Ethiopia’s capital, Addis Ababa, is undergoing a massive urban development initiative known as the Corridor Development Project.

Launched in 2024, the initiative has reshaped large parts of the city, introducing wider roads, modern street lighting, pedestrian walkways, and dedicated cycling lanes. New public parks, playgrounds, toilets, and parking facilities are also central to the project, which aims to transform Addis Ababa into a more modern and livable city.

Anna Waldmann, a foreign resident, said the scale of the transformation has been remarkable.

"It’s difficult to recognize the city again. Everything feels new. The parks and playgrounds really improve the quality of life, and as someone who cycles to work every day, the bike lanes are a huge benefit. The well-lit roads also make it pleasant to walk around in the evenings, and there are now far more places to take my children to," she said.

Running alongside the corridor initiative is the Riverside Development Project, which is also reshaping the city.

Stretching 56 kilometres along the city’s two main rivers, the project is transforming once-polluted and congested riverbanks into cleaner, more accessible public spaces.

According to veteran tour guide Tesfayesus Yakob, the city’s transformation has helped revive tourism.

"Visitors who were here just a year ago can’t believe how fast things have changed," he said.

"Sites that were previously hidden or neglected are now visible and renewed. Areas that used to be dangerous along the rivers are now green, with bike lanes and walking paths, and they have become new tourist attractions," he added.

City officials say the projects have eased congestion, improved public health, and strengthened the capital’s capacity to meet future growth.