ADDIS ABABA – Foreigners who have previously visited Addis Ababa are witnessing a striking transformation in the city upon their return, with significant urban developments leaving lasting impressions. Among them is Professor David Francis, former Foreign Affairs Minister of Sierra Leone and Chairman of the Global Black History, Heritage, and Education Center Board, who shared his amazement at the city’s growth during his recent visit.

According to Ethiopian News Agency, who visited Addis Ababa a year ago, the changes in the city were unexpected. “By night, Addis Ababa felt like a vibrant city akin to Shanghai,” he said, describing the transformation as a symbol of African progress. His sentiments were echoed by other returning foreign visitors, including Professor Wang Jingping, an architecture expert from South East University in China, who praised the city’s infrastructure, parks, and modern buildings.

First-time visitors also noted the city’s development. Dr. Sina Schlemmer, a researcher on urban development from a global collaboration institute in France, said Addis Ababa exceeded her expectations. Drawing comparisons to Paris, she remarked on the city’s sustainable growth and ongoing urban development efforts. Schlemmer expressed optimism about Addis Ababa’s future, stating, “If it continues on this path, it will soon reach the level it aspires to.”

The city’s recent hosting of the African Cities Forum showcased its urban planning and development initiatives, impressing both returning and new visitors alike.