Addis Ababa, November 13, 2026 (FMC) – Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has disclosed the enormous scale of Ethiopia’s housing needs, stating that the country requires millions of additional homes as it confronts extensive housing deficits in both rural and urban communities.
Speaking following a visit to housing developments in Addis Ababa, the Prime Minister emphasized that the country’s housing demand extends far beyond the ongoing construction projects, pointing to the scale of unmet needs across the country.
“People need to understand that the number of houses required in Ethiopia is not small. We need many millions of houses,” he stated.
The Prime Minister described the housing situation in rural communities, noting that many farmers continue to live alongside their livestock, while the government is undertaking initiatives to explore improved rural housing approaches.
He also drew attention to housing conditions in urban areas, explaining that city residence does not necessarily mean access to decent housing and basic services. Many people, he observed, still live without toilets, proper sanitation, clean water and electricity, with some sheltering in makeshift structures covered with plastic and exposed to seasonal rainfall.
Abiy stressed that addressing these conditions represents a substantial national undertaking that cannot be resolved within only a few years. Beyond financial resources, he identified the need for technical knowledge, appropriate designs, skilled human resources and adequate construction materials to meet the scale of the challenge.
He emphasized that housing construction must be accelerated while ensuring durability and quality, cautioning against buildings that deteriorate shortly after completion. He said the country needs sustainable homes capable of serving residents over time.
The Prime Minister further explained that the ongoing housing developments in Addis Ababa represent only part of a wider national effort, with initiatives also being undertaken in other cities and rural areas. These projects, he said, will be consolidated as the government advances its commitment to deliver 1.5 million homes through public investment, private-sector participation and public-private partnerships, with the possibility of exceeding the target.
He noted that the housing programme would continue to expand as implementation progresses, resources are mobilized and lessons are drawn from ongoing projects.
Abiy also connected the housing undertaking to the broader purpose of national development, stressing that prosperity must bring tangible improvements to the lives of ordinary citizens, including the poorest.
“Prosperity has no value if it does not touch the life of a poor mother,” he stated, underscoring the importance of ensuring that the benefits of wealth creation reach people across all levels of society.
The Prime Minister maintained that transforming housing conditions and improving citizens’ quality of life require sustained effort, cooperation and a long-term national commitment.