Global agrofood and packaging trade fair opens in Addis, spotlighting Ethiopia’s agribusiness potential

Addis Ababa, June 19, 2025 (FMC) — The 7th edition of the Ethiopia agrofood and plastprintpack International Trade Fair officially opened today at Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa, bringing together global players from the agriculture, food, packaging, and plastics industries for a three-day exhibition and dialogue.

Jointly organized by Germany’s fairtrade Messe and Ethiopia’s Prana Events, the fair features over 120 exhibitors from more than 10 countries, including Germany, Austria, China, India, Italy, Türkiye, and the UAE.

It remains one of Ethiopia’s largest and most specialized trade platforms, designed to connect international manufacturers and suppliers with Ethiopian enterprises, policymakers, and institutions.

The opening ceremony was attended by senior Ethiopian officials and ambassadors, including State Minister of Industry Hasen Mohammed, Türkiye’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Berk Baran, and Brazil’s Ambassador to Ethiopia Jandyr Ferreira dos Santos.

Speakers highlighted the strategic importance of agriculture and agro-industrial transformation in Ethiopia. It was underlined that Ethiopia’s food and beverage sectors are among the fastest-growing in Africa, with strong policy focus on expanding domestic production capacity, improving infrastructure, and fostering value addition.

The Ethiopian government’s commitment to food security and industrial development was also emphasized.

The ambassadors of Türkiye and Brazil expressed support for deeper cooperation with Ethiopia. Türkiye’s envoy noted that the exhibition contributes to Ethiopia’s broader economic advancement and trade integration, especially given Ethiopia’s growing role as a major agricultural exporter.

Brazil’s ambassador reflected on agriculture as a key area of collaboration, suggesting the event demonstrates Ethiopia’s dynamism in building a resilient food system and expanding bilateral ties.

This year’s edition showcases innovations in food processing, packaging, ingredients, plastics, and printing—underscoring Ethiopia’s ambition to modernize its agricultural sector and reduce import dependency.

Two major side events are also underway: the Ethiopia Food Show and the inaugural Ethiopica Coffee Show, which celebrate Ethiopia’s globally renowned coffee culture and cuisine while fostering connections between producers and buyers.

The exhibition also features high-level panels and conferences involving Ethiopian ministries, experts, and industry stakeholders to facilitate investment dialogue and policy exchange.

Having grown steadily in scale and influence, the trade fair is now considered a vital annual platform for connecting Ethiopia with global technologies, investment opportunities, and expertise in agro-industrial development. It will continue through June 21.