Addis ababa: Addis Ababa is unapologetically making strides towards modernity, challenging the narrative that Africa must remain stagnant to retain its authenticity.
According to Ethiopian News Agency, the city’s redevelopment efforts are a testament to Ethiopia’s ambition to build a modern capital, a vision that some perceive as controversial but is in reality a source of national pride.
Ethiopian Heritage Authority’s Director General Abebaw Ayalew, a respected historian, ensures that heritage preservation accompanies urban development. Meskel Square, a historical landmark, has been modernized, reflecting a harmonious blend of the past and present. The transformation extends to the city’s rivers, once polluted and neglected. Today, they are revitalized through the Sheger Beautifying Project, providing green spaces and cleaner environments for residents.
The narrative of displacement is challenged, with claims of 4,000 families being relocated for Meskel Square’s refurbishment labeled as inaccurate. The project did not necessitate such relocations, as the area was not residential. Instead, the city’s urban renewal focuses on replacing inadequate housing with modern infrastructure, addressing the needs of communities long deprived of basic amenities.
Addis Ababa’s transformation is a testament to Ethiopian self-reliance. The city’s development is driven by local expertise, reflecting a departure from foreign dependency. This progress is not just about aesthetics but about creating job opportunities and improving living conditions for its citizens.
As the seat of the African Union, Addis Ababa stands as a symbol of Pan-African pride, offering a glimpse of what Africa can achieve on its own terms. The city’s evolution is not an attempt to imitate foreign models but a renaissance rooted in its unique heritage, sending a message of resilience and self-determination across the continent.