Addis Ababa (AMECO)- The revitalisation of Ethiopia’s urban centers stands as a visible mirror of the nation’s broader rebirth, Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh has declared in a social media address outlining the country’s sweeping urban renewal efforts.
Describing modern, well-planned cities as the “mirrors of civilization,” Temesgen emphasized that public spaces reflect a nation’s level of development, its civic ambition, environmental commitment, and economic trajectory.
According to the Deputy Prime Minister, this vision is being realized through the “Corridor Development” initiative—a flagship urban renewal programme spearheaded by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed that originated in the capital, Addis Ababa, and has since expanded to key urban centers across the country.
The transformation is currently reshaping a wide array of regional hubs, including Bahir Dar, Jimma, Harar, Dire Dawa, Jigjiga, Hawassa, Adama, Gondar, Bishoftu, Arba Minch, Nekemte, Asosa, Gambella, Hosanna, Semera, Sodo, Dessie, Bonga, and Dilla.
Temesgen stressed that the project extends far beyond road expansion or surface-level beautification. The initiatives incorporate public recreational parks, dedicated pedestrian and cycle lanes, green belts, and modern infrastructure designed to make cities more liveable, work-friendly, and vibrant.
Crucially, he highlighted inclusivity as a core metric of progress, asserting that urban development must benefit all citizens rather than a privileged few. Creating safe, accessible spaces tailored for children, the elderly, and people with disabilities has become a key benchmark for success in these projects.
The Deputy Prime Minister noted that the initiative aims to harmonize modern infrastructure with the preservation of historical and cultural heritage. By linking Ethiopia’s rich past with its future ambitions, the upgraded cities are also structured to boost tourism and offer enhanced facilities for international visitors.
Concluding his message, Temesgen framed the urban makeover as part of a long-term nation-building project. “Ethiopia is undergoing a tangible rebirth,” he wrote, pledging continued dedication to improving citizen livelihoods and elevating the country’s profile through sustained development.
