FERIAL HAFFAJEE: Tell us about the day you became mayor: what did it feel like to become steward of a city with a history like Addis?

ADANECH ABEBE: I felt an overwhelming sense of gratitude and privilege. As the first elected female mayor of Addis Ababa, I am acutely aware that I serve as a symbol of hope and progress for not only the residents of Addis Ababa, but also the entire Ethiopian population.
Our bustling metropolis plays a global, regional and national political role [and] my role extends beyond the boundaries of city governance: it represents a broader agenda of women’s empowerment and political representation. 

FH: Addis is growing fast—how do you manage urban development and internal migration at such a scale?

AA: With Ethiopia’s population projected to surge beyond 120 million, the significance of Addis Ababa extends far beyond its city limits. As population growth continues throughout the nation, including in the capital, rapid adaptations are imperative to meet the evolving needs of the populace. This encompasses initiatives ranging from infrastructure construction to expanding vital social services such as schools, hospitals, daycare centres and efficient transportation systems.

FH: What are your plans around mobility?

AA: We recognise that some old city plans and roads need extensive reconstruction, [and] are pursuing private-public partnerships to increase transportation availability. Additionally, we are expanding local and international collaborations to secure building supplies and support for the development of highways and developed roads. Fluctuating fuel prices, both domestically and globally, underscore the urgency of investing in an affordable and environmentally friendly transportation system that serves the interests of all our residents.

FH: Is climate change a present or future challenge for Addis?

AA: Everywhere in the world, climate change is a significant concern—Addis Ababa is no exception. What sets Addis Ababa apart is its rapid transformation into a green city under the leadership of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed. He wants people to engage in annual tree planting and incorporate climate change considerations into all projects. 

FH: What is one policy initiative or achievement that you would like to share?

AA: The one policy proposal I am passionately dedicated to is the Early Childhood Development program (ECD). This program focuses on children in Addis Ababa under six, aiming to enhance the urban environment and services to create a more welcoming city for newborns, toddlers, young children and their caregivers, and ensure they grow up in a peaceful environment.

FH: What skills and leadership attributes do African mayors need today? 

AA: The complexity of challenges faced by African mayors can’t be overstated [and] aren’t confined to local or national matters: global connectedness makes cities the first to experience shifts prompted by worldwide changes. [Cities] are also usually considered indicators of political performance in their respective countries, embedding them deeply in the larger political landscape. [Being mayor] means more than just managing finances or overseeing urban projects—it involves a sincere commitment to the wellbeing of the city’s residents. The ability to sift through a barrage of information to determine their cities’ best courses of action, [and] make sound, often immediate, decisions is paramount.

FH: What keeps you awake at night?

AA: The issues that wake me at night are decades-old and complicated. Ensuring the immediate needs of the people of Addis Ababa, particularly in the realm of affordable housing, is vital. Urban housing, in particular, is problematic in large cities notorious for their high cost of living, like Addis Ababa. 

FH: What gets you raring to go?

AA: As a leader, nothing is more gratifying than seeing our initiatives change the lives of less
privileged citizens. Additionally, as the first woman elected mayor of the city, I carry my legacy and the
legacy of women in Ethiopia, emphasising the strength and abilities they bring to leadership roles, further motivating me.

FH: What is your strategy for social cohesion in the city?

AA: Fostering a culture of volunteerism, enhancing social capital, promoting diversity and initiating community-building projects are essential steps in bolstering social cohesiveness. Addis Ababa’s diversity, both in terms of culture and social strata, makes fostering equality and respect among the city’s diverse populations crucial. Volunteerism is a strategic plank. Additionally, we lead in developing projects—such as parks, libraries, museums and youth centres—that unite residents from all sections of society, further strengthening social cohesion and serving as models for the rest of the country.