Africa Franchise Expo Set to Launch in Addis Ababa, Connecting Franchise Brands and Investors Across the Continent
Addis Ababa, Ethiopia — September 22,2026— 251 Communications and Marketing PLC, together with FranExpos, today announced the inaugural Africa Franchise Expo, taking place October 31–November 1, 2026 at Hilton Addis Hotel, in Addis Ababa. The two-day event will bring together franchise brands, investors, entrepreneurs, and industry leaders from Ethiopia, the wider African continent, and international markets to explore franchise and business expansion opportunities.
The Africa Franchise Expo is designed as a platform for franchise brands — both Ethiopian companies looking to formalize and scale their operations, and international brands seeking to enter the Ethiopian and East African market — to connect directly with investors and potential partners. The event will feature an exhibition floor, a conference programme with panel discussions and keynote sessions, a dedicated investor matchmaking session, and an awards and gala dinner.
The event is supported by FranExpos, a Dubai-based franchise exhibition specialist, bringing international expertise in franchise expo delivery to the Africa Franchise Expo's inaugural edition in Addis Ababa.
Ethiopia offers a compelling case for the investors and franchise brands the expo is designed to attract. With a population of more than 135 million, it is Africa's second-most populous nation and one of the continent's fastest-growing consumer markets. Its economy is also among the fastest-growing in the world, with GDP growth projected at close to 9% in 2026, driven by ongoing economic liberalization, expanding infrastructure, and a young, rapidly urbanizing population. Ethiopia's membership in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and in BRICS further positions it as a strategic gateway for brands looking to scale across the wider African market.
“We're proud to bring the Africa Franchise Expo to Addis Ababa alongside FranExpos,” said Addis Alemayehou, Chairman of Kazana Group and CEO of 251 Communications and Marketing PLC. “Ethiopia's growing economy and expanding consumer market make this the right moment for franchising to take root here. This expo is not just a two-day event — it's the foundation of a franchise ecosystem that can connect global brands with local investors and entrepreneurs, and open the door for Ethiopian brands to expand across the region in turn. We see real, lasting opportunity in what this platform can build for Ethiopia and for Africa's wider franchise economy.”
Key highlights of the Africa Franchise Expo include:
- An exhibition floor showcasing franchise brands and business opportunities, open to exhibitors, visitors, and investors
- A conference programme covering franchising, market entry, and business growth, with speaking opportunities for sponsors
- A dedicated matchmaking session connecting exhibitors with investors based on sector of interest
- An awards and gala dinner recognizing standout companies and closing the event's programme
Organizers expect strong turnout for the event's first edition in Ethiopia, with attendance projected between 1,800 and 2,000 visitors over the two days. The Africa Franchise Expo will also be followed by a dedicated Real Estate and Home Expo in December 2026, and organizers have announced plans to take the Africa Franchise Expo on a regional tour to other African countries in 2026 and 2027.
Exhibitor, sponsorship, and visitor registration for the Africa Franchise Expo is now open. Interested companies and investors can register and find more information at [website/contact details].
About 251 Communications and Marketing PLC
251 Communications and Marketing PLC is an Addis Ababa-based communications and events company specializing in public relations, digital marketing, and large-scale event delivery. The company's portfolio includes PR and campaign work with international and regional brands, as well as the organization of the Africa Franchise Expo and Real Estate and Home Expo.
For more info:
email: info@251communications.comor call: +251116630182, +251799305276
About FranExpos
FranExpos is a Dubai-based franchise exhibition organizer, supporting the Africa Franchise Expo with international expertise in franchise expo delivery as the event brings its model to Addis Ababa for the first time.
News
business
by franchise
