AMN PLUS – February 18/2026
Legal scholar and international political analyst Maru Abdi noted that the successful hosting of the 39th African Union Summit and the 2nd Italy–Africa Summit has further cemented Addis Ababa’s reputation as the diplomatic capital of Africa.
Speaking to AMN, Maru stated that the two high-profile summits not only enhanced Ethiopia’s diplomatic capacity but also delivered significant economic and political gains for the country.
He noted that the warm and well-organized reception extended to thousands of participating leaders, diplomats, and international guests effectively refuted misconceptions about Addis Ababa. Instead, the events strengthened the city’s positive international image.
The summits generated substantial economic benefits. International hotels in Addis Ababa were nearly fully booked, while airlines, car rental agencies, and taxi service providers experienced increased demand, creating employment opportunities and boosting foreign exchange earnings.
Maru further highlighted that the gatherings showcased Ethiopia’s modern infrastructure and attractive tourist destinations, elevating the country’s tourism sector and motivating stakeholders within the industry.
According to the analyst, Ethiopia has demonstrated effective diplomacy by leveraging its rich cultural values and national identity.
Addis Ababa, reaffirming its status as Africa’s diplomatic capital, has played a pivotal role in dispelling long-standing misconceptions about the country.
He emphasized that the successful organization of the summits has strengthened investor confidence by signaling stability and peace, thereby encouraging future foreign investment.
Maru also described the atmosphere of the high-level gatherings as an example of “soft diplomacy,” noting that African and Italian leaders engaged warmly beyond formal diplomatic protocols. This, he said, further deepened friendship and strategic cooperation among participating nations.
The analyst stressed that Ethiopia’s efforts to host the summits have solidified Addis Ababa’s position as a leading diplomatic hub on the continent.
Regarding Ethiopia’s aspiration for access to the sea, Maru explained that the country received a positive response from leaders after clearly articulating its interests concerning the Red Sea.
The summits also created an opportunity for Ethiopia to clarify its position on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam to African and international leaders.
Maru added that the commemoration of the Victory of Adwa was presented not only as a source of Ethiopian pride but as a shared symbol of African dignity and resistance, enhancing the country’s historical and diplomatic stature.
On the sidelines of the summits, Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) and senior government officials held a series of bilateral discussions with leaders from South Sudan, Djibouti, Somalia, South Africa, Burundi, Namibia, Côte d’Ivoire, Ghana, Botswana, Kenya, and other countries, strengthening strategic cooperation.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed also held extensive talks with the President of the Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN), the President of the African Development Bank, and the Secretary-General of the United Nations.
Overall, Maru concluded that the summits hosted in Addis Ababa have reaffirmed Ethiopia’s vital role in continental and global affairs while delivering tangible diplomatic and economic gains.
He further emphasized that the coordinated efforts of the government and the public have firmly dispelled misconceptions about Addis Ababa’s suitability as host of the African Union, making the city an increasingly preferred venue for major international conferences in the future.
By Leta Teresa
