Ethiopia Targets $3.6 Billion Pharma Market as 10th Ethio Health Exhibition Set for April

EBR_News Mar 18, 2026

Organizers of the 10th Ethio Health International Trade Exhibition and Conference have announced that this year’s event, alongside the 2nd National Medical Equipment Manufacturing and Innovation Exhibition, will take place from April 2-4, 2026, at the Addis International Convention Center (AICC), according to details disclosed at a press conference held today at Skylight Hotel.

The three-day event, organized by the Prana Events with Ministry of Health and Armauer Hansen Research Institute (AHRI), will bring together more than 90 companies from eight countries including Bangladesh, China, India, Russia, Turkey, the UAE, the USA, and Ethiopia. Over 40 Continuing Professional Development (CPD) trainings, the 3rd Digital Health Hackathon, and scientific forums are planned as major highlights.

Tadesse Teferi, President of the Ethiopian Pharmaceuticals and Medical Supplies Manufacturers Association, told journalists at the press conference that “Ethiopia’s pharmaceutical market is currently valued at $1.8 billion, while Africa’s total market stands at $27 billion,” he said, noting that the market is projected to grow 15 percent annually, reaching $3.6 billion by 2030. “This creates a good opportunity for AfCFTA to be competitive and export products to neighboring countries.”

The president highlighted Ethiopia’s growing manufacturing capacity, revealing that the first National Medical Equipment Manufacturing Exhibition held last June featured 112 direct exhibitors and attracted more than 70,000 visitors. “The production of medicines and medical devices is not just a production agenda, but also a confirmation of health sovereignty. It is an economic agenda,” he emphasized.

Dawit Tesfagiworgis, Project Manager at Prana Events, explained that Ethio Health operates on two tracks. “In terms of exhibition, it is a platform where domestic and foreign medical manufacturing companies and service providers create a platform to discuss B2B relationships and other types of connections. The congress aspect involves more than 21 professional associations working together to develop health professionals through training and various course activities.”

Messay W/mariam, Deputy Director General at AHRI, emphasized the strategic importance of the partnership with Ethio Health to organize the second National Medical Equipment Manufacturing and Innovation Exhibition. “One of Ethiopia’s biggest goals is to become the center of African pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturing and research,” he reiterated, thanking the Ministry of Health for supporting the initiative.

Companies from Bangladesh, China, India, Russia, Turkey, the United Arab Emirates, the United States, and Ethiopia will showcase medical equipment, pharmaceutical supplies, laboratory products, and healthcare solutions to professionals and investors.

The event will also feature the 2nd Annual Scientific Forum, Healthcare Leadership Conference, Digital Health Forum with the 3rd Digital Health Hackathon sponsored by Orbit Health and BAO Systems, and specialized Pharma Panel Discussions addressing pharmaceutical production and supply challenges.