Addis Ababa Injects 155 Billion Birr into Economy from Foreign Tourism in Six Months

Addis Ababa, February 6, 2026 (ENA)—Addis Ababa city has recorded a major economic boost from tourism, with 155 billion Birr injected into the city’s economy from foreign visitors over the past six months, Mayor Adanech Abiebie announced.

Presenting a tourism performance report at Addis Ababa city council 5th year working year 2nd regular assembly, the mayor said the figures reflect the capital’s accelerating transformation into a leading tourism and conference destination in Africa.

According to the report, 699,761 foreign tourists visited Addis Ababa during the six-month period, generating the 155 billion Birr in revenue.

 In addition, the city welcomed 4.9 million domestic tourists, underscoring the growing appeal of Addis Ababa as both a national and international destination.

Mayor Adanech attributed the strong performance to the development of new and upgraded tourism destinations designed to maximize the sector’s social and economic impact.

She highlighted the expanding role of public and religious street festivals, alongside the growing popularity of sports and health tourism, as key drivers of visitor growth.

The mayor further noted that ongoing development works and flagship mega-projects aimed at positioning Addis Ababa as a hub for conference and event tourism have significantly increased the number of high-level gatherings hosted in the city.

Over the past six months alone, nearly 150 international and continental events were held in Addis Ababa—representing a 50 percent increase compared to the same period last year.

The latest figures underscore tourism’s rising contribution to Addis Ababa’s economy and its growing stature as a gateway city for Africa.