Washington, D.C. – The Minister of Finance of the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, H.E. Ahmed Shide, and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation (DFC) convened a high-level meeting on the sidelines of the IMF-World Bank Annual Meetings, to explore and advance financing cooperation for a new international airport project designed to support Ethiopia’s expanding aviation sector and broader economic development goals.

During a high-level meeting in Washington, D.C., Ethiopia’s delegation led by Minister of Finance, H.E. Ahmed Shide, and senior DFC officials discussed opportunities for collaboration to finance and structure the new airport project.

The proposed project is expected to significantly expand passenger and cargo capacity, ease congestion at Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, and serve as a key logistics hub for the Horn of Africa.

DFC expressed strong interest in supporting the project through potential financing, investment guarantees, and partnerships with U.S. private sector firms 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 H.E. Ahmed Shide, Ethiopia’s Minister of Finance. “This 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 develop a viable financing structure for the new international airport.

The meeting underscored the shared vision of a robust partnership that leverages U.S. financing to drive Ethiopia’s economic transformation. Discussions also covered ongoing and future projects, with a mutual interest in scaling up investments that deliver measurable community and economic benefits.

This engagement builds on DFC’s broader strategy in Africa, which focuses on strengthening partnerships with key governments to catalyze high-impact investments, unlocking private capital flows, and expanding access to critical infrastructure and essential services.