PM Abiy Inaugurates 351-Hectare Riverside Development in Addis Ababa

Addis Ababa, October 25, 2026 (ENA) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed has inaugurated the Kechene–Ambassador–Gihon–Irreecha–Bambis Riverside Development.

The river side project is a 351-hectare, 10-kilometer urban corridor designed to advance Addis Ababa’s transformation into a greener, more accessible, and inclusive city.

The development integrates modern urban infrastructure with environmental restoration, public recreation, and expanded economic opportunities, reflecting a vision of urban growth that balances livability, sustainability, and livelihoods.

 

Featuring pedestrian walkways, cycling lanes, and integrated transport infrastructure, the corridor is designed to improve urban mobility and create a more accessible environment for residents, the Prime Minister wrote on social media channel.

It also includes children’s playgrounds, public plazas, amphitheaters, sports facilities, and eight fountains and water features, providing additional spaces for recreation, social interaction, and community activities.

The project further incorporates parking facilities and eight electric vehicle charging centers, capable of charging more than 100 vehicles simultaneously, strengthening the city’s modern transport infrastructure.

 

Beyond urban amenities, the development places emphasis on environmental sustainability through river management, soil and water conservation, and the expansion of riverside green spaces.

“Through river management, soil and water conservation, and riverside green spaces, we are bringing environmental restoration together with urban transformation. Equally important, we are expanding economic opportunities,” the Premier stated.

These interventions seek to integrate ecological restoration with the city’s broader urban development, PM Abiy noted.

 

The project also creates new opportunities for local economic participation. A dedicated market center will enable residents who previously lived along the river corridor to produce, display, and sell handicrafts, while an agricultural produce mall will connect farmers and other producers with markets.

Inaugurating the development, Prime Minister Abiy underscored the importance of building a city that combines modern infrastructure and environmental sustainability with economic opportunity and social inclusion.

 

“Our vision is to build a city that is not only beautiful but also productive and inclusive; a city that serves its people today and generations to come!” he said.