Ethiopia Launches Bishoftu International Airport, Africa’s Largest Aviation Hub
Prime Minister Abiy visits Djibouti, Reaffirms Shared Commitment for Cooperation
Ethiopia–Japan Business Forum Held in Addis Ababa
NEWS IN BRIEF
Ethiopia
President Taye Atske-Selassie on Thursday (January 15) received Letters of Credence from 14 newly appointed Ambassadors representing Kyrgyzstan, Italy, Mauritius, Zambia, Germany, Jordan, New Zealand, South Sudan, Burkina Faso, Mozambique, Kenya, Belarus, the Philippines and Latvia.
President Taye received Olof Skoog, Deputy Secretary-General for Political Affairs of the European External Action Service, on Thursday (January 15), during which they reaffirmed their commitment to elevating EU–Ethiopia relations to new heights. Earlier the same day, Foreign Minister Gedion Timothewos also held discussions with the Deputy Secretary-General at his office.
President Taye bid farewell to the outgoing Sri Lankan Ambassador, K.K. Theshantha Kumarasiri, at his office on Wednesday (January 14). The President reaffirmed Ethiopia’s commitment to strengthening bilateral relations and cooperation.
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed attended the Finance Forward Ethiopia conference on Thursday (January 15) and said institution-building is a core government responsibility, highlighting efforts to strengthen Ethiopia’s finance and economic institutions and advance ongoing economic reforms.
The construction of Bishoftu International Airport was officially launched on Saturday (January 10), with Prime Minister Abiy presiding over the ceremony in the presence of senior government officials and Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew. The Prime Minister formally inaugurated the project, while the CEO of Ethiopian Airlines placed the commemorative plaque marking the commencement of construction. (See article)
Foreign Minister Gedion received at his office on Monday (January 12) a delegation led by Kunimitsu Ayano, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan. As part of the delegation’s visit, FM Gedion provided a comprehensive briefing to a group of 48 business representatives from more than 35 Japanese companies.
The Ethiopia–Japan Business Forum took place on Tuesday (January 13) at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, strengthening the economic partnership between the two nations. Co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Japan, and the Ethiopian Investment Commission, the event brought together nearly 50 representatives from around 35 Japanese firms, alongside Ethiopian business leaders, to explore investment prospects and deliberate on ongoing economic reforms. (See article)
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Hadera Abera met with Gideon Sa’ar, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Israel, on Monday (January 12) during his visit to the country. The two sides held productive discussions focused on further strengthening the long-standing relations between Ethiopia and Israel. On the following day, Ethiopia and Israel held the fourth round of political consultations in Jerusalem.
The United Nations has launched its annual Global Economic Outlook for 2026, noting that despite heightened global uncertainty driven by trade tensions, geopolitical and geo-economic pressures, and policy unpredictability, East Africa is projected to record notable economic growth. (See article)
State Minister for Foreign Affairs Ambassador Berhanu Tsegaye received John Banza Lunda, Minister of Infrastructure and Public Works of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. Discussions focused on further strengthening strategic cooperation initiatives between the two countries, particularly in the fields of aviation and infrastructure development, reflecting a shared commitment to harnessing African capabilities.
Ethiopia and India have formally implemented a mutual visa waiver for holders of diplomatic passports, effective on Thursday (January 15). The agreement enables visa-free travel for eligible officials and strengthens the historic and strategic partnership between the two countries.
Djibouti
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed paid an official visit to Djibouti on Sunday (January 11). He was warmly received by President Ismail Omar Guelleh upon arrival at Djibouti International Airport. (See article)
South Sudan
A high-level Ethiopian delegation, led by Gedion Timothewos, Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, engaged in a discussion with President Salva Kiir Mayardit on Thursday (January 15) in Juba, South Sudan, to bolster the longstanding bilateral relations between the two countries. Gedion also met his South Sudanese counterpart, Monday Semaya Kumba, with discussions focusing on the strategic necessity of deepening economic integration and promoting regional stability.
Africa and the African Union
The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Moussa Faki Mahamat, on Wednesday (January 13) received Kunimitsu Ayano, State Minister for Foreign Affairs of Japan, at the AU Headquarters in Addis Ababa. The two sides discussed ways to further strengthen African Union–Japan relations.
The Ethiopian delegation, led by Ambassador Hirut Zemene, Permanent Representative of Ethiopia to the African Union and the UN Economic Commission for Africa, took part in the 51st Session of the Permanent Representatives’ Committee (PRC) of the African Union, which kicked off on Wednesday (January 13) at the headquarters of the Union.
Ethiopia Launches Bishoftu International Airport, Africa’s Largest Aviation Hub
The construction of Bishoftu International Airport was officially launched on January 10, with Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed presiding over the ceremony in the presence of senior government officials and Ethiopian Airlines Group Chief Executive Officer Mesfin Tasew. The Prime Minister formally inaugurated the project, while the CEO of Ethiopian Airlines placed the commemorative plaque marking the commencement of construction.
