The Addis International Convention Center (AICC), a state-of-the-art facility in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, has been completed with an investment surpassing 28 billion ETB. This mega project aims to position Ethiopia as a premier destination for global conferences, trade fairs, and high-profile events.
According to AICC Chief Executive Officer Sisay Gemechu, more than 22 billion ETB of the total investment came from shareholders’ capital. The convention center is expected to drive economic growth by boosting tourism, attracting international business, and creating employment opportunities in Ethiopia’s event management, hospitality, and service industries.
A Hub for International Events and Business
The AICC is designed to meet international standards for event hosting, offering a highly modernized infrastructure that can accommodate a diverse range of gatherings, from diplomatic summits and corporate meetings to cultural exhibitions and trade fairs.
The facility is one of the largest of its kind in East Africa and provides comprehensive services to event organizers and attendees.
World-Class Facilities & Features
- Two Grand Conference Halls: Each can host between 3,000 to 4,000 attendees, making them ideal for large-scale summits, corporate events, and government conferences.
- Eight Additional Meeting Rooms: Designed to accommodate a variety of smaller discussions, workshops, and breakout sessions, allowing for up to 10,000 participants in total.
- Luxury Hotels & Accommodation: The convention center is surrounded by six buildings converted into high-end hotels, providing over 1,000 rooms for international and local guests.
- Expansive Exhibition Grounds: A dedicated outdoor space that can host up to 50,000 visitors, tailored for trade fairs, cultural exhibitions, and business expos.
- State-of-the-Art Business and Retail Spaces: With 50 commercial outlets, the facility offers office spaces, banks, restaurants, and high-end retail shops, ensuring convenience for attendees.
- Ample Parking Space: A 2,000-vehicle capacity parking lot, designed to accommodate the high volume of traffic expected for major events.
Strategic Location and Economic Impact
The AICC is strategically located next to Lemi Park, Addis Ababa’s second-largest public square after Meskel Square. This positioning enhances its accessibility and integrates it into the city’s broader economic and social infrastructure.
The development of the AICC aligns with Ethiopia’s economic vision to become a leading player in Africa’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. With modern infrastructure, Ethiopia can compete with other African nations in attracting international summits, corporate events, and cultural exchanges.
Immediate Bookings & Future Prospects
Demand for the Addis International Convention Center is already high. Within the next three to four months, 10 major institutions have secured reservations for international conferences, diplomatic meetings, and corporate events.
The center is expected to serve as a key hub for business, trade, and cultural diplomacy, solidifying Ethiopia’s role as an attractive destination for international collaborations.
As the AICC begins operations, it is poised to transform Ethiopia’s hospitality, tourism, and business sectors, making Addis Ababa a global hub for high-profile gatherings and a gateway for international engagement in East Africa.
