Addis Ababa, August 18, 2025 (FMC) — Mayor of Addis Ababa, Adanech Abiebie, has urged service providers across the capital to highlight Ethiopia’s celebrated culture of hospitality while enhancing service efficiency during the upcoming Second Africa Climate Summit, set to take place from September 8–10, 2025.
Mayor Adanech, alongside Planning and Development Minister Fitsum Assefa and Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa, convened with hotel owners and representatives from the city’s hospitality sector to discuss preparations for the UN Climate Week, the Africa Climate Summit, and the Second Caribbean and African Leaders’ Conference (CARICOM), all scheduled to be hosted in Addis Ababa in September.
Speaking at the meeting, Mayor Adanech emphasized the city’s growing role as a hub for international and regional conferences. She highlighted that Addis Ababa has been hosting a rising number of global gatherings in recent years, drawing diverse participants and contributing significantly to the city’s economy.
While recognizing the hospitality sector’s expansion, Mayor Adanech stressed the need for service standards to meet international expectations and match the growing demands of visitors. “Service providers must leverage Ethiopia’s rich culture of hospitality, improve operational efficiency, and uphold the nation’s image on the global stage,” she said.
The mayor also underscored the significance of the upcoming summit as an opportunity to showcase the city’s infrastructural advancements and newly developed tourist destinations. “Every stakeholder shares responsibility for the success of this event. Service providers are expected to act as ambassadors of Ethiopia, delivering hospitality that reflects the spirit of our country,” she added.
Minister Fitsum Assefa highlighted Ethiopia’s exemplary efforts in addressing climate change, citing initiatives such as the Green Legacy program, riverside development projects, corridor renovations, and widespread renewable energy investments. She said these accomplishments make Ethiopia a fitting host for the Africa Climate Summit and UN Climate Week, taking place from September 5–10, 2025, and stressed that the hospitality sector must ensure high-quality service and preparedness for the event.
Tourism Minister Selamawit Kassa called on all stakeholders to deliver efficient and effective services to summit participants. She noted that the city administration has upgraded infrastructure to support conference tourism and enhance visitor experience. “The summit will offer substantial opportunities to advance Ethiopia’s tourism and hospitality sectors,” the minister added.
The summit is expected to draw thousands of participants, including international leaders, experts, media representatives, and officials from various organizations.