The 7th agrofood Ethiopia concludes as a resounding success, highlighting impressive growth in visitor and exhibitor participation
The 7th edition of agrofood Ethiopia, held from 19 to 21 June at the Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa, was widely acclaimed as a major success by exhibitors, trade visitors, institutional partners, and the media.
This year’s event brought together 5,691 trade visitors, an increase of 63% from last year’s 3,483, with 158 exhibitors from 16 countries, marking a 29% rise from the previous 122 exhibitors. Over three days, the event facilitated thousands of B2B meetings, laying a solid foundation for continued industry growth.
Organised by fairtrade Messe in collaboration with local partners Prana Events, agrofood Ethiopia was held alongside the 7th plastprintpack Ethiopia and the inaugural Ethiopia food show and Ethiopica coffee show.
Listen to how our exhibitors evaluate the 2025 event
Kelvin Mureti Kimathi, Tetra Pak
We have been trying to crack this market for a while and obviously agrofood provides a very powerful platform to introduce to the people what we are able to do. We have loved this experience.
Jari Zhao, FAMSUN
We want to be close to our clients, and agrofood was good and we are already determined to attend the next exhibition.
Gabriele Giallorenzo, SACMI
We are here every year at agrofood. This exhibition is as usual very crowded, lots of visitors come that want to invest in this growing business.
Exhibitor satisfaction highlights:
- 91% of exhibitors expressed satisfaction or high satisfaction with the event as a whole.
- 88% would recommend the event to their peers.
- 84% are already planning to participate in the next edition.
Exciting news: From 2026, the event will relocate to the
brand new AICC Addis Int’l Convention Center
Officially opened by Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed on 01 March 2025, the AICC Addis Int’l Convention Center is a world-class convention and exhibition center spanning 40 hectares. It features exhibition & conference halls, spacious outdoor exhibition and events space, as well as restaurants, cafés, shops, a canteen and storage facilities. Join us from 04 to 06 June 2026 at the AICC for another remarkable event!
Highlights of the 2025 event
- New in 2025: Ethiopia food show and Ethiopica coffee show running alongside agrofood Ethiopia
- Global participation: Exhibitors from 16 countries, including Austria, Brazil, China, Denmark, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Germany, India, Italy, Jordan, Kenya, Poland, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Türkiye, and the United Arab Emirates presenting tailored products and solutions for the Ethiopian market.
- Brazil Pavilion, officially opened by H.E. Mr Cleber Oliveira Soares, Deputy Vice Minister of Agriculture & Livestock, H.E. Mr Jandyr Ferreira dos Santos, Ambassador of Brazil to Ethiopia, featuring the Ministry of Agriculture & Livestock, the Embassy of Brazil, the Brazilian Beef Industry Association – ABRAFRIGO and the FoodTech Hub Latam.
- GIZ-Special Initiative “Decent Work for a Just Transition” (Invest for Jobs) offering comprehensive advice, contacts and financial support to overcome investment barriers.
- General Assembly & Conference of the Ethiopian Beverages Manufacturing Industries Association on 20 June.
- Government & industry support: Active involvement from key Ethiopian and international ministries, authorities, and associations ensures a comprehensive industry perspective.
Facts & figures on the Ethiopian agrofood market
- Agriculture is the backbone of Ethiopia's economy and continues to contribute 33% of GDP, provide 66% of employment and generate 76% of the country's annual exports. Over the past five years, agriculture has grown at an annual rate of 9%, reaching a value of US$36 billion. (ATA Ethiopian Agricultural Transformation Agency)
- With annual investments in food and beverage processing and packaging technology ranging from €64 million to €171 million in recent years, Ethiopia is one of East Africa's largest importers of such technology.
- With a population of 130 million, expected to grow to 200 million by 2050 according to the World Bank, Ethiopia has long been the largest food market in East and Central Africa. Spending in the F&B sector is growing steadily, and F&B production is by far the largest segment of the Ethiopian manufacturing industry. Accordingly, the demand for food and beverage ingredients continues to grow.
- Despite heavy investment in local food production, Ethiopia remains one of Africa's largest food importers. Between 2018 and 2021, food imports will amount to between $1.8 billion and $3.3 billion annually, while food exports will amount to between $1.9 billion and $2.5 billion over the same period.
With the strong support of the following Ethiopian and international institutions
Ethiopian government & institutions:
- Ministry of Industry
- Ministry of Agriculture
- Ethiopian Food, Beverage, and Pharmaceutical Research and Development Center
- Chemical and Construction Inputs Research and Development Center
- EBMIA - Ethiopian Beverages Manufacturing Industries Association
- EPR - Ethiopian Plastic and Rubber Manufacturers Association
Internationally:
- AHK Delegation of German Industry and Commerce for Eastern Africa
- Embassies of Brazil, Germany, France, India, Italy and Türkiye
- European Chamber in Europe
- GIZ German Association for International Cooperation
- ITA Italian Trade Agency
- Pan African Chamber of Commerce and Industry
- Türkiye
- UNIDO
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