Gifted by Emperor Haile Selassie, Africa Hall in Addis Ababa has long stood as a symbol of Pan-African unity and progress. Originally built in just 18 months and inaugurated in February 1961, it was designed by Italian architect Arturo Mezzedimi as the headquarters of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (ECA). Just two years later, it hosted the historic first meeting of the Organization of African Unity (OAU), now known as the African Union. The Hall became a place where African leaders could shape their continent’s destiny, free from colonial influence.
After more than 60 years, Africa Hall has been restored to honor its past while preparing for the future. In October 2024, it reopened after a decade-long renovation led by the Australian design firm Architectus Conrad Gargett. The project aimed to modernize the space without losing its soul. From upgraded conference technology hidden in the walls and desks to new accessibility features, every aspect was updated with care. The central Plenary Hall was reimagined with a triple horseshoe layout and built-in digital screens for modern conferences.
The team worked closely with local architects and engineers to preserve the building’s heritage, including Mewded Wolde, an Addis Ababa native who joined the project just before graduating. Together, they reinstated around 13 million tiles in the original brown, orange, and off-white color scheme and restored more than 500 pieces of furniture to match Mezzedimi’s original designs. Even artworks such as the 40-meter fabric mural by Nenne Sanguineti Poggi were carefully retouched.
Africa Hall’s most iconic feature, the stained-glass window titled “The Total Liberation of Africa” by renowned Ethiopian artist Afewerk Tekle, was also painstakingly restored. The window, which captures the continent’s journey from colonization to liberation and hope, was cleaned and rebuilt panel by panel under the direction of Emmanuel Thomas, the grandson of the craftsman who originally brought Tekle’s vision to life.
To support its longevity, the building’s structure was reinforced with carbon fiber and steel to protect against seismic activity and future wear. At the heart of the project was a commitment to retain the building’s original aesthetic while ensuring it could meet the demands of modern-day Africa. Architect Simon Boundy described the effort as a balancing act of honoring history and embracing innovation, aiming to make changes that are “behind the scenes” and invisible to the casual observer.
A new permanent exhibition now accompanies the restored window, showcasing the hall’s role in shaping African history. For many, including Wolde, the renovation affirms the building’s continued relevance. She sees it as more than just a structure; it’s a living monument to Africa’s resilience, struggles, and hope for the future. As Haile Selassie once said in 1963, Africa was in transition from the Africa of yesterday to the Africa of tomorrow. Today, Africa Hall continues to be the place where that future is imagined and shaped.
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