The Ethiopian Customs Commission is moving to anchor its modernisation drive around a new smart and sustainable headquarters campus, a project that is now being designed in partnership with Addis Ababa University.

The commission signed a strategic agreement with the university on January 12, 2026, giving AAU responsibility for consultancy and design work on what officials say will be a purpose built customs complex rather than a conventional office block.

Addis Ababa University has assigned two of its vice presidents to lead and supervise the design and delivery of the new headquarters campus, which is intended to integrate administrative, operational and digital functions into a single smart complex.

Customs Commissioner Debele Kebeta said the modern campus would require a substantial budget but is essential to building a future ready customs authority capable of supporting Ethiopia’s evolving trade and border management needs.

AAU President Samuel Kifle (PhD) said the commission is regarded as a strategic partner, adding that the design work has been planned with future generations in mind and provides a platform for knowledge transfer and national development.

Debele added that the project would draw heavily on the university’s academic and technical expertise and should be implemented with strong discipline, reflecting the scale of the investment involved.