As manufacturers across West Africa respond to rising demand for greater productivity, efficiency and sustainability, access to cutting-edge technologies, expert knowledge and trusted industry partners has never mattered more

Set to open at the Landmark Centre in Lagos, Nigeria, from 8-10 September, Propak West Africa returns to unite local and international exhibitors, manufacturers and industry professionals at one of West Africa's leading manufacturing and packaging exhibitions, spanning the packaging, plastics, print, labelling and food processing sectors.

More than just an exhibition, Propak West Africa creates a platform where global innovation, technical know-how and business opportunities come together — driving sustainability, strengthening regional manufacturing and connecting local industry with world-class technologies and solutions.

Addressing manufacturing challenges through innovation

Amid shifting consumer markets, tightening sustainability requirements and fast-moving advances in automation and digital technology, businesses are on the hunt for practical solutions that boost operational performance while reinforcing long-term competitiveness. Propak West Africa offers a firsthand look at these developments, giving attendees the chance to compare technologies, consult with technical specialists and discover innovations built to solve today's manufacturing challenges.

Visitors to the exhibition floor will be able to explore the latest machinery, materials and technologies, evaluate solutions side by side, and connect directly with technical experts and industry leaders. Rounding out the event, a dedicated conference for production and packaging professionals will offer expert insight into the trends, innovations and operational strategies shaping the future of the sector.

Growing international and regional participation

With rising participation from international exhibitors, regional manufacturers and major industry organisations, Propak West Africa underscores the region's growing significance within the global manufacturing and packaging landscape. By bringing local industry together with technology providers from around the world, the exhibition acts as a bridge for knowledge transfer, investment and business partnerships that support industrial development across the region.

Numerous local and regional companies are set to use Propak West Africa as a platform to connect with customers, forge new business relationships and expand their networks. Key local and regional exhibitors include Beta Glass Nigeria, SBA Nigeria, PET Associates and Bristol Scientific Company — their growing presence signalling increased investment in Nigeria's manufacturing and processing industries as companies scale up production and adopt advanced technologies to meet regional demand.

The strong turnout of international exhibitors also reflects growing global interest in West Africa's fast-expanding manufacturing, packaging and processing markets. International names on the exhibitor list include Windmöller & Hölscher, Reifenhäuser Blown Film, the Piovan Group, Nissei ASB Africa, Clearpack Group, Snetor and Vinmar International, among others.

A focus on sustainability and inclusion

A strong emphasis on sustainability and the circular economy — backed by collaboration with major industry and recycling associations — highlights the sector's push toward more resource-efficient manufacturing and responsible packaging. Propak West Africa is supported by an extensive network of sustainability-focused organisations, including the Food and Beverage Alliance, the Recyclers Association of Nigeria, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, the Nigerian Institute of Food Science and Technology, the Consumer Advocacy for Food Safety and Nutrition Initiative, the Advertisers Association of Nigeria, the African Packaging Organisation and the Advanced Institute of Packaging Professionals Nigeria.

The involvement of Girls Who Print Africa further highlights the industry's growing commitment to inclusion, skills development and advancing women within the print and packaging sectors. As the premier regional network for women in print, packaging and graphic communications, Girls Who Print Africa focuses on mentorship, skills development, resource sharing and professional growth. The organisation will partner with Propak West Africa to host the inaugural Women in Print & Packaging session on the first day of the Propak West Africa Summit, bringing together industry leaders to discuss opportunities, challenges and pathways for advancing women's participation and leadership in the sector.

Real business value for attendees

"Propak West Africa has established itself as one of West Africa's leading manufacturing and packaging events because it delivers real business value for visitors," commneted Mark Anderson, portfolio director at Montgomery Group Africa, organisers of the show.

"Whether companies are looking to improve productivity, reduce costs, enhance sustainability or explore new technologies, the exhibition provides the opportunity to compare solutions, speak directly with technical specialists and suppliers, and gain practical insights that can be applied in their own operations. By bringing together international technology providers, regional manufacturers and industry stakeholders under one roof, Propak West Africa continues to drive innovation, support more sustainable manufacturing practices and contribute to the long-term growth and competitiveness of West Africa's manufacturing sector."

Propak West Africa is a leading meeting place for West Africa's packaging and manufacturing industries. (Image source: Propek Africa)

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.

