The African Development Bank (AfDB) and Ethiopian Airlines have signed a Letter of Intent to support the development of Ethiopia’s $7.8 billion Abusera International Airport project, a transformative infrastructure initiative aimed at expanding air capacity and enhancing Africa’s aviation connectivity.
The agreement was signed on 14 March 2025 at the AfDB headquarters in Abidjan by Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew Bekele and AfDB Vice President Nnenna Nwabufo. The signing follows discussions between the Bank and an Ethiopian delegation led by Finance Minister Ahmed Shide.
Located in Bishoftu, 40 km from Addis Ababa, the new airport will complement the recently expanded Bole International Airport, which is nearing its 25 million annual passenger capacity. Abusera is designed to accommodate increasing passenger and cargo volumes, reinforcing Ethiopia’s position as a strategic aviation hub for Africa.
AfDB President Dr Akinwumi Adesina lauded the partnership, calling Ethiopian Airlines “Africa’s pride” and affirming the Bank’s commitment to supporting the continent’s aviation leadership and regional integration. “This project will strengthen Africa’s global air connectivity and economic integration,” he said.
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Finance Minister Shide echoed this sentiment, describing the agreement as a testament to Ethiopia’s ambition and AfDB’s strong support for Africa’s flagship infrastructure initiatives.
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s most successful carrier, continues to implement its 2035 growth strategy, focusing on network expansion, infrastructure development, and human capital. The airline closed its 2023/24 fiscal year with a record $7.02 billion in revenues, transporting over 17 million passengers—13.4 million on international routes.
As part of AfDB’s “High 5” priority on regional integration, the Abusera International Airport will drive intra-Africa connectivity and global competitiveness, positioning Ethiopia as a central gateway between the continent and the world.
