The 2025 Africa International Agricultural Expo kicked off on Tuesday in Nairobi, Kenya, convening key stakeholders under the strategic theme “Increasing Agricultural Productivity in Africa through Innovation and Market Access.” The event is a concerted effort to significantly boost China-Africa cooperation in modern agriculture, positioning the continent for a new era of agribusiness and trade.

Kenya Stakes Claim as Agri-Innovation Hub

Kenya’s State Department for Agriculture Principal Secretary, Paul Kipronoh Ronoh, emphasized the expo’s goal to cement Africa’s status as a global hub for agri-innovation and trade. The exhibition has drawn over 150 exhibitors, a crucial sign of its regional significance. Notably, 100 of these exhibitors are from China, underscoring Kenya’s growing role as a crucial regional nexus for agribusiness.

“The expo serves as a continental platform to promote innovation, technology adoption, and market access as key enablers of agricultural transformation,” Ronoh stated.

He further highlighted the event’s alignment with existing commitments, particularly the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation and the African Union’s Comprehensive Africa Agriculture Development Program.

Chinese Firms Mobilize Technology and Investment

Chinese Ambassador to Kenya, Guo Haiyan, confirmed the significant participation of over 100 Chinese agribusinesses. Their expertise spans the full value chain, from advanced seed breeding to sophisticated food processing.

Ambassador Guo noted that these Chinese innovations are designed to be practical for the African context, helping smallholder farmers increase yields, reduce post-harvest losses, and build resilience against climate shocks. Beyond mere display, Chinese companies are actively pursuing partnerships, investment opportunities, and shared growth with African farmers and enterprises.

Trade and Investment Agreements Sealed

Tito Mutai, Chief Executive Officer of Agri-Africa Exhibition, announced that the expo has already yielded tangible results. Five agreements were signed between Chinese and Kenyan entities, poised to significantly boost investment and trade in the agricultural sector between the two nations.

Mutai encapsulated the shared objective, stating that both China and Kenya are united by a vision to transform agriculture from merely a source of food into a powerful driver of inclusive economic growth and job creation.