The African Development Bank (AfDB)has been appointed as the Mandated Lead Arranger for the $7.8 billion financing of Bishoftu International Airport, a flagship infrastructure project in Ethiopia that is expected to become Africa’s largest airport when completed.
The appointment, to be marked at a formal signing ceremony on August 11 will be attended by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed, AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina, and senior officials from Ethiopian Airlines, signals the Bank’s central role in mobilizing capital for large-scale, strategic infrastructure on the continent.
AfDB will spearhead efforts to structure and raise financing for the airport, drawing on its experience in aligning public and private sector funding.
Located in Abusera, about 40 kilometers south of Addis Ababa, Bishoftu International Airport is designed to initially accommodate 60 million passengers annually, with full capacity reaching 110 million. For comparison, Africa’s busiest airports currently serve between 18 to 29 million passengers per year.
Construction of the first phase is scheduled to begin in late 2025, with the facility positioned to become a major hub for international, regional, and cargo traffic. The new airport will complement Bole International Airport, which will shift its focus to domestic operations once Bishoftu is operational.
The project is integral to Ethiopian Airlines’ Vision 2035, which targets expanded route networks, modernized infrastructure, and strengthened human capital as part of a broader push to maintain global competitiveness. The airport’s scale and scope also align with continental policy frameworks, including the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the African Single Air Transport Market, both aimed at deepening regional integration and connectivity.
The development underscores the growing demand for large-scale transport infrastructure in Africa, where air traffic is expected to rise sharply over the next two decades, driven by population growth, rising incomes, and increased intra-African trade.
