Addis Ababa makes bid to become diplomatic hub

Ethiopia is engaging Chinese investors to build one of Africa’s largest conference facilities and strengthen its position as the continent’s diplomatic hub through the expansion of the Addis International Convention Center, or AICC.

The rollout, which underscores the deepening cooperation between Ethiopia and China in large-scale infrastructure and urban transformation, comes as part of the second phase of the convention center’s development, just over a year after it was inaugurated by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed in March last year.

According to Kirubel Kefyalew, deputy chief executive officer and chief marketing officer of AICC, the ambitious project is expected to begin within two years and be completed by 2032.

“At the heart of the expansion is a dome conference center designed to host more than 5,000 delegates and two additional exhibition halls, eight new meeting rooms and international standard office spaces,” he said.

The expansion builds on an already sizable complex that currently stands on 19 hectares of land and features two multipurpose halls, each accommodating more than 4,000 delegates, alongside eight flexible meeting spaces.

The convention center, in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia and the location of the African Union headquarters, features a 15,000-square-meter open-air amphitheater, enabling Ethiopia’s flagship convention center to host exhibitions and large outdoor events, supported by advanced digital infrastructure and integrated services.

An adjacent standard hotel apartment complex is also planned to accommodate the visiting delegates, conveniently located just a 15-minute drive from Addis Ababa’s Bole International Airport.

Kefyalew said Ethiopia is actively leveraging its long-standing ties with Chinese firms to deliver the project as scheduled.

“We are looking to work with Chinese companies to achieve this vision, building on successful cooperation in megaprojects such as the African Union complex, airport expansion and other major infrastructure developments in the country,” he said.

Recent urban renewal initiatives have further enhanced the city’s appeal, with improved road networks, pedestrian walkways, cycling lanes and expanded public spaces contributing to a more modern and accessible urban environment.

Strategic shift

The push for a state-of-the-art facility reflects a broader strategic shift by Ethiopia — from hosting diplomatic gatherings to becoming a competitive player in the global Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions, MICE, industry.

Kefyalew said the transition is expected to boost business tourism, generate foreign exchange and stimulate growth across hospitality and service sectors in the country located in the Horn of Africa.

“With these developments, Addis Ababa is steadily emerging not only as a gateway to Africa, but also as a leading destination for global conferences and exhibitions,” he said.

“The convention center itself is a product of this evolving cooperation, reflecting a wider trend of Chinese-backed projects across Africa that tie infrastructure development to trade expansion, diplomatic engagement and urban modernization,” Kefyalew said, adding that Ethiopian officials are engaging Chinese business leaders for cooperation in expanding the convention center.

Since the inauguration of the AICC, Kefyalew said the venue has hosted eight major national and international events, marking an early step toward establishing Addis Ababa as a premier conference destination.

Authorities say the venue is designed to host high-level summits, trade fairs, corporate meetings and cultural events, supported by facilities such as VIP lounges, media and translation centers breakout rooms and enhanced digital connectivity.

Strategically located in Addis Ababa, the convention center complements the city’s unique diplomatic profile, which hosts the African Union and the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa, giving it a natural advantage in attracting international conferences and policy forums.

With the planned expansion, Ethiopia’s capital is positioning itself to compete with established African MICE destinations such as Cape Town and Johannesburg in South Africa, Nairobi in Kenya and Kigali in Rwanda, to hold global events.

victor@chinadailyafrica.com