Addis Abeba Ranks Low in Global Habitability Standards

Aug 26 , 2023


[ssba-buttons]

Poverty, low system delivery and unconventional geopolitical locations have made habitation in Addis Abeba fragmented and inadequate, according to a study conducted by the African Cities Research Consortium (ACRC) and presented at the Hilton Hotel last week. The study was organised in partnership with the Forum for Social Studies (FSS). "It's one of the lowest in a global standard," said Tegegn Gebregzabher (Prof), a researcher at ACRC. The conflation of a poor electric grid and constant power outages (92pc), restricted transportation options, an underdeveloped road network at 3761kms with a road density of 13pc, and a total urban space of less than 10pc push the city's standing near the bottom of the global rankings in terms of habitability. The transportation system capacitates only half of the daily journeys where the current motorisation rate stands at 130 vehicles per 1,000 people. The report also shows that nearly 1.7 million people, 34pc of the city's residents, have a severe shortage of water supply receiving water in periodic shifts up to three days a week. Areas such as Gulele, Kolfe Keranio, Addis Ketema, and Arada were cited as districts where water shortage is prevalent. Overall health coverage stands around 76pc with most health facilities suffering from inadequate infrastructure, and shortages of medical supplies. In terms of education, the literacy rate stands at 80pc, where 20pc of the city's residents have at least completed a secondary level of education. Private educational institutions accounted for 76pc of KGs, 61pc of primary schools, 46pc of secondary schools, 51pc of preparatory schools, 50pc of TVETs, and 91pc of higher facilities. Sanitation is also a challenge where only 58.8pc of the city's residents live in poor sanitation and 80pc of residents live in slum areas with poor sanitation. The report also shows that 25pc of the generated waste is dumped without proper sorting mechanisms.


Radar

Fresh Push to Help Farmers Get Covered & Cash In

The Ministry of Agriculture has established the Rural Finance Service Unit (RFSU) to coordinate and expand agricultural insurance nationwide. Announced on Tuesday at the 2025 UNDP Financial Resilience in Agriculture Community of Practice forum (held at the UN Economic Commission for Africa headquarters), the RFSU is supported by UNDP, JICA, and other partners with funding from the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. Agriculture Minister Girma Amente (PhD) and State Minister Sofia Kassa attended...


Radar

Mission 300 Gains Momentum as Ethiopia Charts Path to Energy Equity

The Government has developed a National Energy Compact with the goal of achieving universal electricity access by 2030. The strategy, led by the Ministry of Water & Energy (MoWE), outlines Ethiopia's commitment to reaching 100pc energy access for its population within the next five years. According to State Minister for Energy Development Sector Sultan Woli, the compact was prepared in collaboration with key development partners, including the World Bank Group and the African Development...


Radar

Rammis Bank Commences Mobile Application, Card Banking Services

Rammis Bank has launched its mobile banking application and card services as part of its digital expansion drive. The "Rammis Mobile App" was officially introduced during a launch event held on Saturday at the Grand Eliana Hotel. The app allows users to transfer funds at any time, pay bills, top up mobile airtime, and send money to telebirr wallets for themselves or others. The newly introduced card service enables customers to withdraw cash from any ATM and make payments via Point of Sale (P...