Ethiopian plastics, packaging and printing sectors are the new and emerging fields that move the country's economy forward in creating jobs, establishing backward and forward linkages with agricultural and industrial outputs, import substitution and foreign currency generation.

In the plastic subsector, there are more than 400 factories in injection, blow film, extrusion and blow molding, small, medium and large-scale manufacturers. The production capacity of the sector rose from less than 50,000 tons to more than 400,000 in the past 5 years. Unfortunately, we still have to import all the raw materials like PVC, PE, PP, EVA, … for all products produced locally. This sector alone consumes more than a billion dollars each year by average.

Dr. Yonas Abate 
Rubber and Plastic Directorate Director - Chemical and Construction Inputs Industry Development Institute

As we all know, Ethiopia has been demonstrating continous and high GDP growth for the last two decades and became one of the world's fastest growing economies. We can also mention Ethiopia as one of the most impressive investment destinations not only in continental Africa, but also in the world.

Considering this fact, I am sure that Ethiopia, with its great potential in agriculture, food processing, packaging, technology, ingredients, food and hospitality, is one of the perfect destinations for Turkish manufacturers and trading parties. Within this respect as the Ambassador of the Republic of Turkey in Addis Ababa, I will continue to motivate Turkish companies to participate in this fair for the upcoming years.

This year, we have 12 exhibitors operating in different sectors from plastics, waste refining to food and bakery manufacturing machinery. They exhibit their products and services in the Turkish pavilion with a total of 192 sqm under the Ministry of Trade of the Republic of Turkey umbrella.

H.E. Ms Yaprak Alp​
Ambassador​ - Embassy of the Republic of Turkey 

It is a great pleasure to be here – the agrofood & plastprintpack trade fair is a step back into normality. In a way, this event testifies to our joint capacity to overcome incredible hardships and find solutions.

Since 2017, this trade show has served to connect Ethiopian, German and European businesses. Its last iteration in 2019 saw the participation of 153 exhibitors from 18 countries and over 3,200 visitors. Then the pandemic struck and it was not possible to hold the event in 2020. Today, another year later, I am proud to take part in the opening of the fourth event.

The technologies and solutions present here can help reduce waste and the spoiling of valuable food resources through modern and sustainable production and packaging. It can contribute to a better life for many citizens in Ethiopia. When it comes to the development of sustainalbe solutions to one of our most pressing environmental challenges, Ethiopia will always find Germany and Europe at its side.

In 2020 the Ethiopia-EU’s trade volume remained firmly over two billion euros. I am sure, that my European colleagues and the companies from other European Nations share my enthusiasm about the opportunities that this trade fair creates.

​H.E. Mr Stephan Auer​, Ambassador​
Ambassy of the Federal Republic of Germany

Being an Ethiopian based company, we set out to target the local market within our first year of operations. We recognized the gap in the market for sustainable alternative packaging and glassware. With our upcycled glassware we aim to provide a turn key solution to local international businesses in the HoReCa, food & bev tec, manufacturing and retail sectors.

At the show we have met with a huge variety of quality visitors, so it has been a busy successful event to be a part of.

Ruth Gabriel
Founder - Alternativ Addis

Whilst Ethiopia is large in population terms its relative purchasing power is quite small. We are noticing that this is beginning to change. The market is demanding better quality solutions.

We are very much satisfied with the visitors quality. Participating is not just about meeting new potential customers but also understanding more about market trends and demands. We truly wish Ethiopian companies would participate at such events.

Our expectations have been met and exceeded. We will be back next year. Thank you!

Daniel Mesfin
Founder – Print and Frame