Addis Ababa, October 14, 2022 (FBC) – The UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) held a ceremony to start the renovation of the famous “Africa Hall” where the first headquarter of the African Union was founded in Addis Ababa.
UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) stated that the Africa Hall ground-breaking ceremony for the renovation project was a final look at the original building before the two-year renovation begins.
According to ECA, the renovation will transform, modernize and rejuvenate this iconic monument, home to 60+ years of African history and institution-building.
Ethiopian State Minister & Permanent Representative to ECA and African Union, Ambassador Tesfaye Yilma, thanked ECA for marshalling the resources for the Africa Hall renovation project.
“The Africa Hall is where Pan-Africanism took on an institutional shape. We need to renew our commitment to achieve the Africa we want”, he said on his press briefing of the importance of the project..
Acting Executive Secretary of ECA, Antonio Pedro, during his opening speech of the ceremony for the Africa Hall renovation project said; “The Hall is a representation of where Africa comes from, where it is now and where it is headed. We must make our history, culture, and heritage work for our economic growth.”
“Our vision is for Africa Hall to be a significant tourism destination, incorporating the rich history of the pan-African movement through a permanent exhibition, featuring professionally curated cultural, historical and natural heritage sites”, he added.
Carlos Haddad, Project Director for the Africa Hall renovation project, explains the new Hall design is “intended for equitable accessibility whilst enhancing sustainability. It will include a visitors’ centre to bring the Hall closer to the people it is mandated to serve.”
African Union Deputy Chairperson, Dr. Monique Nsanzabaganwa, describes Africa Hall as a “landmark of Pan Africanism, and birthplace of African diplomacy.”
She reiterated African Union’s support to the Africa Hall project.
Director of ECA’s Publications, Conference and Knowledge Management Division (PCKMD), on her part, explains the Africa Hall renovation project “…will breathe new life into this iconic monument, transforming it into a state-of-the-art facility and museum. Africa Hall is expected to be one of the most visited places in Addis Ababa.”