This month, we get to know Addis International Convention Centre:
What was your motivation to join ICCA?
Addis International Convention Center joined the International Congress and Convention Association (ICCA) to position Addis International Convention Centre Share Company within the global meetings,
incentives, conferences, and exhibitions (MICE) community. As Ethiopia’s premier new venue, we are eager to connect with international association professionals, learn best practices, and actively bid for high-profile events that can drive economic growth, tourism, and knowledge exchange across Africa. Membership in ICCA aligns perfectly with our ambition to elevate Addis Ababa as a leading destination for world-class conventions and exhibitions.
Tell us your story. How did your organisation get started?
The Ethiopian business community, in partnership with the Addis Ababa City Administration, embarked on a landmark initiative more than two decades ago to establish a world-class international convention and exhibition Centre in Addis Ababa. The vision was first championed by the Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (AACCSA), which initially attempted to finance the project through fundraising and voluntary contributions from the private sector.
When it became clear that a project of this scale required broader support, AACCSA partnered with the City Administration. A Memorandum of Understanding was signed, leading to the establishment of AICC Share Company with founding shareholders that include public enterprises, private companies, individual investors, and members of the Ethiopian Diaspora. After an extensive journey spanning over 20 years, the dream became reality with the official inauguration of AICC in March 2025.
What sets your organisation apart?
AICC stands out through its unique blend of authentic Ethiopian culture and world-class international standards. Spanning 19 hectares, the Centre offers exceptional flexibility, with plans for further expansion in its Phase 2 development. It features a modern commercial Centre with office spaces, a hotel scheduled for launch soon, and parking facilities for over 1,200 vehicles. This integrated, multi-purpose design allows us to host diverse events seamlessly while showcasing Ethiopia’s rich heritage in a contemporary setting.
What is your favorite success story from your organization?
One of our proudest achievements to date is our successful delivery of the Second African Climate Summit (ACS2) in 2025, which played a pivotal role in securing Ethiopia’s hosting rights for COP32 in 2027. In addition, within our first year of operations, we have delivered more than 82 events. A particularly memorable highlight was managing multiple high-impact gatherings on the same day including, two large weddings attended by more than 1,000 participants each, and a major concert drawing over 10,000 attendees demonstrating our operational excellence and capacity to handle complex, concurrent events at the highest level.
What can we expect to see from Addis International Convention Centre in the future?
In the coming years, AICC look forward to expanding our event portfolio with more high-profile international conferences, exhibitions, and association meetings. AICC will continue investing in advanced technology, sustainable practices, and enhanced delegate experiences to support hybrid and in-person formats. Phase 2 development will increase our capacity significantly, while the upcoming hotel and commercial offerings will create a true destination hub. Ultimately, AICC aim to establish AICC and Addis Ababa as Africa’s preferred venue for impactful global gatherings that foster business, diplomacy, innovation, and cultural exchange.
Which trends do you see in the Association Meetings?
Addis International Convention Center observe several key trends shaping association meetings globally and in Africa. There is a strong shift toward sustainability including measurable carbon reduction, responsible sourcing, and legacy-focused events that deliver long-term value to host communities. Hybrid and hybrid-first formats continue to grow, enabling greater inclusivity and wider participation.
What is an industry challenge your organization is facing currently?
A key challenges AICC addressing is attracting and successfully bidding for major international events. As a relatively new venue, we are focused on building global visibility, forging partnerships with international consultants and MICE industry leaders, and learning from established convention centers worldwide. We are actively creating opportunities to engage with global decision-makers to showcase AICC’s capabilities and position Ethiopia as a competitive, welcoming destination for high-level association gatherings