Mercato, derived from the Italian word for “market,” is the name of the largest open-air marketplace in Africa, located in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Spanning several square miles, Mercato employs an estimated 13,000 people across 7,100 businesses. The market is a hub for a wide variety of goods, with locally-grown agricultural products especially coffee being the most prominent.
Mercato’s origins trace back to the Italian occupation of Ethiopia, when segregationist policies led to the establishment of this market. The historic St. George Mercato was restricted to Europeans, prompting Arab tradesmen to relocate about half a mile to the west. Over time, local Ethiopian shopkeepers gradually replaced the Arab merchants, and by the 1960s, Mercato had developed a distinctly local character.
Today, Mercato features over 120 stores, along with a massive shopping center housing 75 additional shops. It remains a vibrant and bustling center of commerce, reflecting the dynamic and diverse economy of Addis Ababa.
