Food Events in Addis Ababa

Ethio Chamber International Trade Fair

The Ethio Chamber International Trade Fair is Ethiopia’s premier platform for international business relations, innovation, and sustainable development. Held annually at the Exhibition Center in the heart of Addis Ababa, this trade fair has become a focal point for national and international industry leaders, investors, and trade professionals seeking to explore opportunities in one of East Africa’s fastest-growing economies. Organized by the Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations, the event reflects Ethiopia’s commitment to fostering economic growth through collaboration, innovation, and strategic investment.

What sets this trade fair apart is its focus on four strategic sectors that serve as key drivers of Ethiopia’s economic development: agriculture and food processing, textile and apparel, information and communication technology (ICT), and construction. By concentrating on industries with proven potential and promising growth prospects, the fair offers participants a targeted and highly relevant business platform.

Agriculture and Food Processing: From Farm to Export

Agriculture has long been a cornerstone of Ethiopia’s economy, and the Ethio Chamber International Trade Fair emphasizes the sector’s role in driving sustainable development. The exhibition highlights high-quality export products such as coffee, oilseeds, pulses, grains, and honey. Both raw commodities and processed goods are showcased, along with innovative agricultural solutions that strengthen domestic value chains.

The fair supports the agriculture sector in multiple ways:

Connecting small-scale farmers with international markets

Promoting investment in agri-tech solutions

Showcasing modern processing and packaging techniques

Encouraging initiatives that enhance food security

Through these efforts, the event not only highlights Ethiopia’s agricultural potential but also fosters sustainable growth and competitiveness in global markets.

Textile and Apparel: Innovation and Sustainability

Ethiopia’s textile and apparel industry is among the country’s most dynamic export sectors. At the trade fair, visitors experience the full spectrum of the industry, from locally grown cotton to modern manufacturing technologies and sustainable materials. Designers, manufacturers, and global buyers come together to explore business opportunities, set trends, and elevate production standards.

Key features in this sector include:

Modern textile processing equipment and methods

Sustainable materials and eco-friendly production techniques

Opportunities for collaborations between local manufacturers and international buyers

Platforms for designers to showcase innovation and creativity

By emphasizing both technological advancement and sustainability, the trade fair strengthens Ethiopia’s position in the competitive global apparel market.

Information and Communication Technology: A Growing Digital Hub

In addition to traditional industries, the Ethio Chamber International Trade Fair showcases Ethiopia’s emerging capabilities in information and communication technology (ICT). The country is positioning itself as a hub for digital transformation, with start-ups, software developers, fintech firms, and digital service providers presenting innovations that are reshaping the economic landscape.

Highlights in the ICT sector include:

Youth-led enterprises driving innovation

Investments in digital infrastructure

Education initiatives in artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and coding

Innovative software and technology solutions for business efficiency

By promoting ICT development, the fair demonstrates how digital innovation can fuel economic growth and create new opportunities for both domestic and international actors.

Construction: Building a Sustainable Future

The construction sector represents another pillar of Ethiopia’s growth and innovation. From housing developments to sustainable building materials and digital tools for project management, the trade fair offers a comprehensive overview of the industry. It also highlights large-scale infrastructure projects that are transforming urban development across the country.

Key aspects include:

Sustainable building technologies

Digital solutions for project planning and management

Opportunities for collaboration between local contractors and international investors

Showcase of large-scale public and private construction initiatives

These exhibitions help bridge local capabilities with global investment, fostering sustainable growth in urban and rural infrastructure.

Networking, Business Matching, and Expert Panels

A defining feature of the Ethio Chamber International Trade Fair is its structured approach to networking and knowledge exchange. Targeted business matching sessions, investor forums, and industry panels provide opportunities for collaboration, deal-making, and the formation of strategic partnerships.

Participants benefit from:

One-on-one meetings with potential investors and clients

Insightful discussions on market trends and sector challenges

Opportunities to establish partnerships across sectors and regions

Exposure to innovative business models and solutions

By combining exhibition space with interactive forums, the event fosters connections that extend well beyond the fair itself.

Exhibitors and Visitors: Diversity and Expertise

The fair attracts a wide range of exhibitors and visitors, creating a vibrant and diverse marketplace. Exhibitors include multinational corporations, local start-ups, and artisan-driven businesses spanning agriculture, ICT, construction, and textiles.

