Retail Chain Carrefour Announces Entry Into Ethiopia Market

French retail giant Carrefour has officially entered the Ethiopian market, marking the first time an international supermarket chain has established a presence in the country. The move, announced in early January 2026, is part of the Group’s “Plan 2026,” a roadmap designed to expand its global franchise footprint into 10 new countries.

The entry is being managed through a franchise and supply partnership with Queens Supermarket PLC, a subsidiary of the Midroc Investment Group. Midroc, owned by Saudi-Ethiopian billionaire Sheikh Mohammed Hussein Al-Amoudi, is Ethiopia’s largest private conglomerate with extensive holdings in agriculture, manufacturing, and hospitality.

The partnership will begin with the immediate transformation of the existing Queens Supermarket network, which comprises 13 stores. The stores will be rebranded and upgraded in line with Carrefour’s standards. The joint venture will also see the addition of 17 more locations by the end of 2028.

This collaboration intends to leverage Midroc’s established local supply chains, particularly in agriculture. As has been part of its Africa strategy, Carrefour will source fresh produce, meat, and dairy from Midroc’s local farms in an effort to stabilise pricing.

Ethiopia is the latest in a rapid period of expansion for Carrefour across Africa. As of January 2026, Carrefour’s presence on the continent includes Kenya (the regional hub for East Africa, with about 28 stores), Uganda, and now Ethiopia.

In West and Central Africa, the chain has a presence in the Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Senegal, Gabon, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. The retailer has also taken over Shoprite locations in Ghana, in preparation of an early 2026 launch.

In North Africa, the chain can be found in Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, and Algeria.

Despite its aggressive growth in surrounding regions, Carrefour has yet to announce a direct entry into Southern Africa market, which already features a robust, home-grown retail sector if its own.

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