18 - 20 June 2026

Millennium Hall, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Endorsed by the Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure, Big 5 Construct Ethiopia and East Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo support the country’s infrastructure and construction ambitions

Endorsed by the Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure, Big 5 Construct Ethiopia and East Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo support the country’s infrastructure and construction ambitions

The event, co-located with East Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo, will run from 26–28 June 2025 at Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa
Over 180 exhibitors from more than 20 countries, including China, Germany, India, Italy, Kenya, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the UAE, offer innovative building and infrastructure solutions

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia – 24 June 2025 – Big 5 Construct Ethiopia, organized by dmg events and endorsed by the Ministry of Urban & Infrastructure, is set to return for its 3^rd edition to Addis Ababa from 26–28 June 2025 at Millennium Hall. The event, co-located with the inaugural East Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo, creates a strategic trade exhibition, supporting Ethiopia’s $67 billion construction market and $395 billion infrastructure market, enabling cross-sector collaboration and expansion in the region.

The events continue to grow in impact and scale, thanks to the strong support of Ethiopia’s government ministries, particularly the Ministry of Urban & Infrastructure and the Ministry of Tourism. Their ongoing collaboration has been instrumental in positioning Addis Ababa as a premier destination for high-impact trade exhibitions, including Big 5 Construct Ethiopia and East Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo. This support significantly contributes to the country’s economic diversification and its growing profile as a regional hub for business and innovation.

Ahead of the event, dmg events hosted a press conference, at the Ministry of Urban & Infrastructure headquarters in Addis Ababa, highlighting the event’s alignment with Ethiopia’s national development goals. With a strong focus on sustainable construction, resilient infrastructure and water systems, the co-located events aim to support national strategies that prioritize urban growth, housing accessibility and climate-conscious development.

Commenting on the sidelines of the press conference, H.E. Chaltu Sani, Minister at the Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure, said: "Globally, the construction sector is a key indicator of a country's economic growth. In Ethiopia, while the industry has yet to reach its full potential, it currently contributes around 19% to the national GDP. We continue to witness significant growth, positive outcomes and renewed momentum across the sector."

Speaking at the press conference, Mr. Ben Greenish, who is the Executive Vice President at dmg events, said: “Big 5 Construct Ethiopia and East Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo play a strategic role in advancing Ethiopia’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences & Exhibitions (MICE) sector, with the valued support of the Ministry of Urban & Infrastructure. The impact of these exhibitions extends well beyond the construction industry, generating substantial benefits for the broader economy and creating ripple effects across the MICE industry and related sectors. The scale of business conducted, the quality of knowledge exchange and the momentum created during the events contribute to stronger economic activity, investor confidence and long-term sectoral growth. Specifically in the construction and infrastructure ecosystem, they help attract investment, support job creation and influence trade flows, ultimately contributing to sustainable development.”

Also in attendance at the conference were H.E. Yetemgeta Asrat, State Minister at the Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure; Engineer Yonas Ayalew, CEO of ECC; and Ms. Josine Heijmans, Senior Vice President – Construction at dmg events.

Big 5 Construct Ethiopia and East Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo will host more than 180 exhibitors from more than 20 countries, bringing together product suppliers and service providers from across the construction and infrastructure value chain. Exhibiting companies include Jotun, Asian Paints, NAFFCO, Stanley Black and Decker, SCAFFCO, Wilo, Alpha Post Tension, Emirates National Copper, among others.

The events will also enable industry dialogue through the strategically curated and the invite-only East Africa Infrastructure & Water Summit. The summit will convene government and industry leaders to explore infrastructure financing, PPP models and regional collaboration. Key voices include Eng. Hanan Ahmednur from the Ministry of Irrigation and Mesfin Negawo, Director General, Ethiopian Construction Authority.

Supporting the professional growth of construction industry professionals through learning and development opportunities, the events present content programmes including Big 5 Talks, Infra360 and Water360. Hosting over 20 sessions, these programmes are designed to help professionals stay competitive, informed and aligned with local and international industry standards by offering Continuous Professional Development (CPD) certified content.

