This book critically assesses the complex urban issues, planning challenges and development opportunities of rapidly growing cities, using Addis Ababa as a case study.

Mintesnot G. Woldeamanuel is a professor of Urban Studies and Planning at California State University Northridge (CSUN), USA.

1. Introduction: Understanding Addis Ababa through African Urbanization 2. Addis Ababa: A City of Opportunities and Challenges 3. Air and Noise Pollution: Existential Problems 4. Plastic Bottles: Plastic Problems 5. In Front of Our Eyes: Indigenous Knowledge and Practices 6. The Moving Coffin: Transportation in Addis Ababa 7. An Informal City: Slums and Squatters 8. The Condominium Boom: A Solution to the Housing Problem? 9. Squeezed: The Disappearance of Open Spaces and Neighborhood Parks 10. Street Vendors: The Hyper Informal Economy 11. The Gap: Social and Economic Inequality 12. Cultural Shift 13. Conclusion: Making and Remaking Addis Ababa