Nairobi hosts 9th AgroFood PlastPack Expo to boost trade and innovation

The 9th edition of the AgroFood PlastPack Exhibition opened in Nairobi on Thursday, attracting 200 exhibitors from 20 countries and more than 10,000 visitors.

The three-day event, running until August 23, brings together farmers, processors, manufacturers, technology suppliers, distributors, retailers, investors, and government agencies to explore opportunities in agriculture, food processing, and packaging.

The expo serves as a platform for innovation, knowledge sharing, and global partnerships aimed at advancing Kenya’s manufacturing capacity. A highlight this year is the UAE Pavilion, featuring 10 SMEs supported by the Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development.

Speaking at the opening, Raj Kumar, Vice President of Projects at Parason Machinery, said the event is more than a trade fair, describing it as a platform for long-term collaboration and industrial growth.
“This event is about more than showcasing products; it is about building connections that will shape industries across Africa for years to come,” he said.

Elvis Mboya, President of the Namibia Kenya Chamber of Commerce, emphasized the exhibition’s role in boosting intra-African trade, announcing plans to expand future editions to Namibia through Windhoek and the Port of Walvis Bay.
“Our partnerships are not conveniences; they are commitments to a shared future,” Mboya noted.

Christine Mwende, CEO of the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KNCCI) Nairobi Chapter, highlighted the importance of value addition in agriculture to reduce post-harvest losses and achieve food security. She urged local entrepreneurs to embrace competition as a driver of innovation.

Packaging was also in focus, with Joseph Nyongesa, CEO of the Institute of Packaging Professionals Kenya, stressing its importance in accessing global markets. He noted that poor packaging has hindered Kenya’s competitiveness, with tea and coffee often re-exported under foreign brands.
“Packaging today is not just about wrapping a product; it is about value creation, competitiveness, and sustainability,” he said.