Addis Ababa has officially joined the global Breathe Cities initiative, marking a major milestone in its efforts to improve urban air quality and public health.

The programme, supported by the Bloomberg Philanthropies, comes as the organisation announced a $45 million commitment to work with selected cities worldwide to reduce air pollution and advance cleaner, healthier urban environments.

The announcement was made during Climate Action Week in London, confirming Addis Ababa’s inclusion among 16 global cities participating in the initiative.

The Breathe Cities programme is implemented through Bloomberg Philanthropies’ Clean Air Fund and C40 Cities, aiming to support cities in improving air quality and reducing health impacts linked to pollution.

For Addis Ababa, the partnership is expected to significantly strengthen ongoing efforts to enhance air quality and reduce pollution-related health risks, positioning the city within a growing global movement for cleaner urban living.

The funding will support the project’s work, which is delivered with the Clean Air Fund and C40 Cities group, across its growing network of cities, helping local leaders strengthen policies, and improve public health outcomes.

And Addis Ababa in Ethiopia and Madrid in Spain joined the 14 existing cities in the network, bringing the total number of participating Breathe Cities to 16 worldwide, across five continents.

Beyond these cities, the initiative has engaged more than 60 cities globally through knowledge-sharing efforts that help accelerate action on air quality and public health.