Addis Ababa, June 26, 2025 (FMC) — The third edition of Big 5 Construct Ethiopia, held alongside the inaugural East Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo, opened today at Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa. The events reflect Ethiopia’s strategic focus on infrastructure-led growth and regional integration.
Urban and Infrastructure Minister Chaltu Sani inaugurated the exhibitions, joined by Education Minister Professor Birhanu Nega, Innovation and Technology Minister Belete Molla, and State Ministers Yetemgeta Asrat and Helen Debebe. Senior executives from dmg events and industry representatives also took part.
Organized in alignment with Ethiopia’s development agenda, the exhibitions feature over 180 exhibitors from 20 countries, including China, Germany, India, Italy, Kenya, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE. Participants are showcasing products and sustainable solutions tailored for Ethiopia’s expanding construction and infrastructure markets.
Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President for Construction at dmg events, said the return of Big 5 Construct Ethiopia—alongside the launch of the infrastructure expo—demonstrates strong appetite for innovation, investment, and dialogue across sectors vital to the region’s economic transformation.
Running parallel to the exhibition, the East Africa Infrastructure & Water Summit brought together policymakers, engineers, and private sector leaders to explore long-term infrastructure planning across energy, housing, water, transport, and digital connectivity. Discussions emphasized project bankability, local partnerships, and alignment with national goals.
Speakers included Engr. Wondimu Seta, Deputy Mayor and General Manager of Addis Ababa City; Engr. Hanan Ahmednur from the Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands; Tony Mdawar of Dar Al-Handasah; and Hasnayn Muhammad Ebrahim, Managing Director of Africa International Advisors. The summit was moderated by Assistant Professor Abraham Assefa of Addis Ababa University.
The exhibition floor showcased energy-efficient systems, recyclable materials, low-VOC coatings, smart lighting, and high-performance engineering tools. Companies such as Emirates Industrial Panel, Bitumat, Signify, Jotun Ethiopia, and USG Middle East presented solutions with a strong focus on sustainability and climate-conscious design.
Professional development continues over the next two days through CPD-certified sessions under the Big 5 Talks, Infra360, and Water360 programs, focusing on the sector’s evolving challenges and opportunities.
The events run until June 28, 2025, with free entry for registered trade professionals.