Addis Ababa has seen a remarkable transformation over the past year. A city once marked by unregulated growth and deteriorating infrastructure is now being reshaped through an ambitious urban renewal program. Neighborhoods that previously had the appearance of shanty towns have been transformed into areas that convey a feeling of modernism. Newly paved roads, the addition of green spaces, and upgraded public infrastructure have turned many parts of the city into more organized and visually appealing spaces.
Beyond the physical appearance of the city, the overall cleanliness of Addis Ababa has also improved. Sweeping campaigns and enhanced street cleaning efforts have created a visible difference. However, beneath this surface-level change lies a critical and often overlooked issue: the city’s approach to garbage handling and broader sanitation.
While the streets may appear cleaner, the underlying systems for waste management remain woefully inadequate for a capital city that is growing in both size and complexity. The garbage collection system is inconsistent, and the existing infrastructure is not equipped to handle the increasing volumes of waste generated by a rapidly urbanizing population.
One of the most urgent concerns is the future of the city’s primary landfill site at Qoshe. This landfill has been the central waste disposal site for decades and is overburdened. The tragic landslide at Qoshe in 2017, which killed more than 100 people, served as a painful reminder of the consequences of neglecting waste management.
Despite some improvements since that disaster, including the establishment of a waste-to-energy plant that converts the garbage into power, Addis Ababa still lacks a clear long-term strategy for waste disposal. With a growing population, expanding commercial activity, and rising consumerism, the volume of solid waste is set to increase further. Without a comprehensive and forward-looking waste management plan, the city remains vulnerable to another avoidable crisis.
Addis Ababa must begin to look outward and learn from cities that have successfully tackled similar challenges. In Sweden, for instance, less than one percent of household waste ends up in landfills. This is achieved through a combination of waste-to-energy incineration, robust recycling programs, and public education.
Waste is not simply discarded—it is transformed into electricity and heating. Singapore, another global leader in waste management, has implemented a tightly regulated system with centralized waste disposal facilities, frequent collection services, and severe penalties for littering and illegal dumping. These efforts are supported by a strong culture of civic responsibility and public awareness campaigns. Cities like Kigali have gained recognition for cleanliness and order, thanks in part to regular community clean-up days and stringent waste regulations that are actively enforced.
Drawing from these examples, Addis Ababa could pursue a hybrid approach. A combination of decentralized composting and recycling programs, investment in waste-to-energy technologies, and improved waste sorting could significantly reduce the burden on landfills like Qoshe. But beyond infrastructure, it’s about creating a culture that values cleanliness and collective responsibility. Public awareness campaigns, civic education in schools, and regular community clean-up efforts could foster this culture in the long term.
In the short term, there are more practical steps the city administration can take. For instance, dustbins are rarely available in public spaces throughout Addis Ababa. This leads to littering and unsanitary conditions, especially in busy areas like markets and transport hubs.
A citywide policy requiring businesses within a 500-meter radius to install standardized waste bins could be a game changer. The city could provide these bins at a subsidized rate, with strict standards for maintenance and waste segregation. Incentives could be offered for businesses that comply, while penalties could be levied on those that don’t. Kigali implemented similar rules to great effect, establishing one of Africa’s cleanest urban environments.
The issue of public sanitation goes beyond waste collection. The availability and quality of public restrooms in Addis Ababa remain grossly inadequate. In a city of millions, finding a clean, safe, and accessible public toilet is often a challenge. This is not just a matter of comfort—it’s a public health issue.
The Clean Ethiopia Initiative, which aims to construct modern, dignified public restrooms across the city, is a commendable step. These facilities are crucial for sanitation, particularly for women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities. However, the high cost of constructing large, permanent restrooms in every neighborhood makes it difficult to scale this initiative quickly.
In high-density areas like Merkato, one of the busiest commercial districts in East Africa, the sanitation challenges are acute. The lack of accessible restrooms contributes not only to unsanitary conditions but also to serious health risks. Health centers in the area report increasing cases of kidney problems and urinary tract infections, particularly among street vendors and others who work long hours without access to sanitation.
In such environments, the Clean Ethiopia Initiative must adapt. Rather than large, centralized restroom facilities, mobile or modular toilets might be more suitable. These can be deployed quickly, maintained at lower costs, and relocated as needed. Container-based sanitation systems—used successfully in cities like Nairobi and Cape Town—could offer a scalable and affordable solution.
Financing these initiatives will require creative approaches. One promising idea is the introduction of a fixed tourist sanitation tax, a small fee added to hotel bills or tourist services that would be earmarked for sanitation infrastructure. Cities such as Amsterdam and Barcelona have implemented similar taxes to fund public services, including waste management and tourism-related infrastructure. A modest levy in Addis Ababa, if well managed, could generate significant revenue. It could be administered through the Ministry of Tourism in collaboration with city authorities, ensuring transparency and accountability in the use of funds.
Additionally, the private sector has a role to play. The city could create public-private partnerships to manage waste collection zones, maintain public restrooms, or invest in recycling centers. Incentives such as tax breaks or branding opportunities could encourage private firms to participate. This would not only relieve the city of some financial burden but also bring in expertise, innovation, and efficiency from the private sector.
