PRESS RELEASE

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, May 10, 2019 (ECA) – The Economic Commission for Africa (ECA) on Friday signed a contract with three companies for multi-million dollar works to modernize the historic Africa Hall . The value of the contract is estimated at US$28,209,539.57.

The signing with the contractor Africa Hall Projects FZE marks a key step in this emblematic project. The contract for the rehabilitation and renovation of Africa Hall is the largest ever signed by ECA with a supplier.

ECA's Director of Administration, Carlos Haddad, signed the contract on behalf of ECA.

“We are excited about the signing of the main renovation works contract which paves the way for enhanced safety standards and the restoration of state-of-the-art technologies, while preserving the historic and heritage values of the Hall . We are confident that the renovations will be completed on time and the new building ready for 2021 on budget,” said Haddad.

He thanks the entire team, involved in finalizing this contract, for their tireless efforts to implement this agreement.

The construction works envisage a complete renovation of the main building of Africa Hall in terms of infrastructure, surrounding landscaping, a new building reserved for the entrance of visitors, the modernization of the wall of the ECA compound, a new visitor parking and road works outside the complex.

The contractor, Africa Hall Projects FZE , is a joint venture incorporated as a free zone under the laws of the Ras Al Khaimah Economic Zone of the United Arab Emirates. The three parties that have joined to form this joint venture are:

- CONSTRUZIONI 2000 SRI, Company under Italian law.

- Bridge Construction PLC, a company established under the laws of Ethiopia.

- RC Trade Ltd, a company incorporated under the laws of the Emirate of Ras Al Khaimah (UAE).

Alem Kiros Ashebir, Director and Legal Representative of Africa Hall Projects FZE , signed the contract representing the contractor and the Managing Director of Bridge Construction PLC, Tesfalidet Tsige, was also present.

He expressed his gratitude to ECA for this great opportunity resulting from two and a half years of negotiations.

“The project will be executed to the level of expectations and even beyond the expertise of the contractors who have special skills with such levels of renovation,” assures Mr. Alem, adding that his team looks forward to their collaboration with the CEA for this important work.

For his part, George Ogboro, Chief of the Supply Chain Management Section at ECA, was delighted to welcome the contractor on behalf of the Executive Secretary, Vera Songwe.

“This project is a major milestone not only for the entrepreneur but also for Africa as a whole. African countries will be even more proud of the Hall once the modernization project is completed,” Mr. Ogboro informs.

He thanked all the team members at ECA who made this possible. He notes, however, that he has a lot to do to make up for lost time. Mr. Ogboro assures the contractor that he will receive maximum support from ECA in the execution of his tasks.

Mr. Antonio Baio, Project Manager of the Africa Hall Renovation Project, assures the contractor that his team will do their best to support their work, adding that all team members are ready for anything to ensure that the works are completed. renovations are completed to perfection.

The Africa Hall renovation and modernization project was approved by the United Nations General Assembly (GA) in 2015 with a budget of approximately $57 million.

The iconic Hall was built between 1959 and 1961 and opened by Emperor Haileselassie on February 26, 1961.