Addis Ababa: Prominent figures participating in the Africa Urban Forum held in Addis Ababa praised its remarkable transformation and outstanding hospitality.
The forum, which officially kicked off on Wednesday at Adwa Victory Memorial drew high-ranking officials from across the continent.
Among the participants, Dickson Masemola, Deputy Minister of Local Government and Traditional Affairs in South Africa, commended Addis Ababa’s development during his visit.
“Driving from the hotel to the conference avenue, I observed numerous buildings under construction and newly paved roads. This signifies that the Ethiopian government and the city council are committed to developing a modern city of the future. We are excited to witness the growth of this beautiful city and to participate in such an important conference at this historic site,” he said.
Masemola expressed strong support for the city’s progress, applauding its infrastructure, economy, and social advancements.
“The exceptional hospitality and profound s
ervice we have received are truly commendable. Keep up the great work for both current and future visitors. As the host of the African Union, Addis Ababa is indeed the heart of the continent. Every AU member country is connected to this nation, which is why we receive such a warm welcome.”
Remy Sietchiping, Chief of the Policy, Legislation, and Governance Section at UN-Habitat (United Nations Human Settlements Programme) also praised the city’s focus on public entertainment facilities.
“Addis Ababa’s attention to developing public spaces for families is impressive. As African cities continue to grow, they should learn from Addis Ababa’s approach to creating greener and more comfortable urban environments,” he said.
Atefan Yannic, Urban Development Division Manager at the African Development Bank, reflecting on his visit of Addis Ababa a decade ago, said that he has observed impressive improvements in the city.
He elaborated: “The transformation here is remarkable. The African Development Bank is actively
supporting projects such as the Sheger River area development and the extension of the corridor. We are also investing in new BRT (Bus Rapid Transit) systems and enhancing water and sanitation sectors.”
The incredible developments underway position Addis Ababa as a premier destination for tourism, culture, and business. With its expanding infrastructure and vibrant culture, Addis Ababa is poised for a bright future, he concluded.
As Addis continues its dynamic growth, it stands as a testament to Ethiopia’s commitment to modernization and hospitality, setting a high standard for cities across the continent and beyond.
Source: Ethiopian News Agency