The 2026 Africa International Agricultural Expo (AIAE) will take place at the Kenya International Convention Centre (KICC) in Nairobi from October 23-25, 2026. Agriculture Secretary James Wanjohi stated that the expo aims to provide smallholder farmers with access to affordable agricultural technologies. These technologies will cover various aspects of farming, including production, harvesting, irrigation, processing, and value addition. The event is expected to attract a large number of farmers and industry stakeholders.
According to Wanjohi, last year's event demonstrated a strong demand for low-cost equipment, particularly maize shellers. He emphasized that there are affordable technologies available for small-scale farmers and youth. Wanjohi encouraged farmers to explore financing options, such as credit from the Agricultural Finance Corporation and other financial institutions. Additionally, he suggested that farmers form cooperatives to jointly acquire and share costly machinery.
Wanjohi also highlighted the importance of technology adoption in increasing financial returns from value addition and access to markets. He stated that farmers must see clear benefits from adopting new technologies. The adoption of technology will be crucial in enhancing the productivity and competitiveness of Kenyan farmers. The expo will provide a platform for farmers to learn about and acquire new technologies.
Agri-Africa Expo CEO Tito Mutai announced that over 100 Chinese companies are expected to participate in the expo. This follows the strong participation of Chinese companies in the 2025 edition. The event aims to connect farmers with equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and buyers. Mutai emphasized that the purpose of the exhibition is to create meaningful interactions that will lead to business transactions.
The expo will feature a wide range of machinery, including small and large equipment such as hand tractors, maize shellers, and animal-feed equipment. The event will also promote partnerships for local fabrication and assembly. This will provide opportunities for local manufacturers to collaborate with international companies and enhance their capacity.
Hunan Hongxing International Exhibition (HXIE) Director of Market Development Flacko Wang stated that Chinese exhibitors are keen on supplying affordable machinery for small-scale farmers. They also aim to support value addition for Kenyan products such as tea, coffee, flowers, and avocados. This will enhance the competitiveness of Kenyan products in the global market.
The 2026 Africa International Agricultural Expo is expected to provide a platform for farmers, equipment manufacturers, and industry stakeholders to interact and do business. The event will showcase affordable agricultural technologies and promote partnerships for local fabrication and assembly. Key stakeholders, including farmers, exhibitors, and government officials, are expected to attend the event.
Key points
- The 2026 Africa International Agricultural Expo will take place at KICC in Nairobi from October 23-25, 2026.
- Over 100 Chinese companies are expected to participate in the expo.
- The event aims to connect farmers with equipment manufacturers, suppliers, and buyers.