Big 5 Construct Ethiopia and East Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo are endorsed by the Ministry of Urban & Infrastructure, with partners including Ethiopian Construction Works Corporation (Strategic Partner); Ethel Events (Local Events Partner) and ABiQ (Knowledge Partner). Supporting Associations include, Association of Ethiopian Architects, Chartered Institute of Building, Ethiopian Association of Civil Engineers, Ethiopian Construction Technology and Management Professionals Association, Ethiopian Green Building Council and Project Management Institute Ethiopia.

Registration for the free-to-attend events is now open for trade and industry professionals over 18 years. For more information, visit www.big5constructethiopia.com | www.eastafricainfrastructureexpo.com

Saudi-Ethiopian Business Council aims to enhance bilateral trade and investment opportunities
Council is expected to serve as a pivotal platform for supporting Saudi exports and targeting key sectors in Ethiopia

JEDDAH: Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia are set to strengthen their economic ties with the establishment of a new business council for the 2024-2028 term, the Federation of Saudi Chambers announced.

The Saudi-Ethiopian Business Council, recently approved by the General Authority for Foreign Trade, aims to enhance trade and investment opportunities between the two nations.

Abdullah bin Mohammed Al-Ajmi will lead the council as president, with Omar bin Abdullah Al-Kharashi and Misfer bin Musaad Al-Shahrani serving as vice presidents, according to the Saudi Press Agency.

The formation of the council aligns with Saudi Arabia’s strategy to deepen economic relations with Africa, particularly with Ethiopia, which is one of the continent’s largest economies with a gross domestic product of approximately $205 billion in 2022.

Despite the substantial economic potential, trade between Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia remains below SR1.3 billion ($346 million). Al-Ajmi emphasized that the council is poised to capitalize on this untapped potential by fostering stronger business partnerships between the two countries.

The council is expected to serve as a pivotal platform for supporting Saudi exports and targeting key sectors in Ethiopia. Al-Ajmi highlighted Ethiopia’s attractive investment environment and its strategic role as a trade hub for Central Africa.

He noted that the council will focus on promising sectors such as agriculture, mining, petrochemicals, food industries, tourism, real estate, and construction.

The creation of the council follows an agreement announced nearly three months ago during the Saudi-Ethiopian Business Forum, held on June 5 in Addis Ababa.

The ceremony was attended by Hassan bin Moejeb Al-Huwaizy, chairman of the Federation of Saudi Chambers, along with over 250 investors and several Ethiopian ministers, officials, and representatives from both the public and private sectors.

Al-Huwaizy described the establishment of the council as the result of ongoing efforts and a shared commitment to enhancing economic cooperation.

He underscored that the council will provide a vital platform for Saudi and Ethiopian businesspeople to expand their activities and forge new partnerships, driving mutual growth and investment.

As both countries look to the future, the new business council is set to play a crucial role in unlocking significant economic opportunities, fostering bilateral trade, and creating a more integrated economic landscape between Saudi Arabia and Ethiopia.

Source: Arabnews

Inaugural East Africa Infrastructure and Water Expo to prioritize infrastructure advancement, co-locating with Big 5 Construct Ethiopia in 2025

The new event is designed to encourage conversation, collaboration and innovation in the critical field of infrastructure development
The second edition of Big 5 Construct Ethiopia 2024 exceeded expectations with 9,600 attendees and 175 exhibitors from 22 countries
The CPD-certified Big 5 Talks were attended by 3,350 industry professionals, each earning points towards their annual training and development in the industry.

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | 11 July 2024: The gross domestic product of the East Africa region is anticipated to see a growth of 3.4% in 2024 with further increases in 2025 to 4.2%, according to the World Bank. Described as the ‘Rising Economic Jewel of Sub-Saharan Africa’, the region is also expected to contribute 29% to GDP, particularly due to investment into infrastructure which is currently valued at $395 billion (source: ABIQ). With the infrastructure ecosystem rapidly evolving in the region, the launch of East Africa Infrastructure and Water Expo will further complement the rise in urbanization.

