Propak West Africa to showcase packaging innovation in Lagos

West Africa's packaging and processing industries are undergoing rapid transformation as manufacturers respond to growing consumer demand, evolving sustainability requirements and increasing pressure to improve operational efficiency

Across the region, companies are investing in automation, digital technologies and smarter production processes to remain competitive while meeting changing market expectations.

Against this backdrop, Propak West Africa will return to the Landmark Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, from 8–10 September, bringing together suppliers, manufacturers and industry professionals from the packaging, plastics, print, labelling and food processing sectors. More than a traditional trade exhibition, the event provides a platform for businesses to evaluate new technologies, exchange technical knowledge and build partnerships that support long-term growth.

Why packaging innovation matters

Packaging is becoming an increasingly strategic part of manufacturing, influencing everything from product protection and shelf life to supply chain efficiency and sustainability. Manufacturers are also under growing pressure to reduce material waste, improve recyclability and adopt circular economy practices, while maintaining productivity and controlling costs. Events such as Propak West Africa enable businesses to compare technologies, learn from industry peers and identify practical solutions to these evolving challenges.

Visitors will have the opportunity to explore the latest machinery, packaging materials, processing equipment and manufacturing technologies, while engaging directly with technical specialists to discuss solutions tailored to regional production requirements.

Summit to address manufacturing trends and industry challenges

Running alongside the exhibition, the Propak West Africa Summit will offer a dedicated conference programme designed for production, packaging and manufacturing professionals across the region.

The summit will feature keynote presentations, expert panel discussions, interactive workshops and real-world industry case studies, providing practical insights into packaging innovation, food processing technologies, manufacturing efficiency, sustainability and market developments shaping West Africa's industrial sector.

The director general of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Segun Ajayi-Kadir, will deliver the welcome address during the opening ceremony, while Alexander Gendis, CEO of Beta Glass, has been confirmed as a keynote speaker. Their participation highlights the growing importance of the event within West Africa's manufacturing and packaging industries.

Other confirmed speakers include Dr Markus Grumann, managing director of Miho Inspection Systems; Titus Gado, manufacturing director at Chi Limited; Prof Olugbenga Ogunmoyela, president of Cafsani; A'rese Lucia Onaghise, executive director at the Food & Beverage Recycling Alliance; and Saheed Kareem, factory engineering manager at Nestlé.

Circular economy takes centre stage

One of the major highlights of the final day will be an 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."

The discussion will bring together stakeholders from across the packaging value chain to examine one of the sector's most pressing challenges—bridging the gap between the volume of packaging introduced into the market and the amount of material ultimately recovered through Nigeria's recycling infrastructure.

The session reflects a broader industry shift towards circular economy initiatives, extended producer responsibility (EPR) programmes and improved resource recovery, all of which are becoming increasingly important for manufacturers seeking to meet sustainability commitments while reducing environmental impact.

The Propak West Africa Summit is free to attend, although delegates are required to register in advance. The KPMG breakfast session on the second day will be held on an invitation-only basis.

A hub for technology, investment and collaboration

As manufacturing across West Africa continues to expand, demand is growing for advanced production equipment, automated packaging systems, digital quality control and more sustainable packaging materials. This is creating new opportunities for technology providers, equipment manufacturers and industrial solution specialists to support the region's evolving manufacturing landscape.

By bringing together international exhibitors, regional manufacturers, industry associations and technology experts, Propak West Africa has established itself as one of the region's leading business platforms for packaging and processing industries. Beyond showcasing new products and equipment, the exhibition encourages technology transfer, knowledge sharing, business networking and strategic partnerships that can accelerate industrial development across West Africa.

Commenting on the event, Mark Anderson, Portfolio Director at Montgomery Group Africa, organisers of the show, said, "The pace of change within the manufacturing and packaging sectors means businesses need access not only to the latest technologies, but also to the knowledge, partnerships and practical insights that support informed decision-making."

"Propak West Africa is designed to connect global and local solution providers with local industry, creating opportunities for businesses to discover new technologies, exchange ideas and build valuable partnerships. By combining a comprehensive exhibition with a practical, industry-focused conference, the show offers visitors the opportunity to discover new technologies, learn from industry experts and build valuable business connections - all in one place."

As manufacturers continue to invest in smarter production, sustainable packaging and digital transformation, events such as Propak West Africa are expected to play an increasingly important role in connecting businesses with the technologies, expertise and partnerships needed to improve competitiveness and support the long-term growth of West Africa's manufacturing sector.