Ethiopia: Addis Ababa’s Smart City Leap – Digital Dreams Turn Into Tangible Progress

In just over two years since launching its ambitious smart city strategy, Addis Ababa is emerging as a symbol of bold urban transformation, blending digital innovation with sustainable development to improve the lives of millions.

Unveiled in December 2022 by Mayor Adanech Abebie, the city’s smart vision set out to redefine public service delivery, strengthen citizen engagement, and build a more livable, greener, and globally competitive metropolis. Now, halfway through the decade, Addis Ababa is not only implementing its blueprint–it’s gaining global recognition for it.

Addis Ababa’s transformation is built on more than aspirations. It’s grounded in infrastructure. The ongoing corridor development project has become the city’s flagship initiative, driving improvements in sanitation, urban mobility, and access to public amenities.

Despite early implementation hurdles, the project is carving cleaner neighborhoods and healthier spaces–alongside the creation of over 62,000 jobs. With Phase II now in motion, the city is adding 135 kilometers of new roads, 42 kilometers of riverside enhancements, and over 23,000 parking spaces, all designed with environmental and social inclusion in mind.

lies in managing waste more effectively. Researcher Kahsay Woldetekle’s recent study spotlights this issue, revealing that only 67.7% of residents are satisfied with current solid waste services. His recommendations? A dedicated mobile app that allows citizens to report waste volumes in real time–a digital solution that merges civic responsibility with responsive governance.

Innovative ideas like reverse vending machines that offer rewards for recycling are also gaining traction, proving that green solutions can be both practical and profitable.

Infrastructure alone is not enough. According to Chanyalew Woldegebriel (PhD)of the Addis Ababa Leadership Academy, behavioral change is key to the city’s success. “A clean city begins with clean habits,” he said, highlighting the academy’s role in offering counseling and civic education to nurture a more responsible citizenry.

In support, Abinet Fulasa (PhD) confirmed that the Academy is scaling up research and hosting validation workshops to ensure smart city projects directly contribute to employment and social cohesion.

On the digital front, the city is rolling out City Net, an advanced digital infrastructure project connecting 58 institutions and 120 districts, with investments surpassing 280 million Birr. According to the Office Head, Solomon Amare, this network will streamline critical services such as tax systems, public records, and grievance redressal–accelerating service delivery like never before.