US eyes role in Ethiopia's Bishoftu airport project
The United States is actively lobbying to secure a major role in the construction of Ethiopia's new $12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport. Officials are linking this participation to the potential purchase of more Boeing aircraft by Ethiopian Airlines.
Why it matters
This highlights the intersection of international infrastructure development, aviation trade, and geopolitical influence in Africa.
Washington is pushing to secure strong United States participation in the construction of Ethiopia's new USD12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport, linking it to more Boeing aircraft for Ethiopian Airlines .
Addressing a July 29 virtual media briefing from the Africa Logistics and Communications Symposium in Ethiopia, Mark Mitchell, US deputy assistant secretary of commerce for the Middle East and Africa, disclosed that the airport under construction about 45km outside of Addis Ababa International was discussed during meetings with the Ethiopian government and Ethiopian Airlines.
"We're excited about what that airport's expansion portends for the airline's growth, meaning more Boeing aircraft powered by GE Aerospace engines connecting Africa to the world further," he said.
"Across agencies, the US government is committed to exploring ways to support the realisation of this transformative project. And the Department of Commerce has closely engaged in pushing to secure strong United States participation," he added.
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