Summit schedule set for mid-February
Addis Ababa has completed preparations to host delegates arriving for a series of African Union meetings and related events scheduled for mid-February 2026, according to information shared by Ethiopia’s state news agency.
The Ordinary Session of the AU Executive Council is slated for February 11–12. The Italy–Africa Summit is scheduled for February 13, followed by the African Union Summit on February 14–15.
Urban works focus on mobility and public spaces
The city’s readiness is linked to wider development programmes underway in Addis Ababa, described as part of an effort to reinforce its position as a major diplomatic centre on the continent.
Over the past four years, multiple transport corridors have been developed or upgraded, with authorities citing reduced congestion and improved movement across the capital. In addition, road networks have been upgraded as part of broader corridor projects.
Riverside rehabilitation has also been carried out in several areas, turning parts of riverbanks into green public spaces. These sites include pedestrian pathways and recreation areas, and are intended to improve environmental conditions and the city’s appearance.
Hotels and serviced apartments expand capacity
Addis Ababa’s hospitality sector has grown in recent years, with new hotels and serviced apartments adding to accommodation availability. The city has also modernised and expanded convention centres to support large-scale events.
The Addis Ababa Hotel Owners Association said hotels across the capital are prepared to provide services for summit participants. Its president, Aster Solomon, told the Ethiopian News Agency that both long-established properties and recently opened hotels have finalised operational preparations and plan to deliver services aligned with international standards.
She also pointed to the expansion of convention facilities as a factor strengthening the city’s ability to host major gatherings, adding that the number of Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) events has been rising.
Addis Ababa positioned as a regular host for major events
Addis Ababa is home to numerous international and continental institutions and frequently hosts diplomatic meetings and multilateral conferences. Aster said the city held more than 50 international and continental events within a six-month period last year.
For the upcoming AU sessions, hotels are offering tailored service packages and working with tour operators to provide curated city tours covering cultural, historical and contemporary attractions.
As a recent example of hosting capacity, Aster cited the Second Africa–Caribbean Community Summit held in September 2025. The city is also scheduled to host the 32nd Conference of the Parties (COP32) of the UN climate convention in 2027.