Mayor Adanech Abiebie Launches Construction of Ethiopia’s First Smart Polytechnic College

Addis Ababa, July 24, 2026 (ENA) — Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie today launched the construction of Ethiopia’s first Smart Polytechnic College; a landmark technical and vocational education project being developed in partnership with the Menschen für Menschen Foundation.

Once completed, the college will provide technology-driven, hands-on vocational training for young people in key sectors, including manufacturing, automotive engineering, electrical and electronics, communications, textiles, and Computer Numerical Control (CNC) technology, the mayor said.

In a message shared on her social media page, Mayor Adanech stressed that sustainable national development and poverty reduction cannot be achieved through theoretical education alone, underscoring the need for a skilled workforce equipped with both technical expertise and innovative thinking.

She said the Smart Polytechnic College will serve as a critical bridge between education and employment by enabling young people to translate knowledge into practical skills, transition from job seekers to job creators, and contribute to expanding employment opportunities.

The mayor further stated that the Addis Ababa City Administration will closely monitor the construction process to ensure the project is completed on schedule and meets the required quality standards.

She also expressed her appreciation to the Menschen für Menschen Foundation, a longstanding development partner, for its support in co-financing the project.