Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) to build the first 42-Storey building for its HQ

Addis Ababa, December 31, 2009 (Addis Ababa) - The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) is to construct a 42-storey building for its headquarters in the metropolis. The building is the tallest ever in the country.

Speaking at a ceremony organized to award architects, who presented designs for future headquarters of the CBE, bank’s president Bekalu Zeleke here on Tuesday said the design is expected to represent CBE’s status as world class bank and portray its strength.

The future headquarters envisaged to bring together the scattered head office organs of the CBE will also be the first building in Africa to attain a green building status that meets international standards.

CBE had acquired 10528 sq. meters of land for construction of the headquarters adjacent to Ethiopia Hotel.

Mayor of Addis Ababa City Administration, Kuma Demekssa said the city requires modern buildings that go along with its booming growth.

Kuma said massive construction is being undertaken in the city.

He said his administration would extend all the necessary support for those who are interested to construct international standard buildings.

Kuma said the city administration responded urgently to the request of the bank and believes that the building would add grace to the city.

It was disclosed that some 21 contestant architects presented designs for the building. CBE provided 200,000 birr award to the winner design presented by HENN Architecten (Germany) in collaboration with Universal Consultant from Ethiopia.