Addis Ababa Completes Nearly 16,000 Development Projects in Landmark Fiscal Year Drive
Addis Ababa, July 11, 2025 (FMC) — In a major milestone for grassroots urban development, Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie announced the successful completion and operational launch of nearly 16,000 community-focused projects during the 2017 Ethiopian fiscal year.
Delivering the city administration’s implementation report during the fourth regular session of the fourth year of the third Addis Ababa City Council, Mayor Adanech underscored the achievement as a powerful demonstration of collective action and public engagement. She attributed the scale and impact of the development to robust partnerships between government entities and the public.
The report detailed a comprehensive range of initiatives designed to accelerate Addis Ababa’s socio-economic transformation, spanning infrastructure, housing, economic development, public services, and civic amenities.
Among the flagship projects were the completion of the Addis International Convention Center, the establishment of new shopping complexes, and substantial upgrades to critical infrastructure across sectors such as health, education, and the arts.
Housing development was a particular priority. According to the mayor, 5,176 housing units were constructed through municipal funding, while an additional 8,786 homes were built for vulnerable populations through voluntary contributions, reflecting a strong culture of community solidarity and civic responsibility.
In line with the city’s economic corridor development strategy, 5,563 retail outlets were completed in key commercial hubs including Kazanchis, Bole, Lideta, Lafto, and Arat Kilo. These projects, facilitated through dynamic public-private partnerships, are expected to stimulate economic activity and expand job opportunities.
Further boosting local enterprise, the city completed 1,064 workshop sheds, now operational and contributing to the informal sector’s growth.
As part of efforts to make Addis Ababa more child- and youth-friendly, the administration delivered 1,155 playgrounds under the First Childhood Movement initiative. Additionally, 122 youth sports fields were developed to promote youth engagement and physical activity.
In the transport sector, the city completed 153 new parking facilities and transport terminals, aiming to enhance traffic flow and commuter experience during the first phase of the fiscal year.
Of the total 15,960 projects delivered, 16 were classified as mega projects—large-scale, strategic undertakings with far-reaching citywide impact. Notably, over 9,000 projects were executed through community participation and voluntary labor, underscoring the administration’s commitment to inclusive and participatory development.
On the infrastructure front, 1,392 kilometers of roads—including asphalt, cobblestone, gravel roads, and pedestrian walkways—were constructed or rehabilitated. These improvements have significantly enhanced urban mobility, reduced congestion, and improved overall quality of life for residents.
Mayor Adanech concluded by reiterating the administration’s dedication to transparent governance, sustainable development, and community-driven progress as Addis Ababa continues its transformation into a more inclusive, resilient, and dynamic capital.