Friendship Park Generates Nearly 1 Billion Birr in Four Years

August 12, 2026
By Mintesinot Nigussie

Friendship Park, one of Addis Ababa’s flagship public spaces, has generated nearly one billion birr in revenue over the past four years, turning a recreational facility in the centre of the capital into a significant source of economic activity.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) said the park has also created direct and indirect employment opportunities and attracted families, children, sports groups, wedding parties, digital-content creators and domestic and foreign visitors in a post on his social media account.

Abiy said Friendship Park is among the first multi-purpose public facilities developed by his administration over the past eight years. Beyond its commercial role, the park provides space for recreation, physical exercise and social interaction.

Its mix of uses reflects the changing role of public spaces in Addis Ababa, where parks and other urban facilities are increasingly being developed as destinations for both leisure and economic activity.

Abiy said Friendship Park demonstrates how well-planned public facilities can contribute to the city’s urban development while bringing together people from different sections of society. He cited the park as a model for similar facilities being developed in Addis Ababa and other Ethiopian cities.

The prime minister said the new public spaces are intended to create economic value and opportunities while giving residents places in which they can gather and engage.

The nearly one billion birr figure refers to revenue generated over four years. No breakdown was provided of the park’s revenue streams, operating costs or profitability.

Source: FSX Business News