African Development Bank to Lead $6.2 Billion Financing for Africa’s Largest Airport Project

The African Development Bank Group (AfDB) and Ethiopian Airlines Group have finalized plans to sign a landmark agreement appointing the Bank as the Mandated Lead Arranger for the US$6.2 billion Bishoftu International Airport project – set to become the largest airport on the African continent upon completion.

Under the agreement, the African Development Bank will spearhead the mobilization of public and private financing to support the construction of the state-of-the-art aviation hub, underscoring its pivotal role in advancing transformative infrastructure across Africa. As a trusted financial architect, the AfDB brings extensive expertise in structuring complex, multi-stakeholder transactions that align with continental development goals under the Bank’s High 5 priorities, particularly “Industrialize Africa” and “Improve the Quality of Life for the People of Africa.”

A Game-Changer for African Aviation

The Bishoftu International Airport, located in Abusera approximately 40 kilometers (25 miles) south of Addis Ababa, is poised to revolutionize air travel in East Africa. Designed with an initial annual passenger capacity of 60 million, the facility will expand to accommodate up to 110 million passengers at full build-out – far surpassing the current capacity of Africa’s busiest airports, which handle between 18 and 29 million travelers annually.

This ambitious infrastructure project is central to Ethiopian Airlines’ Vision 2035, a long-term strategy aimed at solidifying the carrier’s position as a global aviation leader. As Africa’s largest and most profitable airline, Ethiopian Airlines is leveraging the new airport to drive network expansion, modernize logistics infrastructure, and invest in human capital to enhance operational efficiency and international competitiveness.

Driving Economic Transformation Through Strategic Infrastructure

“The Bishoftu International Airport is more than an aviation project – it is a catalyst for economic transformation, regional integration, and job creation,” said Akinwumi A. Adesina, President of the African Development Bank. “By mobilizing strategic financing and bringing together public and private partners, we are building the infrastructure Africa needs to thrive in the global economy.”

The new airport is expected to stimulate growth in logistics, tourism, and manufacturing sectors, while creating thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities. It will also serve as a critical hub for cargo and passenger traffic across Africa and beyond, reinforcing Ethiopia’s role as a continental gateway.

With construction anticipated to begin in the coming year, the project marks a major milestone in Africa’s push for self-reliant, sustainable infrastructure development. The African Development Bank’s leadership in the financing consortium highlights its commitment to enabling high-impact projects that deliver long-term economic and social benefits across the continent.