Nairobi expo to spotlight technology reshaping Africa’s food and farming systems
NAIROBI, Kenya, Aug 17 -From smart irrigation and agricultural drones to automated poultry systems and biodegradable packaging, technologies aimed at changing how food is produced, processed and packaged will take centre stage when Nairobi hosts the 10th International Trade Expo AgroFood-Plastpack-Paper 2026.
The three-day exhibition, scheduled for August 20–22 at the Sarit Expo Centre, is expected to bring together more than 200 exhibitors and thousands of trade visitors from more than 60 countries across Africa, Europe, Asia and the Middle East.Rather than focusing only on farm production, the expo will bring together different parts of the food chain from livestock and agriculture to processing, packaging, plastics and manufacturing ,highlighting how technology can connect these sectors.
The exhibition is being jointly hosted by Dubai-based MXM Exhibitors, the Kenya Veterinary Association (KVA) and the Institute of Packaging Professionals Kenya (IOPPK).
For Dr Carol Khaemba, Honorary Secretary of KVA, the event also provides an opportunity to put animal health at the centre of discussions on food security.“The Kenya Veterinary Association is proud to partner as a joint host of the 10th International Trade Expo Agro & Poultry Africa 2026, a platform that brings together key players across the livestock and agribusiness value chain,” Khaemba said.
KVA will coordinate scientific discussions covering animal health, food safety, animal welfare, disease prevention and emerging technologies in livestock production.Khaemba said veterinarians are central to disease surveillance, prevention of zoonotic diseases, food safety, antimicrobial resistance management, livestock certification and emergency response.
“Our participation underscores the critical role veterinary professionals play in transforming agriculture and safeguarding public health,” she said.The exhibition organiser, Axan Rashid of MXM Exhibitors, said the event has grown into a platform for knowledge exchange and commercial networking.
“The exhibition brings together key stakeholders from across the agricultural value chain to showcase emerging technologies, facilitate business partnerships and promote investment opportunities,” Rashid said.
At the Innovation Pavilion, startups, research institutions and international manufacturers will demonstrate technologies designed to improve productivity, reduce post-harvest losses, strengthen food safety and support climate-smart agriculture.Among the innovations expected are smart irrigation systems, artificial intelligence-powered farm management tools, agricultural drones, automated poultry systems, biodegradable packaging, recyclable plastics and energy-efficient food processing equipment.
The exhibition will also feature sections dedicated to agriculture, livestock, poultry farming, irrigation, greenhouse technology, food processing machinery, cold-chain logistics, food ingredients, plastics manufacturing, printing technology and sustainable packaging.
The focus on processing and packaging comes as Kenya seeks to expand value addition in manufacturing and respond to changing consumer preferences and international export standards.Kenya’s agricultural economy is heavily dependent on products including tea, coffee, flowers, fruits, vegetables, avocado and macadamia nuts.
The growth of food processing has, in turn, increased demand for modern packaging technologies.The packaging sector is increasingly embracing flexible packaging, corrugated cartons, food-grade containers, biodegradable materials and recyclable solutions, while the plastics industry is placing greater emphasis on recycling, circular economy models and environmentally sustainable manufacturing.
The expo will therefore provide a platform for companies to showcase plastic recycling technologies, biodegradable packaging, waste management solutions and circular manufacturing models aligned with Kenya’s green industrialisation agenda.International exhibitors including Jamesway, Bio-Test Lab, Sun Group, ATLAS IMEX, United Paper Mills and Petrofer are expected to showcase technologies covering poultry production, livestock management, food processing, packaging and agricultural machinery.
Visitors will be able to interact with manufacturers of farm machinery, precision agriculture technologies, poultry production systems, grain handling equipment, food processing lines, laboratory technologies and environmentally friendly packaging solutions.
Beyond the exhibition floor, participants will take part in business networking sessions, technical workshops, live demonstrations and expert presentations on food security, agribusiness financing, mechanisation, sustainable farming, climate resilience, packaging innovation, export markets and investment opportunities.
With agriculture, food processing, manufacturing, packaging and plastics undergoing rapid transformation, organisers say the 10th AgroFood-Plastpack-Paper Expo will create opportunities for technology transfer, business partnerships and investment while strengthening Nairobi’s position as a regional trade and investment hub.
