The World Potato Congress Inc. is pleased to announce that Nairobi, Kenya has been chosen as the site for its 2026 World Potato Congress. The proposed theme for this event is, “Developing Global Potato Partnerships for Enhanced Food Systems, Food Security and International Trade”. The WPC is expected to draw potato industry colleagues and partners from all over the world. This will be the first time this globally significant biennial business event will be held in sub-Sahara Africa.
The successful bid, led by National Potato Council of Kenya and Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, was supported by Council’s many public and private sector partners including, but not limited to International Potato Centre, SSA (CIP), Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), Kenya Agricultural & Livestock Research Organization, KenInvest, Pest Control Product Board, Kevian Kenya Ltd, and Agriculture Sector Network (ASNET), Bayer East Africa and Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable agriculture.
Potatoes are the second most important food crop, after maize, in Kenya and plays an important role in food security, poverty eradication, and economic development. Yet Africa faces a great challenge with food security as population growth continues at a fast pace. The potato crop has substantial room for improved yields, better utilization and increased incomes along the whole value chain.
As per the bid committee: “Holding the Congress in Kenya will contribute towards ending extreme poverty in all forms in Africa. Besides contributing towards ending hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition, the congress will provide valuable educational opportunities in promoting sustainable agriculture. It will provide opportunity for inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all, especially for youths and women in the sector.”
Peter VanderZaag, President of the World Potato Congress Inc. stated “I am excited that Kenya will host the 13th World Potato Congress in 2026. Kenya is centrally located and a leader in both potato research and development in East Africa. I am confident that this congress will increase the profile and capacity for the potato value chain in this region as well as provide an opportunity for networking, investment, and trade relationships across the entire potato sector.”
For more information:
World Potato Congress Inc.
P.O. Box 40020, West Royalty PO,
Charlottetown, PE
Canada C1E 0J2
info@potatocongress.org