Construction of the Addis Tomorrow Special Economic Zone Project Undertaken by Chinese Enterprise Commenced in Ethiopia

On August 14, 2024, local time, the construction of the Addis Tomorrow Special Economic Zone, undertaken by a Chinese enterprise, officially commenced in Addis Ababa, the capital of Ethiopia. Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and Addis Ababa Mayor Adanech Abiebie attended the groundbreaking ceremony. This ceremony took place one year after the Addis Ababa City Government signed an agreement with China Communications Construction Co. Ltd. (abbreviated as CCCC) to build the economic zone. The special economic zone is planned to cover an area of 35 hectares, with an estimated investment of $700 million.

At the groundbreaking ceremony, Prime Minister Abiy stated that the construction of the Addis Tomorrow Special Economic Zone is a key initiative in the government's efforts to transform Addis Ababa into one of the most beautiful cities in the world. The plan is to achieve this goal by building a smart special zone that includes residential areas, shopping centers, hotels, and entertainment facilities. "This will make Addis Ababa as attractive as its name suggests, 'New Flower.' I thank CCCC and the city government for launching this project," said Abiy. He also mentioned that the Addis Tomorrow Special Economic Zone will be connected to other developing economic zones in the capital through the ongoing Addis Ababa Corridor Development Project.

Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed speaks at the launching ceremony of the construction of a Chinese-contracted special economic zone in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, on Aug. 14, 2024. [Photo/Xinhua]

Adanech Abiebie, mayor of Addis Ababa, said the development of the economic zone is part of the administration's move to change the image of the city, improve the lives of people, create enormous job opportunities, and provide high-standard housing facilities. "We choose CCCC as a contracting company, acknowledging that it has a successful track record in accomplishing big projects in Ethiopia and abroad and delivering them in time and up to their high qualities," Abiebie said, noting that long-standing economic cooperation between Ethiopia and China is gaining momentum.

Chen Zhong, deputy general manager of CCCC, vowed to deliver the project ahead of time in a way that promotes cooperation and the transformation of knowledge. "We will provide the wisdom, resources, solution and proposal of CCCC to benefit the government and people of Ethiopia," said Chen, highlighting that the economic zone will help create a people-oriented, modern and healthy Addis Ababa.

According to reports, the "Addis Tomorrow Special Economic Zone" project is located in the Gotera area of Addis Ababa, covering 35 hectares. The project is being constructed by China Communications Construction Group and will follow a rolling development model. The first phase will have a construction period of no more than three years, while the total development period of the zone will not exceed eight years. Once completed, the area will become an urban complex and special economic zone, integrating international trade, residential and office spaces, leisure and shopping, as well as cultural and educational facilities.

Source:

<http://www.news.cn/silkroad/20240817/d27ed3121b0f4b888832b3e09df7d90b/c.html；https://english.news.cn/20240815/5460489055844fe786a0ec5682725b69/c.html>

Edited and Translated by Lu Yufei