U.S. Backs Ethiopia’s Mega Airport Expansion and AI Ambitions to Deepen Economic Partnership with Africa
ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia – The United States has reaffirmed its commitment to supporting Ethiopia’s ambitious infrastructure and technology agenda, expressing strong backing for the country’s planned Bishoftu International Airport expansion and growing ambitions in artificial intelligence (AI) as part of broader efforts to strengthen economic partnerships across Africa.
Speaking during a digital press briefing held on the sidelines of the Africa Logistics and Communications Symposium (ALCS 2026) in Addis Ababa, Mark Mitchell, U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Commerce for the Middle East and Africa, said Ethiopia presents significant opportunities for American investors and businesses, particularly in logistics, aviation, communications, and emerging technologies.
The symposium brought together delegates from more than 40 African countries, senior government officials, military leaders, and private sector representatives to discuss how logistics, communications, and strategic infrastructure investments can drive security, trade, and economic growth across the continent.
U.S. Sees Strategic Value in Ethiopia’s New Airport
Mitchell described his meeting with Ethiopian Airlines as one of the highlights of his visit, noting that discussions focused on the airline’s ambitious Bishoftu International Airport project, which is expected to become one of Africa’s largest aviation hubs.
He said the U.S. Government is exploring ways to support the realization of the project while encouraging strong participation from American companies.
“The partnership between Boeing and Ethiopian Airlines remains a point of pride for both the United States and Ethiopia,” Mitchell said, adding that the airport’s expansion would strengthen Ethiopia’s position as Africa’s leading aviation gateway while creating new opportunities for U.S. aerospace companies, including Boeing and GE Aerospace.
Expanding AI Cooperation
Beyond aviation, the United States also signaled its intention to deepen cooperation with Ethiopia in artificial intelligence.
Mitchell revealed that he visited Ethiopia’s Artificial Intelligence Institute, where he identified significant opportunities for collaboration between the two countries.
He said the U.S. Department of Commerce has been tasked with promoting exports of American AI technologies and looks forward to supporting Ethiopia’s growing digital transformation agenda.
According to Mitchell, collaboration in artificial intelligence could help accelerate innovation while strengthening Ethiopia’s technology ecosystem and creating new opportunities for businesses and researchers in both countries.
Security and Investment Go Hand in Hand
The symposium also highlighted the close relationship between security, logistics, communications, and economic development.
Brigadier General Paul G. Filcek, Director of Logistics at U.S. Africa Command (AFRICOM), said reliable logistics and communications are fundamental to modern societies and military operations, making them essential for attracting investment and supporting sustainable development.
He noted that the symposium, co-hosted with Ethiopia’s Ministry of Defense, brought together representatives from 40 partner nations and 27 private companies, making it the largest functional event ever hosted by AFRICOM.
Filcek said Africa faces increasingly complex security challenges, including human trafficking and illegal narcotics trafficking, which require stronger regional cooperation, improved communications, and more efficient logistics systems.
He emphasized that investments in logistics infrastructure and communications technologies not only strengthen security but also create an enabling environment for trade and private investment.
“When our partners succeed, we succeed,” Filcek said, describing the connection between security, commercial investment, and long-term prosperity.
U.S. Promotes Long-Term Partnership with Africa
Responding to questions from African journalists, Mitchell said the United States aims to distinguish itself through long-term partnerships built on transparency, private-sector investment, technology transfer, and high-quality infrastructure.
He argued that American companies offer world-class technology in sectors such as logistics, digital infrastructure, energy, and critical minerals while helping African countries build resilient economies and attract sustainable investment.
On artificial intelligence, Mitchell encouraged African countries to embrace AI while safeguarding data sovereignty.
He said governments should focus on owning and controlling their data, adopting secure digital infrastructure, and establishing governance frameworks that allow AI technologies to support national development without compromising sovereignty.
Mitchell added that AI has the potential to transform African logistics through route optimization, predictive maintenance, customs modernization, and supply chain management, all of which could improve the competitiveness of trade under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The Africa Logistics and Communications Symposium concluded with renewed commitments to strengthen partnerships between African governments, the private sector, and international partners, with logistics, communications, aviation, and artificial intelligence identified as key drivers of Africa’s future economic growth.
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