Nairobi: Kenya is rapidly positioning itself as Africa's leading hub for agribusiness investment, with plans underway to launch the Gulfood360 Africa/Kenya in Nairobi from May 4 to 6 next year.
According to Kenya News Agency, Gulfood, the world's most influential food and beverage sourcing platform, announced its expansion into Africa with the launch of Gulfood360 Africa/Kenya. This announcement, made at Gulfood 2026 in Dubai, formalizes Kenya's selection as the official African host of the Gulfood platform, thereby positioning the country as Africa's principal gateway into the global food, agribusiness, logistics, and innovation economy.
The launch is supported by Kenya's Ministry of Investments, Trade and Industry, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, the Agriculture and Food Authority, and the Office of the Special Envoy on Technology. Gulfood360 Africa/Kenya represents a strategic partnership between Kenya and the United Arab Emirates, rooted in the Kenya-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA).
This initiative marks a significant milestone in President Dr. William Ruto's goal to transform Kenya into a first-world economy under the Bottom-Up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). Lee Kinyanjui, Cabinet Secretary for Investments, Trade and Industry, stated that the launch signifies a pivotal step in Kenya's trade and investment journey, reflecting the country's mobilization of its full value chain for global trade.
Mutahi Kagwe, Cabinet Secretary for Agriculture and Livestock Development, emphasized the importance of agriculture to Kenya's economy, contributing significantly to the GDP and supporting millions of livelihoods. Gulfood360 Africa/Kenya aims to convert this agricultural strength into global opportunities, connecting Kenyan and African producers with international markets.
The event will focus on accelerating agricultural value addition, export competitiveness, agro-industrialization, SME participation, and industrial growth. It will position Kenya as Africa's premier trade and agrifood gateway, leveraging strategic investments in infrastructure and logistics, including the expansion of Jomo Kenyatta International Airport and modernization of the Port of Mombasa.
Kenya's strategic location as a gateway to the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) and its role as a leading producer of tea, coffee, horticulture, and processed foods offer a natural entry point for global firms. This aligns with the projected growth of Africa's food economy to $567.31 billion by 2032.
Beyond agriculture, Kenya is recognized as Africa's Silicon Savannah, with innovation in digital payments, logistics technology, climate-smart agriculture, and supply-chain digitization. Ambassador Philip Thigo emphasized the role of technology in Kenya's growth, highlighting the country's commitment to food security and green industrialization.
Kenya's youthful, tech-savvy population offers unique advantages in terms of entrepreneurship and digital fluency. Gulfood360 Africa/Kenya will showcase innovations in AI-driven agritech, digital trade platforms, and smart logistics, transforming food systems and strengthening supply chains.
Trixie LohMirmand, Global Organiser of Gulfood, noted Kenya's readiness for global competitiveness and its role as a conduit for African produce into international markets. The expansion sends a clear signal that Africa's food economy is entering a new phase of scale, execution, and competitiveness, with Kenya leading the charge.
Gulfood360 Africa/Kenya will provide global buyers with direct access to Africa's fastest-growing food supply base through a trusted trade gateway, executing contracts, mobilizing capital, and activating cross-border value chains from Nairobi, translating global demand into enduring opportunities across Africa.