Africa’s tallest skyscraper project resumes as Ethiopia revives $445 million tower bid

The $445 million project will see the erection of a 62-storey headquarters for the state-owned Ethiopian Electric Power (EEP), positioning the nation at the forefront of architectural ambition on the continent.

Initially proposed in 2023, the project was delayed by financial constraints.

However, the relaunch of the bidding process for both local and international contractors marks a critical step forward in realizing this transformative vision.

Strategically located in the Kirkos district, near Addis Ababa’s expanding central business hub, the tower’s site further highlights its economic and urban significance.

The Ethiopian government recently reopened bidding for the EEP tower, inviting both local and international contractors as part of efforts to revive the $445 million project.

The move signals renewed confidence in the country’s fiscal outlook. To qualify, contractors must have at least 10 years of experience and have completed three prior projects worth $370 million or more, underscoring the project’s scale and complexity.

The project will follow an engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) contract model, with a planned four-year construction timeline.

This approach is designed to streamline the entire process, allowing for coordinated planning and efficient execution from design through to completion.

Beirut-based firm Dar Al-Handasah will design and manage the construction of Ethiopia’s revived EEP tower, integrating sustainable practices throughout.

Set on a 20,792-square-meter plot, the 62-storey skyscraper will rise to 1,074 feet, surpassing Johannesburg’s Leonardo Tower (768 feet) as sub-Saharan Africa’s tallest.

The design includes three basement levels, a commercial podium, 55 floors of office space with sky gardens, and a rooftop restaurant.

With a total floor area of over 2.1 million square feet, the tower will become a landmark hub for business and leisure in Addis Ababa.

Once completed, the tower will not only symbolize Ethiopia’s infrastructural aspirations but also serve as a central hub for one of the country’s most critical sectors—energy.

Beyond its architectural significance, the project is anticipated to create thousands of jobs during its construction phase and serve as a catalyst for related urban development.

If completed on schedule, the EEP skyscraper could surpass current regional records and join the ranks of the tallest structures across the African continent, making Ethiopia a surprising but formidable contender in the race for vertical dominance in Africa’s urban landscape.