Nairobi is set to become the dining table of the continent. Organizers of Gulfood, the planet’s largest food and beverage sourcing platform, have officially selected Kenya to host their inaugural African edition, Gulfood360, in May 2027.

The announcement, made yesterday at the Dubai World Trade Centre, is a direct dividend of the recently signed Kenya-UAE Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA). It signals a seismic shift in trade logistics, moving the center of gravity from traditional hubs to East Africa.

A Sh73 Trillion Opportunity

Why Kenya? The numbers tell the story. Africa’s food economy is projected to skyrocket to $567.31 billion (approximately KES 73.7 trillion) by 2032. Investors are no longer looking at Africa as a charity case but as the next frontier of consumption.

“This is not just an exhibition; it is a marketplace for the future,” said Trade Cabinet Secretary Lee Kinyanjui. “By hosting Gulfood360, we are telling the world that if you want to feed Africa, or buy from Africa, you must come through Nairobi.”

Unlocking the Value Chain

The event is expected to attract over 50,000 international buyers, investors, and policymakers. For Kenyan farmers and manufacturers, this effectively brings the global market to their doorstep. The benefits will ripple through multiple sectors:

• Hospitality: Hotels and conference facilities in Nairobi will see a massive injection of revenue during the three-day event.
• Agro-processing: Local producers of tea, coffee, avocado, and macadamia will have direct access to buyers from the Middle East and Asia without intermediaries.
• Logistics: Jomo Kenyatta International Airport (JKIA) will solidify its status as the cargo hub of the region.

President William Ruto’s administration has banked heavily on "Economic Diplomacy," and this win validates that strategy. The challenge now shifts to infrastructure—ensuring that Nairobi’s roads, energy, and digital backbone are ready to host the world.