Excellencies, Distinguished Guests, Ladies and Gentlemen,

All Protocol observed,

On behalf of the Chairperson of the Commission, it is with great pleasure to welcome you to this Topping Out Ceremony of the Africa CDC Construction Project.

As a foundation of the China-Africa Health Community, the Government of Peoples Republic of China had provided the full financial support to the African Union, to undertake this Construction Project of the Africa CDC (Phase 1) project.

I recalled that the Vice Minister of the Ministry of Commerce of the People Republic of China, and the African Union signed an MOU on the Phase 1 of this construction in July 2020.

Excellencies, Ladies and Gentlemen

348 days ago, that is 14 December 2020, we had the Ground Breaking Ceremony.  Today 26^th November, 2021 we wish to announce that the primary structure of the construction project is now completed and we are celebrating the achievement of the team working behind the scene for this milestone.

While celebrating our success in reaching 45% of total project completion within an impressive record of 348 days, the African Union would like to express its sincere appreciation to the Government of People Republic of China for funding of the whole project, and to all the stakeholders who had played their respective roles and tirelessly assisted the team in achieving its target.

The teams and partners behind this impressive achievement, thank you. The AUC team for the coordination, facilitation and follow-up specially the Administration and Facilities Management Division, Office of Security and Safety Services and the Africa CDC.

We look forwards to the inauguration of this facility before January 2023 and just one day before the FOCAC meeting in Senegal.

This is my last working day as AU Commissioner and I leave with great satisfaction. I would like to thank and appreciate for every and each one of you who worked with me. I would also like to thank Ethiopia.

Well done everybody.

I thank you all.