Africa Hall, Addis Ababa

Africa Hall is a conference building closely linked to modern African history. It was completed in 1961 to serve as the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. Built at a time when many African countries were becoming independent, it was intended as a place for discussions on development, cooperation, and shared challenges, bringing together African and international representatives from the start.

A key moment came in 1963, when leaders from Organization of African Unity met here to form a group that later became the African Union. This meeting gave the hall strong political importance. Since then, it has continued to host conferences and official meetings on economic planning and regional cooperation, and it is still used today as a working venue.

Inside, the hall has large artworks and a simple modern design from the early 1960s. A main feature is the mural by Ethiopian artist Afewerk Tekle, which shows ideas of freedom, unity, and Africa’s future. Stained glass windows and open spaces shape the interior, while access depends on events and security.