Italian Smart Living 2026 - Ethiopia

Addis Ababa, Ethiopia | 7-9 July 2026

Italian Smart Living 2026 is a high-level business and design initiative promoted by the Italian Trade Agency (ICE) and CNA (National Confederation of Craft and SMEs).

The event is designed to strengthen commercial and institutional ties between Italy and Ethiopia by showcasing the excellence of Made in Italy solutions across design, construction, and smart living industries.

Taking place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from 7 to 9 July 2026 at Ethiopia Science Museum, the initiative serves as a strategic platform connecting Italian manufacturers, designers, and solution providers with key Ethiopian stakeholders. These include real estate developers, architects, interior designers, construction firms, hospitality investors, distributors, and public and private sector buyers.

Purpose and Vision

The core vision of Italian Smart Living 2026 is to position Italy as a leading global partner in innovative, sustainable, and design-driven living environments.

The initiative supports the internationalization of Italian SMEs while responding to Ethiopia's rapidly growing demand for modern housing, hospitality infrastructure, and urban development solutions.

The program is not only a trade exhibition, but a comprehensive business ecosystem designed to encourage long-term partnerships, technology transfer, and knowledge exchange between the two countries.

Event Structure and Key Activities

1. Exhibition Showcase

A curated exhibition space will present a wide range of Italian products and solutions, including:

High-end furniture and interior design systems
Architectural lighting and smart illumination technologies
Ceramics, marble, and premium surface materials

Each exhibition area will be designed to demonstrate not only product quality but also the Italian philosophy of craftsmanship, innovation, and lifestyle integration.

2. Institutional and Technical Seminars

A series of expert-led seminars will be organized to discuss key topics such as:

Sustainable urban development and smart cities
Modern construction technologies and materials innovation
Hospitality design trends in emerging markets
Energy efficiency and green building standards
Investment opportunities in Ethiopia's real estate sector

These sessions will feature Italian, Ethiopian, and regional experts, fostering dialogue on best practices and future development models moderated by Interni Magazine, a globally renowned media outlet on design and architecture.

Interni Magazine will also publish a special report about the initiative.

Furthermore, to amplify the event's regional impact, the event will host prominent media delegations and journalists from Rwanda and Uganda, ensuring robust cross-border visibility across East Africa.

3. B2B Matchmaking Sessions

Targeted business matchmaking sessions will connect Italian companies directly with Ethiopian buyers and decision-makers. These meetings are structured to:

Identify concrete business opportunities
Facilitate import/export partnerships
Support joint ventures and distribution agreements
Encourage long-term commercial cooperation

4. Italian Design Masterclass

A special masterclass dedicated to Italian design will be led by renowned Italian architect Duccio Grassi for students and companies.

In addition, a premier urban regeneration competition focused on Merkato will be launched, an initiative designed to spark sustainable growth and transform the next generation.

This segment aims to inspire architects, students, and professionals in Ethiopia's design and construction ecosystem.

5. Exhibition of the Evolution of the Design of Iconic Brands

On the occasion of the International Day of Made in Italy, the Italian Embassy will promote during the same dates the exhibition curated by the Museo del Marchio Italiano.

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Italian Smart Living 2026 - Ethiopia

Italian Pavilion at Big 5 Construct Ethiopia