Ethiopia has cemented its position as one of Africa’s leaders in infrastructure development, securing the third spot on the continent for the sheer length of its road network, according to a report published by Vanguard News that cites data from Business Insider Africa.

The analysis, which highlights the critical role roads play in moving goods, services, and people—accounting for up to 90% of passenger traffic across the continent—places Ethiopia's network at 161,452 kilometers.

This extensive infrastructure trails only the highly developed system of South Africa (750,000 km) and Nigeria (195,000 km).

The significant scale of Ethiopia’s road system is a direct reflection of concerted government efforts to bridge the gaps between urban centers and remote, rural regions. For a nation focused on economic and social transformation, the expansion of road connectivity is viewed as fundamental to accelerating both trade and rural development.

As noted in the report, Ethiopia's ongoing expansion is specifically aimed at improving connectivity between urban centres and remote regions, supporting both commerce and development. This commitment is particularly vital for a country with vast geographic distances to cover.

By connecting previously isolated communities, the network aims to facilitate the efficient movement of agricultural produce to markets, boost internal commerce, and improve access to essential services like healthcare and education. Ethiopia's total road length is notably just ahead of East African peer Kenya (161,000 km), confirming its status among the continent's major infrastructure power houses.