Addis Ababa yet to meet the needs of residents: what has to change

file-20220125-17-cnwl2r - With an estimated population of more than 3.7 million people , Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia, is home to about a quarter of Ethiopia's urban population. The city generates well above 29% of Ethiopia's urban GDP and 20% of national urban employment. Over the last two decades, Addis Ababa has witnessed rapid socio-economic changes and a drastic physical transformation. This was propelled by a development-oriented government and the private sector. However, the city faces challenges around housing, transport, infrastructure, services, youth unemployment and displacement. I'm part of the African Cities Research Consortium , a new six-year initiative committed to addressing critical challenges in 13 cities in sub-Saharan Africa, including Addis. I argue that the solution lies in the way the city is governed.