Chinese state-linked contractors dominate the shortlist for Ethiopia’s $12.5 billion Bishoftu International Airport project, with 15 of 33 positions across the main civil works packages. Ethiopian Airlines completed prequalification in April and has now advanced bidders for the megaproject, which will be built southeast of Addis Ababa.
The shortlist covers four packages spanning the main terminal and airport facilities, airfield works, supporting infrastructure and offsite transport links. Chinese groups including China Communications Construction Company, China Road and Bridge Corporation, China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation and Beijing Urban Construction Group feature prominently, while bidders from Europe, the Middle East, Türkiye, India and Russia also remain in contention.
The outcome leaves Chinese firms in the strongest position for the heavy construction phase, even as the tender process continues and no final contract awards have been made. The report also indicated that no major independent US contractor made the shortlist, despite Washington’s efforts to support American companies in the competition for future technology and equipment roles.