Ethiopia has been officially selected to host an international athletics competition for the first time, with Addis Ababa set to welcome the World Athletics One-Day Meeting on April 18, 2026. The announcement positions the country not only as a producer of world-class runners but also as a capable host for major global sporting events.
The decision follows a thorough evaluation by World Athletics experts and recognizes Ethiopia’s recent billion-birr investment in sports infrastructure and its ongoing “Sports Diplomacy” strategy.
Adanech Abebe, Mayor of Addis Ababa, attributed the success to coordinated efforts between the City Administration, the Ministry of Culture and Sport, and the Ethiopian Athletics Federation. “This historic event is a grand testament to our efforts to solidify Addis Ababa’s position on the international sporting stage,” she said. “As we welcome the world, we will showcase not just our hosting capacity, but our city’s potential, hospitality, and love for athletics.”
The One-Day Meetings are globally prestigious competitions with significant rewards. While Ethiopia has long dominated long-distance running—producing legends from Abebe Bikila to Gudaf Tsegay—its athletes have traditionally competed abroad. The April event will mark the first time top international athletes will race on Ethiopian soil.
Ethiopia secured the hosting rights after a field inspection led by Pierce O’Callaghan, World Athletics Competition Director. During his two-day visit, he assessed organizational readiness, technical facilities, and hospitality capacity. Key infrastructure, including the Adey Abeba International Stadium, which meets FIFA and World Athletics standards, was highlighted as a decisive factor in the approval.
The event will also serve as a capacity-building opportunity. International technical experts will support the competition, allowing local sports professionals to gain experience in broadcasting standards, anti-doping controls, and elite athlete management.
Beyond sports, the competition is expected to boost the local economy, drawing athletes, coaches, media, and spectators, with hotels and tourism sectors preparing for increased demand.
For Ethiopia’s emerging athletes, the event represents a major opportunity. A spokesperson for the Ethiopian Athletics Federation said, “This competition gives rising athletes the chance to compete against the world’s best in their own country and in front of home fans.”
This milestone reflects Ethiopia’s growing reputation as a hub for international athletics and underscores its commitment to hosting world-class sporting events.
