Keypoints:
- $445m 62-storey EEP HQ relaunch
- Addis Ababa site near business district
- Set to surpass Johannesburg’s Leonardo
ETHIOPIA has revived a long-delayed plan to build what would become the tallest skyscraper in sub-Saharan Africa, reopening international bidding for the $445 million project. Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) announced the relaunch as part of its broader push to modernise the nation’s infrastructure and signal confidence in future growth.
The 62-storey headquarters will dominate the Addis Ababa skyline if completed, standing at 1,074 feet—far higher than Johannesburg’s Leonardo tower, which currently holds the regional record at 768 feet.
Design and location unveiled
The building’s striking design comes from the renowned consultancy Dar Al-Handasah. The planned site spans 2.8 hectares in the capital’s Kirkos district, close to the expanding central business area.
According to EEP, the tower will offer more than 2.1m square feet of floor space, housing offices, a rooftop sky garden and a restaurant. The company says it aims to create a hub for both business and leisure, underlining the project’s role as a landmark for Addis Ababa’s evolving cityscape.
Energy sector at the core
EEP views the skyscraper as a statement of Ethiopia’s economic aspirations and the strategic importance of energy in national development. The headquarters will consolidate operations in a single, high-tech base, reinforcing the company’s central role in powering industrial growth and urban expansion.
Bidding process reopened
The project was initially delayed by financing constraints, but EEP confirmed that the tender process is now open to local and international contractors. Officials said the relaunch highlights Ethiopia’s commitment to attracting foreign investment and delivering large-scale infrastructure despite recent economic headwinds.
By moving forward with the skyscraper, Ethiopia signals a determination to combine bold architecture with economic ambition, offering a glimpse of a modern future for Addis Ababa and the wider region.
