Ethiomonitor -Addis Ababa
September 20, 2025
Ethiopian Airlines has launched a two-day project showcase for its ambitious Bishoftu International Airport initiative, bringing together a wide array of stakeholders at the Ethiopian Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa.
The event, held in collaboration with the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dar Al-Handasah Consultants (DAR), and KPMG, was inaugurated today in the presence of Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance, Ahmed Shide, and Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew. Also in attendance were representatives from more than 40 local and international institutions, including development banks, contractors, suppliers, and investors.
The showcase aims to outline the structure, financing strategy, and risk allocation model for the Bishoftu Airport project, which is set to become a major aviation hub in Africa. Ethiopian Airlines is presenting the expected roles for engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) partners, as well as financing opportunities for development finance institutions, commercial banks, and export credit agencies.
“The Bishoftu mega international airport, Africa’s transformative project, calls for the collaboration of various stakeholders,” said Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew. “This project showcase paves the way for new partnerships, allowing deep insight into the project and its significance in the African aviation landscape and beyond.”
The event features detailed presentations from Ethiopian Airlines and a site visit to Bishoftu, providing participants with firsthand insight into the scope and progress of the project. The gathering also serves to align participants on key project timelines and syndication preparations.
The Bishoftu Airport is a central pillar of Ethiopian Airlines’ Vision 2035 strategy, which aims to position the airline among the top 20 global aviation groups. Ethiopian, a Star Alliance member, currently operates flights to more than 160 destinations worldwide and has garnered multiple international awards, including Skytrax’s “Best Airline in Africa” for eight consecutive years.
Ethiopian’s expansion strategy includes the development of multiple hubs across the continent, including partnerships in Togo, Malawi, Zambia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
