The Addis Ababa City Administration has poured over 14 billion Birr into subsidies for essential products over the past budget year, a major effort aimed at easing the financial strain on its residents. This substantial investment was announced by Mayor Adanech Abiebie during the City Council's 4th ordinary session budget year-end assembly.
The mayor’s report detailed multifaceted initiatives aimed at ensuring food security and affordability. Notably, 26 new factories, established through robust partnerships between the government and private investors, have commenced operations to significantly increase the city's bread supply, directly addressing a critical consumer need.
Furthermore, a vital safety net has been expanded, with 26 feeding centers now serving up to 36,000 people daily, providing crucial support to residents who previously struggled to secure even one meal a day. The administration has also launched a new trading company, specifically designed to address product supply and demand imbalances by providing sufficient goods at reasonable prices, a key strategy in stabilizing the market and further reducing living expenses.
These direct interventions underscore the city administration's commitment to creating a more balanced and fair-trade system. Mayor Adanech noted that efforts to establish modern operational procedures are ongoing, alongside continued measures against illegal trade activities.
Earlier in her address, Mayor Adanech stated that the broader efforts to alleviate the cost of living and narrow the product supply gap have yielded significant positive results. She specifically lauded the city administration's satisfactory work in ensuring the consistent entry of basic consumer products into the city. During the budget year, a remarkable 3.5 million quintals of products entered Addis Ababa, successfully achieving 100 percent of the planned target.
To enhance market stability and accessibility, the number of direct transaction weekend marketplaces, which connect producers and consumers, was expanded from 193 to 219. This expansion has played a crucial role in making products available to city residents at affordable prices.
The comprehensive report presented by Mayor Adanech signals a proactive and multi-pronged approach by the Addis Ababa City Administration to tackle economic pressures and improve the daily lives of its citizens.
