The tenth edition of Food Africa, one of the continent’s most prominent trade shows for the food and agribusiness sector, will take place in Cairo from December 9 to 12. The event is expected to draw thousands of professionals from around the world, with a particular emphasis this year on fresh produce, dates, grains, and processed foods.

Co-founder Dalia Kabeel highlighted the growing importance of fresh produce and its dedicated sub-fairs, Fresh Africa and Dates Africa, which continue to attract strong interest from exhibitors and visitors alike. She noted that participation has expanded significantly, with more than 1,200 exhibitors from 45 countries confirmed, compared to just over 1,000 exhibitors from 35 countries last year. Visitor numbers are also projected to rise, surpassing the 31,000 attendees recorded in 2024.

A major innovation at this year’s fair is the launch of the “Buy From Africa” campaign, organized in partnership with Afreximbank. The initiative will feature a new African pavilion designed to showcase products from across the continent, ranging from fresh produce and herbs to spices and processed foods. The campaign aims to connect African entrepreneurs with international buyers and strengthen the continent’s position in global food trade.

Fresh produce remains central to the event’s appeal. Kabeel emphasized that Egyptian produce is recognized for its high quality and strong export potential, which is why the Fresh Africa sub-fair was introduced four years ago. This year, more than 90 exhibitors will participate under the Fresh Africa and Dates Africa banners. Egypt’s date sector, in particular, is gaining momentum. As the world’s leading producer and one of the top ten exporters, Egypt has invested in large-scale projects to expand production and diversify its offerings. Dates Africa was created to promote the sector’s brand image and highlight the country’s unique varieties, positioning Egypt as a key player in the global market.

International interest in sourcing fresh produce from Egypt is expected to be strong, with delegations from Europe, the Gulf Cooperation Council countries, and Eastern Europe set to attend. Organizers anticipate that numerous business meetings and trade deals will be concluded during the fair,reinforcing Cairo’s role as a hub for agribusiness networking.

This edition also honors India as the partner country. Indian companies have been part of Food Africa since its inception in 2015, and their presence has grown steadily. In 2025, 68 Indian exhibitors will occupy more than 1,000 square meters of exhibition space, while many buyers from India are expected to attend with a focus on sourcing Egyptian products.

With its expanded exhibitor base, new African pavilion, and dedicated focus on fresh produce, the tenth edition of Food Africa underscores both Egypt’s agricultural strengths and Africa’s growing role in global food supply chains.