Ethiopia’s Urban Corridors Initiative Reshapes Cities, Boosts Mobility and Local Economies

By Benadeta Mwaura - Reporter

Ethiopia, 27 January 2026 - Ethiopia’s ambitious corridor development initiative is being hailed as a transformative force in urban planning, linking infrastructure improvements with economic and social revitalisation across the country.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed underscored the initiative’s impact on inclusive, sustainable city transformation, calling it a core component of the government’s Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda.

According to the Prime Minister, the programme reflects a national commitment to building liveable, competitive and integrated urban centres that support balanced development and shared prosperity.

“The corridors development initiative reflects our commitment to inclusive, sustainable, and people‑centred urban transformation… improving urban mobility, revitalising public spaces, strengthening local economies, and enhancing environmental resilience,” the Prime Minister said in a statement shared via his social media channels.

The corridor initiative goes beyond basic road building, it represents comprehensive urban renewal.

Originally implemented in Addis Ababa, the strategy has expanded to dozens of cities nationwide, including Bahir Dar, Gondar, Jimma, Hawassa and many others, transforming how urban residents live, work and connect.

Under the broader programme, cities have built wide roads, pedestrian walkways, and bicycle paths, improving connectivity and easing urban mobility for residents.

In addition, public spaces such as plazas, parks, and green corridors are being integrated alongside the infrastructure, creating vibrant and accessible urban environments.

The corridor zones are also designed to unlock economic activity, providing opportunities for small businesses, informal traders, and entrepreneurs to operate along major routes and commercial nodes.

In the Amhara region alone, corridor development in seven cities has included over 32 km of roads, green spaces, public squares, and lighting, all while expanding sidewalks and cycling infrastructure to make public spaces more accessible and pedestrian‑friendly.

The initiative is not limited to the capital. Regional expansions are reshaping urban landscapes from Kombolcha to Dessie and Debre Markos, with city authorities leveraging local resources and federal support to enhance infrastructure while preserving community access to public spaces.

Urban corridors have also transformed once‑neglected areas into vibrant hubs of activity. Completed sections now include plazas, sports spaces, children’s playgrounds and retail zones, designed to foster social interaction and community engagement.

Experts observing the initiative’s progress say it is doing more than beautifying cities, it’s integrating economic opportunity with mobility and quality of life.

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Corridors not only ease traffic and improve connectivity, they also increase foot traffic to local businesses, attract investment, and support tourism by making city centres more navigable and appealing.

In Addis Ababa, corridors have been credited with improving access to job centres, reducing commute times, and expanding spaces for informal traders and micro‑enterprises, creating new livelihoods for residents.

Environmental and social dimensions are also embedded in the corridor design. Projects incorporate green spaces and tree-lined boulevards, which help improve urban air quality and reduce heat, creating more comfortable city environments.

Additionally, pedestrian-friendly zones are included to promote healthier lifestyles and encourage walking and cycling as safe, accessible modes of transportation.

The initiative also focuses on heritage integration, preserving historical sites and traditional neighbourhoods while linking them to new public amenities. Planners say these elements are essential to creating cities that are not just functional, but also equitable, resilient, and designed for people.

State and federal authorities note that corridor development supports Ethiopia’s long‑term goals of urban competitiveness and regional connectivity.

By rehabilitating streets and public spaces, cities are better positioned to attract investment, tourism, and skilled labour, and to compete with other urban centres in East Africa for economic opportunity.

Moreover, the corridor programme is being viewed as a model for integrated planning, linking infrastructure, economic activity, social amenities, and environmental stewardship in one cohesive framework.

Ethiopia’s corridor development initiative has quickly evolved into a national urban renaissance, one that bridges infrastructure, social inclusion and economic opportunity.

As the programme expands across regional cities, it stands as a case study in holistic, people‑centred urban transformation that could influence planning models not only in Ethiopia but across the Horn of Africa.