Running from 26 - 28 June 2025 at the Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa, the East Africa Infrastructure and Water Expo, co-located with Big 5 Construct Ethiopia, organized by dmg events, will prioritize advancing the region’s transformation goals. The event is designed to encourage conversation, collaboration and innovation in the critical field of infrastructure development.

Commenting on the launch of East Africa Infrastructure and Water Expo, Mehtap Gürsoy, Portfolio Director - Construction, dmg events, said: “We are excited to introduce the event, co-located with Big 5 Construct Ethiopia, as it is dedicated to providing a dynamic platform for industry stakeholders to exchange ideas, showcase innovations and build partnerships that shape the region’s infrastructure development.”

“As an extension of Big 5 Construct Ethiopia, the two events bring the entire infrastructure value chain under one roof, fostering business interactions and encouraging networking opportunities. It provides organisations with the opportunity to enter the market and showcase their innovative solutions and technologies.”

Infrastructure development forms the backbone of economic growth, social advancement and environmental sustainability. It enhances transportation, improves accessibility and fosters connectivity, which is why infrastructure development is a priority in the region.

It is a key component of East Africa’s economic recovery strategy as it stimulates growth and creates employment.

At the new event exhibitors will present products and services across five dedicated sectors: urban connectivity, water & waste management, smart cities (digital infrastructure), communications and planning and construction of power infrastructure.

Big 5 Construct Ethiopia 2024: A resounding success

As the East Africa Infrastructure and Water Expo approaches its inaugural launch in 2025, it builds on the success of Big 5 Construct Ethiopia. The high-profile event was opened by His Excellency Temesgen Tiruneh, Deputy Prime Minister of Ethiopia, alongside Her Excellency Chaltu Sani, Minister of Urban and Infrastructure in Ethiopia, at the Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa.

The event attracted more than 9,600 attendees and 175 exhibitors from 22 countries that included Algeria, Austria, China, Germany, Ethiopia, India, Italy, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, South Africa, Spain, Türkiye UAE and the UK.

It is a key component of East Africa’s economic recovery strategy as it stimulates growth and creates employment.

“This is the second time we participated in Big 5 Construct Ethiopia, and I can boldly say that this is the largest construction exhibition not only in Ethiopia, but entire East Africa. The great thing about this event is that we get to meet major clients and decision makers from the private and government sector," said Belete A Matebe, Managing Director, Wilo East Africa, highlighting the company’s successful participation at the event.

Hosted at the event, Big 5 Talks under the themes of sustainability, project management, infrastructure, technology, engineering and architecture & design prioritized discussions around the challenges, opportunities and innovations within the sector and the region. A total of 23 CPD-certified sessions were attended by 3,350 industry professionals, each earning points towards their annual training and development in the industry.

Commenting on the success of Big 5 Construct Ethiopia, Gürsoy said: “Big 5 Construct Ethiopia featured an array of companies, transforming it into a central hub for live demonstrations of cutting-edge technology-driven displays that are needed to support the nation’s construction and infrastructure mega projects. These displays showcased features and capabilities that have the potential to revolutionize and bring innovation to processes across the industry.”

Big 5 Construct Ethiopia will return for its third edition from 26-28 June 2025 at the Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa and the East Africa Infrastructure and Water Expo will be launched at the same time. Combined, the two events will reconnect the industry and facilitate more opportunities and advancements.

For more information on the East Africa Infrastructure and Water Expo, co-located with Big 5 Construct Ethiopia, visit https://bit.ly/46dBeTW

For media queries, contact:

Ranju Warrier, Head of Communications – Construction, dmg events

ranjuwarrier@dmgevents.com

About Big 5 Construct Ethiopia

Big 5 Construct Ethiopia is the premier event for the construction industry bringing together local and international companies to showcase products & services, innovation, expertise and knowledge to the Ethiopian construction industry.

