Carrefour enters Ethiopia through a strategic franchise and supply partnership with Midroc Investment Group, the country’s largest private company. As a result, the French retail giant will bring its brand, products, and expertise to Africa’s second-most populous nation—home to roughly 135 million people.
Under the agreement, Carrefour will collaborate closely with Midroc’s subsidiary, Queens Supermarket Plc. Specifically, they will rebrand all 13 existing stores by mid-2026. In addition, the partners plan to open 17 new stores by 2028, reaching a total of 30 locations.
Patrick Lasfargues, CEO of Carrefour International Partnership, welcomed the move. He stated that this launch marks “another milestone” in their global strategy. Moreover, he noted that Carrefour surpassed 3,000 franchised stores worldwide in October 2025.
Meanwhile, Midroc CEO Jemal Ahmed expressed strong enthusiasm. “I’m very proud to announce our integration into Carrefour’s network,” he said. He emphasized that the partnership will blend Midroc’s local market knowledge with Carrefour’s retail excellence. Therefore, Ethiopian consumers can expect better quality, lower prices, and a more modern shopping experience.
Furthermore, the expansion aims to support local agriculture. Midroc already produces coffee, tea, spices, flowers, and fresh fruits. Now, these goods may feed into Carrefour’s global supply chain—boosting both national food security and export potential.
Currently, Ethiopia’s grocery sector relies heavily on imports. Major chains like Shoa, Safeway, and Fantu stock goods from the U.S., Europe, Türkiye, Egypt, and the UAE. However, Carrefour’s entry could shift this trend by prioritizing local sourcing.
Midroc employs over 80,000 people across agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and retail. Through its Queens network, it has built one of Ethiopia’s strongest retail footprints. Now, with Carrefour’s backing, it plans to elevate service standards nationwide.
Carrefour already operates franchised stores across Africa—including Kenya, Uganda, Nigeria, Ghana, and Senegal. Thus, the Ethiopia launch fits seamlessly into its broader 2026 strategy to expand into 10 new countries. The group runs more than 15,000 stores globally and posted $110.64 billion in sales in 2024.
Consequently, Carrefour enters Ethiopia not just as a retailer, but as a potential catalyst for local industry and consumer choice. The first rebranded stores will appear in early 2026, marking a new chapter in East African retail.
