The U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) and Ethiopia’s Ministry of Finance have taken a significant step toward financing a new international airport project during high-level talks on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings.

Ethiopia’s delegation, led by Minister of Finance Ahmed Shide, met with senior DFC officials in Washington, D.C., to explore cooperation and potential financing structures for the planned airport. The project is designed to support Ethiopia's expanding aviation sector and broader economic development goals.

The proposed airport is crucial for the Horn of Africa, expected to significantly increase passenger and cargo capacity, alleviate congestion at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, and establish a major regional logistics hub.

The DFC expressed a strong interest in supporting the project through financing, investment guarantees, and facilitating partnerships with U.S. private sector firms specializing in airport development, supply, engineering, and construction.

“We welcome DFC’s engagement in Ethiopia’s transport infrastructure, particularly in the aviation sector, which is critical to our national development and regional competitiveness,” said Minister Ahmed. He emphasized that the meeting "marks an important step in building strong partnerships that deliver long-term benefits for our people and economy.”

Both parties agreed to continue discussions to finalize a viable financing structure for the new international airport. The meeting highlighted a shared vision to leverage U.S. financing to drive Ethiopia’s economic transformation, aligning with DFC’s strategy to catalyze high-impact investments and unlock private capital flows across Africa.