Addis Ababa Undergoes Rapid Transformation, Foreigners Say

Addis Ababa, May 20, 2026 — Foreign nationals who participated in an 8-kilometer road race organized as part of the 80th anniversary celebrations of Ethiopian Airlines have praised the rapid transformation taking place in Addis Ababa, describing the capital as a city changing dramatically every day.

American participant Katie Taylor said the Ethiopian capital is witnessing fast paced development through expanding infrastructure projects, including roads, modern buildings and green spaces.

 

 

Katie, who has lived in Addis Ababa for the past two years, said she has closely observed the city’s ongoing transformation.

“Addis Ababa is a very welcoming and interesting place. The city is evolving and changing every day, every week, with new construction, new buildings, new activities and recreation centers,” she said.

 

 

Under Ethiopia’s corridor development initiative, the capital has seen the construction of new parks, recreational facilities and landscaped road corridors aimed at improving the urban environment for both residents and visitors.

Brazilian national Lydia Bruno also expressed admiration for the city, describing Addis Ababa as a pleasant and enjoyable place to live.

 

 

Lydia, who has been living in the capital for one year, said the city is becoming increasingly comfortable due to the expansion of public infrastructure projects.

She noted that residents are benefiting from newly developed sports facilities, green areas and public parks across the city.

Another participant, Mohammed Sanghari from Ivory Coast, said he was impressed by the scale of development taking place in Addis Ababa.

 

He expressed hope that his country would achieve similar progress in the future.

“What Addis Ababa has achieved is something we aspire to see in other African countries as well,” he said.