PM Abiy on Newly Inaugurated Riverside Dev't Project in Capital City

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | June 2, 2026 _ Inspired by the incredible dedication of Ethiopians and their determination to build a democratic system withstanding the difficult weather on the voting day, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said the entire federal and regional leaderships have immediately returned to work.

Riverside Development Project in Addis Ababa

Among the drives that led us to our duties is to meet the goal of securing a 10.2 percent economic growth for the fiscal year, he added.

Speaking at the official inauguration of the 9.6-kilometer Entoto- Kechene Medhanealem Riverside Development Project in Addis Ababa today, Prime Minister Abiy emphasized that the overwhelming commitment shown by the electorate requires an equally tireless dedication from the leadership.

"Yesterday, our citizens demonstrated astonishing commitment by voting into the late night and early hours of the morning despite the biting cold, thirst, and rain. This monumental commitment means elected officials cannot rest. It demands deep reflection, rigorous effort, and an absolute adherence to the trust bestowed upon us," the premier said.

With only one month and five days remaining before the Ethiopian fiscal budget closes on July 7, 2026, PM Abiy stressed that there is no time to waste if Ethiopia is to secure its position as Africa’s fastest-growing economy.

Redefining Urban Ecosystems

The newly inaugurated 9.6-kilometer stretch, running from the Entoto Qusquam area to Kechene, forms a vital component of the grander "Sheger Project", which spans from Entoto to Peacock Park and onward to Bole, seamlessly integrating pedestrian walkways and access roads. Along the banks of the river are built commercial spaces, including cafes and restaurants, through public-private partnerships.

Prime Minister Abiy also shared remarkable ecological and agricultural success stories emerging from the project's high-altitude setting. Experimental strawberry fields at Entoto are already yielding harvests every two to three days, offering lucrative prospects for both domestic consumption and export markets.

Besides, highland coffee varieties, oranges, lemons, and organic honey production, notable for its unique floral aroma, native to the Entoto hills, are successfully integrated on the riverbanks.

The systematic replacement of water-intensive eucalyptus trees with indigenous flora has already altered the mountain's hydrology, enhancing soil moisture retention and boosting the water-yielding capacity for the downstream catchment.

Indigenous Knowledge and Civil Engineering Excellence

The defining feature of the project is its reliance on domestic expertise. Prime Minister Abiy highly praised the traditional terrace builders from the Konso community, who engineered the precision stone terracing along the steep terrain to curb soil erosion.

"To witness the absolute precision of the terraces built by the Konso experts on these hillsides, constructed purely through human skill without heavy machinery, is deeply inspiring," he remarked. "It proves that our rural communities possess immense, sophisticated knowledge that can beautify and transform our urban spaces when effectively integrated."

Enhancing Urban Living

Prior to the intervention, the riverside areas were characterized by dense, unplanned settlements highly vulnerable to seasonal flooding, a lack of vehicular access during medical emergencies, and severe water pollution. The transformation has not only mitigated environmental hazards but also radically elevated the quality of life and accessibility for residents.

The Prime Minister extended an open invitation to residents of Addis Ababa and foreign visitors to embrace the new space for physical and mental well-being, advising them to trade traditional gym routines for morning walks or bike rides along the scenic, cool trails connecting Entoto, Kechene, and Piazza.

Blueprint for Africa

Looking forward, the Prime Minister announced that the remaining sections of the riverside, extending all the way to Peacock Park, will be finalized and become fully operational within the next two to three months.

PM Abiy lauded the youths, local experts, as well as artists who achieved what many foreign firms previously deemed unattainable. While noting that advanced water purification efforts remain a work in progress, he hailed the current milestone as a master class in urban resilience.

"This riverside development stands as an immensely proud achievement across all metrics—environmental conservation, soil protection, water management, and urban renewal. ... It is a tangible blueprint and a powerful lesson for our African brothers and sisters" the PM concluded.