Ethiopia’s hospitality industry ramps up preparations for upcoming summits

Addis Ababa, August 25, 2025 (FMC) — Hotels in Addis Ababa are intensifying preparations to host thousands of delegates for a series of high-profile international conferences scheduled for early September.

According to the Addis Ababa Hotel Owners Association, the city’s hospitality sector is mobilizing ahead of the United Nations Africa Climate Week (September 1–6), the Second Africa–CARICOM Summit (September 6–7), and the Second Africa Climate Summit (September 8–10), all set to convene at the African Union Headquarters and the Addis International Convention Center.

Association President Aster Solomon told Fana Digital that hotels across the capital are working to deliver services that meet international standards while reflecting Ethiopia’s renowned culture of hospitality. She noted that continuous discussions and monitoring are underway to ensure that service quality remains consistent with the city’s image as Africa’s diplomatic hub.

As part of the preparations, hotels are planning to introduce traditional coffee ceremonies, Ethiopian cuisine, cultural performances, and other experiences designed to give conference participants a memorable and authentic stay.

Aster also revealed that hotels have agreed to offer participants a 30 to 40 percent discount on services during the conferences, highlighting their commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s role as host.

She praised the city administration for measures taken to ensure uninterrupted water, electricity, and telecommunications during the events, emphasizing that such coordination is essential for the smooth running of the summits.

Calling on all stakeholders to contribute, Aster stressed that the successful organization of these gatherings would not only strengthen Ethiopia’s international profile but also further develop the country’s growing conference tourism sector.