The Addis Ababa City Administration of Ethiopia signed agreement with the UN Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) on Friday granting the latter some 3,000 square meters of land around ECA compound.
The plot will be used as parking and green area space for the old African Union building set for renovation. ECA has launched renovation of the old AU building in order to maintain the historical legacy of the old African Union (AU) building, where the Organization of African Unity (OAU) hosted its inaugural meeting in 1963.
The renovation of the building and the surrounding, for which the UN has secured about $57 million, will be completed within three years by 2022, according to Antonio Bajo, general manager of the AU building project.
George Oboro, Chief of Supply Chain Management at ECA told NewBusinessEthiopia.com that during the fundraising held last year for the innovation, the governments of Switzerland and Mali have pledged some money.
“Our message to Africa Union member states is to pledge contribute additional funding either in kind or cash for the renovation of this historical site,” he said.
The old African Union building is found within ECA compound on 9,000 square meters of land with additional green and parking area of 15,000 square meters.
It is indicated that when the renovation completes in the compound will be opened for visitors as one of tourist destinations in Addis Ababa in addition to hosting conferences.
It is recalled that a few years ago the Government of China has granted building a new headquarters for the African Union on the other side of Addis Ababa – around Sarbet area. During the signing the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ethiopia Gedu Andargachew and Vera Songwe, ECA chief were also part of the signing of the deal on Friday morning.