The African Development Bank (ADB) will finance up to approximately 430 million euros for the new Bishoftu International Airport, which is being built on the outskirts of the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, the entity announced.

The total cost of the project will be US$10 billion (approximately €8,6 billion). When completed, it will be the largest airport in Africa and the new global hub for Ethiopian Airlines, which operates approximately 145 international destinations and has 79 years of experience in air transport.

The future terminal will have an initial capacity of 60 million passengers per year, which will be expanded to 110 million when it reaches full capacity. Ethiopia's Finance Minister, Ahmed Shide, and AfDB President Akinwumi Adesina will participate in the signing of the agreement.

“The bank itself has set aside up to $500 million [about €430 million], subject to approval by its board, to serve as the basis for financing this transformative regional integration project,” the AfDB said.

According to the AfDB document, the first phase of the project will begin in late 2025 and, once operational, will be one of Africa's main aviation hubs for international, regional, and cargo traffic. It will complement the existing Bole International Airport in Addis Ababa, which will focus on domestic operations.

The project is aligned with the African Union's Agenda 2063 and the Single African Air Transport Market, which aim to promote greater integration and connectivity on the continent.

Picture: © 2025 DR