Smart City Project
Addis Ababa's Meskel area at night in 2022 | |
| Location | Ethiopia |
|---|---|
| Groundbreaking | 29 December 2022 |
| Companies | |
| Contractor | China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation Ethio Telecom (network infrastructure) GRE German Rail Engineering Sur Construction PLC Ethiopian Construction Works Corporation Agere (consultancy) |
| Developer | Ethiopian Road Transport Authority |
Smart City Project is an ongoing urban planning project in Ethiopia that was initially commenced in December 2022 in Addis Ababa and largely expanded to every cities by 2024. The project aims to upgrade key routes and improve connectivity among the corridors. It is planned to expand metropolis that incorporates the construction of bicycle routes, spacious pedestrian walkways, roads, parks, libraries, and additional housing.
The Ethiopian Road Transport Authority (ERTA) is the main state developer awarded with three billion birr contract to the China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation. Ethio Telecom also provides telecom facilities and networking infrastructure along with local consultant companies.
The Corridor project has been controversial due to relation with the current major house demolition in Addis Ababa and elsewhere, particularly in old parts of the town. Opponents of the project also claim that the economic or societal benefits are not clear and there is a major mis-prioritization considering other critical macroeconomic, societal, political and ideological issues the country is facing. The initiative is undertaking around Dire Dawa, Amhara and Oromia regions.