03/05/2026
HU-IoT hosts a seminar on “Transforming Cities in the Global South."
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May 2, 2026
Hawassa University Institute of Technology (HU-IoT) successfully organized a high-level seminar on Transforming Cities in the Global South: The Praxis of Corridor and Riverside Developments in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.
In his welcoming remarks, Dr. Mihret Dananto, the institute's scientific director, noted urbanization as one of the most defining trends of our time, especially across Africa, and mentioned the rapid transformation of Addis Ababa as a bold experiment in city planning through corridor development, which is normally a new and the only type in the world designed to modernize infrastructure, enhance urban mobility, and improve the quality of life for millions. He also added that Hawassa's city development is a blueprint for our own urban evolution, and this seminar provides a vital platform for academic reflection as we implement the third phase of the corridor project.
The seminar was officially opened by Dr. Tafesse Matewos, Vice President for Research and Collaboration at HU. In his opening speech, he stated that theories, mainly originating from the North, have dominated urban discourse in the global South for decades and highlighted the challenges facing our urban growth, which include climate vulnerabilities and infrastructure deficiencies that call for domestic, workable solutions. He described how such seminars bring solutions to the aforementioned problems and mentioned the Addis Ababa city experience as a unique living laboratory for these approaches. He also added that Hawassa University, as one of the pioneering public learning institutions in this country, significantly contributes to the development of this country; definitely, this agenda is very important not only for our staff but also for all students of urban planning, architecture, civil engineering, electrical engineering, and all of us.
The keynote speech was delivered by Dr.-Ing. Eshetayehu Kinfu, Head, Strategic Programs Management Office, Addis Ababa City Administration. In his keynote address titled “Praxis of Corridor and Riverside Developments in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia."
The seminar ended with a stimulating discussion and a question-and-answer segment, allowing participants to share their valuable insights.
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