Creative Hub Reopens Its Doors at Century-Old Post Office Building in Addis Ababa

Creative Hub Ethiopia officially reopened its doors on Thursday inside the iconic Arada Post Office in Piazza, transforming the century-old building into a center for innovation, design, and entrepreneurship.

The launch event, themed “Reimagining Heritage for Innovation,” brought together government officials, international development partners, designers, artists, and young entrepreneurs for four days of exhibitions, live performances, and networking. 

Originally launched in 2021, Creative Hub Ethiopia evolved to become a popular center for aspiring young entrepreneurs and creators in the capital. Its previous center, around the Mexico roundabout, currently a construction site for a bank’s headquarters, had become a vibrant epicenter for Addis Ababa’s creative youth. The Hub continued to facilitate workshops, exhibitions, and training programs with its various partners.

Robel Samson, Director at the Hub, expects the new facility to revitalize their support for young entrepreneurs and creative innovators. He believes that many young Ethiopians could realize the true potential of their talents through the right support.

“A lot of raw talent exists in Ethiopia,” Robel told Shega.” The Hub hopes to help transform it into reality.”

While Addis Ababa has witnessed a rise in modern co-working spaces like Iceaddis, Maraki Workspaces, and ADORE Addis, this hub stands out for its public-focused mission and cultural orientation. Unlike commercially driven co-working offices, Creative Hub Ethiopia offers a hybrid environment that blends maker tools, exhibition venues, mentorship programs, and access to training. Creative Hub has supported more than 150 youth-led and women-led initiatives, particularly in fashion design, industrial product development, digital storytelling, and the visual arts. It provides not only physical infrastructure but also direct linkages to markets, mentorship, and exposure to global best practices.

The transformation of the Ethio Post office building is part of a broader initiative funded by the Italian Agency for Development Cooperation (AICS) and implemented by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in partnership with the Ministry of Labour and Skills. Program activities are operated by local innovation consultancy IceAddis, which has been a partner since the Hub’s launch.

Eldana Geremew, Communication Director at Iceaddis, recalls receiving a warm reception from Ethio Post when the idea for a collaboration was first introduced. She emphasized the importance of partnerships to achieve impactful results for innovative youth.

“We hope relaunching at full capacity will bring about even better outcomes for creative innovators,” Eldana told Shega.

The Old Post Office, inaugurated in July 1908, was the first modern postal facility in Addis Ababa, serving the city until the Italian occupation in 1935. It later found new life as Cinema Ethiopia, a cultural landmark that operated for several decades before closing as part of recent urban renovation efforts. During the four-day reopening ceremony last week, visitors explored the restored architecture filled with laser cutters, 3D printers, and multimedia workstations. It also included innovation showcases across design, technology, and art, as well as high-level panel discussions.