Resource information
The urban population in Ethiopia is
increasing rapidly. If managed proactively, urban population
growth presents a huge opportunity to shift the structure
and location of economic activity from rural agriculture to
the larger and more diversified urban industrial and service
sectors. If not managed proactively, rapid urban population
growth may pose a demographic challenge as cities struggle
to provide jobs, infrastructure and services, and housing.
The central challenge for the Ethiopian Government is to
make sure that cities are attractive places in which to work
and live, while fostering smart urbanization. Making
urbanization a national priority will accelerate Ethiopia’s
progress towards reaching middle-income status. The
government has already taken steps to make evidence-based,
informed decisions for well-managed urban growth, and this
report aims to contribute to those efforts.
