Carrefour to Open First Stores in Ethiopia

Carrefour is set to open its first supermarkets in Ethiopia after sealing a franchise agreement with Queens Supermarket PLC, a company owned by the Midroc Investment Group.

The deal introduces the French retailer to Ethiopia at a time when demand for organised retail is rising alongside rapid urban growth and changing consumer habits.

The partnership will see Queens Supermarket’s current outlets converted into Carrefour stores, starting with 13 locations. Renovation and rebranding of the outlets are expected to be completed in phases, with the first Carrefour-branded stores scheduled to open to shoppers in early 2026.

Carrefour and its local partner have also outlined plans to grow the network beyond the existing stores. By 2028, the two companies aim to add 17 new outlets, expanding Carrefour’s presence in major Ethiopian cities and strengthening its position in the formal retail sector.

According to the companies, Carrefour will provide its global retail model, including store management systems, logistics support and a broad range of international and private-label products. Midroc will oversee local operations, drawing on its long-standing experience in the Ethiopian market to navigate regulations, supply networks and consumer preferences.

The entry into Ethiopia forms part of Carrefour’s wider international strategy, which prioritises growth through franchising rather than direct investment. This approach has enabled the group to expand quickly across emerging markets, pushing its global franchise store count beyond 3,000 by late 2025.

Ethiopia has increasingly attracted interest from international retailers due to its large population, expanding middle class and ongoing reforms in the trade and investment sectors.

Carrefour already operates across several African markets through franchise partners, with stores in countries such as Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda and Egypt.

The Ethiopian rollout adds to the retailer’s growing footprint on the continent as global brands seek long-term growth opportunities in Africa.