Chinese company to build tallest building in East Africa

ADDIS ABABA - The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) has signed an agreement with the China State Construction Engineering Corporation (CSCEC) for the plan to build a 198-meter building for CBE's headquarters in Ethiopia, which is expected to be the tallest structure in East Africa.

A signing ceremony of the 46-storey building was held on Tuesday at CBE's head office in the capital Addis Ababa.

Speaking at the ceremony, CBE President, Bekalu Zeleke, said CBE and CSCEC would be committed to the success of the project as "it reflects the image of both sides."

"Not only the height, but the overall quality of the building, we believe that this will be one of the best buildings in Africa," he said.

Song Sudong, general manager for CSCEC in Ethiopia, said at the ceremony that the company has successfully carried out such building projects in China.

"We believe this will be a new window for your country, for your city, and also for East Africa," said Song, adding the two sides could be "win-win partners" in the future with the success of this project.