Ethiopian Airlines has signed a memorandum of understanding with the African Development Bank (AfDB) to collaborate on the Bishoftu International Airport Development Project, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at boosting Ethiopia’s aviation capacity. The agreement was signed by Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew and AfDB Vice President for Regional Development, Integration, and Strategy, Nnenna Nwabufo, in the presence of AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina. With a projected cost of
Category: East Africa
Tanzania and Kenya Compete for Hub Status as Port Expansion Drives Regional Growth
Port expansion efforts, both underway and planned, are intensifying competition among operators as they vie for key hub status to support the growing integration of the region into global supply chains. The primary contenders in this race are Tanzania and Kenya. Tanzania’s plans have gained significant momentum with the European Union (EU) investing EUR 15 million into the Tanzania Trade and Transport Improvement Project, which is set to launch in
Tanzania and Burundi Sign $2.15 Billion Railway Deal to Boost Regional Connectivity
On January 29, 2025, Tanzania and Burundi signed an agreement to construct a 282-kilometer Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) linking Uvinza in Tanzania to Musongati in Burundi. The $2.15 billion project, awarded to China Railway Engineering Group Co. Ltd (CREGC) and China Railway Engineering Design and Consulting Group Co. Ltd (CREDC), is set for completion within 72 months. The signing ceremony took place at the John Pombe Magufuli SGR station in
Kenya and UAE Explore Partnership to Extend Standard Gauge Railway to Uganda and South Sudan
Kenya has announced ongoing discussions with the United Arab Emirates (UAE) to expand its Standard Gauge Railway (SGR) network to Uganda and South Sudan, aiming to bolster regional trade and integration. President William Ruto shared the update on X, stating:“We are exploring a partnership agreement with the United Arab Emirates to extend the Standard Gauge Railway to connect Kenya, Uganda, and South Sudan.” As part of the initiative, Kenya and
AfDB Partners with Deutsche Bank and Société Générale to Mobilize $1.2 Billion for Tanzania’s SGR Project
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has signed a coordination agreement with Deutsche Bank and Société Générale to mobilize up to $1.2 billion for the construction of Tanzania’s Standard Gauge Railway (SGR). This agreement was formalized during the African Investment Forum’s 2024 Market Days in Rabat, Morocco, as stated in an official AfDB release. The funds will support the development of a 411-kilometre railway line connecting Tabora and Kigoma in western
Air Congo Expands with New Aircraft, Boosting Connectivity and Economic Potential
Air Congo, the new national airline born from a partnership between the Congolese state and Ethiopian Airlines, has reached a significant milestone with the arrival of its second Boeing 737-800. This acquisition is part of a broader expansion plan that includes a total of eight aircraft, with six expected within the year. The addition of this second aircraft marks a turning point for air connectivity in the Democratic Republic of
Somalia and Ethiopia to Launch Negotiations on Somaliland Port Dispute
Somalia and Ethiopia have announced plans to begin technical negotiations by February next year to resolve tensions surrounding Ethiopia’s proposal to develop a port in Somaliland, the self-declared breakaway region of Somalia. Both nations have committed to concluding these talks within four months. The conflict originated in January when Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed proposed securing access to a port in Somaliland. In return, Ethiopia would offer Somaliland a stake
AfDB Approves $100 Million Loan for Kigali’s Urban Transport Revamp
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has approved a $100 million loan to overhaul Kigali’s urban transport system, aiming to tackle the city’s growing mobility challenges. The “Kigali Urban Transport Improvement Project,” finalized on December 2 at AfDB’s headquarters in Abidjan, seeks to create an inclusive, efficient, and safe road network for the city. With a population of 1.7 million, set to double by 2050, Kigali faces congestion, limited public transport
Kenya Halts Adani’s Airport and Power Deals Amid U.S. Bribery Allegations
Kenyan President William Ruto has ordered the immediate cancellation of a procurement process that would have transferred control of Kenya’s main airport to India’s Adani Group. The decision follows the indictment of Gautam Adani, the company’s founder, and seven others in the United States on bribery charges. In his state of the nation address last week, Ruto also announced the termination of a $736 million, 30-year public-private partnership deal signed
Ethiopian Cargo Clinches ‘Best Cargo Airline – Africa’ Award for Second Consecutive Year
Ethiopian Cargo and Logistics Services has once again been recognized for its exceptional performance, winning the prestigious ‘Best Cargo Airline – Africa’ award for the second consecutive year. The award was presented during the Arabian Cargo Awards ceremony held on November 11, 2024, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. This esteemed recognition highlights excellence in the cargo and logistics sector across the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) region. Mesfin Tasew, CEO of