Ethiopia has inaugurated the Addis International Convention Center (AICC) in Addis Ababa, a state-of-the-art facility designed to host global and domestic events. The center features two five-star hotels, conference halls, and extensive amenities, positioning the capital as a major hub for international gatherings.
Spanning 40 hectares, the newly built convention center is the largest in Ethiopia. It includes two luxury hotels with a combined capacity of over 1,000 rooms, multiple restaurants, a gym, and various recreational facilities. Additionally, it boasts an open-air event space covering 15,000 square meters and more than 2,000 parking spots.
The AICC houses two large halls capable of accommodating between 3,000 and 4,000 attendees each, along with eight smaller meeting rooms, allowing for a total capacity of up to 10,000 participants. The government envisions the center as a key asset for attracting international conferences, trade fairs, and exhibitions that connect African markets.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed attended the inauguration alongside senior officials. Commenting on the development, he stated, “The Addis International Convention Center, which we inaugurated today, is a critical piece of infrastructure that will expand our nation’s capacity to host large-scale conferences and exhibitions.”
Authorities anticipate that the facility will boost economic activity by generating foreign currency and creating job opportunities. The site is currently linked to Lemi Park, with ongoing road construction expected to provide direct access to the airport, enhancing connectivity for international visitors.
As Ethiopia seeks to establish Addis Ababa as a leading destination for global events, the Addis International Convention Center stands as the country’s first major public-private partnership in this sector, signaling a step forward in its development strategy