AMN Plus -January 22/ 2026
Professor Joseph Mensah has described Ethiopian Airlines as a true symbol of African pride, highlighting its growing role in connecting the continent and strengthening Africa’s global aviation presence.
Speaking recently, Professor Mensah noted that the airline is actively enhancing intra-African connectivity through the launch of new destinations in Lomé, Lusaka, and Lilongwe.
The Professor emphasized that these expansions demonstrate Ethiopian Airlines’ commitment to linking African nations and fostering regional integration.
The professor further pointed out that Ethiopian Airlines is reinforcing its global footprint by adding new international routes, including destinations in the Philippines and Geneva, underscoring its strategic and forward-looking expansion.
The Ghanaian scholar attributed this progress to innovative, long-term government policies that are helping to bridge distance and time. As a major example, he cited the Bishoftu International Airport project, currently under construction at an estimated cost of USD 12.5 billion.
According to Professor Mensah, the project will not only transform Africa’s air connectivity but also generate extensive employment opportunities and significantly enhance Ethiopia’s economic capacity.
The York University academic praised Ethiopia’s development approach, noting that the country has moved beyond short-term, reactive measures and is instead focusing on long-term strategic planning, a shift the professor described as commendable and transformative.
The professor also underscored that Ethiopia’s youth will be the nation’s greatest asset over the next two decades, emphasizing the importance of creating sufficient economic opportunities to harness this demographic advantage.
Professor Mensah concluded by stating that the strategic initiatives Ethiopia has embarked upon are opening a new chapter in the country’s history, one that brings people, markets, and opportunities closer together, marking a significant milestone in Ethiopia’s development journey.
By Birhanu Workneh
