Addis Ababa Inaugurates 5th Corridor Development Project











Addis Ababa’s ongoing urban transformation marked another milestone today with the inauguration of the 5th corridor development project of the second round, officially opened in the presence of Prime Minister Dr. Abiy Ahmed. The project, which stretches across some of the city’s most iconic and densely used areas, reflects Ethiopia’s broader ambition to create a modern, livable capital that embodies prosperity and resilience.

The Scope of the Project

The newly inaugurated corridor extends from Southgate to Diaspora Junction, Haya Bi, Urael, and Meskel Square—a strategic stretch that connects residential hubs, business districts, and cultural landmarks. According to project planners, this corridor has been designed with more than traffic in mind:

Service amenities have been integrated to provide convenience for residents and commuters.

Public plazas and green spaces have been embedded to enhance livability and community engagement.

Inclusive access ensures that pedestrians, cyclists, and commuters benefit equally from the redevelopment.

In essence, the project seeks to balance transportation efficiency with quality of life, bringing Addis closer to its vision of a “city as beautiful as its name.”

Infrastructure and Engineering Achievements

At the heart of this initiative is a comprehensive infrastructure overhaul that demonstrates the city’s growing capacity for modern urban engineering.

8 kilometers of main road, with widths ranging from 51 to 60 meters, allow for smoother vehicular flow and reduced congestion.

16 kilometers of concrete sidewalks make pedestrian mobility safer and more comfortable, while promoting walkability in a city long dominated by car traffic.

Retaining walls and ITS (Intelligent Transport System) ductwork ensure both safety and the integration of smart technologies for traffic management.

Smart roadside poles not only provide lighting but also create the potential for future connectivity features like CCTV monitoring and 5G readiness.

Railway crossings for vehicles and pedestrians improve connectivity with the city’s expanding light rail system.

Dedicated bicycle and pedestrian paths promote sustainable and eco-friendly commuting alternatives.

These features underscore Addis Ababa’s shift toward modern, multi-modal, and environmentally conscious infrastructure planning.

Economic and Employment Impact

Beyond physical transformation, the corridor project has already delivered substantial socio-economic benefits.

A total of 23,622 employment opportunities—both temporary and permanent—have been created during the project’s construction and handover phase.

Small and medium businesses benefited from sub-contracts and supply chains, while local residents gained jobs in construction, logistics, and landscaping.

In the long term, improved infrastructure is expected to stimulate commerce, attract investment, and boost land values along the corridor.

This employment generation forms part of the government’s broader agenda to integrate urban development with poverty reduction and inclusive growth.

A Vision for a Blooming City

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed emphasized that projects like this are more than infrastructure—they are symbols of Ethiopia’s prosperity and resilience. Addis Ababa, a city often described as the “political capital of Africa,” is positioning itself not just as a hub for diplomacy, but also as a model of urban renewal in the region.

The corridor development program, launched in 2019 under the Beautifying Sheger Initiative, has seen multiple rounds of projects completed, each designed to modernize key arteries of the city while preserving green spaces. The 5th corridor joins other flagship projects such as Friendship Square, Sheger Park, and the redevelopment of Piassa and Churchill Road, all of which aim to improve aesthetics, functionality, and tourism potential.

Acknowledgment and Collective Effort

The inauguration ceremony concluded with a strong note of appreciation. Leaders at all levels, engineers, urban planners, and community members were recognized for their dedication to completing the project on time and with quality standards intact.

The Prime Minister reiterated his government’s commitment to continuing corridor developments, linking infrastructure upgrades with broader national goals: economic growth, environmental sustainability, and social inclusivity.

Looking Ahead

As Addis Ababa continues its second round of corridor projects, each new inauguration signals a deepening investment in the city’s future. The 5th corridor is not an isolated effort, but part of a network of interconnected developments that will shape the city’s mobility, livability, and competitiveness for decades to come.

With over 23,000 citizens already benefiting from employment opportunities, and countless more poised to enjoy improved services, the corridor stands as both a practical achievement and a symbolic commitment: to make Addis Ababa “a city as beautiful as its name.”