Carrefour, one of the world’s largest supermarket chains, is considering entering Ethiopia following the government’s recent liberalisation of the retail and wholesale sector.

Ethiopian Investment Commission Commissioner H.E. Dr. Zeleke Temesgen met with senior officials from Carrefour to discuss potential conditions for the company’s engagement. Dr. Zeleke briefed the delegation on the country’s investment opportunities and highlighted sectors newly accessible to foreign investors.

Emma Copey, Carrefour’s Global Franchise Director, said the company has long identified Ethiopia as a promising market. She described the opening of the retail sector to foreign investors as a timely opportunity. Jerome Bonzi, Carrefour’s Commercial Director, added that the company is preparing a business model tailored for Ethiopia and plans to send a team to the country to further explore and implement its strategy.

Founded in France in 1959, Carrefour operates more than 12 000 stores across 30 countries, serving around 13 million customers daily. The company manages hypermarkets, supermarkets, convenience stores, and wholesale outlets, while investing in e-commerce, digital infrastructure, and sustainable local sourcing. In 2022/23, Carrefour reported revenue of approximately 84.9 billion euros.

The company has expanded globally through organic growth, acquisitions, and franchise partnerships, including in the Middle East and Africa. Its potential entry into Ethiopia would mark a significant development for the country’s retail sector, which has been gradually opening to foreign investment.