Ethiopia

Ethiopia’s Climate Resilient Transport Sector Strategy calls for “an affordable, integrated, safe, responsive and sustainable transport system that enhances the environmental, economic, social and cultural well-being of Ethiopia’s population."

 

Background

Although Ethiopia is one of the least urbanised countries in the Sub-Saharan African region, urbanisation is increasing rapidly. The Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia has an estimated population of 99 million, a number that is expected to grow to 122 million by 2030[1], with 21% of this population living in urban areas. According to the 2015 Ethiopia Urbanisation Review[2], the rate of urbanisation will be even faster, at about 5.4% a year. With cities undergoing such rapid population and economic growth, urban transport infrastructure services are essential to improve mobility and enhance access to opportunities. Walking remains the dominant mode of transport in Ethiopia, including Addis Ababa where walking accounts for 54% of all travel. Citizens here are particularly vulnerable to transport service and management problems, with severe consequences mostly felt by the urban poor.

Challenges

Like many African countries, despite walking being the dominant mode of transport, the design of Ethiopian cities is largely car centered. Many streets lack continuous walkways and safe facilities for cycling. The available footpaths are not wide enough to accommodate the growing pedestrian volumes and some are inaccessible to people with disabilities. Challenges of encroachment of NMT facilities by vendors and private vehicles due to poor enforcement of rules have forced pedestrians to walk in the carriageway. Ethiopian roads are also unsafe for vulnerable road users. According to the World Health Organization’s Global Status Report on Road Safety (2018)[3] road traffic deaths in Ethiopia occur at a rate of 27 per 100,000 population, with pedestrian and cyclists being the most affected.

Successes

The government of Ethiopia has demonstrated commitment to adopting a more equitable approach that addresses the mobility needs of all citizens. In June 2020, the Ministry of Transport, with the support of UNEP Share the Road Programme, UN Habitat, and ITDP, launched the Non-Motorized Transport Strategy 2020-2029, a national policy designed to promote walking and cycling as a key mode of transport. The Vision of the Strategy is that ‘Ethiopian cities and rural centres will provide safe, efficient, and accessible walking and cycling networks to improve mobility for all residents, enhance access to opportunities, and facilitate inclusive urbanisation.’

The Strategy includes several ambitious goals. By the end of the decade, the National Government aims to build nearly 430km of pedestrian infrastructure and more than 300km of cycling tracks across Ethiopia’s secondary cities, with 600km of walkways and 200km of cycling lanes in the capital of Addis Ababa. The national NMT Strategy is accompanied by a three-year implementation plan that will guide annual planning activities and NMT facility investments.

Ethiopian communities, through their government support, have also started an Open Streets Movement called Menged Le Sew, meaning, “Streets for the People.”  This is a monthly initiative that aims to tackle some of the consequences of rapid urbanization in Ethiopia by focusing on the importance of healthy active living, sustainable mobility, social cohesion and safe streets. Car-free days play an important role in shifting the mindsets of citizens and policy makers. Menged Le Sew aims to keep people walking while influencing collective behaviour and driving sustainable urban design and inclusive transport planning.