Global retail giant Carrefour is set to enter the Ethiopian market after signing a franchise and supply partnership agreement with Queens Supermarket PLC, a subsidiary of Midroc Investment Group.
Carrefour, in a press release on January 5, 2026, stated that under the agreement, it will roll out its brand, expertise, and product range in Ethiopia by supporting Midroc teams in transforming the existing Queens Supermarket store network into Carrefour-branded outlets. The first stores are expected to be rebranded by the first half of 2026.
The partnership will initially see the rapid transformation of 13 existing stores, alongside the implementation of an ambitious expansion strategy. By 2028, the two partners anticipate the opening of an additional 17 stores nationwide.
The agreement marks Carrefour’s entry into Ethiopia and forms part of the retailer’s Carrefour 2026 strategic plan, which targets expansion into 10 new countries through its franchise model.
“This new agreement illustrates the strength and dynamism of the franchise model championed by the Carrefour Group and marks the achievement of our objective to expand in 10 new countries under franchise as part of our Carrefour 2026 strategic plan,” the company said.
Carrefour enters Ethiopia
Commenting on the partnership, CEO of Carrefour International Partnership Patrick Lasfargues, said:
“We are delighted to initiate this collaboration with a leading retail player in Ethiopia. Beyond the rapid transformation of the 13 existing stores, the Midroc and Carrefour International Partnership teams are already working hand-in-hand on the future growth of our activities in the country: by 2028, we project the opening of 17 additional stores. This launch in Ethiopia is another milestone in the execution of our international franchise expansion strategy, which already saw us pass the 3,000 franchised store mark in October 2025.”
Also Read: Carrefour Opens 34 Supermarkets in Kenya Following Rapid 2025 Expansion
Midroc Investment Group CEO Jemal Ahmed said the partnership would enhance the retail experience for Ethiopian consumers.
“I am very proud to announce, along with the entire Midroc team, our integration into Carrefour’s international franchise network. By leveraging our deep knowledge of the local Ethiopian market, the dedication of the Midroc teams, and Carrefour’s excellence, we will be able to offer Ethiopian consumers high-quality, affordable products and an experience that perfectly meets their expectations,” he said.
Carrefour Group operates a multi-format network of more than 15,000 stores in over 40 countries, making it one of the world’s leading food retailers. Carrefour International Partnership manages the group’s franchised operations in more than 30 countries, with over 3,000 stores. The group posted sales of €94.6 billion in 2024 and employs more than 300,000 people in its integrated store network. In total, more than 500,000 people work under the Carrefour banner worldwide.
On the other hand, Midroc Investment Group is Ethiopia’s leading private conglomerate, employing more than 80,000 people across agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and retail through its Queens store network.
As Carrefour’s strategic partner, Midroc plans to integrate its production of coffee, tea, spices, flowers, and fresh fruits into Carrefour’s global supply chain, supporting a “farm-to-shelf” model.
The group says its industrial capacity and retail footprint play a key role in supporting food security, value-added exports, and Ethiopia’s broader industrial and retail transformation.
Carrefour’s entry into Ethiopia is part of its broader expansion strategy across Africa, where the group primarily operates through franchise partnerships with established regional players.
African markets
The retailer is present in several African markets, including Kenya, the Ivory Coast, Cameroon, Senegal, the Democratic Republic of Congo, and Uganda, with additional operations in Egypt, Morocco, Tunisia, Algeria, Gabon, Madagascar, and Mauritius.
Across the continent, Carrefour focuses on modern retail formats—hypermarkets, supermarkets, and cash-and-carry outlets—often located within shopping malls and tailored to the needs of Africa’s growing middle-class consumers.
Also Read: Multinational That Owns Junction and Thika Road Malls in Nairobi
In Africa, Carrefour operates through franchise agreements in seven countries, with a combined network of 227 stores run by local partners.
Two of its key franchise partners are Majid Al Futtaim (MAF) and CFAO Retail. MAF is one of Carrefour’s longest-standing international partners, operating 250 Carrefour stores across the Middle East and Africa, including six in Kenya.
CFAO Retail, which focuses on Francophone Africa, is a newer partner and currently operates Carrefour stores in the Ivory Coast and Cameroon, with expansion into Senegal underway.
Carrefour has also been strengthening its digital footprint on the continent. The group recently announced a partnership involving its international franchise partners, Majid Al Futtaim and CFAO Retail, and Jumia, Africa’s leading e-commerce platform.
Under the agreement, Carrefour products are available on the Jumia Marketplace in Cameroon, Ivory Coast, Senegal, and Kenya, allowing the retailer to reach consumers beyond physical stores.
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates
