Diplomats and Foreign Visitors Praise Addis Ababa’s Rapid Transformation, Green Development

Addis ababa: Diplomats and foreign visitors have praised the sweeping transformation of Addis Ababa, describing it as a modern, green, and fast-growing metropolis that is becoming increasingly attractive to residents, tourists, and the international diplomatic community. They said the city's expanding infrastructure, ecofriendly initiatives, and large-scale urban development projects are reshaping its image and improving the quality of life for residents and visitors alike.According to Ethiopian News Agency, Jobaida Khanam from the Embassy of Bangladesh in Ethiopia expressed that she and her colleagues felt immediately connected to the city upon their arrival because of its green environment. Khanam observed that the warmth, friendliness, and hospitality of Ethiopians make life comfortable for foreign residents. She also noted that diplomats and visitors returning to Addis Ababa after many years are often astonished by the scale of transformation taking place in the capital.Prof. Nicole Lurie of the Coali tion for Epidemic Preparedness Innovations also commended the rapid pace of development in the city. Lurie highlighted that although she expected a highly functional city because Addis Ababa hosts the African Union and the Africa Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the scale of ongoing public projects exceeded her expectations. Lurie praised the emphasis being placed on public gathering spaces, parks, and the river walk, describing Addis Ababa as 'a terrific city' with a rich and visible history.Echoing similar sentiments, Chijioke Onumuzurike, Acting Director of Nigeria's Department of Special Programmes, said other African countries could learn from Ethiopia's development strategies. Onumuzurike remarked on the city's exceptional development, emphasizing the importance of implementing strategies in human capital development, education, roads, and airport infrastructure.Zinat Sultana, another staff member at the Bangladeshi Embassy, shared her observations of dramatic improvements in the capital during her two and a half years in the city. Sultana praised the brand-new roads, excellent street lighting, and the introduction of green areas and dedicated cycling lanes. She also commended the government's extensive tree planting campaigns aimed at combating climate change and improving the urban environment, noting the significant greening of the city as vital for both the environment and the wellbeing of the people.