Nairobi to Host Landmark 10th Propak East Africa Expo
By Shadrack Mutai – Nairobi, Kenya
Nairobi will next month host one of the region’s most significant industrial gatherings as more than 5,000 players in packaging, printing, plastics and processing convene for the 10th edition of Propak East Africa.
Scheduled for March 3–5, 2026 at the Sarit Expo Centre, the exhibition marks a decade of bringing together manufacturers, solution providers, investors and policymakers under one roof to strengthen East Africa’s industrial ecosystem.
The forum comes amid sustained growth in Africa’s packaging sector, with rising consumer demand, urban expansion and the rapid growth of e-commerce reshaping production and supply chains. Kenya in particular continues to position itself as a strategic logistics and manufacturing hub within the region, with steady growth projected in the packaging space over the coming years.
Organised by the Montgomery Group, the expo has evolved into a key marketplace where regional businesses connect with global technology firms, helping local manufacturers upgrade equipment, adopt new systems and improve efficiency. Industry observers note that increasing international participation signals growing investor confidence in East Africa as a viable production base rather than solely a consumer market.
This year’s discussions are expected to place strong emphasis on sustainable manufacturing practices, regulatory alignment and technology-driven innovation. With regional trade deepening under continental frameworks, industry leaders are also expected to explore how packaging can support safer products, stronger brands and smoother cross-border commerce.
Senior government and industry officials are expected to address the conference sessions, including representatives from Kenya’s trade ministry and leadership from the World Packaging Organisation. The programme will feature conversations around sustainability standards, printing advancements and food and beverage processing trends, reflecting the interconnected nature of the value chain.
As the exhibition celebrates its 10th anniversary, stakeholders view it as more than just a trade show. For many, it represents a strategic meeting point where policy, investment and technology converge to shape the future of manufacturing in East Africa.
