AMN Plus-October 27, 2026
Addis Ababa is transforming its urban landscape through extensive corridor and riverside development projects aimed at modernizing the capital, improving residents’ quality of life, and creating a greener, more livable, and sustainable city for generations to come.
Among these initiatives, the Kechene–Ambassador–Gihon–Irreecha–Bambis Riverside Development Project marks a significant milestone in the city’s ongoing transformation.
Covering 351 hectares and stretching 10 kilometers, the project reflects Addis Ababa’s vision of becoming a modern, green, inclusive, and people-centered city that offers lasting benefits to both current and future generations.
The project features spacious pedestrian walkways, dedicated cycling lanes, and integrated transport infrastructure designed to enhance mobility and accessibility. It also incorporates parking facilities and electric vehicle charging stations, highlighting the city’s commitment to modern and sustainable urban development.
Beyond transportation and infrastructure, the project prioritizes public recreation and social interaction. Children’s playgrounds, public plazas, amphitheaters, and sports facilities, provide welcoming spaces for families, young people, and visitors to gather, relax, and engage in recreational activities.
The development also integrates river management, soil and water conservation, and extensive green spaces, demonstrating how environmental restoration can go hand in hand with urban beautification.
By transforming degraded riverbanks into clean, green, and accessible public spaces, the project contributes to improving the urban environment and strengthening the city’s efforts to address climate change.
The initiative also seeks to ensure that local communities benefit economically from the transformation. Residents who previously lived along the riverbanks have been given priority in employment opportunities, while new business and service activities have created additional avenues for local economic participation. These efforts reflect the city’s commitment to promoting inclusive growth and ensuring that the benefits of urban development extend to different segments of society.
The completion of the Kechene–Ambassador–Gihon–Irreecha–Bambis Riverside Development Project underscores the government’s broader vision of building a productive, sustainable, and inclusive city serves the needs of today’s residents while creating lasting value for generations to come.
Through these transformative initiatives, Addis Ababa is working to establish itself as a more livable, environmentally sustainable, and globally competitive city, while strengthening its position as a model for urban development in Africa.
By Birhanu Workneh