October 30, 2026
Addis Ababa, October 26, 2019 (Melmi) – World Cities Day, jointly organized by the Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure, the Addis Ababa City Administration, and UN-Habitat, has commenced at the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA) in Addis Ababa. The event is being held under the theme: “Ensuring Suitable and Accessible Housing for All in Ethiopian Cities through Urban Renewal.”
Speaking at the forum, the Minister of Urban and Infrastructure, Engineer Mohammed Abdurahman, stated that since urban growth represents one of Ethiopia’s greatest development opportunities, efforts are underway to transform the country’s cities into hubs for economic growth, job creation, innovation, technological advancement, and social change.
However, the Minister noted that the rapid rate of urbanization—reaching 5.4 percent annually—is placing significant pressure on housing, infrastructure, basic services, land administration, the generation of municipal own-source revenue, and urban financial capacity. The Minister stated that addressing these challenges requires coordinated action, long-term planning, and strategic frameworks that take into account the needs and capacities of our citizens.
He noted that the ‘Medemer’ (Synergy/Addition) Strategy—a major initiative launched by Ethiopia for the 2025–2050 period—holds significant potential to accelerate urban growth, strengthen the capacity of institutions and municipalities, mobilize domestic resources, and resolve long-standing urban development challenges in a systematic, coordinated, and sustainable manner.
The Minister further explained that the strategy will significantly hasten Ethiopia’s urban transformation by expanding corridor development, increasing housing opportunities, fostering resilient and inclusive urban growth, and strengthening the economic foundations of cities.
Additionally, the Minister mentioned that as Ethiopia prepares to host the 2027 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP32), efforts are underway to ensure that our cities play a pivotal role in climate change response initiatives. He stated that investments in housing construction and urban infrastructure must increasingly promote climate resilience, environmental sustainability, resource efficiency, and preparedness for climate-related risks.
Honorable Minister Engineer Mohammed Abdurahman called upon all development partners to contribute their expertise, financial support, technology, and institutional capacity toward this collective national endeavor.
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