Boeing seeks deeper African ties with new office in Ethiopia

April 23, 2025 in Business, Companies, Transport by Editor

Left-Right Front Row only – Ribbon Cutting Ceremony. Anbessie Yitbarek, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Boeing Africa, Getachew Mengiste, Director General, Ethiopian Civil Aviation Authority, H.E Dr. Alemu Seme, Minister of Transport and Logistics, Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia, Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye, Africa and Central Asia, H.E Ervin Massinga, United States Ambassador to Ethiopia, Mesfin Tassew, Chief Executive Officer, Ethiopian Airlines Group, Henok Teferra Shawl, Managing Director, Boeing Africa

American airplane maker Boeing has announced its long-term commitment to Africa with the launch of a new office in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Serving as the company’s regional administrative hub, the move is intended to strengthen Boeing’s 75-year legacy on the continent and position the company to tap into Africa’s rapidly growing aviation sector.

“This expansion is a testament to our commitment to the region’s aerospace industry,” said Kuljit Ghata-Aura, President of Boeing Middle East, Türkiye, Africa, and Central Asia. “It will allow us to forge strategic partnerships, enhance safety standards, and support the growth of Africa’s aviation industry—a key driver of the regional economy.”

The new Addis Ababa office will be led by Ethiopian national Henok Teferra Shawl, Boeing Africa’s Managing Director. Based in the Ethiopian capital, Henok will oversee Boeing’s engagements with over 60 airline customers, government stakeholders, and suppliers across Africa.

“Africa is among the most promising markets in terms of economic and business growth,” Henok said. “Being closer to our partners will allow us to better support their evolving needs and contribute to aviation development across the continent.”

Boeing also maintains a presence in Johannesburg and has field service representatives in countries including Algeria, Egypt, Kenya, Morocco, South Africa, Tanzania, and Togo. In addition to aircraft delivery and maintenance support, Boeing collaborates with African airlines on fleet modernization and safety programs, often in partnership with the African Airlines Association AFRAA, and the International Civil Aviation Organisation ICAO.

More than 500 Boeing aircraft operate in Africa  making the company a critical player in the region. Boeing has invested $22 million since 2008 in initiatives supporting education, economic empowerment, and industrial development in Africa, with supplier partnerships in Ethiopia, Morocco, and South Africa valued at approximately $40 million.