In a significant expansion of its global footprint, retail giant Carrefour has announced a franchise and supply partnership with Queens Supermarket PLC, a subsidiary of the Midroc Investment Group. The first Carrefour-branded stores are scheduled to open in Ethiopia by the first quarter of 2026.
The agreement marks Carrefour’s entry into Ethiopia, a rapidly growing market of nearly 140 million people. In the initial phase, Queens Supermarket’s existing 13-store network will be rebranded and transformed under Carrefour’s management, expertise, and product portfolio within the first half of 2026.Alexandre Bompard, Chairman and CEO of Carrefour, said on social media, “Delighted to build a long-term relationship together, at the service of Ethiopian consumers.” He noted that the alliance fulfills a key goal of the Carrefour 2026 strategic plan—to expand into 10 new countries through its franchise model.Beyond the rebranding phase, Midroc and Carrefour International Partnership teams are co-developing an ambitious growth strategy, aiming to open 17 additional stores by 2028.
Patrick Lasfargues, CEO of Carrefour International Partnership, described the Ethiopia launch as “another milestone” for the company, which surpassed 3,000 franchised stores in October 2025. He emphasized the collaborative commitment to sustained growth.For Midroc, the partnership brings its retail operations into Carrefour’s global network.
“By leveraging our deep knowledge of the Ethiopian market and Carrefour’s excellence, we will deliver high-quality, affordable products to local consumers,” said Jemal Ahmed, CEO of Midroc Investment Group.Strategically, Midroc will also utilize its local production of premium coffee, tea, spices, and fresh fruits to supply the global Carrefour network, creating a “farm-to-shelf” synergy that showcases Ethiopian products internationally.The move reinforces the strength of Carrefour’s international franchise model, as the retailer continues expanding its presence across more than 40 countries with over 15,000 stores worldwide.
