By Ethiopia is accelerating negotiations with the Bank of China to secure funding for its $12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport. The Bank of China Ethiopia airport financing discussions are central to closing the funding gap for what will become Africa’s largest aviation hub, with phase one capacity targeting 60 million passengers annually.
Financing Discussions
Senior officials from Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance and Ethiopian Airlines Group have engaged with the Bank of China to explore funding options for the multi-billion-dollar airport project.
The discussions focused on strengthening the financial structure of the development, including potential loan arrangements and coordination with other international lenders. The Bank of China has expressed strong interest in participating, citing its experience in large-scale infrastructure financing and aviation projects.
Project of Continental Scale
The Bishoftu International Airport project is valued at approximately $12.5 billion and is expected to become the largest airport in Africa once completed.
Located around 40–45 kilometres southeast of Addis Ababa, the airport is being developed to address capacity constraints at the country’s main hub, Addis Ababa Bole International Airport.
Initial plans indicate:
- Capacity of up to 60 million passengers annually in phase one
- Expansion to over 100 million passengers at full development
Financing Structure
The project is being structured through a combination of international lenders and development institutions.
The African Development Bank has already committed funding and is working to mobilise billions in additional financing, while discussions with Chinese financial institutions are seen as critical to closing the funding gap.
Officials have also emphasised the importance of ensuring the project remains financially sustainable, given the scale of investment required.
Strategic Importance
The new airport forms a central part of Ethiopia’s long-term aviation strategy, aimed at reinforcing its position as a major hub for air travel, trade, and logistics across Africa.
Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest carrier, is leading the project, which is expected to significantly expand the country’s capacity to handle future passenger growth.
Ethiopia’s engagement with the Bank of China signals growing momentum behind the Bishoftu airport project, as the country seeks to secure the financing required for one of the most ambitious aviation developments on the continent.
If completed as planned, the project could reshape regional connectivity and establish a new benchmark for large-scale airport infrastructure in Africa.
