3rd Big 5 Construct Ethiopia opens tomorrow, showcasing burgeoning construction market

Addis Ababa, June 25, 2025 (FMC) — Addis Ababa is set to welcome the third edition of Big 5 Construct Ethiopia, co-located with the inaugural East Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo, which will run from June 26 to 28, 2025, at Millennium Hall. The event will bring together over 180 exhibitors from more than 20 countries, underscoring Ethiopia’s rapidly expanding construction and infrastructure sectors.

During a press briefing held ahead of the event, Minister of Urban and Infrastructure Chaltu Sani emphasized that Big 5 Construct Ethiopia serves as a vital platform for connecting local and international players across the construction industry. She indicated that the event is expected to significantly advance sectoral capabilities by promoting the adoption of digital technologies, sustainable solutions, and modern construction practices.

The Minister noted that Ethiopia’s construction sector has made promising strides over the past seven years and now contributes 19% to the country’s GDP, ranking as the second-largest job-creating sector after agriculture. The event is expected to facilitate technology transfer, knowledge exchange, and partnerships that will further accelerate the sector’s development.

Organized by dmg events in partnership with the Ministry and local events firm Ethel Events, and supported by the Ethiopian Construction Works Corporation, the event is aligned with Ethiopia’s $67 billion construction and $395 billion infrastructure development markets.

Ben Greenish, Executive Vice President at dmg events, described the exhibition as a strategic driver for Ethiopia’s MICE sector. He said the exhibitions’ impact extends well beyond the construction industry, generating benefits across the economy through investment attraction, trade facilitation, and sectoral growth. He added that the quality of business conducted and knowledge shared during such platforms contributes to broader economic momentum and sustainable development.

The event will also host the exclusive East Africa Infrastructure & Water Summit, bringing together government officials and industry leaders to explore infrastructure financing, public-private partnership models, and regional collaboration. Notable participants include Eng. Hanan Ahmednur from the Ministry of Irrigation and Mesfin Negawo, Director General of the Ethiopian Construction Authority.

Complementing the exhibition, over 20 professional sessions will be delivered through Big 5 Talks, Infra360, and Water360, offering Continuing Professional Development (CPD)-certified learning for industry professionals.

International brands such as Jotun, Stanley Black and Decker, NAFFCO, Wilo, and Emirates National Copper will be among the 127 global and 39 local companies showcasing cutting-edge technologies, products, and services.