As manufacturers across West Africa face rising production costs and growing demand for consistent quality and output, automation is no longer a luxury—it’s a necessity. This session explores the future of industrial efficiency through smart automation, data-driven processes, and cost-effective packaging technologies tailored for the regional market.

From implementing real-time analytics to adopting AI and robotics, attendees will gain insights into how local and multinational companies are transforming their operations to reduce downtime, optimize workflow, and compete globally.

Packaging is no longer just a protective layer—it is now a brand’s first handshake with the consumer. In a cluttered market, well-designed packaging tells your brand story, creates emotional connection, and impacts how consumers perceive value. This session will explore how packaging design influences first impressions and repeat purchases, and how brands can retain customers through storytelling, functionality, and innovation.

The hygienic design of food-processing equipment has a major effect on global food safety across many sectors from farm to fork. Poor hygienic design has led to many major food safety issues caused by cross-contamination of food products as a result of biological, chemical and physical hazards. Well thought-out and implemented hygienic design supports food safety and product quality and contributes to the effectiveness of food-safety management programme.

Topics Covered

• Ensuring Food Safety Through Smarter Packaging Choices
• Common pitfalls in packaging that compromise food safety.
• Sustainable packaging solutions effect costs for F&B manufacturers and end-users

This session will explore the latest advancements in flexible packaging for food, beverages, and pharmaceuticals. It will highlight the benefits of lightweight, cost-effective, and durable materials that enhance shelf life, reduce waste, and improve product handling across sectors. Attendees will gain insights into current trends, applications, and innovations shaping the future of flexible packaging in West Africa.

Topics covered:

• Scaling Flexible Packaging Solutions for West African Markets.
• Innovations in materials for lightweight, durable packaging.

This session will focus on how renewable energy and circular economy practices are transforming the industrial landscape in Africa. From solar-powered operations to waste-to-energy systems

The speaker will present practical strategies for managing disruptions, diversifying supply chains, and improving logistics resilience. Insights will focus on building agile, cost-effective systems that can withstand global shocks, raw material shortages, border delays, and infrastructure limitations.