Urban transformation in major cities is often seen as a response to growing populations, environmental challenges, and economic pressures. In cities like New York, London, and Tokyo, modernization has been crucial in addressing these very issues. Whether through comprehensive urban renewal projects or the reimagining of entire neighborhoods, the message is clear: cities must evolve to meet the demands of a new era.

Addis Ababa is following in these footsteps with its Second Phase Corridor Development, a bold initiative that is reshaping the city’s landscape while improving the quality of life for its residents. This project, which builds on the success of the first phase, extends its focus to eight key areas, demonstrating a comprehensive approach to urban growth. It’s not just about paving roads or erecting new buildings, this development is about fostering a sense of pride, security, and opportunity for millions.

The changes underway in Addis Ababa reflect a growing understanding that the well-being of residents is intimately tied to the health of the urban environment. Through the expansion of public spaces, the creation of recreational areas, the installation of sustainable infrastructure, and the revitalization of riverbanks, the project is transforming the city into a place where families can thrive. As seen in other global cities, when public spaces are thoughtfully designed, communities flourish this is the essence of what’s happening in Addis Ababa.

The transformation in Addis Ababa also mirrors efforts in cities such as Seoul, South Korea, which undertook major redevelopment of its urban spaces to combat pollution and congestion. Seoul’s Cheonggyecheon Stream Restoration Project, for example, revitalized a long-neglected waterway, turning it into a beautiful urban park that attracts tourists and improves the quality of life for locals. Addis Ababa’s initiatives are similarly focused on revitalizing polluted rivers and replacing informal settlements with sustainable, modern neighborhoods, thus improving public health and safety.

It’s not just the infrastructure that makes Addis Ababa’s transformation significant it’s the people. This development prioritizes inclusivity, ensuring that no one is left behind, regardless of their socioeconomic background. The focus on providing affordable housing, green spaces, and essential amenities is a commitment to improving the lives of all residents, from the wealthiest to the most vulnerable. This is a key lesson for other African cities, where rapid urbanization is also expected.  By placing people at the center of development, Addis Ababa is setting a precedent for how urban growth should be handled.

The creation of job opportunities, through projects like the new warehouse for job creation, provides tangible benefits to the city’s residents. This commitment to economic empowerment is essential, as African cities continue to grapple with youth unemployment. The integration of economic development and urban renewal will create new industries, foster entrepreneurship, and boost job creation, offering a path for African cities to become economic powerhouses.

But this is more than just about the present but also about the future. By investing in green spaces, improved sanitation, flood protection, and modern infrastructure, Addis Ababa is making itself a resilient city capable of adapting to the challenges of the coming decades. The lessons from cities around the world, whether it’s the green infrastructure of Copenhagen or the smart city strategies of Dubai, are evident in the Second Phase Corridor Development. It’s a model for sustainable urban development that addresses environmental, social, and economic concerns simultaneously.

 As African cities continue to grow, the importance of embracing change cannot be overstated. Addis Ababa’s bold steps are a reminder that urban transformation isn’t just possible, it’s necessary. The city’s development offers a blueprint that other African cities can adapt to their unique needs, one that balances progress with inclusivity, sustainability with innovation, and growth with resilience.

Just as cities around the world have embraced change, so too can African cities. Addis Ababa’s Second Phase Corridor Development isn’t just an opportunity to witness transformation, it’s an invitation to join a global movement of cities that are embracing their potential and reimagining their futures. Addis Ababa is embracing this transformation, turning communities into vibrant spaces that offer opportunities, sustainability, and prosperity for all.

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This memorial holds immense significance as it annually draws Ethiopians together in commemoration of their ancestors’ triumphant victory over colonial forces. Beyond national borders, people of African heritage worldwide resonate with Ethiopia’s profound sense of pride stemming from the historic triumph at Adwa.

Functioning as more than just a physical structure, the Adwa Victory Memorial stands as a powerful testament to triumph, courage, bravery, and collaborative effort, serving as an enduring source of inspiration for generations to come.

Historians agree Ethiopia’s victory over colonialism was a significant event in the 19th century. It featured widely and remained etched in the minds of many Africans spanning the continent and as far as the Caribbean. 

