Addis Ababa Reclaims 900 Parking Spaces as City Targets Traffic Relief

Mintesinot Nigussie

The Addis Ababa Traffic Management Authority has restored more than 900 basement parking spaces across the capital that had been diverted to other uses. The reclaimed spaces were identified in all 11 sub-cities as part of an enforcement campaign targeting buildings that had repurposed designated parking areas.

The authority said the effort is part of a broader push to ease traffic flow by ensuring existing infrastructure is used for its intended purpose rather than relying solely on new construction. In parallel, it has taken over the management of more than 400 roadside parking sites, including 416 facilities developed over the past five years.

Officials added that more than 400 buildings remain under partial compliance, with parking spaces only partly used for vehicles, indicating that further enforcement actions are expected. The initiative is also creating employment, with 416 associations organised to manage parking services, providing jobs for more than 4,000 young people.

Under the arrangement, operators collect service fees and share revenues with the government under a 70 to 30 model, contributing to municipal income while supporting youth employment. The authority emphasised that the crackdown aims to reduce congestion by making better use of existing parking facilities.

The move addresses a long-standing issue in Addis Ababa where many buildings converted basement parking into commercial or residential space, worsening traffic problems in the city centre. Drivers and commuters are expected to benefit from increased availability of formal parking spaces.

The Traffic Management Authority said the campaign will continue, with additional inspections planned to ensure compliance across the capital. The restored spaces are already being integrated into the city’s formal parking management system.

Businesses operating in the city centre and logistics sectors are likely to see improved access and reduced delays due to better parking availability. The initiative is part of a wider urban mobility strategy to ease congestion in one of Africa’s fastest-growing capitals.

Overall, the reclamation of 900 parking spaces demonstrates the city administration’s commitment to tackling traffic congestion through enforcement and better utilisation of existing infrastructure.