Merkato (Addis Ababa Mercato)

About

One of the world's largest wholesale market (mixed wholesale) in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Largest open-air market in Africa. Covers several square miles. Africa's largest open-air market. Primary wholesale hub for Ethiopia. Everything from coffee to electronics. Founded during Italian occupation era.

Merkato, or the Addis Ababa Mercato, stands as Ethiopia's wholesale market anchor and the largest open-air market in Africa. Spanning several square miles in Addis Ababa, this mixed wholesale hub operates on a tier-mega scale, drawing traders from across the continent. You can find everything from premium Ethiopian coffee and aromatic spices to livestock, agricultural products, and household goods. The clothing and electronics sections buzz alongside traditional wholesale stalls, making it a primary sourcing destination. Founded during the Italian occupation era, Merkato remains the beating heart of Addis Ababa commerce, where global buyers negotiate directly with local suppliers for authentic, high-volume trade.