Bloomberg Cities: Stories from the Field

Addis Ababa tackles poverty with a solution as big as the problem itself

There's something special in the works in Addis Ababa. The Ethiopian capital is taking on poverty by addressing early-childhood development with a citywide effort that's as sweeping as the challenge demands. In order to ensure all of her city's children reach their full potential, Mayor Adanech Abiebie is utilizing a data-informed, portfolio-style approach at creating 12,000 playgrounds, deploying 5,000 parental coaches, transforming 1,000 preschools, closing 120 streets for play on Sundays, and more.