Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Tuesday (March 24) outlined Ethiopia’s evolving urban development strategy, emphasizing the far-reaching economic and social benefits of ongoing corridor development initiatives. In an interview with Kana TV, the Prime Minister presented a holistic perspective on how these projects are reshaping cities and contributing to the country’s broader development trajectory.
The Prime Minister underscored that corridor development efforts in Addis Ababa and other major urban centers extend well beyond urban beautification. He noted that such initiatives are transforming city landscapes while expanding opportunities in infrastructure, trade, and nationwide economic growth. These developments, he explained, are anchored in the Medemer (Synergy) philosophy, which recognizes cities as central pillars of Ethiopia’s social and economic foundation.
Reflecting on past approaches, Prime Minister Abiy observed that earlier administrations often regarded urban centers with caution, perceiving them as potential political challenges. He described this outlook as a misjudgment that constrained national progress. In contrast, he stressed the importance of embracing urban populations as vital contributors to both economic dynamism and political stability.
Highlighting the strategic role of cities, the Prime Minister noted that Addis Ababa alone contributes nearly half of Ethiopia’s annual GDP. He characterized the capital as a space where diverse cultures, languages, and religions converge, fostering a shared national identity. More broadly, he emphasized that cities serve as indicators of a nation’s level of development, reflecting efficiency, modernity, and progress, while acting as engines of prosperity and transformation.
Describing urban centers as hubs of innovation, production, and creativity, the Prime Minister pointed to the significant human potential within rapidly expanding cities such as Addis Ababa. He stressed that effectively harnessing this potential is essential for accelerating economic growth and advancing national development.
Addressing corridor development in detail, the Prime Minister noted that these initiatives are designed to achieve lots of objectives, including closing infrastructure gaps, reducing unemployment, and supporting sustained economic expansion. He highlighted that the projects have created substantial employment opportunities both during and after construction, while also equipping young people with practical skills that complement and, in various regards, surpass formal academic training. Many of these skilled individuals, he added, are now contributing to major development projects across cities in regional states.
The Prime Minister further underscored that corridor development has played a key role in accelerating housing construction, with thousands of residential units delivered within a relatively short period, thereby stimulating activity in the real estate sector. Improvements in road infrastructure, he noted, have also reduced travel times, enhancing mobility and overall productivity.
He also drew attention to the riverbank development project in Addis Ababa, describing it as a complex yet transformative undertaking with international significance. The initiative, he says, will leave a lasting legacy by creating inclusive public spaces that strengthen social cohesion while promoting healthier lifestyles through parks and recreational facilities. Similar development efforts, according to the Prime Minister, are being implemented in cities such as Bishoftu, Jimma, Arba Minch, and Bahir Dar, with additional projects underway in Hawassa, reflecting a broader national commitment to integrated urban transformation.
As part of Ethiopia’s future development trajectory, Prime Minister Abiy identified digital technology as a central pillar of Ethiopia’s development agenda and a critical enabler across sectors. He emphasized that sustained progress in areas such as education, healthcare, and industry depends on the establishment of robust digital infrastructure, as well as the development of a competitive and skilled workforce.
In this regard, he highlighted ongoing initiatives, including the establishment of a leading artificial intelligence institute in Africa and the implementation of the “5 Million Coders” program, through which more than 3.5 million citizens have already received training. While recognizing these milestones, the Prime Minister highlighted the imperative of maintaining momentum through sustained commitment and enhanced investment in digital transformation to ensure Ethiopia’s long-term growth and competitiveness on the global stage.