African Development Bank to Fund Ethiopia’s Future Largest Airport in Africa with $500 Million Investment
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has pledged up to $500 million to help finance Ethiopia’s planned mega airport, set to become the largest in Africa once completed.
State-owned Ethiopian Airlines has signed a design agreement for the four-runway facility, which will be located near Bishoftu, approximately 45 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa.
The airline will contribute 20% of the $10 billion project’s cost, while the remainder will be financed by creditors.
According to the AfDB, the $500 million commitment — pending board approval — will serve as an anchor investment for what it described as a “transformational regional integration project.”
The bank, which last week announced it was leading efforts to raise $7.8 billion for the project, emphasized its role as lead arranger, citing its experience in delivering complex infrastructure deals across Africa.
Scheduled for completion in 2029, the airport will have the capacity to handle up to 100 million passengers annually, positioning Ethiopia as a major global aviation hub.
The mega project is a key pillar of Ethiopian Airlines’ aggressive growth strategy. In 2024, Africa’s largest airline placed orders for 124 new aircraft, signaling its ambition to strengthen dominance in the continent’s air transport sector and expand its global footprint.
