Shola Market

Shola Market is a traditional market in the Shola area of Yeka sub-city in Addis Ababa, close to the Megenagna transport interchange. It is one of the larger local markets in the capital and is generally presented as a more manageable alternative to Merkato, the vast central market, though it remains busy and closely packed. It is mostly open-air, laid out as narrow lanes of densely packed stalls rather than formal shops, and the ground becomes uneven and muddy after rain. Goods include grains, vegetables, spices and coffee beans, traditional and modern clothing, handloomed cotton shemma cloth, household goods, basketwork including the mesob food table, pottery and simple jewellery. Bargaining is customary and expected on most items. Trading runs from early morning into the evening, seven days a week, though hours vary by stallholder. A visit typically takes half an hour to forty-five minutes. The market is most easily reached by taxi or minibus to the Megenagna interchange, from where it is a short walk.