THE Big 5 Construct Ethiopia 2023, the largest construction event in the country, concluded in Addis Ababa after three days of insightful discussions and exhibitions. Formerly known as Addisbuild, the event has now become a part of the global portfolio of construction events as Big 5 Construct Ethiopia. Organised by dmg events with the support of local partner Ethel Events & Communication, the event took place from May 2023 18 to 20 at the Millennium Hall.
Industry leaders, experts, and practitioners gathered at this year’s edition of Big 5 Construct Ethiopia to share their expertise and explore the latest advancements in products, services, and best practices within the construction domain. Ben Greenish, Senior Vice President at dmg events, highlighted the opportunities the event offered, stating, ‘Through exhibitions, seminars, workshops, and interactive sessions, participants have the opportunity to stay abreast of the latest advancements in products and services, best practices, and new and existing projects within the construction domain.’
The Ethiopian Ministry of Urban and Infrastructure endorsed the event, fostering an environment for industry professionals to forge partnerships and tap into a global network of resources. International companies also played a significant role in propelling the construction sector forward and sharing knowledge. Chaltu Sani, Minister of Urban and Infrastructure, expressed her support for the event, stating, ‘The participation of international companies added even more of a boost to Big 5 Construct Ethiopia, propelling the construction sector forward, sharing knowledge, and laying the groundwork for future project managers and engineers in the industry.’
The Big 5 Ministerial Forum, organised under the patronage of Chaltu Sani, brought together ministers from various offices to discuss the top challenges and opportunities for Ethiopia’s construction industry. Sandokan Denene, State Minister of Planning, emphasised the economic development led by the private sector and aligned with Ethiopia’s 10-year development plan. Habtamu Tegegn, Minister of Mines, highlighted the utilisation of natural resources to position Ethiopia as a regional supplier of raw and finished products.
The forum also addressed the readiness of Ethiopia for industrial development and the incentive packages offered by the ministry to enhance industrial growth. Ahimed Shidie, Minister of Finance, underscored the government’s efforts to encourage private sector engagement and investment in the construction industry. He said, ‘Construction incentives from the government include free importing of materials and addressing some microeconomic challenges like inflation and Forex, to enable more investment opportunities.’
Wondimu Seta, State Minister of Urban and Infrastructure, underscored the crucial role of the construction sector in Ethiopia’s development and the need for public-private partnerships to drive further progress. He highlighted the significance of Big 5 Construct Ethiopia in facilitating collaboration between domestic and international companies within the construction industry.
The event featured 153 local and international exhibitors from 26 countries, showcasing the latest products, services, and technological innovations in the construction value chain. Exhibitors expressed confidence in Ethiopia’s construction market and its promising future. Osama Hafez, General Manager of Gentium Concrete Industries, commended the event, stating, ‘It’s great to see international companies attending the event. Ethiopia’s construction market is really promising.’
Country pavilions from Italy, Turkey, and China further enriched the exhibition, presenting products and services tailored to the local built environment. Riccardo Zucconi, Italian Trade Commissioner, highlighted Italy’s commitment to the Ethiopian market and its historic presence in the country. He said, ‘With Italian technology and products, we can deliver high-quality services.’
The event attracted 8,344 visitors and received positive feedback from attendees. Maregu Abebaw, a local site engineer, emphasized the importance of technical knowledge gained from the event, stating, ‘An exhibition like this is very important to a country like Ethiopia that has an active construction industry. It helps to have more technical knowledge about the sector and develop new creative ideas.’
The event also featured 20 free-to-attend CPD-certified talks, promoting innovative ideas and fostering optimism within the industry. Brook Tefera, Managing Partner of BIGAR Builders & Developers, encouraged local contractors to take a leading role in Ethiopia’s construction industry. Dawit Benti, Chair of Architecture and Design at EiABC, highlighted the significance of protecting heritage sites and buildings in the country.
Sustainability was a key topic of discussion, with Habtamu Getachew, President of the Ethiopian Consulting Engineers and Architects Association, stressing the need for sustainable infrastructure. Dr. Wubishet Jekale, Assistant Professor at Addis Ababa University, highlighted the importance of considering sustainable energy efficiency, resource efficiency, and environmental efficiency in keeping construction affordable and environmentally friendly.
The event showcased the success and opportunities in Ethiopia’s construction sector, serving as a platform for valuable networking, expertise exchange, and skill development. Ben Greenish concluded, ‘Big 5 Construct Ethiopia offered a dynamic platform that goes beyond mere business transactions, enabling valuable networking opportunities and the exchange of expertise and valuable skills. We look forward to next year’s edition, and hope to see even more progress on plans and ideas discussed this year.’
Big 5 Construct Ethiopia is set to return to Addis Ababa from May 16 to 18 next year, providing another opportunity for industry professionals to engage, collaborate, and drive the growth of Ethiopia’s construction industry. For more information, visit: https://www.thebig5constructethiopia.com/