NAIROBI, Kenya- Ethiopia has selected the African Development Bank (AfDB) to help secure up to $8 billion (Sh1.03 trillion)in financing for the Bishoftu International Airport.
The 10 billion dollar (Sh1.3 trillion)project set to become the continent’s largest, with capacity to handle 110 million passengers a year.
“The Bank will lead resource mobilization efforts to raise debt financing of up to $8 billion,” the government said, adding that AfDB has earmarked up to $500 million, subject to Board approval, to anchor funding for the mega-project.
“Bishoftu International Airport will be a cornerstone of Ethiopian Airlines’ Vision 2040 growth strategy and a game changer for Africa’s connectivity,” Ethiopian Airlines Group stated.
Located in Abusera, 40 kilometres south of Addis Ababa, the airport will be the new global hub for Ethiopian Airlines Africa’s largest carrier serving over 145 destinations and is designed to ease capacity constraints at the capital’s Bole International Airport.
The existing Bole facility will be repurposed for domestic flights once Bishoftu becomes operational.
The first phase of construction, slated to start in late 2025, will deliver an initial capacity of 60 million passengers annually, with eventual expansion to 110 million.
The project aligns with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the African Single Air Transport Market, both of which aim to enhance continental integration and open skies for African carriers.
Beyond passenger services, the hub will boost regional and international cargo handling, positioning Ethiopia as a central transit point between Africa, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia.
The design incorporates provisions for modern freight terminals, advanced security systems, and significant human capital investment to support its long-term operations.
The AfDB’s role as mandated lead arranger underscores its commitment to funding strategic infrastructure projects and promoting regional economic integration.
Its backing is expected to attract global lenders and investors to one of Africa’s most ambitious aviation undertakings.
Once complete, Bishoftu International Airport will not only redefine Ethiopia’s aviation landscape but also mark a major milestone in Africa’s quest for world-class transport infrastructure, boosting tourism, trade, and economic growth across the continent.
