Visitors Praise Addis Ababa’s Rapid Modernization, City Upgrades
African youth delegates visiting Addis Ababa for a capacity-building program praised the city's rapid infrastructure development and urban modernization. Participants noted that their firsthand experience in Ethiopia challenged their previous perceptions of the region.
Why it matters
Positive perceptions of urban development in African capitals are significant for regional integration and the promotion of intra-continental tourism and cooperation.
አማርኛ ትግርኛ Afaan Oromoo Af‑Soomaali Qafar Afa English Français عربي Politics Social Economy Sport Technology Environment Feature Videos About Us Visitors Praise Addis Ababa’s Rapid Modernization, City Upgrades 🔇Unmute Addis Ababa, August 31, 2026 (ENA) — African visitors expressed admiration for Addis Ababa's infrastructure, modern urban landscape, and warm hospitality, stating their experience far exceeded expectations.
The visitors were in the Ethiopian capital from August 25 to 28 for the Continental Youth Capacity Building Programme on African Union Shared Values Instruments.
For many, the event offered a firsthand opportunity to experience Ethiopia and contrast popular outside perceptions with the reality on the ground.
Nigerian participant Ekejiuba Daberechi, who visited Addis Ababa for the first time, said he was particularly impressed by the hospitality and warmth of the people.
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