Friendship Park Model for Emerging Public Spaces in Ethiopia, Says PM Abiy

Addis Ababa, August 11, 2026 (ENA) —Friendship Park in the heart of Addis Ababa has become a national model for the new generation of public spaces emerging across Ethiopia, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed said.

In a social media post, the Prime Minister said Friendship Park has been serving as a catalyst for economic opportunity, social inclusion, and urban transformation, generating nearly one billion Birr in revenue over the past four years.

The PM further stated that Friendship Park was among the first multi-purpose public spaces developed under the Medemer Government over the past eight years.

 The effort has demonstrated how strategic urban investment can generate broad public value, he revealed.

 

Friendship Park has generated nearly one billion Birr in revenue over the past four years alone while creating employment and economic opportunities through both direct and indirect activities, he pointed out.

The park has also evolved into a vibrant civic space that brings together people from all walks of life, including families, children, sports groups, wedding parties, digital content creators, and local and international visitors.

Beyond its economic contribution, Friendship Park has become a center for recreation, health, wellness, and community engagement, illustrating how well-planned public spaces can strengthen social cohesion while supporting Addis Ababa’s wider urbanization agenda.

 

The Prime Minister said the park now serves as a model for similar public spaces being developed across the capital and the country, creating value, expanding opportunity, and ensuring that high-quality urban spaces remain accessible to all citizens.