Nakopa Project launches to connect Leipzig and Addis Ababa

The Nakopa Project, a three-year initiative funded by Engagement Global with resources from the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), has launched to foster cooperation between Leipzig, Germany, and Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

The project focuses on two primary areas: education and urban planning. In the education sector, the initiative aims to train at least ten teachers in at least two disciplines to implement proven concepts for inclusive vocational training in Addis Ababa. The resulting guidelines and practical examples will serve as models for educational institutions and school administrations in both Leipzig and Addis Ababa.

In terms of urban planning, the project intends to create a barrier-free public space in Addis Ababa by the first quarter of 2029. This space is designed for interaction, leisure, and recreation, following “smart, green, and clean” objectives. Experts from Addis Ababa are visiting Leipzig to engage in knowledge exchanges regarding accessibility and inclusion at various vocational centers and specialized institutions.