L’Oréal Professionnel
Professional hair care for salons
Import · Produce · Export. Our Services
INTEMA Trading PLC. is an FMCG importer, distributor, manufacturer and exporter serving wholesale and retail markets across Ethiopia, Djibouti and Sudan.
Market opportunity
Why Ethiopia?
Ethiopia is Africa's second most populous country and one of its fastest growing economies. Its population is young and moving into cities quickly, which makes it a big opportunity for brands that want to grow in East Africa.
135M
People
Africa’s second most populous country.
8.1%
Real GDP growth in 2024
Among the fastest-growing economies in Africa.
~19
Median age
A young population and a growing workforce.
4.7%
Urban population growth a year
Cities are growing fast, and so is retail demand.
Figures from UN World Population Prospects (2025 estimates), the World Bank and African Development Bank (2024 GDP growth) and the World Bank (urban population growth, 2024).
A large, young consumer base
With around 135 million people and a median age near 19, Ethiopia is one of the largest and youngest consumer markets in Africa.
Fast-growing cities
Urban populations are growing by about 4.7% a year, driving demand for branded food, personal care and household products in modern retail.
Reforms opening the economy
Market reforms, including the 2024 move to a market-based exchange rate, are opening the economy to trade and investment.
A direct trade corridor
Imports arrive through the Port of Djibouti, linked to Addis Ababa by the Ethio–Djibouti railway and road corridor.
Africa’s diplomatic and aviation hub
Addis Ababa hosts the African Union and is the home base of Ethiopian Airlines, Africa’s largest airline network.
A gateway to the region
From Ethiopia, INTEMA also serves Djibouti and Sudan, a combined market of around 170 million people.
We Import
Your Trusted Partner for Market Entry in Ethiopia
With experience in international sourcing, import operations, supplier coordination and local market requirements, INTEMA Trading PLC helps international brands navigate the complexities of entering the Ethiopian market. We manage the import process with a focus on reliability, compliance and long-term business relationships. We manage the complete import cycle for our principals: sourcing, international orders, shipping, documentation, customs clearance and regulatory compliance, with warehousing in Addis Ababa, Adama, Dire Dawa and Hawassa, including Adama and Dire Dawa on the corridor from the Port of Djibouti.
Non-Food
Skin, hair and body care from trusted international brands, for wholesale and retail customers across Ethiopia, Djibouti and Sudan. Here are some of the products we import.
Reckitt
Sexual wellbeing and hair-removal care
Queen Elisabeth Cocoa Butter
Cocoa butter skin care
Clere
Body lotions and hair care
Fa
Shower gels and deodorants
Vatika
Hair oils and hair care
Food
Specialty food and drinks, including dairy, sauces, soups, snacks and beverages, delivered to our customers twice a week. Here are some of the products we import.
Nido
Powdered milk
Heinz
Ketchup and sauces
Campbell's Soup
Ready-made soups
International Collection
Power Horse
Energy drink
Irn Bru
Soft drink
We Distribute
Connecting Brands to the Ethiopian Market
We connect brands with retailers, supermarkets, wholesalers, kiosks and other commercial channels across our target markets. Through established trade relationships and a market-oriented distribution approach, we work to make products accessible to the right customers and support sustainable market growth.
- Allmart
- Bambis
- Gara Mart
- Emawa
- Shoa
- And much more
Our field sales force manages a structured portfolio of wholesale, supermarket and retail accounts, backed by our own warehousing and delivery fleet. Every account is served on planned routes, once or twice a week, to keep products available on shelf.
On the shelves
Our Warehouse
We Produce
INTEMA manufactures its own candle brand, Abay (አባይ ሻማ), sold in 8-candle packs, with Netsanet Workneh as brand ambassador.
Candles
Abay
Abay (አባይ ሻማ) is our own candle brand, made here in Ethiopia and sold in packs of 8. They're simple, reliable household candles that families keep at home for power cuts, holidays and everyday use. You'll find Abay in shops and with wholesalers across the country. It goes out through the same sales and delivery network as the brands we import, and Netsanet Workneh is the face of the brand.
We Export
Ethiopian coffee to the Middle East, Asia & Europe.
Seedcup
Registered export brand
Bella
Registered export brand
Target markets
Middle East
Saudi Arabia and the Gulf, where people have loved Ethiopian coffee for a long time.
Asia
Specialty coffee is taking off across East and Southeast Asia.
Europe
Roasters and buyers who know and value Ethiopian coffee.
From port to shelf
Every step of the way
We don't stop at importing. We look after the whole journey ourselves, from the supplier's dock to the shop shelf.
Wholesale
Volume supply for wholesalers and large retailers, on time and in full.
Wholesalers and large retailers rely on us for high-volume orders and consistent availability, so they can plan inventory with confidence.
Warehousing & logistics
Reliable Storage. Efficient Product Movement.
Our warehousing and logistics operations support product handling, inventory management and the movement of goods through our distribution network. We focus on maintaining product availability and coordinating deliveries to meet the needs of our commercial partners.
Transportation
Our own fleet delivers on planned routes.
Our delivery fleet runs planned routes Monday to Friday, optimised for time and fuel, with every account served once or twice a week.
Sales & market coverage
Strong Trade Relationships. Market-Driven Execution.
Our sales operations focus on building lasting relationships with trade partners, identifying market opportunities, expanding product availability and supporting consistent sales performance. We use direct market engagement and customer relationships to understand demand and strengthen our presence across retail and wholesale channels.
Market development
From Market Entry to Market Leadership
We help international brands establish a presence, build recognition and expand their market share in Ethiopia. Through market assessment, brand positioning, channel development, promotional activities and sales execution, we work to turn market opportunities into sustainable business growth.
Why INTEMA
Your Gateway to Ethiopia’s Consumer Market
INTEMA Trading PLC offers international manufacturers and suppliers a local partner with market knowledge, commercial relationships and distribution experience. We aim to simplify market entry, strengthen brand presence and create long-term value through strategic partnerships and effective execution.