The Ethiopian Trade Enterprise (ETE) is to open its first three cash-and-carry stores in Addis Abeba in the first quarter of 2014, Fortune reported.

The stores which will be named Alle Bejimla, Amharic for “wholesale is available”, will initially commence operations by supplying goods to businesses like kiosks, cafes and hotels, according to Fortune.

Alle Bejimla will use three wholesale outlets previously owned by the state-owned Merchandise Wholesale & Import Trade Enterprise (MWITE) located in Megnenagna, Kaliti, and Merkato areas.

The Ethiopian government moved to establish the ETE over concerns of rampant inflation which is caused by a lack of competition in the country's wholesale market.

After a trial of the three wholesale outlets in Addis Abeba, Alle Bejimla is set for a nationwide expansion, with 36 wholesale outlets planned across the country within 27 months.

Source: Fortune