The United States is seeking to increase the involvement of American companies in Ethiopian Airlines’ planned $12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport project, signaling growing U.S. interest in major infrastructure investments in Africa.
Speaking during a virtual press briefing from the Africa Logistics and Communications Symposium in Addis Ababa, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for the Middle East and Africa, Mark Mitchell, said Washington is “closely engaged in pushing to secure U.S. participation” in the airport development.
Mitchell said he met with Ethiopian Airlines officials during the symposium but did not specify which U.S. companies could participate. He noted, however, that the project could create opportunities for additional Boeing aircraft purchases powered by GE Aerospace engines.
Construction of the new airport, located about 45 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa in Bishoftu, began in January 2026. Once completed in 2030, the four-runway airport is expected to significantly expand Ethiopia’s aviation capacity, with officials aiming to establish it as a major aviation hub for Africa.
Earlier this year, Ethiopian Airlines signed an agreement to purchase six additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, adding to the 20 aircraft already on order.
The African Development Bank (AfDB) has committed $500 million to the project and is leading efforts to mobilize $8.7 billion in financing. Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew previously stated that U.S. financial institutions had also expressed interest in supporting the airport project.
Mitchell added that the U.S. Commerce Department is also exploring closer cooperation with Ethiopia’s Artificial Intelligence Institute as part of broader efforts to expand exports of U.S. artificial intelligence technologies.
The development comes as the United States seeks to strengthen its economic engagement in Africa, where it competes with China and other global powers for infrastructure and investment opportunities.
Source: Reuters
