AMN PLUS-June 15, 2026
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital city is a political and diplomatic center for Africa. However, it has not been able to fully leverage this ample opportunity to take the leading position in the conference tourism sector on the continent for a long time. Nevertheless, in the past few years, specifically following the introduction of the political reform in the country, a large-scale work has been underway to rewrite history.
The fact that Ethiopia has successfully hosted more than 150 international, continental and regional conferences in just one year demonstrates that the sector has seen rapid growth. In particular, the successful completion of the second African World Climate Conference, which attracted more than 25,000 participants, is a remarkable achievement that has showcased Ethiopia’s enormous and dependable capacity to host major events to the international community.
The modern conference facilities developed in the capital have played a significant role in achieving this milestone.
Notably, the Adwa Victory Memorial Museum, the Science Museum, and the historic halls of the African Union and UNECA make the city a preferred conference destination. Particularly, the Addis International Convention Center, built in a manner that meets international standards, is fully equipped to host any international conference. This large center will make Addis Ababa a hub for international meetings and trade fairs.
Furthermore, the ongoing corridor development projects have created enormous potential for tourism sector through making the city more attractive, convenient, and safe for international guests.
During the inauguration of Dendi Eco-Lodge Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD) stated that Ethiopia has been exerting efforts towards creating a capacity to accommodate up to 80,000 people at a time. This vision has been greatly enhanced by combined contributions of the international resorts built at the national level through the dine for the nation projects, as well as the Ethiopian Airlines that directly connects the country to the rest of the world, and the star hotels and parks located in the capital.
In addition, conference tourism is playing an irreplaceable role in creating vast opportunities for hotels, airlines, tour operators, and the entrepreneurial sector. Along with the conferences, guests visiting Entoto, Friendship and Sheger parks are further stimulating urban tourism.
Beyond that, Ethiopia has demonstrated its outstanding preparedness to the world by successfully hosting over 150 conferences just in a year with an attendance of more than 25,000 participants at a time.
This demonstrated capacity augmented the East African nation’s bid to be officially selected as the host and candidate with the full support of the African Union for the 32nd Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP32) in 2027.
Ultimately, conference tourism is emerging as a major driver of Ethiopia’s economy reinforcing the country’s overall prosperity journey, making the nation an investment destination where international investors, scientists, and policymakers converge.
By Leta Teresa
