Ethiopia’s Minister of Culture and Sports, Shewit Shanka, and Xin Bin, Deputy General Manager of China Communications Construction Company (CCCC), signed a USD 137 million agreement to advance construction of the Adey Ababa International Stadium, ensuring compliance with global sporting standards.

Minister Shewit and Xin Bin finalized the contract, valued at nearly 18.6 billion Birr, to complete Phase II Lots 2 and 3 of the stadium projects.

The agreement follows the completion of Phase II Lot 1, funded by a USD 57 million grant secured seven years ago through what the minister described as “the Prime Minister’s diplomatic efforts” with the Abu Dhabi government.

“This contract is a crucial step toward finalizing the stadium to meet CAF and FIFA standards, enabling Ethiopia to host major international events,” the Minister said during the signing ceremony, emplacing that the project’s progress over the past seven years laid the groundwork for the current phase.

Xin Bin reaffirmed CCCC’s commitment to timely delivery, citing the company’s two decades of experience in Ethiopia. “We recognize the significance of this project and will deploy our resources and expertise to meet deadlines,” he said.

Mesele Haile, General Manager of MH Engineering and project advisor, outlined remaining tasks, including unfinished work from Phase I and the installation of a stadium roof described as a “complex” component requiring a significant portion of the budget.

According to him, the stadium’s design will align with FIFA, CAF, and World Athletics specifications, featuring FIFA-grade roofing, advanced technology systems, and spectator seating.

Reports stated that the stadium’s venue will include 1,200 restrooms, 800 handwashing stations, and fully compliant field infrastructure. In addition, the International Stadium is projected to operate as a multipurpose sports and entertainment facility upon its completion within two years.