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News - Transport

Addis Ababa Redistributes Traffic Management Powers Across Three Municipal Agencies

Oct 23, 2026
Addis Ababa Redistributes Traffic Management Powers Across Three Municipal Agencies


  • 3 agencies — Addis Ababa redistributed traffic responsibilities among the Transport Bureau, Roads Authority and Transport Management Centre.

  • New proclamation — City Administration approved the restructuring of municipal executive powers and responsibilities.

  • Transport Bureau — Traffic management becomes a dedicated sector headed by a deputy bureau chief.

  • Roads Authority — Takes responsibility for traffic signage, speed humps and road-use permits.

  • Enforcement disruption — Institutional transition caused temporary gaps in traffic law enforcement over several days.

  • Heavy-duty trucks — Authorities observed vehicles exceeding speed limits and operating outside designated movement hours.

  • Traffic violations — Unpaid parking fees, illegal parking and failure to yield at pedestrian crossings were reported.

Market Impact

  • Transport regulation: The restructuring redistributes responsibilities previously handled by the Traffic Management Authority, establishing a new institutional framework for traffic management and road safety.

  • Freight and logistics: Reported violations involving heavy-duty trucks operating outside permitted hours highlight enforcement challenges affecting commercial vehicle movements within Addis Ababa.

  • Business operations: Parking fee enforcement, road-use permits and traffic compliance remain relevant to delivery operators, logistics companies and businesses operating commercial fleets.

  • Institutional coordination: The division of responsibilities among three agencies is intended to clarify regulatory functions and strengthen coordination, following temporary enforcement disruptions during the transition.

  • Road safety: The reported increase in parking violations, pedestrian right-of-way violations and speeding has prompted public calls for the restoration of effective traffic control.

Key Numbers

  • 3 agencies — Transport Bureau, Roads Authority and Transport Management Centre — institutions receiving redistributed responsibilities.

  • 1 deputy bureau chief — Leadership position for traffic management within the Transport Bureau — new administrative structure.

  • Several days — Reported enforcement disruption — transition-related operational gap.

  • October 22, 2026 — Publication date — announcement of the restructuring.

  • No financial figures disclosed — The report does not specify restructuring costs or budget allocations.

Business Signal

Addis Ababa's traffic management restructuring establishes a new division of regulatory responsibilities, making interagency coordination and consistent enforcement important for commercial transport operators and urban logistics businesses.