Addis Ababa Trade Bureau is constructing new shopping centers and expanding existing ones in all five entrance areas of the city to combat price inflation and product shortages. Mr. Mesfen Assefa, the Deputy Head of the Bureau, stated that the new shopping centers would be located in Aqaqi, Sebeta, Ambo, Sululta, and Tafo gates, where agricultural products are widely used.

Several shopping centers, including Karaalo, Aqaqi, and Kolfe Birchqo, have already been completed, providing affordable products to the community. Three more centers are being built this fiscal year, including the Kolfe Qeranyo Fruit and Vegetable Market Center, which is 60 percent complete, and two centers in Lemikura sub-city, which are 60 and 19 percent complete, respectively. The expansion construction of Lafto Shopping Center, which has reached 78 percent, will also be completed this year. It is hoped that these centers will provide opportunities for farmers to store and sell their products directly to consumers, reducing their dependence on illegal brokers and traders.

To increase accessibility to the centers, the office is planning to work with private investors to expand market infrastructure in each area. The shopping centers are expected to reduce the marketing chain, increase the supply of products to the consumer society, and solve the problem of illegal trade and product quality at the city level. Ultimately, this is expected to reduce the pressure of the cost of living and create market stability.

Source: Addis Zemen