Foreign Academics Hail Addis Ababa's Remarkable Transformation

Addis Ababa, June 22, 2026 (ENA)__Foreign academics working in Ethiopia have commended the remarkable transformation of Addis Ababa over the past decade, citing significant progress in infrastructure development, urban modernization, digitalization, and educational advancement.

The academics noted that the Ethiopian capital has undergone sweeping changes that have reshaped its physical landscape and enhanced the quality of public services, positioning the city among Africa's rapidly modernizing urban centers.

Ravindra Babu, a professor in the ICT Department at the Federal Technical and Vocational Training Institute (FDRE TVTI), said Addis Ababa has experienced a dramatic transformation during the ten years he has lived and worked in Ethiopia.

"When I came 10 years back, it was somewhat different. Now, if you see, I'm really surprising myself. Am I in the same place or is it a different one? It is like a new birth," he said.

According to Babu, the capital has evolved into a modern city characterized by improved road networks, cleaner surroundings, and greener public spaces. He added that similar developments can be observed in cities across the country.

"Road infrastructure is modernized. Not only in Addis Ababa, even if you go to any city, there is very good road infrastructure. The cities have a rich look, and they are very clean and green," he stated.

Babu also praised Ethiopia's favorable climate, describing it as one of the country's distinctive advantages.

Echoing similar sentiments, Pan Liang, Director of the Confucius Institute at FDRE TVTI, said Addis Ababa has witnessed tremendous progress and is increasingly emerging as a modern metropolitan city that meets international standards.

"One of the most impressive aspects is that the city is growing more and more like a modern metropolis at the international level," Pan said.

He highlighted major urban development initiatives, including river corridor projects and modern infrastructure investments, which he said have significantly enhanced the city's appearance and functionality.

"We have seen the riverbank project, improved infrastructure, clean streets, and modern facilities. The growing number of high-rise buildings, including the Commercial Bank of Ethiopia headquarters, gives a clear picture of what Addis Ababa has achieved during the last decade," he added.

Beyond physical infrastructure, Babu underscored the substantial progress made in Ethiopia's education sector, particularly in the adoption of modern teaching and learning technologies.

"When I came, only chalkboards were available. Now we have digital boards, touch screens, reliable internet services, and stable power supply," he said.

He further noted that academic standards have improved significantly, with growing emphasis on accreditation, quality assurance, and research excellence aligned with international benchmarks.

"The standards of teaching and learning have improved a lot. We are now talking about accreditation, and the quality of dissertations is reaching international standards," Babu said.

The academics' observations reflect the far-reaching changes that have taken place in Addis Ababa and Ethiopia's educational institutions over the past decade, driven by sustained investments in infrastructure, technology, urban renewal, and human capital development.