– Reporting by Dawit Endeshaw
The African Development Bank (ADB) has announced a commitment of $500 million to help finance Ethiopia’s ambitious new airport project, a facility projected to become the largest in Africa upon completion in 2029.
The new airport will be located near Bishoftu, approximately 45 kilometers (28 miles) southeast of the capital Addis Ababa. Designed with four runways and expansive terminals, the $10 billion project is set to transform Ethiopia’s aviation sector and strengthen its role as a critical air transport hub for the continent.
Ethiopian Airlines: A Driving Force
State-owned Ethiopian Airlines, one of Africa’s most successful and rapidly expanding carriers, has already signed an agreement for the airport’s design. The airline, which consistently ranks as Africa’s most profitable carrier, will provide 20% of the project’s funding. The remaining investment will be mobilized from international creditors and development partners, with AfDB taking the lead.
“The bank has itself earmarked up to $500 million, subject to board approval, to anchor the funding of this transformational regional integration project,” the AfDB said in a statement.
A Hub for 100 Million Passengers
The new airport is expected to handle up to 100 million passengers annually, more than triple the current capacity of Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, which has already been struggling to accommodate rising traffic.
By comparison, this figure would put the Bishoftu airport on par with some of the world’s busiest airports, placing Ethiopia firmly at the center of Africa’s aviation map.
Regional and Economic Significance
Beyond its aviation role, the mega-project is expected to act as a catalyst for Ethiopia’s broader economic development. Analysts believe the airport could:
-
Boost tourism and trade across the Horn of Africa.
-
Create tens of thousands of jobs during construction and operation.
-
Position Ethiopia as a gateway between Africa, the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
-
Support Ethiopia’s plans to become a regional hub for cargo and logistics, especially as global demand for African exports continues to grow.
Last week, AfDB confirmed it is spearheading efforts to raise $7.8 billion in additional financing for the project. If successful, this would ensure funding momentum for one of Africa’s largest infrastructure undertakings.
Challenges Ahead
While the vision is bold, Ethiopia faces challenges. The project’s success depends on securing full financing, managing construction timelines, and ensuring political and economic stability in the country. Moreover, balancing the airport’s environmental impact with Ethiopia’s Green Legacy Initiative—which aims to plant 50 billion trees by 2026—will be a priority for policymakers.
A Transformational Project
For Ethiopia, this project represents more than an airport. It is a symbol of national ambition and a potential engine for regional integration, trade, and connectivity. If completed as envisioned, Bishoftu could rival major hubs like Dubai, Doha, and Johannesburg, reshaping Africa’s role in global air travel.
The key to living well in a high-tech world is to spend much less time using technology
7zuukq