Addis Ababa, October 21, 2024 (FBC) – After years of intensive renovations, Africa Hall, the iconic birthplace of the Organization of African Unity is set to be inaugurated this afternoon after being transformed into a 21st-century conference centre and museum.
The iconic venue will be inaugurated in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, other UN and AU senior officials and guests.
Following the inauguration, there will be side events culminating with UN Day on 24 October.
The historic Africa Hall is one of Addis Ababa’s landmarks. Inaugurated in 1961 by H.I.M. Emperor Haile Selassie, Africa Hall has been host to numerous meetings and African Heads of State’s decisions, among which was the adoption of the Charter of the Organization of African Unity (OAU). This has been immortalized by the artwork located within the Africa Hall, depicting the founding fathers of the OAU.
The 150-square meter stained glass window in the foyer of Africa Hall was designed by the world-famous Ethiopian Artist, Maître Afework Tekle. The artwork, divided into three parts, tells the story of “Africa Then”, “Africa Then and Now”, and “Africa Now and in the Future”.
Africa Hall has undergone massive renovation in order to transform it into a state-of-the-art conference venue as well as a museum.
Following its inauguration later today, Africa Hall is expected to be one of the most visited places in Addis Ababa.