AMN PLUS-May 18/2026
Addis Media Network Deputy CEO, Zemen Junedin Abubakar, has shared his insights on the holistic transformation of Addis Ababa in the internationally renowned Business Traveller magazine.
In the article, he highlights that Addis Ababa is undergoing an unprecedented wave of transformation, reshaping the city through rapid infrastructure development, urban renewal, and ambitious modernization projects unlike any period in its history.
The Capital’s New Era
The city we once knew for its congestion and narrow passages is rapidly evolving into a modern metropolis, graced by sophisticated corridor developments and lush riverfronts. This urban renewal is not merely about infrastructure; it is a “human-centric” revolution that positions social justice at the heart of development.
Corridor Development and Economic Vitality
The corridor development project has done more than just widen the city’s primary arteries; it has modernised the very fabric of our commerce. More than 5,900 existing and new shops have been integrated into these modern corridors, providing a significant boost to the city’s economic engine.
These commercial spaces offer small and medium-sized enterprises a dignified platform to thrive, while ensuring residents can shop in clean, safe, and contemporary environments.
Green Development and Global Diplomacy
The revitalization of Addis Ababa’s riverbanks has turned once-neglected areas into breathtaking tourist destinations. The proliferation of green parks, children’s playgrounds, and public sports facilities has transformed the city into a livable sanctuary for its residents.
This metamorphosis is equally vital for our diplomatic community. As the political capital of Africa, Addis Ababa now offers international-standard pedestrian walkways and dedicated cycling lanes. These features provide diplomats and global visitors with a secure, accessible, and aesthetically pleasing urban atmosphere, reinforcing our status as a premier global hub.
Social Justice in Action
The crowning achievement of this development is its commitment to inclusivity, ensuring that the fruits of progress reach every citizen:
Pedestrian-first infrastructure: prioritising the daily commuter by building green, comfortable walkways.
Universal access to leisure: creating parks and sports arenas where every citizen, regardless of economic status, can exercise and relax freely.
Dignity through aesthetics: the enhanced cleanliness and beauty of the city have instilled a renewed sense of psychological wellbeing and civic pride among residents.
The corridor and riverfront developments are more than construction projects—they are a historic legacy. They represent a city that is growing holistically, ensuring that as Addis Ababa reaches for the future, it leaves no resident behind.
By Zemen Junedin Abubakar
