10th Edition Of Agrofood & Plastprintpack Nigeria To Feature Exhibitors From 15 Countries’

Over 100 leading exhibitors from over 15 countries are expected to showcase tailored products and solutions for the Nigerian market at the 10th edition of Agrofood & Plastprintpack Nigeria.

The fair, organised by fairtrade Messe, will take place at the Landmark Centre in Lagos from March 25 through 27.

Freyja Detjen, Senior Project Manager at Fairtrade Messe, while speaking at a media briefing to announce the event noted that the international trade show will have over 20 sessions and more than 70 speakers who will dissect topics focused on agro-processing, technology, and packaging.

She pointed out that the event will address agro-processing, technology, and the packaging industry, bringing together key players to discuss, innovate, and develop solutions for Nigeria.

“For special topics on banking and finance, key highlights will include keynote speakers and panel discussions, as well as a dedicated exhibition area for financial institutions and investment pitch competitions.

According to her, Germany has been made the guest of honour for this year’s edition to highlight German expertise in the sectors in focus and to provide opportunities for collaboration, knowledge exchange and business development between German and Nigerian stakeholders.

Detjen said that the show would feature active involvement of key ministries of the Nigerian government at both the federal and state levels.

She noted that there will be official national pavilions from China, Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, and South Africa.

“With investments in food & packaging technology amounting to €304 million in 2023, Nigeria stands as Africa’s second-largest investor, trailing only South Africa with €398 million and leading Egypt with €281 million.

“Nigeria’s food production has witnessed a remarkable surge of 39.6 percent in recent years, from €26 billion in 2016 to €36.3 billion in 2020, projected to rise by 48 percent between 2021 and 2024, from €42.3 billion to €62.6 billion.

She noted that despite significant investments in local food production, Nigeria’s food imports totalled $6.1 billion in 2023 (WTO), positioning the nation as one of Africa’s foremost food importers.

“With €134m in 2023, Nigeria emerges as the fourth-largest investor in plastics technology in Africa, showcasing an annual growth rate of 13.9% between 2016 and 2023.

“Nigerian imports of printing & paper processing technology have surged by 17% annually, reaching €92m in 2022, securing Nigeria’s position as the second-largest investor in sub-Saharan Africa.

She added that Nigeria ranks fourth in terms of investment in packaging technology in Africa with €139m in 2023, after South Africa with €194m, Algeria with €161m and Egypt with €145m.