The massive-scale new airport project aims to turn Ethiopia into the primary air transport hub for the entire African continent, dramatically enhancing its logistical and economic competitiveness. The US endorsement is seen as a geopolitical move to counter the influence of other global powers in the region, particularly in the realm of large-scale infrastructure financing. The quantifiable impact on Ethiopia’s economy is expected to be substantial, potentially increasing annual passenger capacity by 50% and creating tens of thousands of direct and indirect jobs. The pledge is a high-stakes bet on Ethiopia’s long-term political stability and its strategic importance for global trade and security interests.