How to find a local agent or distributor in Ethiopia

Agent vs importer vs distributor

• Local agent: represents you before EFDA under a written agency agreement and files your registrations.
• Importer: a licensed Ethiopian company that applies for an import permit for each shipment.
• Wholesaler/distributor: sells on to pharmacies, hospitals and the public procurement agency. Many Ethiopian companies play all three roles.

What to check before you sign

1. 1

   Real import activity

   How often has the company imported, which products, and is the trend up or down? Import activity shows real business, not just a licence.

2. 2

   Category fit

   Do they already import your therapeutic area or device type? An importer strong in antibiotics may be weak in dialysis.

3. 3

   Competing brands

   Which manufacturers do they already represent? Direct competitors can be a conflict, or proof they can sell your category.

4. 4

   Registration and licences

   Check the company's business licences and trade sectors in the Ministry of Trade registry.

Build your shortlist from data

HealthTrade Data ranks the companies importing each medicine and medical device by how often they import it (in the Supplier plan). Start there: the companies at the top of your category already have the customers, the warehouses and the regulatory experience you need.