How Will Bishoftu International Airport Impact Ethiopia
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has collaborated with Ethiopian Airlines to develop the Bishoftu International Airport in Ethiopia. The African Development Bank (AfDB) will be the financial coordinator in this project. This is a significant development as the Bishoftu International Airport will be the biggest airport in Africa.
On March 14, 2025, Vice President of AfDB, Nnenna Nwabufo, and CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, Mesfin Tasew Bekele, signed a letter of intent. In this meeting, the President of AfDB, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, and Ethiopian Finance Minister Ahmed Shide were also present.
Bishoftu International Airport, also known as Abusera International Airport, is planned to be built in the southeast of Addis Ababa. Once it’s entirely operated, it will be able to handle 110 million passengers annually.
The project is estimated at $7.8 billion to $10 billion and has a target to complete it by 2029. Bishoftu International Airport is a part of Ethiopian Airlines’ Vision 2035 strategy to expand its fleet, routes, and economic impact.
The purpose of this new airport is to increase the capacity, as there is a limitation on Bole International Airport. After increasing the capacity, the Ethiopian government wants to expand the role of Ethiopia as a transit hub, which will connect Africa to the Middle East, Europe, and Asia.
AfDB is a key partner in the development projects of Ethiopia, with an existing portfolio of over $1.2 billion in investments. This project will also benefit Ethiopia in the context of the economy. The Bishoftu International Airport project will create thousands of jobs, enhance the cargo and maintenance services. And it will also boost the tourism and trade sector of Ethiopia.
Although Ethiopian Airlines is engaging the other global partners to ensure the smooth execution of this project. The President of AfDB described this airport project as an African flagship project. The Finance Minister of Ethiopia, Ahmed Shide, also highlighted the importance of this airport project and shared that it will enhance the global air connectivity of Africa.
Moreover, in the recent FX auction by NBE Ethiopian birr depreciated against US dollar. However, Ethiopian governemtn conducting these auctions as part of their on going economy reforms.