Addis Ababa Converts River Corridors Into Greener Public Spaces

What changed

Addis Ababa is turning neglected river corridors into greener, more walkable public spaces as Ethiopia presents its urban transformation during COP31 discussions in Antalya, Türkiye. The Entoto–Kebena project covers 87.6 hectares along 10.5 kilometres, while the newer Kechene–Ambassador–Gihon–Irreecha–Bambis development spans 351 hectares and 10 kilometres.

The projects combine flood protection, bridges, river management, soil and water conservation, pedestrian and cycling routes, playgrounds, public plazas, amphitheatres and sports facilities.

Why it matters

This is an attempt to make urban growth do several jobs at once. The rivers are being treated not only as infrastructure problems, but as public spaces, green corridors and part of the city’s everyday life.

That changes what redevelopment looks like on the ground. A riverfront can connect neighbourhoods instead of separating them. A shaded walkway or public square can make movement and social life easier. Flood protection can sit alongside recreation and local economic activity, rather than appearing as a wall between communities and the water.

The larger test is whether these spaces improve daily life as well as the city’s appearance. Costs, completion schedules, measured flood outcomes and quantified economic effects are not provided, so the strongest claims remain ahead. If the projects deliver on their design, Addis Ababa will have a practical example of resilience built into ordinary public space, not added as a technical fix after disaster.