Addis Ababa’s Drive to Become “Dubai of Africa” Displaces Thousands, Raises Fears of Cultural Loss
Urban redevelopment demolishes historic neighborhoods as city officials push for modernization.
Ethiopia’s capital is in the middle of one of its biggest overhauls in decades, with sweeping redevelopment projects aimed at turning the city into a modern hub officials call the “Dubai of Africa.”
But while new roads, skyscrapers and green spaces are rising, the rapid transformation is leaving thousands of residents displaced and historic neighborhoods demolished.
The government’s flagship “Corridor Project” has already cleared large parts of central districts such as Piassa, Kazanchis and Piazza, replacing old homes and shops with wide boulevards, modern buildings and public parks.
Mayor Adanech Abebe confirmed earlier this year that more than 11,000 people had been forced to leave their homes in the process.
Many of those displaced say they were given only days to vacate and relocated to the outskirts of the city, where some new housing units lack reliable water and electricity.
“We were not given enough time or support. Our businesses are gone, and life has become harder,” one former Piassa resident told local reporters.
The redevelopment has also drawn criticism from heritage experts, who warn that Addis Ababa is losing its cultural character.
Piassa, once filled with stone buildings, cafes and shops that reflected the city’s colonial and post-war history, has seen most of its 42 registered heritage buildings either demolished or marked for demolition.
Community landmarks, including the century-old Club des Cheminots, have been caught up in the bulldozing.
City officials defend the projects, saying many of the structures cleared were unsafe, poorly serviced or unplanned, and that redevelopment will bring better infrastructure, attract investment and boost tourism.
“The transformation of Addis Ababa is necessary to prepare the city for the future,” the mayor’s office said in a statement.
Still, concerns remain about transparency, compensation and the long-term impact on displaced communities.
Residents argue that their voices have been excluded from planning, and civil society groups warn that the soul of Ethiopia’s capital is at risk of being erased.
As bulldozers continue to reshape Addis Ababa’s skyline, the city faces a delicate balance: modernizing to meet the demands of a fast-growing population while preserving the cultural heritage and communities that have defined it for generations.
Source: The Times
