Addis Ababa Government Should Introduce the Concept of Reclaiming Your Stake in Addis Ababa: A Bold Plan to Empower Property and Landowners Relocated-
PAUL DELKASO
PRESIDENT AND CEO TRISTAR AND TRITENTE GLOBAL ENERGY GROUP LLC. at TRISTAR AND TRITENTE GLOBAL ENERGY GROUP
Introduction
Addis Ababa stands at a pivotal moment in its history. While the city's skyline rises and its population grows, shadows of doubt have begun to loom over its development. Rumors and misconceptions about hidden agendas in land acquisitions have fueled unease among residents, leaving many displaced and /or relocated individuals feeling disconnected from the city they once called home. These concerns have also sparked international scrutiny, threatening to overshadow the city's transformative progress.
To address these fears and foster an inclusive, prosperous future, the Addis Ababa City Administration has an extraordinary opportunity to redefine urban development. By introducing the Reclaim Your Stake in Addis Ababa initiative, the government can empower property and landowners displaced and / or relocated by eminent domain through an innovative municipal bond program.
This bold concept provides fair and timely compensation in multiple forms: cash payments, free shares, and discounted Purchase option in municipal bonds, including access to tailored housing solutions. This approach ensures that displaced residents are not only financially compensated but remain stakeholders in the city's future growth. By involving affected individuals directly in Addis Ababa’s development, the administration can restore trust, honor the contributions of its people, and create a sense of belonging that transcends displacement.
Such an initiative would fund critical infrastructure projects while addressing public concerns, demonstrating transparency and fairness. It represents a transformative vision for a united and thriving Addis Ababa—one where no resident is left behind and every individual can proudly reclaim their stake in the city’s bright future. It’s time for the Addis Ababa government to lead with innovation and inclusivity, fostering a city where progress and equity walk hand in hand.
Why Municipal Bonds Are the Game-Changer Addis Ababa Needs:
Municipal bonds, already a proven tool for urban development worldwide, offer Addis Ababa a unique solution to fund critical infrastructure projects.
Here’s how:
Addis Ababa’s Current Financial Landscape In the 2023/24 budget year, the Addis Ababa City Administration generated 151 billion birr in taxes and revenue, supplemented by 5.2 billion birr from the central government. These figures highlight the city’s robust economic base and its potential to leverage municipal bonds for even greater impact.
Key Benefits for Land and Property Owners
Turning Skeptics into Advocates The city administration must address the growing skepticism around land use by demonstrating transparency and inclusivity:
The Bigger Picture: A United Vision for Addis Ababa Addis Ababa is not just Ethiopia’s capital; it is Africa’s diplomatic hub. The city hosts the African Union and countless international organizations, making it a symbol of unity and progress. To maintain this stature, Addis Ababa must invest in infrastructure that supports its residents and visitors alike, including:
The Role of Municipal Bonds in Silencing Rumors By implementing municipal bonds, Addis Ababa’s administration can silence the negative narratives circulating about land acquisition. Bonds show that the government values its citizens, their properties, and their contributions to the city’s identity.
This initiative also aligns with Ethiopia’s ongoing financial reforms, signaling to both local and international stakeholders that the government is committed to inclusive, transparent, and sustainable development.
Recommendations for Addis Ababa City Administration
A Call to Action-
Addis Ababa is more than Ethiopia's capital; it is a symbol of the nation’s progress and ambition. As the city transforms, it is vital that this growth reflects the aspirations and dignity of its people. A municipal bond initiative offers a groundbreaking solution—not just for funding infrastructure but for ensuring transparency, inclusivity, and shared prosperity.
This approach empowers landowners and property owners to remain integral to the city’s future, dispelling rumors of unfair development. It creates a win-win scenario: securing resources for modern infrastructure while allowing residents to share in the city’s economic success. By addressing urgent needs such as roads, water, sanitation, electricity, and housing, municipal bonds can cement Addis Ababa’s status as Africa’s diplomatic and economic hub.
Beyond physical development, this initiative fosters unity and trust, showing citizens and the world that Addis Ababa’s growth is driven by fairness and shared prosperity. It positions the city as a model for Ethiopia and Africa, proving that urban growth and community empowerment can go hand in hand.
This is Addis Ababa’s moment to lead with vision and innovation. Municipal bonds can pave the way for a future where every resident feels a deep connection to the city’s progress. Let’s seize this opportunity to build a capital that belongs to its people—a beacon of resilience, unity, and shared success on the global stage. Addis Ababa is ours, and it always will be.
http://delkaso.com
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9moRestoring citizens' confidence is crucial for successfully mobilizing funds through municipal bonds. Currently, policy uncertainties have significantly reduced property values in Addis Ababa. Bond investors require assurance and stability to consider investing in bonds issued by the Addis Ababa City Administration.
Master of Business Administration
9moFor whom city bond programme to be prepared? For few? may be for less than 100 riches? you have no idea what you are talking about? It might be work for countries who has fair wealth distribution. After all its a copy of colonialists era. What makes it differ is, undertaken by own citizens. It seems that a cleaning task for the coming IMF & WB sponsored colonials. We should learn from others history. Unhuman construction endeavor wont make a fruit.
strategist and planner at Department of Defence of South Africa
9moInteresting
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9moValuable insight !!!
Managing Director at CBS and Ethio Alliance Advocates LLP International Trade and Intellectual Property Consultant, helping companies in their cross border operations across Africa.
9moAlthough it is necessary to face lift our city and beautify it but the city should be about the people. If the displacement of society in the so called development agenda but lack the human element, the displaced part of society as a target is often threatening, placing them unfavorable place of choice,, ignore individual to express their emotions or desires in a safer or more acceptable manner is a disaster. No one denied our country to be beautiful looks like Metropolitan global city. However, if the development mis the mark of human element amount nothing. If we remember the colonial power developed many African countries infrastructure but under developed resident and displacement billions. At the end of their era the neglected population destroyed the infrastructure abd we all witnessed today. In our country that is what I see. Rooting people from their generational land and disempowering them cause more harm in society than help. Any development doesn't have humanity element is artifical which has no root in society to remain for centuries to be enjoyed. Today the harm caused in the so called development broke the nation spirit deep. It is Sad!