Sheger Park Friendship Square: A Bright Beacon of Green Development Cooperation Between China and Ethiopia
By Wan Yu, Ren Yan, and Huang Peizhao
The once-neglected riverbanks have transformed into vibrant green spaces, and the previously polluted waters now glisten clean and clear. People gather at the Friendship Square in Sheger Park, located in the capital city of Addis Ababa, to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful surroundings. Local residents are praising the square for enhancing the city’s landscape, promoting green, low-carbon development, and enriching the cultural lives of the citizens. It stands as a remarkable example of Ethiopia and China’s collaboration in green development.
“I have witnessed the historic changes here.”
As you approach Friendship Square, the bold Chinese characters reading “Friendship Square” catch your eye against a striking red background. Once inside, you’re embraced by lush greenery, where trees are abundant and grass is thriving, giving a refreshing sense of stepping into a natural oasis. The square is built on a hillside, with sinuous flowerbed designs gracefully swaying in the breeze. From the spacious mid-level plaza, you can gaze over the central business district, while a man-made lake at the base sparkles under the sun, reflecting the blue sky, white clouds, and colorful plant life.
Early in the morning, many residents come to jog, including Segnet, who told us, “The environment is beautiful, and the air is fresh—it’s an ideal spot for outdoor relaxation and exercise.” Bekele shared that she walks here with her family and enjoys the flowers and green spaces, which bring her joy and peace. “My home is near this park, and I have witnessed the historic changes it has undergone,” the taxi driver Henock explained. He recalled that a small river used to flow through the area but had turned into a dumping ground due to rapid urban development, filled with waste and debris, forcing many nearby residents to relocate.
To address this situation, the Ethiopian government launched the “Beautify the Capital” initiative, prioritizing the environmental restoration of the Addis Ababa riverbanks. China provided strong support, with the riverbank green development project becoming a key component of the “Green Development” action plan at the 2018 Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation. Friendship Square, an essential part of this project, began construction in October 2019 by China Communications Construction Company Limited (CCCC). It officially opened to the public in September 2020, becoming a flagship project under the high-quality China-Ethiopia partnership in the Belt and Road Initiative.
“Technological support ensures green construction and generates environmental benefits.”
According to Tao Hong, head of CCCC’s East Africa Regional Center, Addis Ababa is perched at an elevation of 2,400 meters in the East African Highlands, making it vulnerable to climate change and suffering from a fragile ecosystem. The Friendship Square project involved over 20 different types of engineering, making it challenging to reduce the impact on the local environment during construction. The project team overcame obstacles such as logistical constraints and unfavorable weather, transforming what was once a barren riverbank into a contemporary urban landmark within just 11 months.
“Technological support guarantees green construction and produces positive environmental outcomes,” said Tao. To address the river’s sewage issues and ensure sustainable water quality, CCCC introduced numerous new materials and techniques tailored to local conditions, some of which are being used for the first time in Ethiopia and even in all of East Africa. The project team also managed 1.2 kilometers of river rehabilitation and constructed a semi-underground sewage treatment plant, optimizing land use while increasing efficiency compared to traditional facilities, marking a shift toward high-quality, efficient, and eco-friendly sewage management.
Wang He, Deputy General Manager of CCCC’s East Africa Regional Center, explained that while Addis Ababa serves as a habitat for many wildlife species, the dry season from September to May poses significant challenges for their survival. The project took these dry conditions into account by creating a man-made lake to alleviate drought effects and introduced waterproof, breathable new materials during construction. This innovation significantly extended the lake’s longevity while ensuring the normal functioning of its micro-ecosystem. Now, even during prolonged dry spells, wildlife has a safe haven, supporting nearly 100 bird species in the area.
“Experience advanced Chinese garden culture and green development concepts.”
Friendship Square is not only attracting tourists from within Ethiopia and abroad, but it has also drawn numerous investors to the local cultural tourism industry. During construction, the project directly employed nearly 2,500 local workers and indirectly benefited various sectors, including nurseries and stone companies. Currently, the park management, dining, and landscaping services at Friendship Square have created over 300 job opportunities for the local community.
“Ethiopians take great pride in it!” said Ethiopian President Sahle-Work Zewde, who described Friendship Square as a “national landmark project.” Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed personally awarded certificates of honor to Chinese companies that made significant contributions to the project’s construction. During a recent African Union meeting, he warmly invited representatives from African nations to visit Friendship Square. The square has also become a key stop for many foreign leaders visiting Ethiopia, and the project received the prestigious China Construction Engineering Luban Award for overseas projects. Inspired by the success of Friendship Square, the Ethiopian government is planning to build three similar parks in the Oromia, Amhara, and Southern regions.
Fikre, a senior employee at CCCC’s East Africa Regional Center who grew up in Addis Ababa, shared that due to rapid population growth, the city has become a concrete jungle in recent years. “Friendship Square has reversed this trend, and Addis Ababa is becoming ‘greener,'” he stated. “Friendship Square symbolizes the cooperation and friendship between our two countries,” echoed journalist Gilma Mirghissa from the Ethiopian News Agency. “People come to Friendship Square not only to relax and enjoy nature but also to appreciate Chinese garden culture and the advanced concepts of green development.”
