Mayor Adanech says Addis Ababa’s corridor dev’t enhances livability and tourism

Addis Ababa, July 11, 2025 (FMC) — Mayor Adanech Abiebie stated today that the Corridor Development initiative has significantly improved the livability of Addis Ababa while enhancing its appeal as a tourist destination, thereby strengthening Ethiopia’s global image.

Presenting the city’s 2017 Ethiopian budget year performance report to the Addis Ababa City Council, the mayor highlighted the rapid and coordinated progress made under the Second Phase of the Corridor Development Program.

She noted that key lessons from the program’s first phase had been applied to improve planning, execution, and outcomes in the second phase. The project also prioritized inclusive public participation by fostering consensus and a shared vision among stakeholders.

According to the mayor, the initiative has been transformative—upgrading informal settlements and providing dignified housing, green development, children’s playgrounds, modern workspaces, and essential social infrastructure including schools and health centers.

Major infrastructure achievements in the second phase include the construction of 135 kilometers of roads, 246 kilometers of pedestrian walkways, 141 kilometers of bicycle lanes, jogging tracks, and 53 vehicle and pedestrian bridges. It also integrated key flood control systems and critical support infrastructure.

Urban transport modernization efforts featured the development of parking areas and terminals with a total capacity for 35,000 vehicles. The city also improved its electrical infrastructure through the installation of both standard and smart poles and the laying of underground power lines.

Public amenities saw major expansion, with 431 hectares of green space, 110 recreational plazas, and 112 modern roadside public toilets developed across the capital.

Mayor Adanech emphasized that these improvements are part of a broader urban development strategy aimed at elevating Addis Ababa’s quality of life and global competitiveness.

She proudly announced that Addis Ababa had ranked first among 115 cities worldwide in a Smart City competition and was the recipient of the Africa Smart City Award.

The mayor further stressed that the development has been inclusive, ensuring that all segments of society benefit, with no one left behind.

She added that the initiative has reshaped the city’s image, enhanced competitiveness, encouraged innovation and collaboration, and improved the efficiency of project implementation.

In addition, the project has created employment for hundreds of thousands of residents while improving the capital’s aesthetics, cleanliness, and environmental sustainability—positively impacting Ethiopia’s international profile.