More than 5,000 stakeholders from across the packaging, printing, plastics and processing value chain are expected to convene in Nairobi from March 3 to 5, 2026, for the 10th edition of Propak East Africa, underscoring the region’s growing prominence in industrial manufacturing and technology adoption.
The exhibition will be held at the Sarit Expo Centre and is set to bring together manufacturers, machinery suppliers, technology providers, policymakers, investors and innovators from across Africa and beyond. Organisers say the event has evolved into East Africa’s leading platform for industrial collaboration, technology transfer and market development.
The 2026 edition comes at a time when Africa’s packaging sector is entering a phase of sustained expansion. Industry projections indicate that the continent’s packaging market is expected to grow from approximately USD 45.15 billion in 2025 to about USD 58.46 billion by 2031, reflecting an estimated compound annual growth rate of 4.4 percent. The expansion is being driven by rapid urbanisation, rising consumer spending, growth in fast-moving consumer goods and the continued rise of e-commerce.
Within this continental growth trajectory, East Africa is emerging as one of the most dynamic sub-regions. Kenya, in particular, is forecast to rank among the fastest-growing packaging markets in Africa, with growth estimated at between 5.8 and 5.9 percent annually. Analysts attribute this performance to Kenya’s role as a regional commercial and logistics hub, supported by its manufacturing base and expanding retail and distribution networks.
Platform for Industrial Integration
Propak East Africa is organised by the Montgomery Group, which has built the exhibition into an annual meeting point for regional manufacturers and global technology providers. The forum has increasingly been viewed as a conduit for bridging gaps between rising consumer demand and local production capacity.
Organisers say growing participation by international machinery suppliers and solution providers signals rising confidence in East Africa not merely as a consumption market but as a viable production and investment destination.
Angela Kinyua, Managing Director of Montgomery Group East Africa, said the 10th edition represents a milestone for the industry at a time of rapid structural change.
“The packaging industry in East Africa is evolving rapidly, driven by changing consumer expectations, sustainability requirements and regulatory developments. Propak East Africa provides a platform where businesses can access practical solutions, explore new technologies and build partnerships that support long-term industry growth. As organisers, we are proud to be delivering this landmark 10th edition,” Ms Kinyua said.
She added that this year’s exhibition would feature live technology demonstrations, product launches and design innovations aimed at strengthening industry competitiveness.
“Attendees will gain direct exposure to the technologies shaping the future of the sector, while connecting with global and regional industry leaders driving the next phase of industrial development,” she said.
Sustainability and Regulatory Focus
A key theme for the 2026 edition will be sustainability and regulatory readiness, reflecting mounting environmental concerns and tightening compliance standards across global supply chains.
Packaging has increasingly become central to consumer trust, product safety and export competitiveness. With East Africa deepening economic integration under the African Continental Free Trade Area, businesses face growing pressure to align with harmonised standards that facilitate cross-border trade.
Among the technologies to be showcased are 100 percent compostable packaging solutions, recyclable mono-layer packaging innovations and advanced digital embellishment systems aimed at enhancing brand differentiation while reducing material waste.
Industry players note that sustainable packaging solutions are no longer optional as multinational buyers and retail chains impose stricter environmental benchmarks. Local manufacturers are therefore investing in upgraded machinery and materials to meet evolving requirements.
Policy and Industry Convergence
The conference programme will feature senior policymakers and international industry leaders, reinforcing the event’s role at the intersection of public policy and industrial development.
Scheduled speakers include Regina Ombam, Principal Secretary for Trade at Kenya’s Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, and Ambassador Ahmed Alex Omah, President of the World Packaging Organisation.
Their participation reflects the growing recognition that packaging and processing industries are critical enablers of value addition, food security, export growth and job creation.
The three-day programme will open with the Eastern African Packaging Summit, focusing on sustainability, compliance and regional trade opportunities. The second day will host a specialised Printing Masterclass delivered by Printing SA, covering hybrid inkjet printing, expanded colour gamut workflows and artificial intelligence-enabled design technologies.
The final day will focus on food and beverage processing, with sessions addressing dairy innovation, natural ingredients, beverage authenticity and financing solutions for small and medium enterprises.
Manufacturing Ecosystem Development
The exhibition comes amid broader efforts by Kenya and neighbouring countries to strengthen local manufacturing under industrialisation strategies aimed at reducing import dependency and boosting export competitiveness.
Packaging plays a critical role across sectors including agriculture, pharmaceuticals, consumer goods and manufacturing. Improved processing and packaging capability enhances product shelf life, safety standards and access to premium markets.
Increasing localisation of packaging inputs is also viewed as a strategic lever for strengthening supply chains, particularly after disruptions experienced during recent global trade shocks.
Industry analysts say platforms such as Propak East Africa help accelerate technology transfer by allowing local manufacturers to evaluate equipment and solutions firsthand. This reduces information asymmetry and shortens investment decision cycles.
As East Africa’s consumer markets expand and regional trade deepens, demand for high-quality packaging and processing solutions is expected to intensify. The presence of international suppliers alongside regional manufacturers is likely to spur partnerships, joint ventures and investment flows.
With more than 5,000 participants anticipated, the 10th edition of Propak East Africa is positioned to shape industry direction at a critical juncture. For Kenya, hosting the event reinforces Nairobi’s status as a regional business hub and highlights the country’s role in anchoring industrial growth across the East African Community.
As the packaging sector transitions toward more technology-enabled and environmentally sustainable production systems, the outcomes of this year’s exhibition could influence investment decisions and supply chain strategies well beyond the three-day gathering in Nairobi.
