The ongoing Addis Ababa Corridor Development Project has significantly changed the face of Ethiopia's capital over a short period. New streetlights, refurbished buildings, and expanded road networks are visually transforming Addis Ababa. Supporters rightly praise these tangible upgrades and the extensive collaboration achieving speedy progress.
The project involves extensive construction work across the city, from road upgrading and street lighting to building refurbishment and neighbourhood redevelopment. Contractors report working tirelessly to finish on an ambitious schedule.
However, some critiques of the project's implementation also warrant consideration. With costs exceeding 33 billion Birr, questions remain about feasibility studies justifying this scale of expenditure. More transparency is needed to demonstrate return on investment through metrics like projected tourism growth.
In addition to consultation concerns, some argue the project's massive budget could be better prioritized given Ethiopia's pressing economic troubles. The nation is grappling with high inflation driving food insecurity, as well as a foreign exchange shortage impacting imports.
Critics question whether 33 billion birr would not be put to more immediate use improving agricultural productivity and food security. Investing in irrigation infrastructure, fertilizer subsidies, or rural development programs could help alleviate rural poverty and curb inflationary pressures.
There are also calls to channel more funding towards manufacturing sectors that could earn export revenues and stabilize the birr. Expanding industrial zones, improving transport links to ports, or training skilled workers could help diversify the economy in the long run.
While improving cities is important, Ethiopia still faces humanitarian and recovery crises from recent conflicts. Resources could help regions rebuild and address ongoing insecurity.
Citizens also raise valid concerns about lack of consultation and feasibility studies. Without understanding projected benefits or receiving public input, large expenditures risk waste or neglecting alternative priorities. As seen with the controversial palace construction, this approach undermines transparency and good governance.
While the government claims the project will boost tourism, this potential value requires further substantiation. Mega-projects rarely succeed or maximize benefits without rigorous research supporting strategic planning.
Claiming tourism impact does not replace the need for transparent feasibility studies and quantifying projected returns. What market analyses indicate new demand? How will infrastructure improve the overall visitor experience longer-term? Without data demonstrating clear upside, funds could arguably find more immediate use elsewhere.
Ethiopia deserves well-planned infrastructure supporting equitable growth. But as inflation rises and foreign currency runs short, prioritizing massive capital projects over humanitarian or productive sectors merits scrutiny.
Decision-makers would be wise to demonstrate projects are strategically prudent rather than symbolic, through open analysis and community engagement. In times of scarcity, every Birr spent must maximize well-being across society rather than narrow interests. Ethiopians deserve leadership that consults expertise and citizens to build strategic consensus around investments.
