Ethiopia Restarts Scheme to Build Tallest Tower in Sub-Saharan Africa

Ethiopia has resumed a project to construct a $445 million, 62-storey headquarters for Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP) in Addis Ababa, set to become the tallest building in sub-Saharan Africa, according to Birr Metrics. Initially proposed in 2023, the project faced delays due to financing challenges but has now opened bidding for local and international contractors.

Mexico Square, where the tower will be sited

The tower, designed by Beirut-based Dar Al-Handasah, will stand at 327.5 meters, surpassing Johannesburg’s 234-meter Leonardo tower and the 209-meter Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, currently the tallest in East Africa. Dar Al-Handasah will also manage procurement and construction. The project, structured as an engineering, procurement, and construction contract, is expected to take four years to complete.

Contractors bidding for the project must have at least 10 years of experience and a record of completing three contracts valued at $370 million or more each. The tower will occupy a 2.8-hectare site in the Kirkos district, near Addis Ababa’s emerging central business district. Spanning 197,800 square meters, it will feature office spaces, a rooftop sky garden, and a restaurant.

The project reflects EEP’s commitment to enhancing Ethiopia’s infrastructure while establishing a landmark in the region. The bidding process marks a significant step toward realizing this ambitious development, contributing to Addis Ababa’s growing urban landscape.