Conference overview

The Propak West Africa Summit is a high-impact conference held alongside the annual Propak West Africa trade exhibition. This dedicated forum is designed specifically for production and packaging professionals across the region, with a sharp focus on innovation, efficiency, and sustainability in manufacturing and packaging operations.

Bringing together decision-makers and technical leads from West African manufacturing sectors, the Forum will present a dynamic mix of keynote presentations, expert panels, interactive workshops, and industry case studies. It will also spotlight transformative packaging and processing technologies, market trends, and sustainability practices shaping the region’s industrial growth.

  • 150+ Packaging Professionals
  • 25+ Speakers
  • 75% Decision Making & Purchasing Authority
  • 1 Day of Networking and Learning

WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND

  • Gain practical insights from 35+ industry thought leaders
  • Discover the latest innovations in packaging, processing, and automation
  • Stay compliant and competitive with expert-led sessions on regulations and standards•Learn strategies for financing, export growth, and green energy adoption
  • Experience live technical demonstrations and real-world case studies
  • Network with C-level decision makers, regulators, and global brands

 

 

WHO SHOULD ATTEND

  • CEOs, Manufacturers & Business Executives
  • Production Managers•Packaging Managers & Engineers•Operations Directors
  • Technical & R&D Engineers
  • Brand, Design & Marketing Leaders
  • Quality Assurance & Compliance Officers•Sustainability, Energy & ESG Consultants
  • Supply Chain, Procurement & Logistics Managers
  • SME Manufacturers & Export Professionals

 

Agenda

Opening Session

  • 10.30-11.00: Welcome Coffee and Networking
  • 11.00-11.05: Opening Remarks
  • 11.10-10.20: Keynote Address
  • 11.35-11.45: VIP Tour

Session 1 – AI, Automation & Smart Packaging

  • 12.00-12.10: Keynote: AI and robotics in packaging: What’s realistic for West Africa?
  • 12.10-12.45: Panel Discussion:
  • 12.45-12.55: Q&A Session

Session 2 – Packaging Innovation as a Brand Growth Opportunity

  • 13.00-13.10: Presentation: Eco-friendly packaging boosting brand loyalty through biodegradable, composable recyclable solutions
  • 13.10-13.50: Panel Discussion:
  • 13.50-14.00: Q&A Session

Session 3 – Food Safety and Packaging Standards

  • 15.00-15.30: Technical Deep Dive: Packaging Materials That Enhance Shelf Life.
  • 15.30-15.40: Q&A Session

Session 4 – Innovations in Flexible Packaging

  • 15.40-15.55: Keynote: TBC
  • 15.55-16.40: Panel Discussion:
  • 16.40-16.50: Q&A Session

Day 1 of the Propak West Africa Summit 2026 sets the stage for high-level conversations and practical insights shaping the future of manufacturing, food processing, and packaging across West Africa.

The day opens with an official ceremony featuring senior government representatives, manufacturing leaders, and industry stakeholders who will explore why food processing and packaging represent one of West Africa’s next major industrial frontiers.

From there, delegates will dive into a powerful agenda focused on technology, sustainability, packaging innovation, and food safety — addressing the biggest opportunities and challenges facing manufacturers today.

Technology as a Growth Driver: AI, Automation & Smart Packaging

Explore how manufacturers can leverage AI, robotics, predictive maintenance, automation, and real-time data analytics to improve efficiency, reduce downtime, and optimise packaging and processing operations. Industry experts will cut through the hype to reveal what is realistic and commercially viable for West African manufacturers.

Packaging Innovation as a Brand Growth Opportunity

As sustainability becomes a business imperative, this session explores how eco-friendly packaging, biodegradable materials, sustainable coatings, and innovative packaging formats can strengthen consumer trust, improve shelf life, reduce environmental impact, and create stronger brand differentiation. Discussions will also tackle cost barriers, infrastructure gaps, and the investment needed to scale sustainable packaging solutions in the region.

