Plizio Visual Lab

CBE Headquarters

Plizio editorial teamUpdated: Jun 2026Data Sources

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The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) Headquarters is the tallest building in Ethiopia and a prominent landmark of the Addis Ababa skyline. Standing at 209 meters with 53 floors, it was officially inaugurated in February 2022. The construction of this skyscraper marks a major milestone in the country's economic development and rapid urbanization. The architecture is characterized by a sleek modern glass facade and a slender design that incorporates advanced energy-efficient technologies. Beyond housing the administrative offices of the nation's largest bank, the building features conference centers, commercial spaces, and a top-floor restaurant offering panoramic views of the capital. It serves as a powerful symbol of the strength of the Ethiopian financial sector and the nation’s modernization goals. Its strategic location in the central business district highlights Ethiopia's growing role as an economic hub in East Africa.

Location: Ethiopia
Top sights: National Theatre · Tiglachin Monument · Post Museum
Nearby: Bishoftu (35 km)

Best time to visit & climate

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan–Mar.

	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Avg °C	15	17	18	18	18	18	16	16	16	14	14	14
Rain mm	12	27	56	90	89	116	239	246	145	34	16	13

📋 Practical info

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Visiting

The CBE Headquarters is a modern skyscraper and primarily an office building. Public access is usually limited to the lobby; upper floors are not open to visitors.

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Typical hours

As an office building, it is typically open during regular business hours Monday to Friday. The lobby can be visited on weekdays during daytime; weekends it is usually closed.

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Photography

Photography of the exterior and skyline is allowed from the street. Inside, photos in the lobby may be restricted; ask security personnel.

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Time needed

A brief visit just to see the lobby and exterior takes about 15 to 30 minutes. Allow 30 minutes if you want to photograph the building from different angles.

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Combine with

The building is located in Addis Ababa's business district, near Meskel Square and Holy Trinity Cathedral. Combine the visit with a walk to other city landmarks.

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Getting there

The CBE Headquarters is in central Addis Ababa, easily reachable by taxi or on foot. The nearest bus stop is just a few minutes' walk away.

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Insider tip

Visit the building in the late afternoon when the light illuminates the facade nicely. For the best view of the skyscraper, head to nearby Meskel Square.

Geography

Coordinates

9.01500, 38.75000

Facts

Tallest building in Ethiopia at 209 meters
Officially inaugurated on February 13, 2022
Features 53 floors and four underground levels
Largest bank headquarters in East Africa
Home to a top-floor restaurant with panoramic views
Construction cost was approximately $303 million

Explore nearby

Notable places around

Tiglachin Monument<1 km · NEExplore →

Adey Abeba Stadium1 km · NWExplore →

St. George's Cathedral (Addis Ababa)2 km · EExplore →

Menelik II's Imperial Palace2 km · NEExplore →

Grand Anwar Mosque2 km · SEExplore →

Medhane Alem Cathedral4 km · NExplore →

Huajian Shoe Factory5 km · WExplore →

Gullele Botanical Garden6 km · SEExplore →

Route planner — Car & Motorhome

Where do you start? We build the route here, with stops and country notes along the way.

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Overnight stops

Vehicle

Only stops with (optional): 💧 Water ♻️ Disposal 🔌 Power 🚻 Toilets 🚿 Shower

Sights in the town CBE Headquarters (9)

National Theatre

The National Theatre in Addis Ababa is a venue for performances. It hosts cultural events.

Tiglachin Monument

The Tiglachin Monument commemorates Ethiopian and Cuban soldiers of the Ogaden War. It stands in Addis Ababa.

Post Museum 🏛 museum

The Post Museum in Addis Ababa exhibits postal history. It displays stamps and postal items.

Art Exhibition

The art exhibition in Addis Ababa showcases works by local artists. It features paintings and sculptures.

Gola Park

Gola Park in Addis Ababa is a green space. It features relaxation and walking paths.

National Palace🏰 castle

The National Palace is the official residence of the President of Ethiopia. It is located in Addis Ababa.

Tewodros Square | teewoderose 'adabaabaaye

Tewodros Square is a square in Addis Ababa. It is named after Emperor Tewodros II.

Meskel Square🌳 park

Meskel Square is a square in Addis Ababa. It is used for gatherings and celebrations.

Friendship Square🌳 park

Friendship Square is a park in Addis Ababa. It serves for recreation and leisure.

Sights nearby

Frequently asked questions

How tall is the CBE building?

Standing at about 209 meters, it is the tallest building in Ethiopia and one of the tallest in East Africa.

Can you go to the observation deck?

There are plans for a restaurant and observation level, but tourist access is often restricted.

What does CBE stand for?

CBE stands for Commercial Bank of Ethiopia, the country's state-owned commercial bank.

When was the building completed?

The building was officially inaugurated in 2022.

Where is the CBE headquarters located?

It is located in the business district of Addis Ababa, near the National Theatre.

CBE Headquarters: where is it located?

CBE Headquarters is located in Ethiopia.

CBE Headquarters: what is there to see?

Highlights include National Theatre, Tiglachin Monument, Post Museum.

CBE Headquarters: when is the best time to visit?

The most pleasant time to visit is Jan, Mar.

CBE Headquarters: why is it worth visiting?

The Commercial Bank of Ethiopia (CBE) Headquarters is the tallest building in Ethiopia and a prominent landmark of the Addis Ababa skyline.

View on map → The Top 50 Attractions → OpenStreetMap →

CBE Headquarters

Best time to visit & climate