PM Abiy inaugurates renovated Africa Hall

Addis Ababa, October 21, 2024 (FBC) – Africa Hall, the iconic birthplace of the Organization of African Unity inaugurated this afternoon after being transformed into a 21st-century conference centre and museum.

The iconic venue was inaugurated in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres, African Union Commission Chairperson Mr. Moussa Faki Mahamat, the Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Africa Mr. Claver Gatete, other UN and AU senior officials and guests.

In his keynote speech, Prime Minister Abiy congratulated all Africans on this momentous occasion of the unveiling of the newly minted Africa Hall.

“f walls and corridors could speak, they would echo tales of a historic past filled with many continental victories and troubles,” he underscored.

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 of Ethiopia, 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.