The inaugural African Urban Forum, currently underway in Addis Ababa, is showcasing Ethiopia's urban development strategies as a model for African independence and self-reliance, according to Enatalem Melese, Head of the Addis Ababa City Communication Bureau.
In an exclusive interview with Ethiopian Broadcasting Corporation morning show, Enatalem revealed that the forum has attracted nearly 2,000 participants from various African cities. The event aims to address urban challenges and promote sustainable development in line with Agenda 2030.
"Addis Ababa's experience in implementing people-centered, inclusive urban plans will be shared with other African cities," Enatalem stated. She highlighted the city's focus on citizen involvement, leadership engagement, and investment strategies in urban development projects.
The forum is being held at the newly constructed Adwa Memorial Museum, symbolizing the historical significance of the venue. Participants, including mayors, urban researchers, writers, and journalists from across the continent, will have the opportunity to visit recent infrastructure developments and tourist attractions in the Ethiopian capital.
Enatalem emphasized that hosting such a large-scale conference will significantly boost Addis Ababa's profile as both the capital of Ethiopia and a symbolic capital of Africa. The event is expected to facilitate knowledge exchange on various urban issues, including revenue management, tourism development, and green infrastructure initiatives.
This forum underscores Ethiopia's growing role in shaping urban development discourse in Africa, while also providing a platform for the country to learn from the experiences of other African cities. The event is seen as a step towards fostering greater cooperation and shared learning among African urban centers.