Ethiopian Airlines CEO Mesfin Tasew Receives Prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award at AviaDev Africa

Ethiopian Airlines Group CEO Mesfin Tasew has been awarded the Girma Wake Lifetime Achievement Award, a distinguished recognition celebrating his far-reaching contributions to African aviation and route development.

The honor was conferred during the AviaDev Africa 2025 summit held in Zanzibar, which brought together more than 500 delegates from across the continent and beyond. The award is named after Girma Wake, a towering figure in African aviation and former CEO of Ethiopian Airlines, whose legacy continues to shape the industry.

Mesfin, who took the helm of Africa’s largest airline group during a period of post-pandemic recovery and sector-wide transformation, was recognized not only for his leadership at Ethiopian Airlines but also for his broader influence in advancing connectivity and operational excellence across Africa.

“This award carries deep personal meaning,” said Mesfin. “It’s named after my mentor and the father of African aviation, Girma Wake. More than a personal accolade, this is a tribute to the collective achievements of the Ethiopian Airlines team and our shared commitment to a better-connected Africa.”

Under Mesfin’s leadership, Ethiopian Airlines has solidified its role as a continental aviation powerhouse—expanding its network, investing in modern infrastructure, and driving regional integration through strategic partnerships. The airline continues to set benchmarks in operational performance, sustainability, and digital innovation in aviation.

The award highlights Mesfin’s enduring role in shaping policy, fostering cooperation among aviation stakeholders, and promoting the idea of air travel as a vehicle for economic growth and unity in Africa.

Hosted annually, AviaDev Africa serves as a critical platform for dialogue and collaboration among the continent’s aviation leaders. It facilitates route development by connecting airlines, airports, tourism boards, and government representatives, reinforcing aviation’s role as a driver of Africa’s development agenda.