Ethiopia’s “Corridor Development” refers to a major urban transformation initiative, primarily in Addis Ababa, aiming to create modern, smart city infrastructure with wider roads, bike lanes, green spaces, better lighting, and improved pedestrian walkways, funded partly by the World Bank and involving significant land redevelopment and some resident relocation. This nationwide project aims to upgrade urban centers, but faces challenges like displacement of thousands of residents, prompting human rights concerns and calls for pauses from organizations like Amnesty International.
Key Aspects of the Project:
- Infrastructure Focus: Enhancing roads, adding bike lanes, installing smart poles, improving telecom connectivity, creating parks, and expanding sidewalks.
- Goals: Modernize cities, boost economic growth, improve urban mobility, create public spaces, and raise living standards.
- Scope: Expanding beyond Addis Ababa to other regional cities like Wolayta Sodo, Arba Minch, and Dilla.
- Implementation: A collaborative effort between federal, regional, and city governments, with private sector involvement and international partners like the World Bank.
