Chinese language institute opens in Addis Ababa

Ethiopian and Chinese officials have inaugurated a new Chinese language and cultural centre on the premises of the Ethio-China Polytechnic College in Kotebe in Yeka district in Addis Ababa.

About 250 people have enrolled to study Chinese language at the Confucius Institute, drawn from the body of students and staff at the polytechnic. Until now teachers received instruction in Chinese during their own training in China, but the Ethiopian government now wants to give them access to the same skills at home.

The Ethio-China Polytechnic College offers courses in a range of disciplines including computer science, electronics, mechanics and textile and garment manufacture. It currently has 380 registered students although this number is expected to increase to 3,000 when the college is running at full capacity.

The Confucius Institute has been inaugurated on the 40th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between China and Ethiopia.