AU Chairperson Highlights Ethiopian Airline's Role in Driving African Economic Integration

Addis Ababa, September 2, 2025 (ENA) -- The Chairperson of the African Union Commission (AUC), Mahmoud Ali Youssouf, received Mesfin Tasew, the Group Chief Executive Officer of Ethiopian Airlines.

The Chairperson expressed appreciation for Ethiopian Airlines as a Pan-African flagship carrier and underscored its role in supporting AU operations and advancing the vision of Agenda 2063.

The Chairperson highlighted the airline’s critical contribution to promoting connectivity, trade, and mobility across Africa, which directly supports the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and the Single African Air Transport Market (SAATM).

 

On his part, the Ethiopian CEO thanked the Chairperson for the meeting and expressed gratitude for the AU’s longstanding partnership with Ethiopian Airlines.

He reaffirmed that the airline’s mission extends beyond air transport, serving as a Pan-African institution committed to the continent’s integration agenda in close collaboration with the AU.

Mesfin noted the airline’s contribution to connecting Africa with the world, training African youth in aviation, supporting national carriers, and contributing to AU initiatives such as the Peace Fund.

The meeting concluded with both sides reaffirming their commitment to deepen the AU-Ethiopian Airlines partnership, ensuring it continues to strengthen Africa’s connectivity and integration while advancing the AU’s broader vision under Agenda 2063.