Visitors primarily consist of:

Business professionals and investors

Government representatives

Members of development organizations

Key decision-makers across industries

This mix ensures that knowledge sharing, business deals, and innovation are all part of the event’s dynamic ecosystem.

Addis Ababa and the Exhibition Center: A Strategic Location

The trade fair is hosted in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia’s capital and the political and economic hub of East Africa. The Exhibition Center is centrally located, offering easy access via public transport, taxis, and nearby hotels. Its proximity to government offices, corporate headquarters, and international institutions makes it an ideal venue for networking, collaboration, and business development.

Ethiopia’s Economic Future on Display

The Ethio Chamber International Trade Fair is more than an exhibition; it is a showcase of Ethiopia’s economic future. By bringing together national and international stakeholders, the event highlights opportunities in agriculture, textiles, ICT, and construction while promoting innovation, investment, and sustainable growth.

For businesses, investors, and policymakers, the fair is an open invitation to participate in Ethiopia’s progress and to contribute to the development of a dynamic, competitive, and globally connected economy.

ETHIOPIA AGROFOOD

The edition of agrofood & plastprintpack Ethiopia proved to be a remarkable success, drawing 3,483 registered trade visitors who engaged in fruitful discussions with 122 exhibitors from 12 countries. The event, spanning three days, encompassed various sectors including Agriculture, Food Processing & Packaging, Ingredients, and Food & Hospitality, garnering praise from participants and media alike.
Exhibitor satisfaction was evident, with 85% expressing contentment with the number of visitors, 83% pleased with their quality, and 81% acknowledging the ensuing business opportunities. Notably, 91% of exhibitors expressed their intention to participate in the next edition, with 84% recommending the event to their network.
The opening ceremony, graced by esteemed government officials and industry leaders, marked the commencement of a new era in Ethiopia's agro-industry. State Minister of Industry, H.E. Mr Hassan Mohammed, emphasized the event's significance in integrating agriculture, food processing, packaging, and plastics, fostering collaboration on a global scale.
Day 1 witnessed vibrant activity, highlighted by a conference hosted by the Ethiopian Beverages Manufacturing Industries Association (EBMIA), attracting 200 stakeholders. The event showcased the country's potential and provided a platform for meaningful dialogue and partnership.
Exhibitors can anticipate sustained interest in their products and solutions, targeted business meetings, active participation from key ministries and associations, and a Hosted Buyers Program facilitating B2B meetings with investors from Rwanda, Tanzania, and Uganda. The event promises valuable insights from top-level conferences and ample networking opportunities.

ETHIO POULTRY EXPO - ETHIOPEX

The Ethio Poultry Expo, known as Ethiopex, is firmly established as the premier annual event for the poultry industry in Ethiopia. This vibrant trade show attracts global players alongside key local stakeholders, making it a significant gathering for professionals in the sector. The excitement surrounding the expo is palpable, as participants from various regions come together to explore the latest advancements in poultry inputs, technology, and solutions.

Ethiopex serves as a crucial platform for learning, networking, and business development. It highlights the importance of collaboration in the poultry industry, bringing together a diverse range of exhibitors and attendees who share a commitment to enhancing poultry production and sustainability. The expo showcases innovative technologies, cutting-edge equipment, and effective management solutions that can elevate the industry’s standards and practices.

This event not only provides insights into current trends and challenges faced by poultry producers but also offers opportunities for networking. Participants can engage with industry leaders, share knowledge, and forge valuable partnerships that can lead to mutual growth and success. The power of learning is at the forefront, as workshops and seminars are often part of the agenda, allowing attendees to gain expertise from experienced professionals.

As a must-attend event, Ethiopex plays a vital role in shaping the future of the poultry sector in Ethiopia. It reflects the country’s growing significance in the global poultry market, highlighting the opportunities for innovation and expansion within the industry. The expo fosters a spirit of collaboration, ensuring that all stakeholders are equipped with the necessary tools and information to thrive.

In summary, the Ethio Poultry Expo stands out as a dynamic and essential event for anyone involved in the poultry industry. By bringing together diverse participants and focusing on education and networking, Ethiopex reinforces its position as the leading trade show for poultry inputs and technology in Ethiopia, paving the way for a brighter future in poultry production.