Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed and African Development Bank Group President Akinwumi Adesina will join senior Ethiopian Airlines executives and dignitaries in a ceremonial signing to confirm the Bank’s role as Mandated Lead Arranger for the Bishoftu International Airport project. Located in Abusera, 40 kilometres south of Addis Ababa, the new airport is set to be the largest in Africa, with an initial annual capacity of 60 million passengers, expandable to 110 million. The development will complement Bole International Airport, which will focus on domestic operations once Bishoftu becomes operational.
The African Development Bank spearheads resource mobilisation to finance the $7.8 billion project, leveraging its expertise in structuring large-scale transactions and blending public and private sector capital. Its appointment reflects the Bank’s catalytic role in advancing strategic continental infrastructure.
Construction of the first phase is to commence in late 2025, positioning Bishoftu as a premier hub for international, regional, and cargo traffic. The airport will anchor Ethiopian Airlines’ Vision 2035 growth strategy, supporting network expansion, infrastructure upgrades, and skilled workforce development. Beyond aviation, the project is expected to enhance continental connectivity under the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and African Single Air Transport Market, boosting trade, tourism, and economic integration across Africa.
