The Addis Ababa City Administration has reported a significant surge in tourism revenue and digital service delivery as part of its six-month performance review for the 2018 fiscal year.
Addressing the 3rd Addis Ababa City Council during its 5th annual session, Mayor Adanech Abiebie detailed a series of economic and social milestones aimed at boosting the capital’s status as a continental hub. Highlighting a shift toward digital governance, the Mayor noted that new technology has been deployed to resolve chronic system interruptions within civil registration offices, facilitating streamlined services for over 800,000 residents.
The city’s push to become a primary destination for international conferences and tourism has yielded substantial returns, with the sector injecting 155 billion Birr into the economy over the last half-year. Visitor numbers saw a 15 per cent increase compared to the same period last year, drawing nearly five million domestic travelers and approximately 700,000 international tourists. This growth was bolstered by the hosting of 150 international and continental events, representing a 50 per cent rise in the city’s convention activity.
Beyond the balance sheets, the administration highlighted its focus on social safety nets, particularly through its expansive school feeding programme. More than 940,000 students currently receive two meals a day, an initiative officials credit with both easing the financial pressure on households and improving classroom retention and academic results.
Infrastructure development remains a central pillar of the city’s agenda. Efforts to expand the water supply by 60,000 cubic meters are underway, alongside the rapid construction of eight specialized treatment plants designed to modernize the capital’s aging sewage system.
The Mayor’s report also touched upon the city’s cultural and developmental landscape, noting that since 2023, the administration has overseen the completion of over 5,000 playgrounds and 1,000 daycare centres to support working families and early childhood development.