Food Safety & Packaging Standards

Gain practical technical insights into packaging materials that enhance shelf life, including barrier technologies, sealing systems, and antimicrobial coatings designed to improve product safety, quality, and compliance in increasingly competitive markets.

Women in Packaging

Day 1 concludes with a dedicated spotlight on women driving innovation and leadership in packaging, highlighting perspectives, opportunities, and collaboration across the print, packaging, and manufacturing value chain.

Beyond the sessions, delegates will enjoy extensive networking opportunities, connect with leading manufacturers and technology providers, and experience the latest innovations showcased across the Propak West Africa Exhibition floor.

Hosted by KPMG, Day 2 of the Propak West Africa Summit 2026 brings together senior executives, manufacturers, investors, policymakers, and sustainability leaders for a high-impact Executive Breakfast Session focused on unlocking industrial growth through smarter resource use and operational efficiency.

Under the theme “Unlocking Industrial Value through Circularity and Resource Optimisation,” the session will explore how manufacturers can transform sustainability ambitions into measurable business performance through reliable energy, circular economy practices, financing solutions, and operational innovation. Delegates will gain practical insights into improving margins, strengthening industrial resilience, and making circular manufacturing investments more bankable and scalable. The programme will feature keynote insights, executive panel discussions, live case studies, and strategic dialogue between industry leaders shaping the future of manufacturing in West Africa.

Day 3 of the Propak West Africa Summit 2026 brings together manufacturers, regulators, investors, food safety experts, and sustainability stakeholders for a solutions-driven programme focused on financing industrial growth, strengthening food systems, and accelerating circular packaging outcomes in Nigeria.

The day will feature a dedicated Access to Finance segment, equipping manufacturers and SMEs with practical insights into navigating development finance, government support programmes, investment opportunities, and financial instruments designed to unlock growth across the food processing and packaging sectors.

In collaboration with the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology (NIFST), the programme will also spotlight critical conversations around food safety, nutrition, quality assurance, processing standards, and innovation, reinforcing the importance of safe, compliant, and sustainable food systems in an increasingly competitive market.

A key highlight of Day 3 will be the industry stakeholder session hosted by the Recycling Association of Nigeria (RAN) titled: “From Market Placement to Material Recovery: Closing the Data Gap in Nigeria’s Circular Packaging Value Chain.” This high-level discussion will convene stakeholders across the packaging ecosystem to address the disconnect between packaging introduced into the market and materials actually recovered within Nigeria’s recycling infrastructure. The session will explore strategies to improve Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) compliance, transparency, data harmonisation, and evidence-based decision-making, while examining how digital systems and common reporting standards can strengthen collaboration between producers, recyclers, and regulators.

Designed to move beyond dialogue into practical action, Day 3 offers attendees valuable insights into the policies, partnerships, and financial mechanisms needed to build a more resilient, compliant, and circular manufacturing ecosystem in West Africa.

Speaker Highlights

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Speakers

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Propak West Africa

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The Propak Portfolio in Africa

Propak events bring together industry leaders and buyers across Africa’s packaging, plastics, printing, and processing sectors. With editions in West, East, and Southern Africa, the portfolio provides a powerful platform to launch innovations, grow brand visibility, and reach new markets.

Logo

Backed by 40+ years of success, Johannesburg’s flagship trade show drives business expansion, connecting exhibitors with Africa’s economic hub and unparalleled market opportunities.

Cape

Leverage Cape Town’s strategic advantage. As the Western Cape produces nearly half of South Africa’s agricultural exports, the city provides a premier platform for ambitious exhibitors.

west

Expand into West Africa via Nigeria’s prime business hub. Hosted in Lagos, the region’s commercial capital, the expo connects exhibitors with fast-growing investment and trade opportunities.

East

Showcase your offering in Nairobi, East Africa’s dynamic gateway. Kenya’s strong economy and diverse industries ensure valuable exposure to both national and international industry players.