By our staff reporter

After commencing in April of last year with an estimated one-year timeline, the long-awaited renovations of the National Palace are expected to conclude by mid-February. Sources reveal that doors will be opened to visitors during the last weeks of February.

To facilitate the full renovation process, all items within the palace were being carefully wrapped and packed, then relocated to an undisclosed location, in preparation for the palace’s renovation.

Originally named the Jubilee Palace in honor of Emperor Haile Selassie’s Silver Jubilee in 1955, the palace has served as the Emperor’s primary residence. Despite its status as an iconic national structure, it has never been accessible to the public and has been used exclusively as an official residence for the president and hosting official functions.

The renovation project, which will end shortly, is part of the French government’s commitment to bolster the Ethiopian Heritage Program. This commitment was solidified following a visit by high-ranking French government officials to Addis Ababa in March 2019.

On July 16, 2020, an agreement was signed between Ahmed Shide, Minister of Finance, Valérie Tehio, the Country Director of the French Development Agency (AFD), and Frederic Bontems, the then Ambassador of France to Ethiopia and the African Union. This agreement secured 12 million euros in financing from AFD for the first phase of the palace renovation project.

Furthermore, the government has announced plans to construct a new building for the presidential office, which is currently situated within the same compound as the Prime Minister’s office. The president is expected to relocate to this new building and presidential residence, located near the US embassy.

According to sources, the rehabilitation of the palace will preserve its original architectural beauty and integrity. However, comprehensive maintenance activities, as well as additional construction work, will be undertaken to transform it into a premier tourist attraction in the city.

The first phase of the project, costing 20 million euros, will involve opening the palace to the public. The palace administration oversaw the implementation of the project with the support of French expertise. French public agencies and prominent organizations, such as the Versailles Palace, renowned for their expertise in international technical cooperation, also contributed to the renovations.

In line with efforts to expand tourist destinations and boost income, the government opened the Menelik Palace, built by Emperor Menelik in 1887, to the public in 2019 after extensive renovation works that spanned over a century.

Similarly, the French government is providing funding and technical support for the renovation projects of the rock-hewn churches of Lalibela, a UNESCO World Heritage site in Ethiopia, further demonstrating their commitment to preserving and promoting Ethiopia’s cultural heritage.

By our staff reporter

Hotto by Toptable Trading, a renowned five-star restaurant in the heart of Addis Ababa, is proud to announce its readiness to host high-ranking African leaders during the upcoming African Union (AU) Summit. Situated in the opulent core of the city, on Cape Verde Street near Bole Atlas, this Japanese-inspired Asian Fusion restaurant has been captivating diplomats, tourists, and esteemed guests since its establishment a year ago.

The restaurant is a harmonious blend that captures the grace and simplicity of Japanese inspired Asian cuisine, providing guests with a distinctive flavor experience.

With its prime location and exquisite offerings, Hotto aims to become the most sought-after high-end dining destination in Addis Ababa. The founders of Hotto envisioned creating a distinguished restaurant that not only enhances the culinary scene but also contributes to elevating the nation’s image.

Founded by three friends bonded by their shared dreams for fine dining cuisine, Hotto originated from their experiences dining at exceptional restaurants during their travels abroad. Inspired by these encounters, they embarked on a mission to introduce a similar elevated dining concept in their hometown. While Addis Ababa already boasts upscale hotels catering to VIPs, executives, and senior guests, the founders believed there was still room to cater to discerning individuals seeking a unique dining experience.

“We sought to create fine dining with a renowned chef and sophisticated ambiance based on our dream,” explained the founders. They are now fully prepared to welcome VIP visitors to Addis Ababa for the upcoming AU Summit, scheduled to commence next month.

Drawing inspiration from the art of Japanese cuisine, Hotto has been offering a refined dining experience since its inception on January 24, 2023. The restaurant takes immense pride in the culinary innovations of Executive Chef Daniel, who skillfully combines Asian flavors with locally sourced ingredients. The result is a harmonious blend that captures the grace and simplicity of Japanese cuisine, providing guests with a distinctive flavor experience.

“Our aim is to delight tourists in one of Africa’s largest and most vibrant cities,” stated Chef Daniel Birhanu, Executive Chef and Partner of Hotto by Toptable Trading. Chef Daniel’s culinary journey spans over a decade and has taken him to 97 countries, further fueling his passion for cuisine. He began his career as a member of the opening team at Sheraton Addis in 1998, then honed his skills as Head Chef at Sheraton Belgravia in London. Following that, he joined Etihad Airways, where he successfully designed a five-star dining experience at 40,000 feet in just three years. Chef Daniel then pursued a degree in Japanese cuisine in London and further refined his Asian fusion skills at Sushi Samba. Now back in Ethiopia, he is eager to share his expertise and elevate the dining scene in his hometown.

With its commitment to excellence and a fusion of culinary artistry, Hotto by Toptable Trading is poised to provide an exceptional dining experience for esteemed guests attending the AU Summit.