Under a new franchise and supply deal, Carrefour is set to enter Ethiopia through a partnership with Queens Supermarket PLC, a unit of Midroc Investment Group, with the first outlets expected to carry the Carrefour name by the first half of 2026.
The agreement opens the door for the French retailer to bring its brand, store systems and product range into one of Africa’s fastest growing consumer markets, starting with the conversion of existing stores.
In a press release issued in Massy on January 5, 2026, Carrefour said the partnership will allow it to introduce its banners and retail know-how across Ethiopia. The move marks the company’s latest step in expanding its presence in East Africa through a franchise-based approach.
As part of the deal, Carrefour will work closely with Midroc teams to transform the full Queens Supermarket network into Carrefour-branded stores. The partnership also includes a long-term plan aimed at steady growth and wider reach in the Ethiopian retail sector.
The first stage will involve the conversion of 13 Queens Supermarket outlets. Rebranding is expected to start and be completed within the first half of 2026, setting the foundation for further expansion in the years that follow.
Carrefour said the agreement reflects its wider global ambitions under its current strategy. “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.
Patrick Lasfargues, CEO of Carrefour International Partnership, described the deal as a key step in the group’s global journey. “We are delighted to initiate this collaboration with a leading retail player in Ethiopia,” Lasfargues said.
He noted that the partnership goes beyond rebranding existing outlets. “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,” he said.
Lasfargues added that the Ethiopian entry builds on the group’s wider franchise progress. “This launch in Ethiopia is another milestone in the execution of our international franchise expansion strategy,” he said, pointing out that Carrefour passed 3,000 franchised stores worldwide in October 2025.
Midroc Investment Group also welcomed the agreement, saying it will help raise the level of modern retail in Ethiopia while building on local experience. “I am very proud to announce, along with the entire Midroc team, our integration into Carrefour’s international franchise network,” said Jemal Ahmed, CEO of Midroc Investment Group.
He said the combination of local insight and global retail standards will benefit shoppers. “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,” Ahmed added.
Through this partnership, Carrefour gains access to Ethiopia’s expanding consumer base, while Midroc strengthens its retail business with international expertise, wider supply links and a globally known brand.
