In less than three months, the region’s largest and most influential exhibition for professionals in the packaging, plastics, printing, and food processing sectors – PROPAK West Africa 2025 edition will hold at Landmark Centre in Lagos Nigeria from September 9 to 11. In this SPECIAL FEATURE INTERVIEW with George Pearson, Regional Director – Afrocet Montgomery – organiser of PROPAK West Africa and other leading industry shows, WHERE To Print uncovers the host’s commitment and plans for a value-driven experience to all participants. This no-holds-bared conversation in excerpt below forms the COVER STORY of this edition garnished with useful information/ tips on how visitors from outside Nigeria can secure their entry visas to attend the most definitive event for the region.
CONGRATULATIONS ON STAGING SOME OF THE BEST SHOWS ON THE CONTINENT, HOW DO YOU FEEL?
We are incredibly proud of what PROPAK West Africa has achieved. It’s a testament to the growing strength of the packaging, plastics, printing, and processing industries in the region, and the passion of our exhibitors, partners, and visitors. Each year, the event gets bigger and better, and we feel honoured to play a part in driving the industry forward in West Africa.
AS A FAST-EVOLVING INDUSTRY, WHAT DO YOU THINK IS NEEDED TO DRIVE THE INDUSTRY FORWARD?
Innovation, collaboration, and investment are key. We need continued commitment from both private and public sectors to invest in modern technologies, training, and infrastructure. The industry also benefits greatly from knowledge sharing, which is something we aim to foster at PROPAK West Africa through seminars and panel sessions with leading voices.
“This year, we’re expanding the show floor, increasing the number of countries represented, and adding more machines displaying live on the exhibition floor.”
LAST YEAR’S PROPAK WEST AFRICA WAS DEFINITELY BIG AND BETTER ORGANISED; HOW DID YOU GUYS PULL IT OFF?
Meticulous planning, a strong local team, and incredible support from our stakeholders. We listened closely to feedback from our exhibitors and attendees and focused on enhancing logistics, improving the focus of the marketing campaigns, and expanding the speaker programme. The result was a seamless experience that delivered value across the board.
WHAT WERE YOUR EXPECTATIONS AT LAST YEAR’S SHOW AND WERE THEY ALL MET?
Our goal was to deliver the most impactful edition yet — and we’re proud to say we exceeded expectations. With record-breaking attendance, an increase in international participation, and dynamic onsite engagements, it reinforced the value PROPAK brings to the region.
WHAT MAJOR STAKES FROM LAST YEAR’S SHOW ARE YOU BUILDING ON, FOR A MUCH BETTER AND VALUE-DRIVEN SHOW THIS YEAR?
We’re building on three core pillars: scale, content, and engagement. This year, we’re expanding the show floor, increasing the number of countries represented, and adding more machines displaying live on the exhibition floor. We’re also enhancing our conference programme with themes directly addressing key industry trends and challenges.
GIVE US A BRIEF OF WHAT TO EXPECT AT THIS YEAR’S SHOW IN TERMS OF FOOT SIZE, LOCAL AND INTERNATIONAL EXHIBITORS?
PROPAK West Africa 2025 is expected to host over 250 local and international exhibitors and attract more than 5,500 trade visitors.
As PROPAK has grown over the years, it has continued to attract the biggest names in the industry from all corners of the globe, including BBM Maschinenbau, Danfra Solutions, Krones AG, Milacron India, Neofyton, Piovan Group, Reifenhauser Blown Film, Sacmi, Snetor and Windmoller & Holscher among many others internationally.
The Organisers are also delighted to welcome back many Nigerian exhibitors including Adeco Project Engineering, Ankan Group of Companies, Beaumont Industrial Services, E-One Machinery, JMG LTD, Proxima, SBA Nigeria, Stav LTD and Veepee Group among the largest contingent of Nigerian companies to date.
“We continue to receive strong backing from trade associations, international partners, and leading manufacturing organisations.”
PROPAK WEST AFRICA IS KNOWN FOR ITS HIGH-QUALITY CONTENT AND SPEAKERS, WHAT SHOULD VISITORS EXPECT AT THIS YEAR’S SHOW IN TERMS OF CONTENT?
Taking place alongside the conference, there is a full range of conference and technical sessions for CEOs and technicians alike to discover, learn and engage with thought leaders on multiple topics. The headline summit this year will look into topics around: Shaping the Future of Packaging in West Africa on the first day (9th of September) while the third day (11th of September) focuses on: Access to Finance for Industrial Growth. Speakers on these stages come from the likes of Guinness Nigeria, Unilever Nigeria Plc, UAC Foods and FrieslandCampina to name just a few.
KPMG Nigeria are returning as Strategic Partners to run the dedicated sustainability focus day on the 10th of September under the theme: Lifecycle Data Management for Sustainable Packaging Systems, which promises to engage the manufacturing community on ways such that data becomes an enabler of the circular economy.
APART FROM GOVERNMENT SUPPORT (IF ANY); WHAT OTHER INDUSTRY SUPPORT DO YOU HAVE FOR THIS YEAR’S SHOW?
We continue to receive strong backing from trade associations, international partners, and leading manufacturing organisations. These collaborations help us curate valuable content and ensure that the event remains a trusted platform for business development in the region.
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We provide a professional, well-managed environment that supports business growth.”
