PM Abiy Ahmed inaugurates Addis Int’l Convention Center, Ethiopia’s largest

Addis Ababa, March 1, 2025 (FMC) — Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) inaugurated the Addis International Convention Center (AICC), the largest of its kind in Ethiopia, this evening in a ceremony attended by senior government officials, religious fathers, and other dignitaries.

In his remarks at the event, PM Abiy Ahmed stated that AICC is a demonstration that Ethiopia is a country that can be a model for innovation.

The grand inauguration of the Addis International Convention Center (AICC) today marks a major development for Ethiopia’s conference and tourism sectors.

As the largest convention center in the country, AICC represents a significant leap in the nation’s efforts to revitalize its Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) industry. While the center was largely built by the government, the private sector also contributed to its development, emphasizing the importance of public-private collaboration in advancing Ethiopia’s global standing.

The opening of the AICC is a clear demonstration of the Ethiopian government’s commitment to strengthening its position as a leading destination for international conferences and events. With Ethiopia hosting a growing number of major global conferences, this new facility is set to play a pivotal role in attracting even more high-profile gatherings.

Covering an expansive 40-hectare area, the AICC is equipped with modern facilities designed to accommodate both large-scale international conferences and national events. The center features two enormous halls, each capable of hosting between 3,000 to 4,000 people. Additionally, there are eight medium and small-sized meeting rooms, which together can cater to a total of 10,000 people.

Notably, the center houses two hotels with a combined capacity of 1,000 rooms to provide comfortable accommodations for the growing number of conference attendees. The venue also offers an extensive outdoor exhibition space, capable of hosting up to 50,000 people, making it one of the largest venues of its kind in Africa.

Other key features include two amphitheaters, two shopping malls, and a wide array of services such as restaurants, commercial shops, banks, and more. The AICC also boasts a parking lot with the capacity to accommodate up to 2,000 vehicles, ensuring convenience for both visitors and event organizers.

Beyond its impressive infrastructure, the Addis International Convention Center holds significant potential for generating foreign exchange and boosting Ethiopia’s tourism sector, particularly within the MICE industry. As the center becomes a leading venue for international conferences and exhibitions, it is expected to bring substantial economic benefits to the country.

The inauguration of the AICC is a proud moment for Ethiopia, underscoring the nation’s growing role on the global stage and setting the foundation for future success in the global MICE market.