French retail giant Carrefour has entered the Ethiopian market through a franchise partnership with Midroc Investment Group, marking a significant bet on one of Africa’s fastest-growing consumer economies.
Under a franchise and supply agreement with Queens Supermarket, a Midroc subsidiary, 13 existing Queens outlets will be fully converted to the Carrefour brand by the first half of 2026, the companies said.
“This collaboration brings Carrefour’s global retail expertise together with Midroc’s local market knowledge,” said Jemal Ahmed, chief executive of Midroc Investment Group. “We will be able to offer Ethiopian consumers high-quality, affordable products and an experience that perfectly meets their expectations.”
The partnership extends beyond the initial conversions. Carrefour and Midroc plan to open 17 additional stores across Ethiopia by 2028, lifting the total number of Carrefour-branded outlets in the country to 30.
Patrick Lasfargues, chief executive of Carrefour International Partnership, described the move as “another milestone in our international franchise expansion strategy,” noting that the group surpassed 3,000 franchised stores globally in October 2025.
Local sourcing, regional ambitions
Ethiopia’s coffee, tea, spices, flowers, and fresh fruits are expected to feature prominently in Carrefour’s local and global supply chains, offering Ethiopian producers access to international retail markets.
“By integrating local agricultural expertise into Carrefour’s global retail network, the partnership creates opportunities for both producers and consumers,” Ahmed said.
The approach reflects Carrefour’s international model of combining local sourcing with global operations to ensure quality, product variety, and competitive pricing. Lasfargues said the agreement aligned with the retailer’s “Carrefour 2026” strategic plan, which prioritises expansion into new growth markets through franchising.
Carrefour already operates in more than 550 markets across Sub-Saharan Africa, including Kenya, Uganda, Senegal, Gabon, the Ivory Coast, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The continent has become an increasingly attractive retail destination, driven by rapid urbanisation, shifting consumer habits, and an expanding middle class.
Ethiopia is seen as a key addition to Carrefour’s African footprint, offering scale, population growth, and rising demand for modern retail formats. By combining global retail standards with established local supplier networks, Carrefour and Midroc aim to deliver what they describe as a “modern supermarket experience” in one of the region’s largest consumer markets.
The first stores are expected to be rebranded in early 2026. The companies said the partnership would intensify competition, streamline retail operations, and further align Ethiopia with broader continental retail trends.
