Addis Ababa, September 5, 2024 (FBC) – Attendees of the African Urban Forum have expressed a strong desire to emulate the transformative development initiatives currently underway in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
inaugural three-day forum commenced on Wednesday in the Ethiopian capital is being attended by numerous high-ranking officials from across Africa.
Lungile Dlamini, the Chief Executive Officer of Manzini Municipality in Eswatini, highlighted the significant progress Addis Ababa has made in various sectors. The city is currently advancing the Corridor Development Project, which aims to elevate its status to meet international smart city standards.
“In terms of urban transformation, economic growth, and citizen empowerment, Addis Ababa is making remarkable strides,” Dlamini stated. He emphasized the importance of urbanization and the facilitation of free movement of people between countries, which could enhance the economic prospects of cities throughout the continent.
Dlamini further praised Addis Ababa’s achievements in urban growth and corridor development, noting, “It was surprising to see an African city undergoing such a comprehensive regeneration. I observed significant integration and the implementation of Smart City initiatives, including digital transformations typically associated with global cities.”
He expressed optimism that the progress in Addis Ababa serves as inspiration for other African cities, stating, “We are eager to take these insights back home to rejuvenate and transform our cities similarly.”
Another Eswatini participant, Mduduzi Dlamini, CEO of the Housing Board, also commended the corridor development in the Ethiopian capital. “It’s astounding. I applaud the Ethiopian government and its citizens for their commendable efforts. After exploring the city and gaining a better understanding of the planning and policy frameworks supporting this development, we’ve learned invaluable lessons and have already connected with local officials for further insights,” he shared.
He was equally enthusiastic about the Africa Urban Forum, highlighting its significance in fostering a platform where African nations can exchange ideas and cultivate a shared identity. Dlamini acknowledged the unique challenges each country faces regarding urbanization, housing, land management, and governance, while also pointing out the commonalities that allow nations to learn from one another and explore potential business collaborations.
John Dagbu from Ghana remarked on the transformative projects in Addis Ababa, stating, “The efforts being made here are quite impressive. I hope to learn considerably about how they secure funding for significant projects like road expansions, gardens, and the Science Museum. These innovative initiatives are designed to enhance urban living standards for both current residents and future populations.” He noted that African countries can derive substantial learning benefits from one another, sharing knowledge and experiences to devise local solutions for shared challenges.
Dagbu also recognized the myriad issues Africa faces in terms of urbanization, such as urban sprawl, pollution, inadequate housing, and governance challenges. He emphasized the critical need for funding to tackle these pressing problems and underlined the necessity of addressing fundamental urban issues across the continent.