By Yohannes Fentahun
Addis Ababa’s ambitious corridor development plans have earned the praise of a leading international city development consultant. Enrique Peñalosa, former Mayor of Bogotá, Colombia, and renowned expert in urban planning, has commended the Ethiopian government’s efforts to transform Addis Ababa into a smart and preferred capital city.
Aimed at uplifting the image of the city by meeting international smart city standards, the project kicked off months ago rapidly changing most of Addis Ababa's landmarks to glittering beauties, thus elevating them to global standards.
Speaking to EBC World, Peñalosa highlighted the city’s corridor development strategy as a key factor in achieving this vision. He emphasized the importance of well-planned, integrated infrastructure projects in creating a more efficient, sustainable, and livable urban environment.
“Addis Ababa’s corridor development is on the right track,” he stated, commending the government's commitment to modernizing infrastructure and creating a more connected and efficient city. Peñalosa further lauded the government’s ambition to make Addis Ababa a “smart” and “preferable” capital.
“The government's vision for Addis Ababa aligns with the global trend toward smart cities,” he said. “By investing in technology, connectivity, and sustainable practices, Addis Ababa has the potential to become a leading example of a modern, inclusive, and thriving urban center.”
Peñalosa's endorsement underscores the international recognition Addis Ababa is gaining for its urban development strategy. The city’s commitment to innovative infrastructure projects, smart city initiatives, and sustainable practices is attracting the attention of global experts, positioning Addis Ababa as a model for sustainable urban development in Africa.//