Ethiopian Airlines Signs AfDB Pact for $10 Billion— CEO’s Absence Raises Succession Questions











Ethiopian Airlines has advanced its ambitious plan to build the $10 billion Abusera International Airport by securing the African Development Bank’s (AfDB) commitment to mobilize the majority of the financing. The mega-hub, to be built near Bishoftu—40 kilometers southeast of Addis Ababa—will be one of the world’s largest airports, with an annual capacity of over 110 million passengers once completed.

The agreement was signed in Addis Ababa by Ethiopian Airlines Chief Commercial Officer (CCO) Lemma Yadecha and AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina. The signing was witnessed by Board Chairman and Ethiopian Air Force Commander Lt. Gen. Yilma Merdasa and Finance Minister Ahmed Shide.

Conspicuously absent was CEO Mesfin Tasew, whose nonappearance at such a milestone event has drawn attention across Ethiopia’s business and aviation sectors. No official reason for his absence was given, but it has fueled industry chatter about possible leadership transitions at Africa’s largest carrier.

Financing the Mega-Hub

Under the agreement, AfDB will coordinate efforts to secure 80% of the project’s cost from international financial institutions, while Ethiopian Airlines will contribute the remaining 20% from its own resources.

Planned to be built in two phases over a 3,975-hectare site, the Abusera airport aims to alleviate pressure on Addis Ababa Bole International Airport, which already operates far above its original capacity of 12 million passengers per year. Once operational, the new facility is expected to position Addis Ababa as one of the most competitive transit points globally, challenging Gulf hubs like Dubai and Doha, as well as European gateways such as Istanbul and Frankfurt.

A Rising Figure at the Forefront

The spotlight at the ceremony fell squarely on Lemma Yadecha, who not only signed the agreement but also addressed stakeholders on the project’s transformative potential. Over the past year, Yadecha has increasingly represented Ethiopian Airlines in major negotiations, high-profile partnerships, and industry conferences, raising speculation that the airline may be grooming him for a future CEO role.

Profile: Lemma Yadecha

Joined Ethiopian Airlines: September 6, 1999, as Marketing Agent

Career Progression: Served in multiple managerial roles, including Lead Central Reservation Control Agent, Supervisor of Central Reservation Control and Revenue Management, and Area Manager for Burkina Faso, Malaysia, and France.

Senior Leadership Roles: Appointed Director of the Global Call Center in December 2017, Acting Managing Director of Ethiopian International Services in September 2019. Became Chief Commercial Officer in April 2022.

Academic Background: Holds a BSc in Civil Engineering and an MSc in Geotechnical Engineering from Addis Ababa University, and an MSc in Integrated Marketing Communication from the University of Mississippi.

Industry observers note that Ethiopian’s leadership grooming pattern often places operational and commercial executives in the public spotlight before transitioning them into the top role. Former CEO Tewolde Gebremariam’s own path to leadership followed a similar trajectory.

Balancing Growth with Social Impact

Ethiopian Airlines also announced a $350 million resettlement and livelihood program to relocate and support 2,500 farmers living in the project area. The package includes housing, workplaces, and infrastructure to minimize the social and economic impact of the airport’s construction.

A Defining Decade Ahead

Construction is scheduled to begin in the Ethiopian fiscal year 2018 E.C. (2025/26 G.C.), with the first phase expected to bring substantial capacity online years before final completion. Once fully operational, Abusera International Airport is projected to redefine Ethiopia’s role in global aviation.

Whether Mesfin Tasew will continue to steer the airline through the project’s execution—or whether leadership will transition to a new generation—remains to be seen. For now, Lemma Yadecha’s growing visibility and decades-long track record position him as one of the most influential figures shaping Ethiopian Airlines’ next chapter.