PM Abiy Encourages Cities Nationwide to Adopt Citizen-Centered Urban Strategies

Addis Ababa, June 8, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, after reviewing the newly completed Anbesa Garage–Jukrose–Goro Square corridor earlier today, called on subcities and cities across Ethiopia to prioritize citizen-centered approaches in urban development.

In a social media post published today, the Prime Minister emphasized, “I encourage other subcities and cities across the country to keep prioritizing citizen-centered approaches as we reimagine and reconfigure urban life for the better.”

The corridor redevelopment project, which PM Abiy inspected alongside Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie, includes an 8-kilometer pedestrian walkway, a 4-kilometer cycle lane, parking facilities, children’s playgrounds, standardized shops, public plazas, public toilets, and designated taxi and bus bays.

“The development of the Anbesa Garage – Jukrose – Goro Square corridor has brought transformative changes to a once congested area,” PM Abiy noted in his post. “It has revitalized the neighborhood, making it more accessible, inclusive, and livable for all.”

Highlighting the broader national corridor development initiatives, PM Abiy said, “Corridor development projects across both urban and rural settings continue to introduce dignified, equitable public spaces that uplift communities.”

He also pointed out that recent rural corridor initiatives focus on rejuvenating rural areas and improving residents’ quality of life.

The Prime Minister extended his appreciation to the Addis Ababa City Administration and subcities that mobilized resources to expand the corridor initiative into peripheral areas of the city, reinforcing the importance of collaborative efforts.

As Ethiopia experiences rapid urbanization, PM Abiy’s message underscores the government’s commitment to putting citizens at the center of urban planning, aiming to build more equitable, accessible, and livable cities nationwide.