to high-demand industries.
According to the mayor, curricula will focus on specialized fields including manufacturing, automotive engineering, electrical and electronics, communications, textiles, and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) operations.
In a public statement distributed through her official digital channels, Mayor Adanech highlighted that sustainable economic advancement and poverty alleviation cannot rely strictly on traditional classroom instruction.
She emphasized the absolute necessity of cultivating a competent workforce grounded in both specialized technical ability and inventive problem-solving.
Positioned to bridge the persistent gap between academics and the professional world, the institution aims to help students convert abstract learning into concrete competencies.
This pathway is expected to transition young people from job seekers into enterprise creators, thereby broadening employment avenues across the metropolis.
Furthermore, the Addis Ababa City Administration has committed to providing rigorous oversight throughout all construction phases to ensure on-time delivery and strict adherence to elite quality standards.
The mayor concluded by expressing her gratitude to the Menschen für Menschen Foundation—a steadfast, long-standing development ally—for its crucial financial partnership in the venture.