Nairobi, Kenya, has been selected as the location for the 2026 World Potato Congress, according to a recent statement from the World Potato Congress Inc. “Developing Global Potato Partnerships for Enhanced Food Systems, Food Security, and International Trade” is the suggested theme for this event.

“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,” a recent press announcement reveals.

The successful bid was led by the National Potato Council of Kenya and the Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, and it was supported by the Council’s many public and private sector partners, including, but not limited to, the International Potato Center, 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 Focolare.

“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 improving nutrition, the congress will provide valuable educational opportunities in promoting sustainable agriculture. It will provide an opportunity for inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all, especially for youths and women in the sector,” as per the bid committee.

The 2026 World Potato Congress is expected to attract over 1,000 delegates in Nairobi for the week, stimulating the local tourism economy. Besides the trade show component and congress, Kenya has a lot to offer delegates to the three days event in late July 2026.

Technical trips to significant seed and potato growing facilities, to researchers, packers, and processors, as well as an opportunity for delegates to visit one of Kenya’s many national parks, are all part of the post-conference events.

“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,” Peter VanderZaag, President of the World Potato Congress Inc., summed up.

In Kenya, potatoes are the second-most significant food crop after maize and are crucial for food security, the reduction of poverty, and economic growth. However, as population growth picks up speed, Africa has significant difficulty with food security. The potato crop offers a lot of potential for enhanced yields, better use, and higher profits along the entire value chain.