Following a franchise and supply partnership with a Midroc Investment Group subsidiary, Carrefour will be entering the Ethiopian retail market through a joint venture with Queens Supermarkets. The partnership will allow Carrefour to bring its full range of retail brands, know-how and products /services to Ethiopia while helping to support the transformation and expansion of the former Queens Supermarkets chain operations in that country.
Under the agreement, Carrefour will work closely with Midroc’s teams to rebrand and transform 13 existing stores under the Carrefour banner, with the first outlets expected to be converted by the first half of 2026. The partnership also includes an ambitious expansion plan aimed at significantly growing the retail network in the country.
According to Patrick Lasfargues, CEO of Carrefour International Partnership, the initiative represents an important milestone in the group’s international franchise expansion strategy. “We are delighted to initiate this collaboration with a leading retail player in Ethiopia,” he said. “Beyond the rapid transformation of the 13 existing stores, our teams are already working together on future growth. By 2028, we project the opening of 17 additional stores.”
The move aligns with Carrefour’s broader Carrefour 2026 strategic plan, which includes expansion into 10 new countries through franchise partnerships. The strategy reflects the growing importance of the franchise model in Carrefour’s international growth, particularly in emerging markets. In October 2025, the company surpassed 3,000 franchised stores worldwide, demonstrating the strength and scalability of this model.
For Midroc Investment Group, the partnership offers an opportunity to combine local market expertise with global retail standards. Jemal Ahmed, CEO of Midroc Investment Group, emphasized the benefits of joining Carrefour’s international franchise network.
“I am very proud to announce our integration into Carrefour’s global franchise network,” Ahmed said. “By combining our deep knowledge of the Ethiopian market and the dedication of the Midroc teams with Carrefour’s retail excellence, we will be able to offer Ethiopian consumers high-quality, affordable products and an experience that meets their expectations.”
Midroc Investment Group is one of Ethiopia’s largest private conglomerates, employing more than 80,000 people and operating across sectors such as agriculture, manufacturing, mining, and retail. Through its Queens supermarket network, the group already plays a key role in the country’s retail sector.
The partnership also aims to leverage Midroc’s strong agricultural and production base. The company produces premium coffee, tea, spices, flowers, and fresh fruits, which could be integrated into Carrefour’s global supply chain through a “farm-to-shelf” approach. This model is expected to strengthen local sourcing while aligning with international retail standards.
Globally, Carrefour operates more than 15,000 stores in over 40 countries, making it one of the world’s leading food retailers. The group reported €94.6 billion in sales in 2024, with more than 300,000 employees across its integrated store network and over 500,000 people working under the Carrefour brand worldwide.
Carrefour’s entry into Ethiopia highlights the growing attractiveness of the country’s retail market and reflects the company’s strategy to expand its international presence through partnerships with established local operators. With store conversions set to begin in 2026 and further expansion planned through 2028, the collaboration is expected to introduce modern retail standards and a broader range of products to Ethiopian consumers while supporting the country’s evolving retail landscape.
