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Empowering Communities Through Slum Development

In Ethiopia, rapid urbanisation has brought immense challenges, especially for communities living in slum areas. Habitat for Humanity Great Britain, in partnership with Habitat for Humanity Ethiopia, launched their “Empowerment of Vulnerable Communities through Integrated Slum Area Development” project in July 2021. We were delighted to support this three-year initiative which has recently completed, transforming lives by addressing housing, sanitation, and economic empowerment in slum neighbourhoods of Addis Ababa.

Yiftu & her child at the new house
Yiftu & her child at the new house

Tackling Urban Challenges

Home to over 5 million people, Addis Ababa accommodates one-third of the country’s urban population, around 60% living in slum areas, with unsafe shelters and without proper sanitation or access to clean water. Women in these areas also struggled with financial independence due to limited education and economic opportunities.

Over three years, the project delivered impactful results connected to the following goals:




  1. Create Access to Decent Homes & Kitchens: 18 homes were built, providing decent shelter for 77 individuals. Families moved from unsafe conditions to secure homes, fostering stability and improving health and education outcomes. 6 new kitchens were completed, benefitting 34 families (168 individuals) in the community.

  2. Create Access to Improved Sanitation Facilities: 6 toilet blocks were constructed, benefiting 37 families (183 people) in the local area. Additionally, 1,000 metres of grey wastewater drainage were built, improving hygiene for over 4,900 individuals.

  3. Women’s Empowerment & Job Creation: Financial literacy and entrepreneurship training were provided to 100 women, empowering them to start small businesses. Today, 98 of these women are running successful enterprises, fostering financial independence.

  4. Hygiene Awareness Creation & Behaviour Change: Hygiene and sanitation training reached 1,200 households, instilling sustainable practices that improved community health. In total this benefitted 6,000 individuals.


Communal Kitchens in Gulele
Communal Kitchens in Gulele

This project has significantly improved the quality of life for its beneficiaries. Women, in particular, gained financial independence, while the integration of housing and sanitation initiatives reduced health risks.


By focusing on economic empowerment, social equity, and infrastructure development, this initiative has become a model for addressing urban challenges. Habitat for Humanity continues to champion projects that empower marginalised communities, creating a foundation for long-term success. This initiative demonstrates how holistic development can uplift vulnerable populations, leaving behind lasting impacts for generations.


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