The Ordinary Session of the Executive Council of the African Union will run from 11–12 February 2026, followed by the Italy–Africa Summit on 13 February and the AU Heads of State Summit on 14–15 February 2026.

City authorities say the readiness follows four years of accelerated infrastructure development, including the modernization of major transport corridors, expanded conference facilities, and large-scale riverside rehabilitation projects reshaping central districts. Officials say these works have eased congestion, improved environmental conditions, and created new public recreation spaces intended to enhance the visitor experience.

The hospitality sector has undergone its own expansion, with new hotels and serviced apartments increasing accommodation capacity across the capital. Speaking to the Ethiopian News Agency, Aster Solomon, President of the Addis Ababa Hotel Owners Association, said hotels have completed preparations to accommodate summit participants.

"Several hotels in Addis Ababa are prepared to offer genuine hospitality services to participants of the upcoming AU sessions,” Solomon said, noting that both long-established and recently opened properties have upgraded facilities ahead of the summit. She added that the growth of convention centers has helped fuel sustained gains in the city’s MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism sector.

According to Solomon, the capital hosted more than 50 major international and continental events within a six-month period last year, underscoring demand for a city that regularly convenes global diplomacy. She said hotels are collaborating with tour operators to offer curated excursions showcasing Addis Ababa’s cultural and historic sites.