In the bustling heart of Addis Ababa, a new light rail system, the first of its kind in Sub-Saharan Africa, has been making waves—not just in the city’s daily commute, but also in the realm of urban planning and infrastructure financing. The Addis Ababa Light Rail Transit (AALRT), financed significantly by China, has sparked a debate that transcends the city’s boundaries, offering crucial insights for African cities grappling with similar transport infrastructure deficits.
The research, led by Guibo Sun from the Department of Planning, Property and Environmental Management at The University of Manchester, UK, delves into the long-term impacts of infrastructure financing and planning on urban mobility. The study, published in the journal ‘Transportation Research Interdisciplinary Perspectives’ (which translates to ‘Transportation Research: Interdisciplinary Perspectives’), employs network analysis and open data to quantify changes in connectivity before and after the new light rail transit. It also uses statistical models to assess the impact on network-wide traffic congestion.
The findings reveal that political ambitions and budget constraints led to the decision to construct a long, segregated track, eliminating multiple level crossings. This resulted in extensive road closures, narrowing of arterial roads, and reduction of intersections in the city’s development corridors. “The increased network detour and heavier traffic highlight that the new rail transit might have decreased the overall travel efficiency,” Sun explains.
The study underscores how funding arrangements, particularly China’s loans, have shaped the physical form and connectivity of Addis Ababa’s light rail. It offers important lessons for other African cities, recommending measures such as improving elevated crossings, integrating bus networks, and prioritizing long-term maintenance to address current challenges.
The research also exposes a crucial tension between ambitious development goals and sustainable urban mobility in developing countries. As African cities continue to grow and evolve, the lessons from Addis Ababa’s light rail experience could significantly shape future developments in the field. For the energy sector, this research underscores the importance of considering the broader commercial impacts of infrastructure projects, including their effects on urban mobility and connectivity.
In the words of Sun, “This study is not just about Addis Ababa; it’s about the future of urban mobility in African cities. It’s about ensuring that our infrastructure serves us, not the other way around.” As cities across the continent look to China and other international partners for infrastructure financing, the lessons from Addis Ababa’s light rail experience will be invaluable in navigating the complex landscape of urban development.