The Importance of Cultural Preservation within African Development Efforts: The Case of Fendika

Ethiopia’s economic growth-centered urban planning policies have led to the undervaluation and destruction of cultural and creative spaces, making way for large-scale development projects. One of the most striking examples is that of Fendika Cultural Centre in Kazanchis, which was demolished in late 2024 as part of a corridor development initiative under Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (Wood). 

 Over the past few years, numerous long-standing night life businesses and residential homes in the area have also been forcibly removed due to rising land valuations and redevelopment efforts. Fendika was the last arts and night life space standing before the final demolition of the area took place in late fall 2024. Current FDI and luxury tourism focused developments are potentially destroying not only the cultural space but the growth of cultural arts in Ethiopia, which are also places of peace, collaboration, and community even amid the country’s ongoing ethnic tensions (Tasew). 

For years, Fendika was more than just a venue. It was a hub for music, dance, and visual arts that brought thousands of guests annually to celebrate Ethiopia’s 80+ ethnic groups in cultural arts. In a country where cultural and ethnic divisions often drive conflict, spaces like Fendika provided a rare opportunity for unity through the arts.  

Fendika’s founder, Melaku Belay, has long been a global advocate for Ethiopian arts. In fact, he was invited to speak at the United Nations Summit of the Future, to represent Ethiopia’s civil society in discussions of arts fostering peace and humanitarian efforts (Belay). Yet, despite Fendika’s global reputation, the government moved forward with the demolition. 

For now, Fendika has found a temporary home at the Hyatt Hotel in Addis Ababa. However, the loss of its original space raises bigger questions about Ethiopia’s approach to urban planning. The government’s redevelopment projects often prioritize economic growth mirroring that of the Arab Emirates, over its own African cultural preservation (Wood). The lack of valuation is leading to erasure whereas preservation of these creative spaces can help shape identity, promote dialogue, and contribute to peacebuilding. 

Furthermore, Ethiopian art, music, and film have the potential to gain global recognition. Jazz legends like Mulatu Astatke have already demonstrated this, and the Ethiopian diaspora continues to elevate the country’s cultural presence abroad. However, as Ethiopia's cities are reshaped by neoclassical economic development priorities, local artists are losing the vital spaces they need to grow, periling the ongoing flourishment the country’s creative industries. 

Mekonnen et al. argue that heritage preservation should not just focus on protecting artifacts but should also support the social and cultural processes that keep traditions alive. They call for a shift away from “object-oriented conservation and preservation practices” toward an approach that views heritage as a living, evolving part of society (Mekonnen et al.). Ethiopia’s modernization efforts do not have to come at the cost of its creative spaces. 

The loss of Fendika is a reminder that cultural preservation must be part of urban planning. Ethiopia’s modernization efforts do not have to come at the cost of its creative spaces. Instead of viewing cultural institutions as obstacles to progress, they should be recognized as essential to the country’s social and economic future.  

By Halima Meyers

Works cited 

Belay, Melaku. “About Melaku.” Fendika Cultural Center, https://fendika.org/about-melaku. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025. 

Mekonnen, Kidanemariam, et al. "Rethinking Cultural Heritage Preservation: A Social Constructivist Approach." Heritage Science, vol. 10, 2022, pp. 1-14. https://www.nature.com/articles/s40494-022-00802-6. 

Tasew, Bayleyegn. "Peacemaking Through Creative Placemaking in Ethiopia’s Urban Planning Policies." Journal of African Environmental Law and Culture, vol. 5, no. 2, 2023, pp. 45-62. http://ejol.aau.edu.et/index.php/JAELC/article/view/1720/1364. 

Wood, Tom. “In Addis Ababa, a Neighborhood Makes Way for Urban Transformation.” The Christian Science Monitor, 6 Jan. 2025, https://www.csmonitor.com/World/Africa/2025/0106/addis-ababa-abiy-ahmed-kazanchis-demolition-urban-transformation.