Addis Ababa, May 9, 2026 (FMC) — Ethiopia secured trade agreements worth more than 57 billion birr during this year’s “Made in Ethiopia” Expo, Industry Minister Melaku Alebel announced at the event’s closing ceremony.
The fourth edition of the expo, held under the theme “Ethiopian Industry for Universal Sovereignty,” concluded last night in the presence of Deputy Prime Minister Temesgen Tiruneh.
Speaking at the ceremony, Minister Melaku said Ethiopia’s pursuit of self-reliance is closely tied to the country’s survival and sovereignty, stressing that the application of artificial intelligence in productivity and innovation will play a decisive role in the future of the manufacturing sector.
He noted that more than 350 industries took part in the exhibition across five major sectors. The minister also highlighted the support extended to start-up companies, which enabled them to showcase their products and innovations during the event.
According to him, 20 start-ups presented their creative works to visitors, while product development competitions featuring new innovations were organized among 22 industries. He added that 10 companies introduced a variety of products developed from different local resources during food-tasting sessions held as part of the expo.
Melaku further stated that the exhibition facilitated more than 12,000 business and market linkage connections among manufacturers.
He added that trade and marketing agreements exceeding 57 billion birr were secured through partnerships established between 16 government institutions and manufacturing industries during the expo.
The minister said the event reflected the government’s growing commitment to strengthening the manufacturing sector and creating broader market opportunities for domestic producers.
He also noted that the expo created momentum for Ethiopian manufacturers to expand into African markets, while helping stimulate financing improvements and encouraging production systems supported by artificial intelligence.
In addition, he said the platform enabled many micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises to promote their products and establish business linkages with large-scale industries.
Melaku announced that the next edition of the “Made in Ethiopia” Expo will be held from May 13 to 18, 2027, according to the Ethiopian calendar schedule cited during the event.