The African Union on Saturday inaugurated its new high-rise headquarters in the Ethiopian capital, built and donated by China at a cost of $200m.

“The towering complex speaks volumes about our friendship to the African people, and testifies to our strong resolve to support African development,” said Jia Qinglin, chairman of China’s political advisory body, the People’s Political Consultative Conference.

The sleek edifice — Addis Ababa’s tallest — will host the African Union summit which gathers African heads of state.

Significant event

“This complex is a reflection of the new Africa,” said African Union chairman, Equatorial Guinea’s President Teodoro Obiang Nguema at the opening ceremony. “This is a highly significant event in the life of our organisation.”

The building, which towers above the Ethiopian capital, was opened ahead of the start Sunday of the pan-African body’s 18th ordinary summit, a bold symbol of China’s rapidly changing role in Africa.

Construction was wholly funded by the Chinese government, with even the furnishings paid for by the Asian powerhouse. The site boasts three conference centres, a helipad and office space for 700 people.