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Africa Dairy Conference and Exhibition

Inside the 17th African Dairy Conference and Exhibition: Shaping the Future of Dairy in Africa

In the heart of Nairobi, where innovation and tradition meet, the 17th African Dairy Conference and Exhibition (AfDa) is set to make a powerful return. Held at the iconic Kenyatta International Convention Centre, this year's event is more than a trade fair it’s a strategic gathering point for Africa’s growing and diversifying dairy industry.

Organized by the Eastern and Southern Africa Dairy Association (ESADA), AfDa has cemented its reputation as the largest and most comprehensive dairy sector platform in Africa and beyond. With over 3,000 visitors, 150 exhibitors, and participation from 13+ countries, this event stands as a beacon for innovation, investment, and insight in the dairy world.

Why AfDa Matters: A Continental Hub for Dairy Stakeholders

At a time when food security, sustainability, and innovation are front and center, the African Dairy Conference and Exhibition offers something more than just a place to showcase products it provides a platform for dialogue, action, and transformation.

What makes AfDa stand out is its holistic approach to the dairy value chain. It's not just for farmers or processors it’s a meeting ground for:

Dairy producers and cooperatives

Small and medium enterprises (SMEs)

Equipment manufacturers and technology providers

Policy makers and development partners

Academic researchers and agricultural economists

Investors, retailers, and exporters

This inclusive ecosystem creates a fertile environment for knowledge-sharing, product development, and meaningful cross-sector partnerships. Whether you're new to the sector or an established player, AfDa offers something of value.

A Dynamic Exhibition Space: Where Ideas Turn Into Action

One of the central attractions at AfDa is the vibrant exhibition floor, which has been carefully curated to represent a cross-section of Africa's dairy ecosystem. This year, exhibitors take center stage, transforming the venue into a marketplace for innovation, trade, and collaboration.

What can attendees expect to see?

Cutting-edge dairy processing equipment

New feed technologies and animal health solutions

Cold-chain logistics and transport systems

Digital tools for farm and supply chain management

Financial and insurance services for agribusinesses

Packaging innovations for shelf-life and branding

This rich diversity ensures that every link in the dairy value chain is represented, creating countless opportunities for B2B interactions, direct deals, and new partnerships.

Morning Conference Sessions: Sharp, Impactful, and Insightful

Tackling Real-World Issues in the Dairy Sector

Each morning at AfDa is dedicated to compact, high-value conference sessions. These are not long-winded talks or theoretical debates they are focused panel discussions and workshops aimed at providing practical insights and actionable strategies.

Topics typically covered include:

Milk pricing and value chain financing

Sustainability and climate-smart dairy practices

Animal health, genetics, and feed innovations

Market access and regional trade dynamics

Gender inclusion and youth empowerment in agribusiness

Technology adoption among smallholder farmers

Moderated by experts and featuring voices from across the continent, these sessions are where future-focused conversations happen and policy frameworks take shape.

Field Visits: A Ground-Level Look at Kenya’s Dairy Excellence

One of the most unique and highly anticipated components of the 17th AfDa is the immersive field visit a hands-on tour that takes delegates through key nodes of Kenya’s dairy value chain.

This year, participants will:

Visit modern dairy farms using climate-resilient practices

Explore milk collection centers and cold storage systems

Tour advanced processing plants and cooperatives

Witness on-the-ground implementation of technology tools

Interact with local farmers, managers, and technicians

Why it matters:

For international guests and regional players alike, this experience provides a ground-level perspective on how best practices are applied in real-world contexts. It also creates space for peer learning, often sparking collaboration ideas that extend well beyond the event itself.

The Gala Dinner: More Than a Meal A Moment of Celebration

After days filled with learning and deal-making, AfDa offers attendees a chance to unwind and connect more informally during its elegant gala dinner. This evening is more than just a closing ceremony—it is a celebration of progress, partnership, and the people driving Africa’s dairy transformation.

Highlights include:

Recognition awards for innovation, leadership, and sustainability

Keynote speeches from government and industry leaders

Cultural entertainment celebrating East Africa’s vibrant heritage

Networking opportunities in a relaxed, welcoming setting

The gala is where business becomes personal. Lifelong connections are formed, and the spirit of collaboration continues long after the plates are cleared.

A Truly Pan-African Platform for Dairy Development

One of the defining strengths of AfDa is its ability to bring together voices from more than 13 African countries. This regional reach ensures that conversations are multi-contextual and inclusive, reflecting the diverse challenges and opportunities across the continent.

Countries represented at the exhibition include:

Kenya

Uganda

Tanzania

Rwanda

Ethiopia

Zambia

South Africa

Nigeria

Ghana

Botswana

Malawi

Zimbabwe

Namibia

This diversity fosters a continental perspective on dairy development, which is critical as countries seek to align strategies, open regional markets, and develop Africa’s capacity for self-sustained dairy production.

Who Should Attend the 17th AfDa?

This year’s conference is a must-attend for anyone involved in or interested in the dairy industry in Africa. Whether you’re a veteran stakeholder or a first-time entrepreneur, the value on offer is real and relevant.

Recommended attendees include:

Dairy farmers and producers

Cooperatives and agribusiness associations

Veterinary and animal health professionals

Dairy equipment and input suppliers

Retail and wholesale buyers

Government representatives and policy makers

NGOs and development agencies

Researchers and technical advisors

Agrifinance and investment firms

AfDa is More Than an Event It’s a Movement

The African Dairy Conference and Exhibition is not just a showcase of products or a series of talks it’s a reflection of a continent in motion. As dairy demand rises across Africa, the need for innovation, investment, and cooperation becomes more urgent.

AfDa responds to that need not with theory, but with action. It brings the right people together, highlights real solutions, and creates the momentum needed to transform Africa’s dairy landscape for the better.

Whether you are attending to launch a new product, explore partnerships, or gain insight into emerging markets, the 17th AfDa promises to deliver value at every level.