Nairobi: Nairobi is set to host the 10th Agritec Africa International Conference and Exhibition (Agritec Africa 2025) from June 11th to the 13th at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC). On Tuesday, stakeholders in the agriculture technology sector and partners convened for a curtain raiser breakfast meeting in Nairobi, building up to the Agritec Africa 2025, an international exhibition and conference on agriculture technologies.
According to Kenya News Agency, the theme of this year’s conference and Expo, ‘Improving Farmers’ Income Through Innovation Technology,’ underscores the potential of agriculture in Kenya and Africa. In his speech, read on his behalf by Director of Policy and Regulations at the Ministry of Agriculture Peter Ouko, Principal Secretary (PS) State Department for Agriculture Kipronoh Ronoh said Agritec Africa 2025 conference is a milestone event that coincides with Kenya’s renewed focus on transforming its farming systems through innovation and technology.
The PS highlighted that the presence of research and development centers, agricultural infrastructure, agricultural universities, government support, and initiatives by NGOs and other associations has made Kenya a unique choice for such an international exhibition on agriculture technologies. He emphasized that the Ministry is committed to fostering an environment that supports agricultural growth, boosts productivity, strengthens food and nutrition security, expands market access, and enhances trade, with innovation and technology being vital to achieving these objectives.
The conference will showcase advanced agricultural technologies and solutions and foster global connections between farmers and markets. Additionally, it provides a robust central database to catalyze agricultural growth. Exhibitors will showcase innovations in water harvesting, precision irrigation, post-harvest management, and value addition, which are crucial for advancing agricultural practices.
Ronoh noted that the Expo is an opportunity for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to access cutting-edge technologies, especially for young farmers, whose adoption of innovative practices is critical for reducing hunger and improving rural incomes. The event will also feature energy-efficient technologies powered by motorization, solar, wind, biomass, and more, essential for enhancing productivity and accelerating Agro-processing activities.
The initiatives prioritize food and nutrition security, manufacturing, Agro-processing, and the empowerment of MSMEs within agricultural value chains, contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The event aligns closely with Kenya Vision 2030, the Agriculture Sector Growth and Transformation Strategy (ASTGS 2019-2029), and the government’s Bottom-up Economic Transformation Agenda (BETA). As the backbone of the economy, agriculture remains central to Kenya’s growth, contributing 33 percent of the GDP directly and an additional 27 percent indirectly, employing over 40 percent of the population and more than 70 percent of rural communities.
The government is investing in research and innovation, financial support for infrastructural development to support agriculture, and extension services to farmers. By empowering farmers, the aim is to secure a sustainable and prosperous future for generations to come. The agriculture sector is influenced by externalities like weather conditions and global economic and financial developments. The significance of the Kenyan agricultural sector is reflected in numerous national strategies and policies.
Although farming is the most important economic sector in Kenya, less than 8 percent of the land is used for crop and feed production, and less than 20 percent is suitable for cultivation. The integration of innovation and technology offers transformative solutions to challenges that farmers face, including unpredictable weather, market volatility, and climate change. Precision farming enables the optimized use of water, fertilizers, and pesticides, resulting in increased productivity, reduced costs, and minimized environmental impact.
Smart irrigation systems, supported by data analytics, conserve water and energy, promoting sustainability and cost efficiency. Despite the challenges, farmers continue to secure food for the nation and sustain rural livelihoods. The digital revolution is equally impactful, with E-commerce platforms and mobile apps connecting farmers directly to consumers, bypassing intermediaries and ensuring fair prices. Additionally, blockchain technology enhances supply chain transparency and traceability, unlocking premium markets for quality agricultural produce.
Achieving these goals demands collective action. Private sector partners should develop tailored solutions, while civil society plays a crucial role in training and ensuring inclusive access, particularly for smallholder farmers and marginalized groups. Together, embracing innovation and technology can build a resilient and inclusive agricultural sector, adopting solutions that enhance food production and achieve 100 percent Food and Nutrition Security in Kenya and Africa.
Agritec Africa 2025 Committee Chairperson Dionisia M’eruaki, also Deputy Director Agriculture in the Ministry of Agriculture, said the conference will offer invaluable opportunities for panel discussions, technology demonstrations, and networking, driving productivity, trade, and investment in untapped areas. The event is expected to be attended by more than 200 participating companies and over 10,000 participants from 32 countries across the world, including China, Germany, India, Turkey, Iran, Italy, Poland, and Egypt, among others. The Agritec Africa 2025 will concurrently run with the 9th Dairy Livestock and Poultry Expo Africa and 4th Graintech Africa Expo, which includes companies from dairy, poultry, livestock, and grain-related sectors.
