Addis Ababa’s Transformation Signals Africa’s Rising Urban Future, Says AU Envoy

Addis Ababa, March 15, 2026 (ENA)—Addis Ababa’s sweeping modernization and rapidly evolving skyline are positioning the Ethiopian capital as one of Africa’s most dynamic hubs for business and continental diplomacy, according to an envoy of the African Union.

Speaking to ENA, the African Union Special Envoy on Women, Peace and Security, Liberata Mulamula, praised the capital for what she described as a remarkable urban transformation that has taken place in just a few years.

Mulamula said the rapid modernization of Addis Ababa has surprised many international visitors and is helping establish the city as one of the fastest-developing urban centers on the continent.

“This has been amazing — the transformation of Addis Ababa,” she said.

The Ethiopian capital is currently undergoing one of the country’s largest urban renewal initiatives, aimed at turning the city into a modern, green, and globally competitive business hub.

 

Major projects include the expansive ‘Beautifying Sheger’ riverside development, large-scale corridor development  projects designed to improve mobility and city aesthetics, and the construction of Chaka Smart City, an ambitious project intended to enhance urban living standards through smart infrastructure and sustainable design.

Having visited Addis Ababa regularly over the years, Mulamula noted that each return reveals a dramatically different urban landscape marked by new roads, construction projects, and a steadily rising skyline.

“Two years ago, no one would have imagined Addis Ababa looking like this. It proves that with vision, such change is possible,” she added.

Mulamula emphasized that the city’s transformation goes beyond physical infrastructure, describing it as a powerful symbol of what African cities can achieve through determination, strategic planning and sustained investment.

 

While some observers have compared the capital’s rapid development to that of global cities, she said Addis Ababa represents something uniquely African.

“I heard people saying this would be the ‘Dubai of Africa,’ but I say no.  This is the hub of Africa, totally transformed,” she stated.

She also highlighted the strong presence of local workers across construction sites, noting that Ethiopians themselves are driving the city’s development.

“I don’t see foreign faces on these construction sites. These are Ethiopians working hard to transform their city,” Mulamula said.

According to the envoy, the pace of development reflects a remarkable national work ethic and determination.

“Sometimes you wake up and find a new road has appeared overnight. The work ethic and commitment are remarkable,” she noted.

 

Mulamula urged other rapidly urbanizing African cities to draw lessons from Addis Ababa’s experience, stressing that unity, long-term vision, and collective effort can lead to transformative change.

She added that the capital’s expanding skyline symbolizes not only architectural progress but also growing national confidence and ambition about the future.

As host city of the African Union headquarters, Addis Ababa’s modernization further strengthens its role as the political heart of the continent and highlights Ethiopia’s increasing influence in shaping Africa’s urban future.