Addressing the launch ceremony, Prime Minister Abiy underscored the historic role of Ethiopian Airlines as a symbol of national pride and a cornerstone of the Ethiopian state for more than eight decades. He noted that the new airport project builds on this legacy and represents a major leap forward for Ethiopia’s aviation and logistics ambitions.
The Prime Minister stated that Bishoftu International Airport will rank among the world’s few mega-airports, designed to meet the demands of rapidly expanding regional and global air traffic. He further announced that the project includes the development of extensive supporting infrastructure, notably a high-speed expressway capable of accommodating up to 12 lanes of traffic, ensuring seamless connectivity to surrounding areas.
In addition, the airport will be linked to Addis Ababa Bole International Airport through a fast rail network, significantly reducing travel time between the two hubs. Prime Minister Abiy described the Bishoftu International Airport as a grand gateway for Ethiopia’s aviation fleet, emphasizing that the project will address longstanding structural constraints within the country’s logistics and transport systems.
For his part, Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew highlighted the significance of the project for both the airline and the continent at large. He noted that the construction of Bishoftu International Airport marks the beginning of a new chapter that will help redefine Africa’s aviation ecosystem. He emphasized that the project will play a critical role in closing Africa’s infrastructure gap and serve as a key enabler of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), reaffirming Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to the successful completion of the airport.
Bishoftu International Airport stands as a landmark project for Ethiopian and African aviation, with far-reaching implications for trade, tourism, and people-to-people connectivity within Africa and beyond. Phase One of the project is expected to be completed by 2030, with an annual capacity of 60 million passengers. Upon full completion, the airport is projected to handle up to 110 million passengers annually.
With an estimated investment of USD 12.5 billion, Bishoftu International Airport is set to become Africa’s largest aviation hub and one of the ten largest airports globally. The project, designed by Zaha Hadid Architects, includes an eight-kilometer high-speed rail link enabling rapid access to Addis Ababa and is expected to generate more than 50,000 jobs for the local community. The airport will incorporate advanced sustainability and technology features, including partial solar power generation and AI-driven security systems, and will host five-star hotels, an aviation museum, and a large integrated “Airport City.”
Prime Minister Abiy visits Djibouti, Reaffirms Shared Commitment for Cooperation
Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed paid an official visit to Djibouti on Sunday (January 11). He was warmly received by President Ismail Omar Guelleh upon arrival at Djibouti International Airport.
The two leaders held high-level discussions on regional peace and security, geopolitical dynamics, and expanding cooperation in trade, logistics, and development amidst significant regional changes.
During their meeting, Prime Minister Abiy emphasized Djibouti’s strategic importance to Ethiopia, calling the country and its President “valuable allies.” He noted that the talks went beyond bilateral discussions to include several matters of common interest. In a social media post following the meeting, Abiy highlighted that the dialogue reaffirmed both nations’ shared commitment to stability, economic integration, and mutual prosperity. President Guelleh, for his part, described Abiy as “a brother and an enlightened leader, working to continuously strengthen the privileged ties between our two nations.”
Prime Minister Abiy’s visit then commenced with a tour of the Doraleh Multi-Purpose Port, underscoring the central role of logistics and infrastructure in the strategic partnership between the two countries. The delegation then visited the Horizon Oil Terminal, home to Ethiopia’s sole hydrocarbon supply storage facility.
Prime Minister Abiy’s visit to Djibouti was marked by a high-level delegation. Accompanying him were Finance Minister, Ahmed Shide, Transport and Logistics Minister, Alemu Sime, Director General of National Intelligence and Security Service, Redwan Hussien, Minister for Communication, Enatalem Melese, Social Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister, Daniel Kibret, East African Affairs Advisor to the Prime Minister, Getachew Reda, and State Minister for Foreign Affairs, Berhanu Tsegaye.
The visit reaffirmed the long-standing friendship and strategic partnership between Ethiopia and Djibouti. The two countries reiterated their commitment to working together for mutual benefit and the national interests of their respective countries.
Ethiopia–Japan Business Forum Held in Addis Ababa
The Ethiopia–Japan Business Forum took place on Tuesday (January 13) at the Skylight Hotel in Addis Ababa, strengthening the economic partnership between the two nations. Co-hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Embassy of Japan, and the Ethiopian Investment Commission, the event brought together nearly 50 representatives from around 35 Japanese firms, alongside Ethiopian business leaders, to explore investment prospects and deliberate on ongoing economic reforms.
The forum, designed to enhance bilateral economic cooperation and showcase investment opportunities in Ethiopia, featured senior officials including Minister of Trade and Regional Integration Kassahun Gofe, Ethiopian Investment Commission Commissioner Zeleke Temesgen, and Japan’s State Minister for Foreign Affairs Kunimitsu Ayano, reflecting the strong ties between the two countries.
