Addis Ababa, June 5, 2026 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said Addis Ababa’s Riverside Development Project is evolving into a comprehensive urban transformation initiative that is delivering economic, environmental, and social benefits beyond the rehabilitation of the city’s riverbanks.
In a message shared on his social media pages today, the Prime Minister stated that the project extends well beyond beautification efforts, describing it as a large-scale urban development undertaking that is reshaping parts of the capital through the creation of green corridors, public gathering areas, pedestrian-friendly spaces, recreational facilities, and commercial zones.
According to Abiy, the development covers key sections of the city, including the Entoto–Peacock corridor and the Entoto–Kebena stretch, with improvements extending up to 50 meters beyond the rivers in some areas.
The Prime Minister noted that the initiative is generating significant economic benefits by creating employment opportunities across construction, engineering, landscaping, logistics, and related sectors. He added that the project is also opening new opportunities for local contractors, suppliers, and businesses participating in its implementation.
Abiy further emphasized that the extensive involvement of local professionals and institutions in the design and delivery of the project demonstrates the growing capacity of Ethiopian expertise in urban development and infrastructure.
Highlighting the environmental dimension of the initiative, the Prime Minister said areas that had previously been used as dumping sites and were vulnerable to flooding are being transformed into greener, healthier, and more livable spaces for residents.
He also underscored the project’s integrated approach, noting that the combination of public amenities and commercial facilities illustrates how environmental restoration can be pursued alongside economic development.
According to the Prime Minister, the Riverside Development Project represents a long-term investment aimed at supporting Addis Ababa’s evolution into a greener, more connected, economically vibrant, and people-centered city.