Mekelle/Tel Aviv/Nairobi/Pretoria/London
Addis Ababa’s Rising Influence: Africa’s New Beacon for Media, Diplomacy and Global Conferences
Over the past few months, Addis Ababa has taken centre stage on the continental media landscape, proudly hosting two major events: the IGAD Media Awards and the inaugural African Media Awards. Beyond celebrating outstanding journalism, these gatherings reinforced a deeper message Africa must tell its own story, shape its own narrative and amplify its collective voice at a global level.
The significance of these events goes far beyond plaques and recognition. They highlight a rapidly changing media ecosystem in which African journalists are increasingly positioned to report Africa to the world with credibility, dignity and authority. For Addis Ababa, hosting both awards further cements its role as a continental platform for media excellence, diplomacy and intellectual exchange.
A City in Transformation
Addis Ababa continues to evolve at a remarkable pace blending innovation with indigenous knowledge to build a modern, inclusive and dynamic metropolis. The capital has expanded its infrastructure, upgraded road networks, opened new sports facilities, enhanced green spaces and strengthened conference tourism infrastructure. This transformation speaks to a broader national ambition: to create a city that reflects the aspirations and potential of a rising Africa.
This remaking of Addis Ababa has also brought tangible improvements in urban mobility. Expanded public transportation, upgraded road systems and transit-linked developments have improved daily movement across the city while opening avenues for youth employment, small enterprises and service-sector growth.
The scale and speed of change have not gone unnoticed. During her recent visit, Malian Grammy-winning artist Oumou Sangaré expressed astonishment at the transformation:
“When I came, I couldn’t believe what I saw. I said, ‘Wow, am I in New York?’ Addis has changed. Congratulations! All Africa is happy. It is very beautiful, very amazing. I’m so happy to be in Ethiopia.”
Her reaction echoes the sentiments of many international visitors who increasingly view Addis Ababa as a symbol of African renewal.
Addis Becomes a Premier Conference Tourism Hub
Recent data underscores Addis Ababa’s rapid rise as one of the continent’s leading conference destinations.
Addis Ababa Tourism Commissioner Hunde Kebede told Gazette Plus that the Ethiopian capital has experienced a remarkable increase in global conferences, particularly those associated with the African Union. In the past three months alone, Addis Ababa has welcomed more than 40 international events, underscoring its growing prominence in the conference tourism sector.
Hunde told to Gazette credited this surge to major infrastructure upgrades that expanded the city’s capacity to host large-scale events. New hotels, improved venues, urban beautification efforts, and expanded transport routes have made the city both accessible and attractive to international organizers.
To sustain this momentum, the Addis Ababa Tourism Commission has also introduced targeted incentives aimed at improving service quality, strengthening hospitality standards and addressing logistical gaps. Together, these interventions are positioning the Ethiopian capital as a competitive hub for high-level continental and global gatherings.
Why Addis Ababa Was Chosen to Host COP32
The decision to award COP32 to Ethiopia reflects more than diplomatic tradition it is a recognition of the country’s evolving leadership role in global and African climate diplomacy. Several factors influenced this selection:
Strong national leadership and commitment on climate action
Addis Ababa’s status as the diplomatic capital of Africa
Ethiopia’s visible efforts to combat climate change, including adaptation and mitigation programs
The city’s growing reputation as a reliable conference tourism hub
Ethiopia’s consistent efforts to voice Africa’s climate priorities on global platforms
Its advocacy for vulnerable groups, pushing for representation of victims and frontline communities in decision-making
The Green Legacy Initiative, one of the continent’s largest reforestation efforts, symbolizing national commitment to environmental recovery
COP32 will not only bring global environmental negotiators to Addis Ababa; it will provide a platform for African countries to negotiate from a position of unity and clarity on climate finance, loss and damage, and sustainable development.
A Broader Story of Ethiopian Ambition and African Potential
The transformation of Addis Ababa reflected in its infrastructure, diplomacy, culture and conference tourism is part of a broader narrative. It tells the story of an Ethiopia striving to redefine its place in Africa, and of an Africa steadily claiming its place on the world stage.
From media awards that honour African voices, to a conference sector that draws thousands of experts and policymakers, the Ethiopian capital is emerging as a model for sustainable urban growth, continental cooperation and African-led storytelling.
