At a Glance
- Carrefour converts 13 Queens Supermarkets, aiming for 17 more by 2028 in Ethiopia.
- Deal integrates local produce, boosting Ethiopia’s agribusiness and export potential.
- Partnership brings global retail systems, improving quality, pricing, and supply chains.
Ethiopia’s retail sector is entering a transformative phase as Queens Supermarket PLC, the supermarket chain controlled by Midroc Investment Group, chaired by billionaire Mohammed Al‑Amoudi, partners with French retail giant Carrefour.
Under a franchise and supply agreement, 13 Queens Supermarkets will convert to Carrefour stores, with an additional 17 stores planned by 2028.
Carrefour franchise expansion in Ethiopia
The alliance combines Midroc’s deep local expertise with Carrefour’s global retail systems, delivering higher quality products, improved supply chains, and affordable prices for Ethiopian consumers. The partnership also integrates locally produced goods, including coffee, spices, and fresh produce, boosting Ethiopia’s agribusiness and export potential.
For Carrefour, the move is part of its “Carrefour 2026” strategy, aiming to expand into 10 new countries using its franchise model. The deal positions Ethiopia as a fast-growing consumer market in East Africa, benefiting from rising urbanisation and an expanding middle class.
Midroc leverages local expertise for retail growth
Midroc’s Queens Supermarket network, operational since the early 2010s, provides a solid foundation for Carrefour’s entry.
By upgrading existing stores and expanding the network, the partnership introduces modern retail infrastructure to a market long dominated by informal outlets.
This Carrefour-Midroc alliance is set to reshape Ethiopia’s retail landscape, establishing modern distribution networks, raising industry standards, and stimulating regional economic growth.
The strategic integration of global expertise and local resources exemplifies how international partnerships can drive retail innovation in Africa.
