More than 5,000 stakeholders from the packaging, printing, plastics, and processing value chains are expected to converge in Nairobi from 3 to 5 March 2026 for the 10th edition of Propak East Africa, marking a decade of advancing industrial innovation and manufacturing capacity in the region.
The exhibition, hosted at the Sarit Expo Centre, will bring together manufacturers, technology providers, suppliers, policymakers, investors, and innovators, reinforcing Propak East Africa as the region’s premier platform for industry collaboration, technology transfer, and market development.
The event comes at a time when Africa’s packaging industry is experiencing accelerated growth, projected to expand from USD 45.15 billion in 2025 to USD 58.46 billion by 2031, reflecting a 4.4 percent Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR). Growth is driven by urbanization, expanding FMCG markets, and the rise of e-commerce.
East Africa is emerging as one of the continent’s fastest-growing packaging markets. Kenya alone is forecasted to see 5.8–5.9 percent CAGR, reinforcing its role as a regional commercial and logistics hub.
Organised by Montgomery Group, Propak East Africa has become the annual meeting point for regional manufacturers to connect with global technology providers, bridging the gap between increasing market demand and local industry capacity.
The event supports localisation, strengthens supply chains, and positions East Africa as an emerging production and investment hub. Rising participation by international machinery suppliers and solution providers reflects growing confidence in the region as a production and investment destination, not just a consumer market.
This year’s edition will focus on sustainability, regulatory readiness, and innovation, highlighting packaging’s role in consumer trust, product safety, and regional trade, particularly under the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Angela Kinyua, Managing Director (MD) of Montgomery Group East Africa, said the 10th edition is a milestone for the region’s rapidly evolving packaging industry. She noted that Propak East Africa offers businesses practical solutions, access to new technologies, and partnership opportunities for long-term growth.
The exhibition will feature live technology demonstrations, product launches, and packaging design innovations. Highlights include first-of-their-kind technologies in Africa, such as 100 percent compostable packaging, recyclable mono-layer packaging, and advanced digital embellishment systems for brand differentiation.
The three-day programme will open with the Eastern African Packaging Summit focusing on sustainability, compliance, and regional trade. Day two will feature a specialized Printing Masterclass delivered by Printing SA, covering hybrid inkjet printing, expanded colour workflows, and AI-enabled design. The final day will spotlight food and beverage processing, including dairy innovation, natural ingredients, beverage authenticity, and SME financing.
The 10th edition of Propak East Africa is expected to shape the next decade of packaging and processing development, supporting the transition toward technology-enabled, sustainable, and localised manufacturing ecosystems in East Africa.
By Michael Omondi
