
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s vibrant capital and diplomatic hub of Africa, is charting a transformative path in urban planning through its ambitious corridor development projects. These initiatives rooted in strategic infrastructure, inclusive design, and sustainable urban growth are rapidly turning the city into a blueprint for 21st-century African urbanism. At the heart of the city’s transformation is a forward-thinking model that integrates transportation, green infrastructure, housing, and commercial development along major transit and development corridors. Rather than expanding outward through unplanned sprawl, Addis Ababa is reimagining itself from the inside out, revitalizing existing urban arteries with modern, mixed-use infrastructure that balances economic vitality with ecological responsibility.
Early signs of transformation are already evident. The finalized corridor projects, for example, have seen a surge in new commercial and residential developments, improved walkability, and increased public transit use. The Kazanchis, Bole, Piassa, and other corridor projects have catalyzed job creation in construction, retail, and hospitality sectors, offering livelihoods to thousands.
More importantly, these projects are addressing Ethiopia’s pressing urban challenges such as sanitation problems, traffic congestion, and informal settlements by creating more organized, service-rich, and accessible urban zones.
Accordingly, Addis Ababa’s approach offers valuable lessons for other African cities grappling with rapid urbanization, strained infrastructure, and sprawling informal growth. With rapid population growth, limited resources, and pressing environmental challenges, many African cities struggle to manage urbanization. Addis Ababa’s corridor-based development offers a scalable and adaptable model that other cities across the continent can emulate.
Recently, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) said that the corridor development projects across both urban and rural settings in Ethiopia continue to introduce dignified, equitable public spaces that uplift communities.
The premier, together with Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abebe, reviewed the completed Anbesa Garage – Jakrose – Goro Square corridor development.
Prime Minister Abiy said the development of the Anbesa Garage – Jakrose – Goro Square corridor in Addis Ababa has brought transformative changes to a once congested area.
Abiy said on social media posts that the addition of walkways, parking facilities, children’s playgrounds, shops, public plazas, public toilets, and designated taxi and bus bays has revitalized the neighborhood, making it more accessible, inclusive, and livable for all.
Corridor development projects across both urban and rural settings continue to introduce dignified, equitable public spaces that uplift communities.
“In particular, our recent rural corridor initiatives aim to rejuvenate rural areas and improve the quality of life for their residents,” the prime minister noted, extending appreciation to the Addis Ababa City Administration and the sub-cities that have mobilized resources to expand the corridor initiative into the city’s peripheral areas.
“I extend my sincere appreciation to the Addis Ababa City Administration and the sub-cities that have mobilized resources to expand the corridor initiative into the city’s peripheral areas. I encourage other sub-cities and cities across the country to keep prioritizing citizen-centered approaches as we reimagine and reconfigure urban life for the better.”
Moreover, Prime Minister Abiy underscored that the Addis Ababa corridor development projects, which are fully self-funded, will only grow stronger in the future, setting a definitive example for the modernization of African cities.
In his interview with Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation (EBC), Prime Minister Abiy discussed the positive outcomes of the Addis Ababa corridor development projects in-depth.
The corridor development projects in Addis Ababa have successfully delivered tangible results in modernizing the city, the premier remarked.
He mentioned the city’s previous urban conditions, which were characterized by narrow roads, a lack of bike lanes, congested traffic, as well as a lack of clean and green spaces.
The prime minister noted that the government has begun implementing the Addis Ababa corridor development projects to reverse this reality and modernize the city.
He mentioned that the corridor development project, which is being implemented on a wider scale, is benefiting the city by serving all its residents and providing economic, health and aesthetic benefits.
The project improves the appearance and functionality of neglected buildings, eases traffic flow, and transforms hidden settlements into vibrant entertainment hubs, he said.
Additionally, he noted that the project addresses most of the infrastructural challenges related to electricity, water, telecommunications, and the sewerage system.
He indicated that the project has successfully modernized the city, producing tangible results that residents can be proud of.
The prime Minister mentioned Kazanchis as an example, as it has already seen immense improvement and symbol of transformation.
What is more, a striking feature of the corridor projects is their community-first design. Local artisans, small businesses, and informal vendors are being integrated into the planning process, ensuring that development doesn’t erase the social fabric of the city. Piassa’s renewal, for instance, maintains its cultural identity while upgrading infrastructure and aesthetics.
Moreover, women and youth entrepreneurs are finding new opportunities through retail zones and innovation hubs built into the corridors. The government’s commitment to inclusive urban prosperity is redefining how development can empower citizens.
Addis Ababa’s urban corridors also highlight the city’s commitment to climate resilience. With climate-adaptive drainage systems, native tree planting, pedestrian-first streetscapes, and other pro-environment initiatives, the corridors are helping to reduce the city’s carbon footprint while promoting a healthier urban environment.
The success of Addis Ababa’s corridor development offers a valuable blueprint for other African cities striving to balance rapid growth with sustainability. By prioritizing inclusive planning, innovative design, and climate-conscious infrastructure, Addis Ababa demonstrates that thoughtful urban development can drive economic opportunity and improve quality of life. As the continent’s urbanization accelerates, these pioneering efforts serve as a reminder that Africa’s future depends on cities that are not only larger, but smarter, more resilient, and built for all its citizens. If embraced widely, such models could transform Africa into a continent of thriving, sustainable urban centers.
In sum, in a continent where urban populations are projected to double by 2050, the need for smart, sustainable city planning has never been greater. Addis Ababa’s corridor development projects represent more than infrastructure upgrades, they embody a new urban paradigm centered on accessibility, equity, and resilience. Thus, as African cities look to the future, Addis Ababa stands out not just as Ethiopia’s capital, but as a pioneering laboratory for urban innovation. If sustained and scaled, these corridors could become the arteries of Africa’s next-generation cities.
BY TEWODROS KASSA
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD FRIDAY 13 JUNE 2025