Part of Big 5, the largest construction portfolio of events global portfolio of Big 5 construction events. Big 5 Construct Ethiopia is set to take place in Addis Ababa from 26-28 June 2025. The event is free to attend for industry professionals. For more information, visit: https://www.big5constructethiopia.com/

About dmg events

dmg events is a leading organizer of face-to-face events and publisher of trade magazines and information services. Our aim is to create dynamic marketplaces to connect businesses with the right communities to accelerate their growth in today’s rapidly evolving landscape. With a presence in over 25 countries and organizing more than 80 events each year, dmg events is a global leader in the industry. Attracting over 425,000 attendees and delegates annually, we organize events in the construction, hospitality, interiors & design, energy, coatings, entertainment, and transportation sectors.

To better serve our customers, dmg events has offices in 10 countries, including Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt, South Africa, the UK, Canada, and Singapore. By being on the ground, we can better understand market needs and nurture relationships to create unforgettable experiences for our attendees.

Our flagship events include Big 5 Global, The Hotel Show, INDEX, ADIPEC and Gastech. For more information visit www.dmgevents.com. Founded in 1989, dmg events is a wholly owned subsidiary of the Daily Mail and General Trust plc (DMGT, www.dmgt.co.uk).

The Ethiopian government has announced the implementation of a five-year National Rural Road Connectivity Project with a budget of $407 million.

Minister of Urban and Infrastructure Development, Chaltu Sani, revealed that the project will be executed over the next five years with financial support from the World Bank and collaboration from the government.

According to Minister Chaltu, the project aims to enhance food security by improving rural road infrastructure connectivity. It is also expected to contribute to the sustainable economic and social development currently being registered in the country.

The minister emphasized that the development framework is designed to ensure continuous construction and maintenance of road infrastructure, taking into account the accessibility needs and mobility desires of the rural population.

Preparations have been completed to extend the project to 126 woredas (districts) across all regions and the Dire Dawa city administration. The minister added that priority will be given to completing previously unfinished projects and constructing roads that connect internal roads to main highways.

The Minister highlighted that this project aligns with Ethiopia's journey to become a model of African prosperity by 2030, supporting the nation's developmental goals.

The National Rural Road Connectivity Project represents a significant investment in Ethiopia's rural infrastructure, aiming to boost economic activities, improve access to markets, and enhance the overall quality of life for rural communities across the nation.

Source: EBC English News

Sunshine Construction has become the latest real estate firm to sign on for an Ethiopian Airlines project that would see thousands of housing units constructed for the carrier’s employees at a cost of close to half a billion USD.
In partnership with China Communication Construction Company (CCCC), Sunshine inked the deal late this week with Ethiopian for the delivery of five thousand housing units that will accommodate staff.
Ethiopian Airlines had last week signed a similar agreement with OVID Group, another local construction firm, to develop 5,000 housing units.
Samuel Tafesse, president of the Sunshine Group, disclosed his firm would take charge of construction of one half of the 5,000 units, while its Chinese partner would be responsible for the other half.

He told The Reporter that his company won the bid by teaming up with CCCC.

The project is to be inaugurated on March 9, 2024, with senior city administration and federal officials in attendance. Sunshine Construction is also expected to deliver another 5,000 completed units to homebuyers during the inauguration ceremony.
The project for Ethiopian Airlines will be located in Lemi-Kura Sub City, and will feature several buildings up to 20 floors high, according to the contractor.
Construction is projected to be completed in three years, Samuel told The Reporter.
Sunshine Construction is celebrating its 35th anniversary in the industry. The delivery of 5,000 units on Saturday will bring the firm’s total to 11,500 units.
The firm will also use the occasion of its anniversary to award houses to close to 20 members of its staff as a reward for their loyalty. It will bring the total number of residences bequeathed to employees to 65, according to Samuel.
Sunshine Construction is also gearing up to engage in a public-private housing partnership with the Addis Ababa City Administration, which would see it erect units under a 30/70 housing scheme. The city housing project is valued at an estimated 60 billion birr.

Samuel told The Reporter that the City Administration will hold on to 30 percent of the units under the scheme, while his firm will sell the remainder on the real estate market.

The project will reportedly feature 4,000 units and is scheduled for completion in four years’ time.

(Source : The reporter)

Africa’s economies continue to grow faster than the global average of 3% demonstrating resilience against several challenges including climate change, geopolitical tensions, rising inflation, food insecurity and rising debt.

