The United States is seeking a greater role for American companies in Ethiopian Airlines’ $12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport project, as Washington intensifies efforts to expand its commercial footprint in Africa and compete with China for strategic infrastructure opportunities. According to Reuters, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for the Middle East and Africa, Mark Mitchell, said the U.S. government is actively engaging Ethiopian authorities to position American firms to participate in the landmark aviation project, which is expected to become one of the world’s largest airports when completed in 2030.
Construction of the new airport, located about 45 kilometres southeast of Addis Ababa, began in January and is designed with four runways to eventually handle up to 110 million passengers annually, significantly expanding Ethiopian Airlines’ capacity as Africa’s largest carrier. While Mitchell did not identify specific U.S. companies, he noted the project could create opportunities for additional Boeing aircraft purchases and GE Aerospace engines, alongside broader collaboration in aviation infrastructure and technology. The African Development Bank is leading efforts to mobilise financing for the project, while Ethiopian Airlines is expected to fund part of the development.
The development highlights Ethiopia’s growing strategic importance in Africa’s aviation sector and reflects intensifying global competition for influence over the continent’s infrastructure. For businesses and investors, the project presents significant opportunities across construction, engineering, aviation services, financing and logistics. It also reinforces Ethiopia’s ambition to establish a global air transport hub linking Africa with Europe, Asia and the Middle East while supporting trade, tourism and economic integration.
Looking ahead, successful mobilisation of international financing and private sector participation will be critical to delivering the project on schedule. If completed as planned, the Bishoftu International Airport is expected to transform Ethiopia’s aviation industry, strengthen Ethiopian Airlines’ global competitiveness and position the country as one of the world’s leading air transport gateways.
