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Africa Hall
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Landmark
Africa Hall
The 1961 hall where the Organisation of African Unity was founded, in Kazanchis
- Area
- Kazanchis
Africa Hall is the 1961 building in Addis Ababa where the Organisation of African Unity was founded in 1963. It reopened in October 2024.
Good for
- Visitors
- Groups
- Organisation of African Unity founded here on 25 May 1963
- Designed by Arturo Mezzedimi and finished in 1961
- Stained glass of 150 square metres by Afewerk Tekle
- Reopened on 21 October 2024 after renovation
- Visits by request, 24 hours ahead
Facilities
- Wheelchair access
Africa Hall is the home of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa. It is on Menelik II Avenue, opposite the National Palace. The Italian architect Arturo Mezzedimi designed it. Building work started in August 1959 and finished in February 1961.
History
The Organisation of African Unity was founded in Africa Hall on 25 May 1963. It later became the African Union. In 2026 the hall won the Modernism Prize of the World Monuments Fund.
What to see
The stained glass window in the foyer is by Afewerk Tekle. Its name is Total Liberation of Africa. It covers 150 square metres. The round plenary hall has kept its first furniture.
A renovation ran from 2014 to 2024 and cost USD 56.9 million. The hall was inaugurated again on 21 October 2024. The work added a visitor centre with a permanent exhibition, temporary exhibits and a cinema room. The building has 8,300 square metres of floor area and 4,500 square metres of gardens.
Visits
The hall is inside the United Nations compound. To visit, write to eca-africahall@un.org at least 24 hours before.
Getting there
The entrance is on Menelik II Avenue, between Meskel Square and Arat Kilo. The Hilton and Kazanchis are a short walk away.
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Frequently asked questions
Can the public visit Africa Hall?
Yes. Write to eca-africahall@un.org at least 24 hours before the visit.
What happened at Africa Hall?
The Organisation of African Unity was founded there on 25 May 1963.
What is the stained glass at Africa Hall?
It is Total Liberation of Africa by Afewerk Tekle. It covers 150 square metres.
Sources
Profile last reviewed November 12, 2026.
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