About Us

The history of road construction in Addis Ababa is said to have begun in 1902 G.C. with the construction of the road connecting Addis Alem Palace and Menelik Palace in Addis Ababa.

Road construction that started in this manner took on a modern form during the reign of Emperor Haile Selassie I.

Recognizing that roads are a sign of civilization, and as the economic, political, and social activities of the city continued to grow over time, the Emperor organized a Public Works Department under the Municipality. This made it possible to guide and manage road construction activities in the city in an organized manner.

To provide a lasting solution to Addis Ababa’s road problems, the Road Construction Department, which had previously been under the Addis Ababa City Works and Urban Development Bureau, was re‑established as an independent institution called the Addis Ababa City Roads Authority. It was established on April 1998 G.C. in accordance with Regulation No. 7/1998 and set up to be administered by a board.

Subsequently, based on periodic revisions made by the Addis Ababa City Administration Council, the Authority has been assigned various duties and responsibilities and continues to operate accordingly.

Currently, following the reorganization of executive institutions of the Addis Ababa City Administration under Proclamation No. 84/2023 issued by the City Council, the Authority is one of the reorganized institutions. It is a governmental body responsible for planning and implementing short, medium, and long‑term plans to carry out major functions such as road construction, maintenance, and administration.