The Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry–Nairobi Chapter (KNCC&I) and the Institute of Packaging Professionals Kenya (IOPPK) have partnered with UAE-based MXM Dubai Events to host the 9th edition of the AgroFood-PlastPack Exhibition from August 21–23 at the Sarit Expo Centre, Nairobi.

The annual event is a hub for global and regional industry leaders to showcase innovations, exchange ideas, and forge partnerships.

This year, more than 200 exhibitors from 20 countries are expected, alongside over 10,000 trade visitors, including farmers, processors, manufacturers, technology suppliers, distributors, retailers, investors, and government agencies.

KNCC&I–Nairobi CEO Christine Mwende hailed the collaboration as a milestone in positioning Kenya as a regional agribusiness and manufacturing hub.

“Our partnership with MXM Dubai Events exemplifies our vision of connecting Kenyan businesses with international markets. The AgroFood-PlastPack Exhibition is more than an exhibition—it’s a platform for innovation, knowledge sharing, and commercial relationships that can transform our agriculture and food processing sectors,” Mwende said.

She noted that Kenya’s agro-food value chain employs millions and significantly contributes to GDP. Hosting global players, she said, will give farmers, processors, and packaging companies access to cutting-edge technologies to boost productivity, reduce losses, and expand exports.

The expo merges three segments: grains and technology, agriculture and poultry, food and processing, plastics, and paper and tissue. Exhibitors will present crop storage systems, feed technologies, packaging machinery, tissue production solutions, and poultry innovations.

Alongside the displays, organisers have planned technical workshops, investor roundtables, and B2B matchmaking sessions to foster practical insights and partnerships.

MXM Dubai Events organiser Ahsan Rasheed said Nairobi was chosen for its pivotal role in the regional economy.

“Kenya is a gateway to the East African market and a leader in agricultural innovation. By collaborating with KNCC&I–Nairobi and IOPPK, we can deliver an event that not only showcases global best practices but also addresses Africa’s unique opportunities and challenges,” he said.

Rasheed emphasised the aim of creating long-term value through signed deals, partnerships, and ideas that improve food security, create jobs, and stimulate industrial growth.

The event also integrates Agro & Poultry, focusing on modern farming and livestock solutions, and Paper & Tissue Africa, showcasing pulp, packaging, and tissue innovations, along with plastics and polymer technologies.

“We are creating synergies across categories by co-locating these sub-expos,” Rasheed added. “This fosters economies of scale, improves supply chain efficiency, and strengthens Africa’s integration into global agro-industrial markets.”

IOPPK CEO Joseph Nyongesa said the collaboration goes beyond a single event, paving the way for sustained partnerships.

“MXM Exhibitions’ presence in Kenya, backed by its collaboration with IOPPK, heralds a new era for the packaging sector.

The 9th AgroFood-PlastPack Africa Exhibition 2025 will be a springboard for innovation, networking, and industry growth. By merging global expertise with local initiatives, we can deliver lasting benefits for businesses, professionals, and the economy,” Nyongesa noted.

The exhibition comes at a critical time for Africa’s economy. According to the World Bank, Sub-Saharan Africa’s growth is projected at 3.5% in 2025, rising to 4.3% by 2026–27, driven by private consumption, investment, and lower inflation.

In 2024, growth improved to 3.5% due to public investment and commodity exports, with forecasts of 3.7% in 2025 and 4.2% in subsequent years.

Agriculture remains central to Africa’s development goals. Nearly half a billion Africans live on less than $2.15 a day, yet the sector has a powerful multiplier effect.

In Malawi, every dollar invested in agricultural productivity yields up to $4 in rural household income.

Despite easing inflation—from 7.1% in 2023 to 4.5% in 2024—Africa’s per capita income remains below pre-pandemic levels, underlining the need for private investment, inclusive markets, and better governance.

The Africa Pulse report stresses the importance of structural reforms in agriculture, manufacturing, and services to sustain growth.

East Africa remains a key growth driver. Kenya’s GDP stands at about $132 billion, slightly ahead of Ethiopia’s $117 billion.

Rwanda and Tanzania are among the fastest-growing economies in the region, expanding at 6.9% and 5.5% annually, respectively.

By spotlighting innovation, cross-border collaboration, and trade facilitation, the Nairobi expo aims to harness this momentum, positioning Africa’s agribusiness and packaging sectors for global competitiveness.