Fifty-nine prospective developers in Addis Abeba have received plots from the city administration to invest in manufacturing, finance, hospitality, and real estate industries.

A month ago, the City Council decided to grant 47hct of land to developers through direct appropriation. It was a privilege limited to federally budgeted agencies, non-governmental organisations, places of worship and international organizations.

Municipal authorities say half of the plots have been transferred to developers.

One of the prospective developers is the Cooperative Bank of Oromia (CBO), incorporated in 2004 with 300 million Br in paid-up capital. The city's Land Development & Management Bureau, under the management of Jemal Aliye, has granted a 12,000sqm plot around the Senga Tera area (the financial district in the capital) for the construction of its headquarters. The Bank submitted its request a year ago, planning to erect a 70-storey skyscraper, according to Gadessa Mamo, a vice president.

The 18-year-old Bank has seen considerable growth in recent years. Last year, it reported 2.39 billion Br gross profit, representing half its paid-up capital.

The lease price for the latest round of land allocation is determined by a directive the City Administration introduced four years ago. The highest ceiling for a square metre is 39,000 Br. The Bank may face a lease fee of 468 million Br for a 50 years term.

Adama Steel Factory has secured a plot in the capital. Incorporated in 2011 with a capital of 40 million Br, the company plans to use the plot to construct a food processing facility, a senior manager disclosed. The company's plant in Adama town has an annual production capacity of 30,000tn of nails and tin steel. Its recent expansion at the cost of 5.6 billion Br was inaugurated in the presence of Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed (PhD). Abdulhakim Mohammed, also a significant shareholder of Abdulkarim Investment Group, is behind the Adama Steel investment. The latter makes a name in the exports of oilseeds and pulses.

Al-Sam Real Estate, a subsidiary of Al-Sam Corporation Ltd, is to receive a 3,000sqm plot near Mexico Square. Its executives plan to erect apartment units on the land.

Incorporated two decades ago with Sabir Argaw as its major shareholder, Al-Sam Corporation is among the country's most prominent business conglomerates. It made its mark by importing consumer goods and exporting coffee. It has had its debut investing in the industrial manufacturing plant of edible oil in the Furi area. However, its recent presence is strong in commercial and residential real estate in prime locations of Addis Abeba, including Al-Sam Cheleleka, a property near Mexico Square where the Ethiopian Commodities Exchange (ECX) is headquartered.

Prospective developers are required to deposit 150 million Br in a closed account to secure the plots. The municipality reviews an average of 700 requests each year. An ordinance introduced last year limits plot size to 5,000sqm for developers with an investment proposal valued at less than half a billion Birr. The requirement was introduced after a law was revised in 2019 to govern urban land use. The amendment was followed by widespread allegations of corruption in land transfers and services.