The Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure has unveiled a smart city initiative aimed at transforming 275 towns across Ethiopia into smart cities by 2024/2025. The plan seeks to modernize urban services, improve living standards, and drive the country's urban development forward.

State Minister Fenta Dejen revealed that the initiative will begin with 31 cities in 2023/2024, including the capital, Addis Ababa. This initial phase will serve as a model for the larger goal of transforming 2,500 towns into smart cities by 2026. Key elements of the plan include modernizing office services, providing fast and accessible services, and implementing e-services.

Eight cities, including Addis Ababa, Adama, Bishoftu, Debre Birhan, Dessie, Jimma, Hawassa, and Bahir Dar, are already working on their smart city projects. The ministry is collaborating with foreign nations and learning from international best practices to ensure the initiative’s success.

In addition to technological upgrades, the smart city vision aims to improve living standards, enhance public transportation, and create cleaner, greener environments. By investing in infrastructure like corridor development and green spaces, the ministry hopes to make Ethiopian cities more sustainable and livable.

Source: The Ethiopian Herald