Addis Ababa: A renovated Africa Hall is an important investment that positions Ethiopia for greater tourism growth given its pan-African legacy and rich history, the Executive Secretary of UN Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), Claver Gatete remarked at the re-inauguration ceremony of the renovated Africa Hall.

Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and UN Secretary General António Guterres today inaugurated African hall, a landmark of liberation and a symbol of Pan-African unity in the presence of Moussa Faki Mahmat, Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Foreign Affairs Minister of the Islamic Republic of Mauritania, Mohamed Salem Ould Merzoug , diplomatic corps and distinguished guests.

During the inaugural ceremony, UNECA Chief expressed a special gratitude to the Government of Ethiopia for the gift of Africa Hall in 1961, which became the starting point of an African renaissance.

Africa Hall is emblematic of Africa’s past struggles and triumphs when the OAU Charter was signed right here in 1963 – a signa
l for a new beginning, he said, adding that ‘Now, more than ever, it makes sound economic sense to invest in sectors like tourism that harness our history, culture and heritage, to mobilize resources for national and continental development.’

He mentioned some of the world’s iconic landmarks such as China’s Great Wall, America’s Statue of Liberty, France’s Eiffel Tower and India’s Taj Mahal, provide practical examples of how history and culture can draw millions of visitors annually, and also contribute to shared prosperity.

And Africa, too, with over 130 world heritage sites, has her rich history waiting to be shared with the world, he underlined.

For him, given Ethiopia’s pan-African legacy and rich history, a renovated Africa Hall is an important investment that positions the country for greater tourism growth, while celebrating Africa’s collective history and future.

Gatete also underlined that it is time for more Africans and visitors from around the world to discover Africa’s stories here at Africa
Hall.

Furthermore, through initiatives like the Africa Continental Free Trade Area and visa relaxation policies, ‘we can honour our founding fathers’ vision of an integrated Africa by enhancing intra-African travel and creating a vibrant tourism market,’ he said.

Efforts have been made to meticulously preserve the materials from the original 1961 construction, blending the past with the present to create a rejuvenated space that reflects Africa’s proud heritage.

The hall now stands as a modernized facility, equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, visitors’ center, and permanent exhibition space and conference hall to host high-level meetings, while maintaining its architectural and historical significance.

One of the standout features is the open design of its chamber – an intentional homage to Emperor Haile Selassie, who believed that critical discussions should not be held behind closed doors.

Sixty years ago, visionary leaders gathered in this very hall to lay the foundation for African unity by sig
ning the Charter of the Organization of African Unity, he stated underlining that ‘When the next generation gathers here in the decades to come, it is only right that they should be inspired by the efforts we make today to advance the cause of Africa’s transformation.’

Source: Ethiopian News Agency