Ethiopia is bringing back a bold dream many thought had been buried — a towering 62-storey skyscraper that could soon redefine Addis Ababa’s skyline and become the tallest building in sub-Saharan Africa. The $445 million project, spearheaded by Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP), has reopened to international bidders, signaling fresh confidence in the country’s economic future.
If completed, the 1,074-foot giant will dwarf Johannesburg’s Leonardo tower, which currently stands as the region’s tallest at 768 feet. Designed by the world-renowned Dar Al-Handasah consultancy, the skyscraper will rise in the Kirkos district, close to Addis Ababa’s growing central business area, on a site covering 2.8 hectares.
The plans go beyond height. The building is set to host more than 2.1 million square feet of space, featuring corporate offices, a rooftop sky garden, and even a restaurant with sweeping city views. For EEP, this isn’t just about architecture — it’s about consolidating its operations into a single high-tech hub that reflects the role of energy in driving Ethiopia’s industrial and urban growth.
After years of delay due to funding challenges, the government’s decision to relaunch bidding reflects a renewed push to attract foreign investment and push forward major infrastructure projects despite recent economic struggles. For Addis Ababa, the skyscraper is more than steel and glass — it’s a symbol of ambition, resilience, and a glimpse into the modern future Ethiopia is determined to build.
