The Addis Ababa Chamber of Commerce and Sectoral Associations (AACCSA) has officially announced that the 6th MATEX-ETHIOPIA 2026 International Expo will take place from December 3 to 5, 2026 at the newly developed Addis International Convention Center. As one of the region’s premier trade gatherings, the three-day flagship event will bring together global manufacturers, technology providers, and cosmetics industry stakeholders to showcase cutting-edge innovations, establish strategic commercial partnerships, and drive sustainable industrial development across the Horn of Africa.
Operating under the central theme “Accelerating Manufacturing and Continental Trade Linkages,” the annual exhibition reflects AACCSA’s core mission to promote cross-border commerce and advocate for policy frameworks that support business expansion. Organizers emphasize that this year’s focus aligns with broader continental integration efforts, including the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA). By bridging regional market players with international investors, the platform seeks to streamline trade pathways and enhance Ethiopia’s competitiveness within regional value chains.
The event will feature a broad spectrum of commercial sectors essential to East Africa’s economic transformation. Primary participating industries include food processing, textiles and apparel, leather goods, metallurgy, woodworking, plastics, construction materials, and information communication technology (ICT). By creating a unified space for traditional heavy industries alongside modern digital solution providers, the trade fair aims to modernize local supply chains, elevate product quality standards, and encourage competitive local production.
To ensure actionable outcomes for attendees, MATEX-ETHIOPIA 2026 will feature structured business-to-business (B2B) networking sessions, high-level trade conferences, official partnership agreement signings, and an industry awards ceremony. Event conveners noted that these tailored programs are designed specifically to accelerate technology transfer into the domestic market, open direct export channels, and facilitate constructive dialogue regarding policy and infrastructural challenges currently facing manufacturers.
As Ethiopia continues its push toward industrial diversification and private sector-led economic reform, regional trade expos play a vital role in attracting foreign direct investment. AACCSA has extended an official invitation to domestic entrepreneurs, international commercial delegations, and policymakers to participate in the upcoming convention. With strong projected attendance from both public and private sector leadership, MATEX-ETHIOPIA 2026 is set to serve as a pivotal milestone for trade expansion in the region.