Addis Ababa, September 4, 2024 (FBC) – In her opening remarks at the 1st Africa Urban Forum, Mayor of Addis Ababa Adanech Abiebie praised the platform as a significant step in preparing for the wave of urbanization in the continent.
“As the future brings rapid global urbanization which will mainly occur in Africa, this event marks a significant step in preparing for the web of urbanization in our continent,” the Mayor underscored.
“African cities have huge potential for development. The transformation of African cities will serve as an engine for the continent’s economic development and beyond,” Adanech noted.
“Leadership plays an irreplaceable role in harnessing the potential of cities and mayors are the heart of this role,” she remarked.
Making cities livable, green and safe must be the basis of the transformation of cities, Adanech said, adding: “Ensuring habitability, safety and resilience is our top priority.”
“Addis Ababa has started this journey of city development,” Adanech pointed out.
“The city administration of Addis Ababa has proved that we can transform cities and harness their potentials for better benefits. We have ensured that no one is left behind. We are guided by a people centered approach that ensures our transformation is equitable, fair and inclusive,” the Mayor explained.
Adanech cited the student and community feeding centers in the capital, the early child development program initiative, establishment of the women rehab and empowerment center, and achievements in the job creation drive as a remarkable
Addis Ababa is rapidly changing and advancing towards global competiveness. The recent transformation of our city corridor development is yielding remarkable results. Addis Ababa is successfully implementing urban renewal, upgrading and revitalization initiatives, the Mayor indicated.
The city administration is expanding our roads to ensure creating a city where everyone has a place, according to the mayor.
Bicycle lanes, running tracks, pedestrian walkways, built by the city administration are contributing to make Addis Ababa livable for everyone, the Mayor said.
This intervention is coupled with efforts to improve access and ensure multimodal transport system and provide public spaces to the residents, she added.
She also added that the development of new public spaces, playgrounds, sport fields and parks not only enhance beautify of Addis Ababa but also ensure access and equity for all residents, Adanech said.
These efforts are aligned with our efforts to creating hundreds of jobs for unemployed youths and revitalizing urban businesses, Adanech noted.
Addis Ababa’s achievements are occurring amidst climate change, rapid population growth and pressure of modern urban life, as the mayor said.
Mayor Adanech extended gratitude to Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) and the leadership of the city administration for their unwavering support to the ongoing efforts underway to transform Addis Ababa.
“Our experiences and achievements of the past few months have witnessed the applicability and the reality that African cities can transform,” she remarked.
Mayor Adanech further called on African urban leaders to learn from one another for better results in transforming the cities of the continent.
By Wondesen Aregahegn