Industry leaders, investors and governments gather in Cape Town to advance Africa’s industrial energy infrastructure. (Image source: Africa Energy Forum)

The Africa Energy Forum returns from 16-19 June 2026, bringing together the companies, investors and governments driving Africa's move from energy access to industrial-scale infrastructure

The companies gathering in Cape Town are deploying capital into transmission infrastructure, building mining corridors that will define trade routes for decades, financing baseload capacity that can power heavy industry, and developing renewable projects that will anchor Africa's manufacturing future. Forum Sponsor Sun Africa leads a group of sponsors whose projects and investments are already shaping how the continent builds its industrial base.

“I am looking forward to joining the conversation in Cape Town this June. What excites me about this year's Summit is the calibre of capital and commitment in the room — companies that are financing baseload capacity for heavy industry, building mining corridors that will define trade routes for decades, and deploying renewable projects that will anchor Africa's manufacturing future. That is the kind of long-term, structural thinking that Sun Africa has always believed this continent deserves, and it is exactly the conversation we need to be having.” Sun Africa, CEO, Adam Cortese.

ACWA Power, Infinity Power and AMEA Power are building gigawatt-scale renewable capacity across the continent. Globeleq and TotalEnergies are financing and operating projects that demonstrate how private capital can deliver industrial-grade infrastructure. British International Investment and IFC are structuring deals that blend concessional and commercial finance to unlock sovereign wealth fund participation. Nedbank CIB is providing the sustainable finance structures that allow projects to reach financial close.

“As Africa moves from aspiration to execution, this year's agenda focuses on the hardware of industrialisation – the steel, concrete and transmission lines that will define Africa's industrial future,” said Simon Gosling, Managing Director of EnergyNet.

The companies driving this shift face common challenges: structuring bankable projects where perceived risk exceeds actual performance, moving critical minerals from extraction to processing, building transmission corridors that serve both mines and cities, and deploying patient capital into long-term infrastructure.

Cape Town provides the right setting. South Africa is navigating private transmission investment, energy trading, mining-driven renewable deployment, and tensions between industrial growth and climate commitments – challenges the rest of the continent will face. The city's reforms offer a live case study.

The agenda reflects where these companies are focusing their resources. Critical minerals receive a two-day dedicated stream exploring downstream processing, transport corridors and value capture from reserves representing over 30% of global supply. Sessions examine the Lobito Corridor, Liberty Corridor and Simandou infrastructure as models for large-scale project finance.

Transmission and baseload themes address grid expansion, private investment structures and 24/7 availability for data centres and manufacturing. Energy trading sessions explore how sponsors are transforming project finance through creditworthy off-take, whole technology discussions will cover AI for revenue protection, data centre supply chains and CBAM compliance.

More broadly, the forum structure supports deal-making. The speaker programme includes closed-door roundtables bringing together DFIs, sovereign wealth funds, Middle East ministers, utilities, regulators and the private sector for frank discussions on capital deployment.

This will bring together senior public and private sector leadership, with notable speakers including H.E. Honourable Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity & Energy, South Africa; H.E. Honourable Samantha Graham-Marè, Deputy Minister of Electricity & Energy, South Africa; Dan Marokane, GCE, Eskom, South Africa; H.E. Honourable Jeremiah Kpan Koung, Vice President, Liberia; H.E. Honourable Dr. Kgosientsho Ramokgopa, Minister of Electricity & Energy, South Africa; H.E. Honourable Lerato Mataboge, African Union Commissioner for Infrastructure and Energy; Precious Edward, Head, IPP Office, South Africa; Obaïd Amrane, CEO, Ithmar Capital, Morocco, Chair, Africa Sovereign Investors Forum (ASIF) & Chair, International Forum of Sovereign Wealth Funds (IFSWF); Mike Teke, Group CEO, Seriti Resources; and Jonathan Hoffman, CEO, Globeleq.

Regional fireside chats, meanwhile, will spotlight opportunities across North, East, South and West Africa. Day One features ministerial sessions with participation from Sierra Leone's Ministry of Energy and The Gambia's Ministry of Environment, Climate Change & Natural Resources.

Additional sponsors driving the programme include AKSA as Exhibitor Sponsor, with lead sponsor support from Synergy Consulting, ATIDI, Engie, European Investment Bank, Standard Bank, Red Rocket, USP&E Global and Sungrow.

On the final day, YES! (Youth Energy Summit) takes place as part of the aef stream under the theme ‘Empowering Today's Entrepreneurs – Building Tomorrow's Industrialists’. Here, impact leaders will present scalable initiatives creating entrepreneurship opportunities in Africa's energy sector, while industry partners lead interactive workshops building practical skills for 600 young people in attendance.