Addis Ababa, May 15, 2026 (FMC) — A new book titled “The Remaking of Addis Ababa: Transformation from 2020–2025,” documenting the Ethiopian capital’s rapid modernization and urban renewal efforts, was officially launched on Friday in the presence of senior government officials and international scholars.
Speaking at the launch ceremony, Ethiopia’s Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh described the publication as an important historical account of Addis Ababa’s ongoing transformation.
The Deputy Prime Minister said the book, written by international scholars, serves as a valuable historical record of the city’s journey toward modernization and reflects the scale of change witnessed in recent years.
He noted that Addis Ababa is steadily evolving into a modern, livable, and attractive city for future generations, adding that the capital is turning long-held aspirations for change into reality through extensive urban development initiatives.
The publication, independently written and produced by international authors and diaspora scholars who closely followed the city’s transformation, highlights the resilience, determination, and achievements behind ongoing efforts to reshape Ethiopia’s capital into a modern and inclusive metropolis.
Produced through the authors’ own initiative and resources, the book is being recognized as a reflection of the large-scale urban renewal and infrastructure projects currently underway across Addis Ababa.
Officials at the event stated that the publication goes beyond documenting physical infrastructure developments, portraying what they described as commitments translated into action through the collective participation of city residents, who contributed ideas, labor, dedication, and resources to the transformation process.
The book was authored by prominent international and diaspora scholars, including Simon Lee, Clement Katulushi, and Ethiopian-born scholar Hirpo Kumbi, along with their research team.
Their work documents Addis Ababa’s transformation from ambitious vision to tangible progress, preserving for future generations the story of one of Africa’s most significant urban renewal initiatives.
Addressing attendees, Temesgen said the book reflects the shared story of Ethiopia’s transformation journey and called for broader efforts to read, promote, and share the country’s story of change and progress with the international community.