Addis Ababa city wins “Best Africa Smart Cities” award

Addis Ababa, November 22, 2024 (FBC) – Addis Ababa City has been recognized with Best Africa Smart Cities Award for its exceptional accomplishments in the Corridor Development Project by winning the Best Africa Smart Cities Award at the Africa Smart Cities Investment Summit held in Nairobi on November 21-22, 2024, ahead of Kigali, Nairobi, Kampala, and Johannesburg cities.

Out of thirty-six other smart African cities, Addis Ababa City was selected as the recipient of the 2024 award, as reported by the Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi.

The award was bestowed in recognition of the efforts made by the Mayor of Addis Ababa City, Ms. Adanbech Abiebie, to create a competitive and impactful city under the effective leadership of the Mayor, in line with the direction given by the Prime Minister of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Abiy Ahmed.

The award was accepted by the Deputy Head of the Mayor’s Office and Cabinet Affairs of the Addis Ababa City Administration, Mr. Mekonnen Yae, on behalf of the Mayor Adanech Abiebie.

On the occasion, Mr. Mekonnen provided an overview of the ongoing Corridor Development Project, Green Development, and Smart City projects in Addis Ababa. He emphasized that the city is prepared to share its experience and expertise with other African cities.

It was indicated that the award was granted to Addis Ababa City for its outstanding and effective work in corridor development, making the city convenient and suitable for its residents. The city has also demonstrated exemplary work in reducing the impact of climate change through the Green Legacy initiative, implementing People-Centered Smart Cities, and constructing pedestrian and cycling lanes to create a modern and convenient city, as highlighted during the award ceremony.

Furthermore, the implementation of Smart Governance, Smart Technologies and Innovations, Smart Mobility and Accessibility, and Smart Environments for Well-being and Job Creation in Addis Ababa City led to its recognition.

The Africa Smart Cities Investment Summit 2024 was organized by the Government of Kenya, Nairobi County, and the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) in Nairobi, along with Konza Technopolis, Dala Africa, Smart Africa, and AWS.

The event brought together African IT ministers, mayors, and representatives of various continental and international organizations from different African countries.

The next Africa Smart Cities Investment Summit is scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa from September 3 to 5, 2025.

Commenting on why Addis Ababa has been selected to host the next summit, Deputy Head of Mission of the Ethiopian Embassy in Nairobi, Ambassador Demeke Atnafu, emphasized that Addis Ababa is not only the capital of Africa but also the third diplomatic center in the world.

Ambassador Demeke extended an invitation to all African cities to visit Addis Ababa in September 2025 on behalf of Mayor Adanech.