The President of the African Development Bank Group, Dr Akinwumi Adesina said, “It is forecasted that Africa will account for 11 out of the 20 fastest-growing economies in the world in 2024,” adding, “15 African countries have posted output expansions of more than 5%."

He was addressing on Thursday the Bank’s annual luncheon for ambassadors and heads of diplomatic missions as well as representatives of international organizations based in Abidjan, Cote d’Ivoire.

Last week at the African Union Summit in Addis Ababa, the African Development Bank launched its African Macroeconomic Performance and Outlook Report for 2024 (https://apo-opa.co/3TkIacW). The report shows that Africa is projected to remain the fastest growing region in the world, after Asia, exceeding the global average of 3% in 2023.

(Source: ZAWYA)

Roha Group has secured $42mn in equity funding from shareholders for the initial development phase of Roha Medical Campus (RMC) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia.

This investment marks the initial tranche of a $130mn commitment for the first phase construction of RMC, an integrated 350-bed hospital expected to open in 2025.

It is part of a broader financial strategy that also includes further shareholder contribution and $70mn in debt financing led by a development finance institution, planned for the first half of this year.

With construction already underway, the campus is set to expand with another $200m funding, adding specialized hospitals, medical facilities, and a hub for teaching, research, and innovation.

(Source: GlobalData)

Ethiopia has signed an agreement with United Arab Emirates' AMEA Power for the construction of a 300 megawatt wind farm at a cost of $600 million, its finance ministry said on Sunday.

The Horn-of-Africa nation is turning to renewable energy to boost electricity coverage, which stood at 50% of the population in 2020 according to the World Bank, leaving 60 million people outside of the grid.

The Aysha wind farm will be located on 18,000 acres of land, the ministry said in a statement, and it will create 2,000 jobs during the construction and operational phases.

Dubai-based AMEA Power focuses on renewable energy projects across Africa, the Middle East and other emerging markets.

Ethiopia already hosts two smaller wind power projects in its Oromiya and Tigray regions. The Aysha project will be Ethiopia's biggest wind power generation plant when it is completed, the finance ministry said.

(Source: Reuters)

Ethiopia has successfully secured the bid to establish vaccine production within its borders. The foundation stone for this project, which has received a $70 million investment, was laid at Kilinto Industrial Park. The aim is to eliminate the need for importing vaccines, which currently incurs high foreign currency expenses. Additionally, the government of Ethiopia is actively working to enhance domestic vaccine production capacity, collaborating with various stakeholders, including the Ministry of Health.

On August 20, 2023, the regulations for the establishment of Shieldvax Enterprise and Ethio Bio Pharma were approved by ministers. Shieldvax Enterprise is an umbrella enterprise that encompasses the National Veterinary Institute (NVI), a long-standing institute involved in veterinary vaccine manufacturing, and the newly established ShieldVax Enterprise. NVI has a track record of producing vital medical products, including vaccines, pharmaceuticals, medical supplies, and tests, for both human and animal use, catering to the domestic and international markets.

(Source: Capital Newspaper)

The EIC hosted an Ethiopia-China Investment Seminar welcoming a distinguished delegation from CCPIT (China Council for the Promotion of International Trade) led by its Vice Chairman Mr. Zhang Shaogang. Ms. Hanna Arayaselassie, Commissioner of EIC, welcomed the delegation and highlighted investment opportunities. Mr. Zhang Shaogang expressed CCPIT's interest in bilateral trade and investment promotion. This was reiterated by HE Mr Yang Yihang, Minister Counselor at the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia. After remarks and presentations by EIC, Ethiopian Chamber of Commerce and Ministry of Foreign Affairs, investors had a chance to learn more through a Q&A session. EIC, CCPIT and the Chinese Embassy in Ethiopia will work together to strengthen trade and investment relations between the two countries.

(Source: Ethiopian Investment Commission)

CONSTRUCTION PORTFOLIO OF EVENTS

18 - 20 June 2026

Endorsed by the Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure, Big 5 Construct Ethiopia and East Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo support the country’s infrastructure and construction ambitions