In his opening speech, Minister Kassahun highlighted the enduring relationship between Ethiopia and Japan, grounded in a shared vision of sustainable development. He noted that the forum aims to deepen trade and investment ties, ensuring mutual benefits for both nations. The Minister emphasized Ethiopia’s ongoing economic transformation, which is generating significant opportunities for Japanese partners. He stressed the importance of diversifying trade, expanding exchanges, and engaging in emerging sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, mining, ICT, energy, mobility, and real estate. He further assured Japanese investors of the government’s commitment to supporting investments, facilitated by the favorable environment created through homegrown macroeconomic reforms.
State Minister Kunimitsu Ayano, in her remarks, reiterated Japan’s dedication to fostering trade and investment with Ethiopia. She highlighted that the Japanese government had sent a delegation of companies to explore opportunities in the country, marking the second such visit by a significant Japanese business group in a decade. She emphasized Japan’s commitment to strengthening business relations with Ethiopia and Africa at large and recognized Ethiopia’s macroeconomic reforms as creating a conducive environment for private-sector investment.
Commissioner Zeleke Temesgen highlighted Ethiopia’s strategic advantages, including a population exceeding 130 million, a rapidly growing economy, and a geographically important location, positioning the country as Africa’s gateway to a market of over 1.4 billion people. He underscored Ethiopia’s proximity to the Middle East and Europe as additional advantages for investors. Commissioner Zeleke also outlined the Homegrown Economic Reform Agenda, which encourages foreign investment across critical sectors such as banking, telecommunications, and trade, opening new avenues for Japanese and international companies.
Ambassador Dewano Kedir, Director General for Middle East, Asia, and Pacific Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, noted that the visit of the Japanese business delegation reflects a genuine interest in exploring opportunities in Ethiopia, aligned with the country’s sustainable development and industrialization goals. He emphasized the need to expand development partnerships to strengthen business-to-business relations and reaffirmed the government’s commitment to providing comprehensive support to Japanese enterprises.
The forum included presentations from key government institutions, such as the Ministry of Trade and Regional Integration, Ministry of Finance, Ministry of Industry, Ethiopian Investment Commission, and the National Bank of Ethiopia. Discussions covered investment policies, trade regulations, and financial incentives, highlighting Ethiopia’s favorable investment climate.
In addition to Japanese companies, the forum attracted more than 100 Ethiopian businesses, as well as company representatives from India, Turkey, and the UAE. The event served as a strategic platform for translating nearly a century of diplomatic relations into concrete commercial collaborations, fostering dialogue, knowledge exchange, and networking. Participants also engaged in site visits, gaining firsthand insights into Ethiopia’s economic environment.
The forum emphasized the complementarity between Ethiopia’s untapped market potential and Japan’s technological expertise and investment capacity, creating opportunities for shared growth. By promoting trade, technology exchange, and collaborative development, the event reinforced the foundations for sustainable socioeconomic advancement, strengthened bilateral economic ties, and highlighted Ethiopia as a prime destination for Japanese and international investment.
UN Global Economic Outlook 2026 Sees Strong Growth Prospects in East Africa, with Ethiopia Among Key Performers
The United Nations has launched its annual Global Economic Outlook for 2026, noting that despite heightened global uncertainty driven by trade tensions, geopolitical and geo-economic pressures, and policy unpredictability, East Africa is projected to record notable economic growth.
According to the Outlook, Ethiopia is expected to sustain strong economic growth in 2026, with the report highlighting the broader positive spillover effects of the country’s economic performance across the East African region. It notes that East Africa continues to benefit from deepening regional integration and the expansion of renewable energy capacity, including developments following the inauguration of the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam in September 2025.
At the global level, economic growth is projected at 2.7 percent in 2026, compared to 2.8 percent in 2025. Despite a subdued global environment, Africa’s economy is expected to grow by an average of 4 percent, with regional variations across North Africa (4.1 percent), West Africa (4.4 percent), Central Africa (3.0 percent), and Southern Africa (2.0 percent). East Africa is projected to outperform other sub-regions, with growth estimated at 5.8 percent.
Among least developed countries, which are projected to record average growth of 4.6 percent, Ethiopia, Bangladesh, and Tanzania are identified as strong performers. The report attributes Ethiopia’s outlook to improved macroeconomic stability, resilient agricultural production, favorable price trends for selected commodities, including gold, and sustained domestic demand amid ongoing reforms supported by IMF programs. It also cites Ethiopia as an example of effective grain production and storage practices that have contributed to price stabilization and improved distribution.
The WTO publication African Trade and Investment for Global Resilience further supports the Global Economic Outlook’s assessment, underscoring Ethiopia’s economic performance in relation to policy efforts aimed at promoting employment-generating investment sectors.
While the overall outlook for Africa remains positive, the reports caution that high debt levels and constrained fiscal space continue to pose challenges. Growth in least developed countries is also expected to remain below the 7 percent threshold required to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.
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