Merkato — Attraction in Addis Ababa

Merkato is a large open-air marketplace in the Addis Ketema district of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. It is the largest open-air market in Africa, covering several square miles and employing an estimated **13,000 people in 7,100 business entities³. Here are some interesting facts about Merkato:

Historical Origins: Prior to the current Mercato, there was an open marketplace in Addis Ababa near St. George Church, at the site where the City Hall stands now. However, this market ended with the Italian occupation of the 1930s. The occupiers moved the market further west to the area around the premises of Fitawrari Habte Giyorgis Dinagde, which they named Merkato Dinagde. Thus, the present Addis Merkato was founded by the segregationist policies of the Italian occupational government.

Diverse Goods and Local Flavor: The mostly local shopkeepers displaced the Arab merchants, and since the 1960s, the Addis Merkato has had a mostly local flavor. The market offers a wide variety of goods, including locally grown agricultural products (most notably coffee), spices, textiles, second-hand clothes, metal scrap, pots, baskets, and more. It's a chaotic and vibrant place, dotted with tailors and

Whether you're looking for fresh produce, unique finds, or a lively atmosphere, Merkato is a must-visit for anyone exploring...

Merkato in Addis Ababa is truly a world of its own—Africa’s largest open-air market, sprawling across multiple districts with thousands of vendors and endless alleys of goods. From spices and textiles to electronics and recycled materials, it’s a sensory overload of color, sound, and movement 🧺📦🌶️.

Your observation is spot-on: it’s crowded, chaotic, and overwhelming without guidance. First-time visitors can easily get disoriented, and unfortunately, pickpocketing is a real concern, especially in the busiest sections. Locals often recommend hiring a trusted guide who knows the layout and can help navigate safely while offering cultural insights.

Despite the challenges, Merkato offers a raw, authentic glimpse into Ethiopian commerce and daily life. It’s not a touristy souvenir spot—it’s a living, breathing ecosystem of trade and survival. If you go prepared, stay alert, and ideally go with someone familiar, it can be a...

What is Merkato?

Merkato (Amharic: መርካቶ) is a massive open-air market in the Addis Ketema district of Addis Ababa.

It is often cited as one of Africa’s largest open-air markets, spanning many square kilometers and involving thousands of vendors.

The name “Merkato” itself comes from the Italian “mercato” (meaning “market”).

History & Evolution

The present location was largely established during the Italian occupation (1936–1941). Under segregationist policies, local vendors were moved from earlier marketplaces (e.g. near St. George Church) into the area that became Merkato.

Initially, the “St. George Mercato” was reserved for Europeans, and Arab merchants were pushed westward; over time, local Ethiopian traders gradually came to dominate the market by the 1960s.

The market grew organically (without strict planning), expanding in all directions, and developed many specialized “zones” (for spices, electronics, metals,...