Ethiopia

In 2023, Ethiopia's tobacco industry is primarily dominated by cigarettes, with higher consumption observed in eastern regions such as Somali, Afar, and Jigjiga. However, this area is also marked by a prevalence of illicit cigarettes smuggled across…

In 2023, tissue and hygiene products experienced growth in value sales in Ethiopia due partly to inflation. The market’s expansion was also supported by population growth, rising income levels, and urbanisation. However, the performance of the market…

A high rate of inflation, averaging 30% in 2023, forced consumers to cut down on spending on non-essential items, and even to reconsider the food they purchased to reduce their expenditure. Rx medications continued to be widely purchased under the…

Home care posted stronger growth in retail volume terms in 2023 compared to 2022 with sales boosted by more stable prices and renewed consumer confidence. The consumer base for home care is widening due to investment in sanitation projects and modern…

Despite facing challenges such as political instability, internal conflicts, and disruptions in the value chain following the Russia invasion of Ukraine, the Ethiopian soft drinks market continued to grow steadily in 2023. Water shortages increased…

Although perceptions are improving, corruption remains pervasive and economic freedom has deteriorated. Ethiopia’s economy is resilient and has outperformed peers, partly driven by foreign investment, but inflation is high and dependence on…

Coffee dominates retail volume sales of hot drinks in Ethiopia. Coffee has a long history in the country and is regularly consumed by most adults. Retail volume sales of coffee continued to expand in 2023, while tea also grew from a small base and…

The worst drought in 40 years pushed local food prices up while Russia’s war in Ukraine has led to further price pressures. To curb inflation, interest rates were raised and the currency depreciated making imports more expensive. Despite this, demand…

Edible oils continue to dominate cooking ingredients and meals. Demand is gradually shifting from palm oil to sunflower oil, as the latter is regarded as healthier by a growing number of local consumers. Meanwhile, stock cubes and powders and…

Ethiopia is experiencing a growing demand for dairy products. However, as a developing country, a large part of the residents do not have access to dairy products. While the industry has recovered from the pandemic in 2023, it now faces a fresh set…

The snacks market is set to be hampered by high inflation in 2023, leading to muted growth of non-essential categories, such as boxed assortments. While the market is recovering from the economic shock of COVID-19, with sales maintaining positive…

Alcoholic drinks recorded robust growth in 2022 as sales continued to recover from the impact of COVID-19. Expanding local production, especially in wine and beer, has supported growth by offering consumers affordable options at a time when currency…

Beauty and personal care continued to develop in 2022 as population growth, urbanisation and rising incomes due to economic development expanded the core consumer base in most categories. However, most local people demand only the absolute basics…

Soaring inflation, due to the continuing civil war, as well as price pressures arising from the war in Ukraine, led to consumers cutting down on discretionary spending. On top of inflation, drought further aggravated supply chain disruptions. Within…

Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, health protocols had to be implemented altering the shopping experience of Ethiopians. The use of masks and social distancing among consumers and staff were strictly enforced in stores. The pandemic and the war in Tigray…