Kenya to host Africa’s biggest food trade event in 2027

Nairobi is set to host Gulfood360 Africa/Kenya in May 2027, becoming the first African city to stage the continent’s edition of the world’s largest food and beverage sourcing platform.

The event was announced in Dubai during Gulfood 2026 and positions Kenya as a gateway into the global food economy, which is projected to reach $567 billion by 2032.

Gulfood360 Africa/Kenya has been launched with the endorsement of Kenya’s Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, the Office of the Special Envoy on Technology, and the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), marking a strategic partnership between Kenya and the United Arab Emirates.

Kenya’s selection reflects its growing role as a regional hub for agribusiness, logistics and innovation.

Investments in airports, the Port of Mombasa and new trade corridors have modernised infrastructure, while more than 90 per cent of the country’s electricity is generated from renewable energy, providing reliable and affordable power for industry.

Agriculture contributes over a quarter of Kenya’s GDP and supports millions of livelihoods. The country has also built a reputation as Africa’s Silicon Savannah, with strengths in digital payments, AI-driven agritech and smart logistics.

Investments, Trade and Industry Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui emphasised the significance of the launch:

“The launch of Gulfood360 Africa/Kenya signals a decisive step in Kenya’s trade and investment journey. Anchored by the Kenya–UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement and supported by structural reforms, this moment reflects a country mobilising its full value chain for global trade. Kenya is positioning itself as Africa’s gateway, connecting farms, factories, and supply corridors to the world.”

Agriculture and Livestock Development Cabinet Secretary Mutahi Kagwe underscored the centrality of agriculture:

“Agriculture sits at the heart of Kenya’s economy, contributing over a quarter of our GDP and supporting millions of livelihoods across the country. Gulfood360 Africa/Kenya reflects our commitment to converting this agricultural strength into global opportunity, connecting Kenyan and African producers with the rest of the world.”

Ambassador Philip Thigo, Special Envoy on Technology, said the event also aligns with Kenya’s broader development goals:

“Gulfood360 Africa/Kenya is a strategic expression of Kenya’s commitment to food security, green industrialisation, and inclusive growth through technology. Together with hosting AI Everything x GITEX Kenya, this firmly establishes Kenya as Africa’s premier platform for global trade and technology diplomacy, where contracts are signed, capital is deployed, and continental value chains are activated at scale.”

The event is expected to attract global buyers, investors and producers, providing African suppliers with opportunities to access international markets while strengthening Kenya’s position as a regional trade and investment hub.