Merkato

Merkato is the main market of Addis Ababa. It is in Addis Ketema, west of Piassa. It is often called the largest open-air market in Africa.

History

The first market of the city stood near St George Church. During the Italian occupation of the 1930s the authorities moved the Ethiopian traders west and called the new market Merkato. The old market area got the name Piazza. Since the 1960s local traders have run most of the market.

What to expect

Merkato grew without a plan. Traders who sell the same goods stand together in areas called terras. There are terras for farm products such as coffee, and for furniture, home electronics and scrap metal. Much of the trade is wholesale. Shopkeepers from all over the country buy their stock here. Coffee and snack stalls serve the traders and the buyers.

Getting there

Minibuses from Piassa, Mexico and Megenagna go to Merkato. The Grand Anwar Mosque is on the east side of the market. Traffic is slow, and parking is hard to find. Go by minibus or taxi.

Good to know

Go in the morning from Monday to Saturday. Keep your phone and wallet in a front pocket, because the streets are crowded. A guide who knows the terras saves time on a first visit. Agree the price before you buy.