Ethiopian Airlines partners with AfDB for new pan-African aviation hub financing

The appointment of the African Development Bank as Initial Mandated Lead Arranger (IMLA) highlights its role in promoting major infrastructure projects that support objectives like those outlined in Agenda 2063 by the African Union and initiatives such as the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM). This project aims to address rising air traffic demand across Africa and represents an example of locally led development efforts.

The planned airport will be part of an aerotropolis designed to encourage regional growth, expand logistics capabilities, and create tens of thousands of jobs.

Ethiopian Airlines Group continues to pursue its 2040 growth strategy focused on expanding its network, developing infrastructure, and investing in human capital. In its last fiscal year ending June 30, 2025, Ethiopian Airlines reported record revenues of $7.6 billion—an 8% increase from the previous year—and carried 19 million passengers overall.

Operating flights across more than 160 destinations worldwide using modern aircraft models such as Boeing 737s and Airbus A350s, Ethiopian Airlines has received multiple awards for service quality and leadership within Africa’s transport sector. Its strategic plans include further expansion through multi-hub operations in several African countries.