Ethiopia’s Mega Airport Becomes US-China Battleground

Ethiopia’s planned $12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport is becoming a focal point for growing US-China commercial competition in Africa. A clear trend has emerged: Chinese state-backed firms dominate the shortlist for construction contracts, while Washington is pushing for American involvement in aviation technology and equipment. Developed by Ethiopian Airlines about 40 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa, the project is intended to replace capacity-constrained Bole International Airport as the airline’s primary hub. Ethiopian Airlines is expected to finance 20% to 30% of the project itself. The African Development Bank has also committed $500 million, while US financial institutions have expressed interest. Analysts say Ethiopia may split contracts strategically—Chinese firms for construction, Western and Gulf partners for avionics and security systems—to avoid over-dependence on either side.