Ambitious Housing Delivery Programme Transforms Ethiopia’s Cities

 

The housing programme is transforming Ethiopia's cities, especially Addis Ababa. Photo: William Cobbett/Cities Alliance

[9 July 2012] -- Faced with a massive housing shortage, the Government of Ethiopia is undertaking a bold programme that is transforming housing delivery in the country.

 

Although it is one of the least urbanised countries in the world, Ethiopia’s urban population is growing at the high rate of 4.3 per cent as a result of high natural growth and rural-to-urban migration. Over 50 per cent of all Ethiopians are under the age of 18.

 

Cities, especially the capital of Addis Ababa, have struggled to keep up with the demand for housing. A severe backlog in housing supply has driven up rental and property prices, making it very difficult to find affordable housing. As a result, more tha