Organised by the Italian Trade Agency (ITA) in partnership with CNA and other Italian institutions, the three-day exhibition showcases Italian excellence in furniture, architectural lighting, premium building materials, smart technologies and interior design, while creating a platform for business-to-business engagements between Italian companies and East African stakeholders.
Speaking at the opening, Italian Trade Commissioner in Addis Ababa, Claudio Pasqualucci, said the expo comes at a time when Ethiopia is undergoing rapid urban transformation, creating demand for quality, sustainable and innovative living solutions.
"Italian Smart Living is not simply about individual products. It represents an integrated approach to the entire built environment, combining design, functionality, technological innovation, sustainability and manufacturing excellence," Pasqualucci said.
He noted that the event is intended to go beyond showcasing products by promoting knowledge exchange, professional training and long-term partnerships between Italian businesses and African markets.
Italian Ambassador to Ethiopia, H.E. Agostino Palese Sem Fabrizi, described Italy as a reliable partner in Ethiopia's urban regeneration journey, saying the country's globally recognised architecture, furniture and industrial creativity can contribute to building more inclusive and sustainable cities.
"The unique strength of the Italian model lies not only in the excellence of individual companies but in the entire ecosystem that connects public institutions, businesses, universities, professional associations and specialised publications," the ambassador said.
Ethiopia's State Minister of Trade and Regional Integration, Tadesse Gebreyes, said the country's rapidly expanding construction and hospitality sectors present significant opportunities for international investors.
"Addis Ababa is becoming the capital of Africa. With preparations for COP32 and major infrastructure projects, including a new international airport, there will be enormous demand not only to build facilities but also to furnish and equip them," he said.
Among the regional participants is the Interior Designers Association of Uganda (IDAU), which is using the expo to establish partnerships aimed at strengthening Uganda's interior design industry through skills transfer, policy advocacy and business collaboration.
IDAU member Jennifer Nyiraneza said Uganda has an opportunity to leverage its rich cultural diversity and locally available materials while embracing global best practices.
"Globalization should not water down who we are. Uganda has incredible cultural diversity, unique materials and talented designers. We need to build value around what is uniquely ours while learning from international partners," she said.
Nyiraneza added that the association is prioritizing continuous professional development, strengthening industry standards and advocating greater recognition of interior design as a key component of the built environment.
"Interior design is much more than choosing beautiful colours. It is about health, safety and functionality. We want to equip professionals with specialised skills that add value to every construction project," she said.
She also revealed that the Interior Designers Association of Uganda has been selected to partner with the Italian Trade Agency to organise a similar business-to-business engagement in Uganda next year.
"We are looking forward to bringing this experience to Uganda. Our goal is to connect the right professionals, young innovators and entrepreneurs with international partners so they can access knowledge, markets and opportunities that will grow the creative industry," Nyiraneza said.
The expo features exhibitions by Italian companies, business matchmaking sessions, design masterclasses, discussions on sustainable construction and smart cities, as well as a showcase celebrating iconic Italian brands.
For Uganda, participation presents an opportunity not only to learn from Italy's globally acclaimed design ecosystem but also to position the country's growing creative and design sector for regional and international collaboration.