China and the United States are seeking major roles in building Ethiopia’s planned mega-airport near Bishoftu. China is involved in financing discussions and construction part, while the United States is seeking opportunities for its companies to participate.
It is a $12.5 billion project i.e. led by Ethiopian Airlines and is planned to become Africa’s largest airport. It will hold capacity of 110 million passengers annually and will receive support from international lenders.
As per the sources, Chinese state-owned firms are already among the contenders for major construction contracts on the four-runway airport, adding to Beijing’s long-standing dominance in Ethiopia’s infrastructure sector. This all will be achieved through investments in railways, industrial parks and transport networks.
Washington, US is now making sure that American companies also secure a place in a project expected to reshape African aviation.
U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for the Middle East and Africa – Mark Mitchell said that at the Africa Logistics and Communications Symposium in Addis Ababa, Washington was closely engaged in pushing to secure U.S. participation in the airport project.
Mitchell stated that he held discussions with Ethiopian Airlines officials but did not specify the role that American companies would play. He noted that U.S. involvement could translate into additional Boeing aircraft powered by GE Aerospace engines which will further strengthen commercial ties between the airline and American manufacturers.
These comments follow Ethiopian Airlines’ agreement made in April 2026 to purchase six additional Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, adding to an existing order of 20 aircraft.
China and the United States are seeking major roles in Ethiopia’s 🇪🇹 planned mega-airport near Bishoftu.
China is involved in financing discussions and construction opportunities, while the United States is seeking opportunities for its companies to participate.
The $12.5… pic.twitter.com/Ntr7reZ37e
— Africa View Facts (@AfricaViewFacts) August 2, 2026
Reportedly, construction of the four-runway Bishoftu International Airport began in January 2026, at about 45 kilometres southeast of Addis Ababa. The airport is scheduled for completion in 2030 and is designed to handle up to 110 million passengers annually, making it one of the world’s largest aviation hubs.
Ethiopian officials have repeatedly described the project as their ambition to create the “Dubai of Africa.” They really want to transform the country into a global aviation and by creating logistics gateway connecting Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.
The airport is expected to ease pressure on Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which has struggled to keep pace with the rapid expansion of Ethiopian Airlines. It is Africa’s largest carrier by fleet size, destinations and passenger traffic.
Financing the project has also attracted global attention. The African Development Bank has pledged $500 million and is leading efforts to raise $8.7 billion for the development. While Ethiopian Airlines Chief Executive – Mesfin Tasew has previously said U.S. financial institutions have expressed interest in supporting the project.
Beyond aviation, Washington is also looking to deepen cooperation with Ethiopia’s Artificial Intelligence Institute as part of a broader strategy to promote American artificial intelligence technologies and digital infrastructure across Africa. This development underscored how major infrastructure projects are increasingly becoming arenas for strategic competition between global powers.