Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie has announced that the city administration has successfully transitioned more than 520,000 participants from its Food Security (Safety Net) programme into productive, job-creating roles.

Mayor Adanech stated that the transformation was achieved through job creation initiatives across various sectors during the "years of change" under the current city administration.

The Mayor officially handed over four new G+4 (Ground plus four stories) production and sales buildings this morning. The facilities, located across the Akaki Kality, Yeka, Arada, and Kirkos sub-cities, are designated for residents who were formerly enrolled in the city's Food Security Programme.

The initiative is part of the city’s “Zero-Goal projects,” which aim to eliminate dependency and begging. Mayor Adanech confirmed that 976 operators, organised into 292 enterprises, were provided with the new manufacturing and sales spaces today.

According to the Mayor, the administration is focusing on creating employment opportunities and providing workspace to lift citizens out of abject poverty, enabling them to lead sustainable livelihoods.

In a message shared on her social media account, Mayor Adanech expressed her satisfaction with the rapid progress of the beneficiaries. She noted her delight that they had effectively used the opportunities provided, quickly achieving success and moving from reliance on welfare to active production.

She urged the new tenants to use the facilities responsibly, emphasising, "You must use the workplace we are handing over to you today with responsibility, understanding that this space will be taken up by your sisters tomorrow, and your brothers and children in the future."