At the battle of Adwa, Ethiopians showcased unity and strategy, adeptly utilizing natural obstacles like water, and advanced fighting formations. The war planners garnered acclaim for overcoming a vastly superior military force. Ethiopia’s remarkable unity and resilience in the face of overwhelming odds inspired courage and aspirations among the colonized nations of Africa. It emerged as a beacon of liberation, serving as a model for other African nations suffering colonization.

Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed envisioned the construction of this memorial complex dedicated to one of Ethiopia’s most significant historical chapters. His aim was to immortalize the unification spirit that fostered a national narrative of resilience, emphasize the pivotal role played by the Battle of Adwa in fueling Pan-Africanism, and pay tribute to the unsung heroes of Adwa. Additionally, Addis Ababa stood to gain a repository of historical artifacts, further cementing its status as a hub of African pride.

In a recent statement, the Prime Minister commended Mayor Adanech Abiebie and her dedicated team for their relentless efforts in bringing a significant vision to life. The Mayor, deeply involved in the construction process, closely supervised the site and ensured alignment with the Prime Minister’s objectives, all while upholding the rich legacy of Adwa.

On February 19, 2024, the Mayor hosted a gratitude event to recognize the invaluable contributions of her administration, alongside consultants, historians, artists, engineers, construction companies, consulting firms, and various other stakeholders pivotal in the successful realization of this historic initiative.

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A modern sewerage disposal system is essential infrastructure for a rapidly expanding city like Addis Ababa, which is experiencing significant growth in population. The city administration has been actively engaged in improving the sewerage disposal system by focusing on the construction of wastewater treatment plants and increasing the number of customers connected to the sewerage line. Engineer Zerihun Abate, General Manager of Addis Ababa Water and Sewerage Authority, reported that currently, Addis Ababa’s wastewater treatment plants has a combined treatment capacity of 190,000 cubic meters per day, a substantial increase from 70,000 cubic meters per day just five years ago.

The signing of this project has significant impact in the sewerage disposal of the city. The Eastern Wastewater Treatment Plant Construction project is a design, build and operate project, which has 104-thousand-meter cube per day treatment capacity. The Wastewater treatment plant will be constructed by a Chinese company named CGCOC.

The World Bank country director to Eritrea, Ethiopia, Sudan, and South Sudan Mr. Ousmane Dione complemented Addis Ababa on embarking on this landmark project and noted the support of The World Bank to meet this critical milestone.  Mayor Adanech Abiebie extended heartfelt gratitude to the World Bank for their contribution to various sectors of the city and reiterated city’s administration’s commitment to serving the city diligently and fulfilling the promise to make Addis Ababa as beautiful and livable as its namesake. 

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On the sidelines of the ongoing Africa Investment Forum, Mayor Adanech Abiebie, and Mr. Akinwumi A. Adesina, the president of the African Development Bank Group, held a discussion about the transformation of Addis Ababa.  At this High-Level African Mayoral Event, Mayor Adanech Abiebie also addressed the development initiatives and lessons learned by Addis Ababa city about revenue collection and financial management systems with other African cities.

In her speech, Mayor Adanech highlighted Addis Ababa’s transformational capacity, asserting growing confidence in the city’s future. The Mayor extended an invitation to leaders and representatives of continental and international agencies taking part in the African Investment Forum to invest in Addis Ababa. 

The African Development Bank launched a $2.5 billion municipal financing program at the forum, offering technical grants and loans to cities. The mayor of Addis Ababa presented her city’s development projects as ready-made to benefit from various investments, receiving a favorable response. The forum also covered the opportunities and challenges of the overall development of cities as well as the potential of financial resources for the development of urbanization in Africa.

In his remarks, Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), emphasized the forum was “a start of a new partnership between financial institutions, mayors, local and federal governments”.  The Africa Investment Forum has raised interest in investments since its founding in 2018. The main attraction is the yearly Market Days event, a three-day gathering that brings together thousands of international investors, chiefs of development financing institutions, and executives from industries and governments to move important investment deals closer to completion.

The mayor of Addis Ababa stated that her administration intends to make use of every resource at its disposal in order to fulfill its objective of transforming Addis Ababa into a competitive and appealing metropolis.

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