Ethiopia and AIIB discuss strategic support for Bishoftu Airport and broader infrastructure

Addis Ababa, March 31, 2026 (FMC) – Ethiopia’s Finance Minister, Mr. Ahmed Shide, met with the President of the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) to discuss expanding cooperation in priority infrastructure and development initiatives, including potential financing support for the Bishoftu International Airport project.

On the occasion, Minister Ahmed highlighted the strategic importance of the airport project, describing it as vital for enhancing Ethiopia’s role as a regional aviation hub and supporting long-term economic growth.

The discussions also focused on opportunities to mobilize private sector financing. The Minister emphasized AIIB’s role in catalyzing private investment and enabling greater participation of private capital in infrastructure sectors across Ethiopia.

Both parties reaffirmed their commitment to strengthening engagement and advancing concrete areas of cooperation aimed at promoting sustainable infrastructure development and private sector-led growth in the country.

The meeting underlined Ethiopia’s strategic approach to leveraging international partnerships and private sector involvement to support its ambitious infrastructure and development agenda.

It is noteworthy that the Ethiopian delegation is currently in China this week on a high-level strategic mission, led by Minister Ahmed Shide and including Eyob Tekalign, Governor of the National Bank of Ethiopia, senior officials from the Ministry of Finance, and representatives from the Ethiopian Airlines Group. Ambassador Teferra Derebew, Ethiopia’s Ambassador to China, is also accompanying the delegation.

The Ethiopian Finance Ministry told Fana Media Corporation that the mission focuses on finalizing ongoing debt restructuring negotiations and advancing financing arrangements for priority infrastructure projects, including the Bishoftu International Airport.

During the visit, the delegation has held discussions with key Chinese financial institutions, such as the Export-Import (Exim) Bank of China, the Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (ICBC), and the China Development Bank (CDB).