Ethiopia, AIIB Advance Talks on Financing Bishoftu International Airport and Strategic Infrastructure

Addis Ababa, September 9, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia and the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) have advanced discussions on potential financing for the landmark Bishoftu International Airport project and other strategic infrastructure priorities, including energy and climate action.

Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide and Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew held talks with AIIB President Zou Jiayi, who arrived in Addis Ababa for her first official visit to Ethiopia since assuming her new role.

The discussions placed potential AIIB participation in the Bishoftu International Airport project among the key areas of cooperation. The two sides also explored strengthening collaboration in the energy sector and climate action projects through concessional financing mechanisms and partnerships with other multilateral development banks.

Ahmed briefed Zou on the implementation of Ethiopia’s reform agenda and progress in completing major infrastructure projects, including the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam (GERD).

He also outlined potential financing avenues through which AIIB could support Ethiopia’s development priorities.

Zou acknowledged Ethiopia’s role as a regional anchor, particularly in advancing regional power integration, and reaffirmed AIIB’s commitment to supporting the government’s infrastructure agenda.

The two sides agreed to deepen their engagement and advance their shared commitment to sustainable and inclusive infrastructure development.