ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia (Horn post) Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on Sunday officially inaugurated the massive Entoto-Kebena River and Riverside Development Project, a landmark urban transformation initiative aimed at improving living standards, expanding green infrastructure, boosting tourism, and accelerating Ethiopia’s long-term economic development strategy.
The large-scale infrastructure project, located in Addis Ababa, covers 87.6 hectares of land and stretches across 10.5 kilometers, making it one of the most ambitious urban development projects launched by the Ethiopian government in recent years.
Speaking during the inauguration ceremony, Prime Minister Abiy described the project as a major national achievement that reflects Ethiopia’s commitment to modernization and sustainable urban transformation.
“We will continue the journey we started to improve the quality of life of our citizens,” Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said.
Landmark Infrastructure Project Designed for Climate Resilience and Economic Growth
The Ethiopian leader said the project combines modern engineering, environmental sustainability, and economic development, featuring advanced river protection systems, pedestrian bridges, green public spaces, and tourism-friendly infrastructure.
According to Abiy Ahmed, the development project is designed not only as a construction achievement but also as a long-term solution capable of addressing climate change challenges while improving urban living conditions for residents.
“This great project is not only a construction success. It is a project capable of responding to climate change, improving comfort for residents, and transforming the area into an international tourism and economic center,” Abiy said.
The Prime Minister said the initiative represents a strategic opportunity to accelerate Ethiopia’s broader urban transformation agenda.
Government Pledges Continued Development and Better Living Standards
Prime Minister Abiy reaffirmed that the Ethiopian government remains committed to fulfilling its promises to citizens through continued infrastructure investment, economic reforms, and long-term development programs.
He said the administration would continue pursuing major projects aimed at fundamentally improving living standards nationwide.
“The government is carrying out its commitment to the people with honesty, hard work and sincerity. We will continue the development journey to improve the quality of life of our citizens and bring fundamental change,” he said.
Massive Infrastructure Includes Dams, Bridges, Roads and Green Development
Officials said the Entoto-Kebena riverside development project includes major infrastructure designed to improve environmental sustainability and urban mobility across Addis Ababa.
The project includes:
1 large dam, 16 small dams, and 3 check dams
20.2 kilometers of retaining walls for river protection
36,928 square meters of soil protection infrastructure.
59.7 hectares of green development coverage.
More than 50,330 newly planted trees.
21 pedestrian bridges.
33.2 kilometers of internal roads and drainage systems.
7 parking areas capable of accommodating 695 vehicles.
Prime Minister Abiy highlighted the scale of national coordination behind the project.
“When we combine money, knowledge, energy, ideas and leadership skills, this is what happens,” Abiy Ahmed said during the inauguration.
Project Expected to Create Tourism and Business Opportunities
Government officials say the project is expected to significantly transform the surrounding area by creating new commercial opportunities through retail spaces, cafes, tourism centers, and expanded public recreational areas.
Analysts say the project forms part of Ethiopia’s wider effort to modernize urban infrastructure and position Addis Ababa as a competitive regional economic and tourism destination.
The Entoto-Kebena project is one of several flagship development initiatives launched under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed’s broader economic modernization strategy.
Ethiopia PM Abiy Ahmed Launches Massive Entoto-Kebena Development Project in Addis Ababa.
Pictures of the event
By Horn Post Staff
Horn Post News Desk.
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia.
