The 3rd Big 5 Construct Ethiopia and 1st East Africa Infrastructure and Water Expo, rooted in Ethiopia’s development strategy and economic reform agenda, officially opened at the Millennium Hall in Addis Ababa. Following the ribbon-cutting ceremony, the event was inaugurated by Mrs. Chartu Sani, the wife of the Minister of Urban Infrastructure.
The opening ceremony was attended by prominent dignitaries including Professor Birhanu Nega from the Ministry of Education. Dr. Belete Mora, Minister of Innovation and Technology; His Excellency Mr. Yetemugeta Asrat, Deputy Minister of Urban Infrastructure; Her Royal Highness Helen Debebe, Deputy Minister of Urban Infrastructure;
Engineer Jonas Ayalew, CEO of Ethiopian Construction Corporation (ECC), was also present. Ben Greenish, Executive Vice President, DMG Events. Josin Hymans, Senior Vice President of Construction, Event Management;
“From the first moment, the energy at Millennium Hall was electric,” said Josine Heimans, senior vice president of construction for events. “The return of Big 5 Construct Ethiopia and the opening of the East Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo in Addis Ababa brings together key voices across government and industry for public-private partnerships. It is clear that there is a strong appetite for innovation, investment and impactful dialogue as Ethiopia and the wider East African region move forward with major infrastructure and economic development plans.”
Integrating construction, infrastructure and water value chains
The simultaneous holding of the Big 5 Construct Ethiopia and East Africa Infrastructure & Water Expo reflects the region’s growing need for integrated planning and implementation across key sectors. The invitation-only one-day East Africa Infrastructure and Water Summit, held in parallel with the exhibition, brought together senior government and ministerial officials, senior leaders and decision-makers from the private sector to discuss infrastructure and water resource management priorities and development goals across East Africa’s infrastructure market.
A key session on sustainable development in East Africa, moderated by Addis Ababa University Assistant Professor Dr. Abraham Assefa, will explore the importance of modernizing airports, expanding power infrastructure, implementing sustainable water management, and investing in affordable housing. The panel discussion featured Mr. Engur Wondimu Seta, General Manager of Addis Ababa City, who holds the position of Deputy Mayor of Addis Ababa City. Dr. Hanan Ahmednoor, Director, Irrigation Construction Project Management Program Office, Ministry of Irrigation and Lowlands; Dar Al Handassah Regional Manager Tony Mudawar highlighted the critical role of integrated infrastructure planning across transport, power, water, housing and digital connectivity in driving sustainable growth and improving quality of life across East Africa.
An insightful session focused on infrastructure and water market opportunities in East Africa, led by Hasnain Muhammad Ebrahim, Managing Director of Africa International Advisors (AIA), highlighted the need for long-term investment in the region, whose success depends on local partnerships, project financeability and alignment with national development priorities.
International participation and sustainable solutions in the spotlight
The exhibition floor attracted more than 180 exhibitors from 20 countries for live product showcases, technical discussions, and hands-on interactions with industry experts from Ethiopia and across the region. International pavilions and exhibitors from China, Germany, India, Italy, Oman, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates joined local companies to showcase the latest energy-efficient MEP systems, civil engineering tools, low-VOC coatings and high-performance structural materials.
Sustainability remained a big focus throughout the show, with several exhibitors displaying solutions designed to reduce environmental impact and improve long-term efficiency. From the United Arab Emirates, Emirates Industrial Panel introduced energy-efficient wall and roof systems, while Bitumat from Saudi Arabia introduced advanced waterproofing and insulation technologies. Kenya’s Signify attracted attention for its smart lighting and LED systems aimed at reducing energy consumption. Jotun Ethiopia highlighted durable, low-VOC coatings tailored to local conditions, and USG Middle East shared lightweight, recyclable materials that support green construction practices. A showcase of solutions across the exhibition floor reflects the growing commitment to climate-smart development across East Africa.
“We are opening our doors to a broad community of construction and infrastructure professionals, but the conversation is just beginning,” Heimans said. “Following today’s summit, CPD-certified Big 5 Talks, Infra360 and Water360 sessions on days two and three will delve deeper into the challenges and opportunities shaping Ethiopia’s construction, infrastructure and water sectors.”
The Big 5 Construction Ethiopia and East Africa Infrastructure and Water Exhibition will run until June 28, 2025. Admission is free for trade professionals.
For more information, please visit www.thebig5constructethiopia.com. www.eastafricainfra Structureexpo.com