HOW DOES AFROCET MONTGOMERY HELP DEVELOP THE INDUSTRY IN WEST AFRICA IN TERMS OF COLLABORATIONS ON CAPACITY BUILDING, ASSOCIATION SUPPORT, INDUSTRY ADVOCACY ETC?
Afrocet Montgomery works year-round to support the growth of the industry. We engage in strategic partnerships with associations, promote skill-building through our event content, and offer a platform for local businesses to connect with global innovations. We’re proud to be part of the long-term development of the sector.
WHAT ASSURANCE ARE YOU GIVING TO ALL PARTICIPANTS ESPECIALLY THE EXHIBITORS AT THIS YEAR’S SHOW TO GUARANTEE YOUR COMMITMENT TO THEIR NEEDS AND EXPECTATIONS?
Our commitment is unwavering. We provide a professional, well-managed environment that supports business growth. From pre-show marketing support to a seamless onsite experience, we focus on Return on Investment (ROI) for every exhibitor and visitor. Our growing rebook rate speaks for itself.
ANY OTHER NEWSWORTHY INFORMATION YOU WOULD LIKE TO SHARE?
Yes – this year marks an exciting milestone as we explore regional expansion and deeper engagement through year-round community building. We’re certainly excited about what’s in store. As mentioned, there’s more machines on display than any event in West Africa in the manufacturing space, which presents its own challenges but will certainly provide incredibly interesting and exciting hotspots onsite, as well as the stella lineup in the conference rooms that promise to be a catalyst for conversation.
“We feel honoured to play a part in driving the industry forward in West Africa.”
THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME.
ABOUT PROPAK WEST AFRICA
PROPAK West Africa is organised by Afrocet Montgomery, a partnership between Afrocet LTD in Lagos, Nigeria and Montgomery Group in London, UK – a global events company. The collaboration brings over 125 years of exhibition experience and a strong track record across Africa. PROPAK West Africa is the region’s leading exhibition and conference for the manufacturing supply chain – serving as a vital hub for innovation, knowledge, and business in the region. As the definitive event for industry professionals looking to enhance their operations, forge new partnerships, and stay ahead of market trends, do not miss this opportunity to be part of West Africa’s most important gathering for the manufacturing, packaging, and processing industries.
At PROPAK West Africa 2025, you will get hands-on with innovative machines that are shaping the future of packaging, plastics, labelling, and manufacturing across West Africa. From high-speed bottling lines to precision injection moulding machines and advanced automation solutions, see the technology that will boost your factory’s productivity, quality, and efficiency. And if you are looking to upgrade your production line, PROPAK West Africa 2025 is where you will discover the equipment, suppliers, and innovations your business needs to stay ahead. Get Ready to Experience Packaging & Processing Innovation LIVE!
For more information on exhibiting or attending, visit www.propakwestafrica.com or contact Afrocet Montgomery Team at afrocet@montgomerygroup.com
COMING TO NIGERIA: EXPANDING YOUR BUSINESS ACROSS WEST AFRICA
As one of Africa’s largest economies, Nigeria is the prime nation to expand your business into West Africa due to:
- Population & Market Size: Being the most populous country in Africa, offering a large and growing consumer market.
- Economic Growth: Nigeria has been experiencing economic growth, and the manufacturing sector plays a crucial role in driving this growth.
- Diversification: Investing in the Nigerian manufaturing sector provides diversifcation for your investment portfolio.
- Government Support: The Nigerian Government has been making efforts to encourage and support the manufaturing sector through policies, incentives, and initiatives.
- Infrastructural Development: Ongoing infrastructural development projects in Nigeria can positively impact the manufacturing sector by reducing operational costs and improving efficiency.
- Raw Material Availability: Nigeria has abundant natural resources, and investing in manufaturing allows you to take advantage of the availability of raw materials locally, potentially reducing production costs.
- Job Creation: Manufaturing has the potential to create emloyment opportunities, contributing to poverty reduction and social development.
- Technology Transfer: Investing in manufaturing can facilitate the transfer of technology and know-how, contributing to skill development and the advancement of local capabilities.
- Regional Trade Opportunities: Nigeria’s strategic location in West Africa provides access to regional markets providing opportunities for regional trade and partnerships.
With all these invaluable advantages Nigeria presents to the world, PROPAK West Africa thus provides an unmatched platform to introduce your products and solutions in Nigeria nay West Africa.
SECURING YOUR VISA INTO NIGERIA
- Nigeria Visa Classes
Except you are coming from a visa exempt country (please check the Nigerian Immigration Service portal www.immigration.gov.ng for details), visitors to Nigeria generally require visas. For Exhibitors at PROPAK West Africa, part of the package after confirmation of your exhibition status is the provision of Exhibitor Login details where you will be able to access everything needed to make your visa applications and travel needs stress-free.
As you are enjoined to visit the Nigerian Immigration Service website (www.immigration.gov.ng) for general information especially on timeline, cost and further guidance, please note that the visa category for visitors to events such as PROPAK West Africa is a Short Stay Visa. This can either be procured well ahead of travel time at the Nigerian embassy in your respective country where a visa vignette will be placed in your passport before you travel or online within 24 to 48hours where you are issued an e-Visa – a slip that confirms that you have been granted a permit to arrive at an entry point to Nigeria and your visa vignette will be printed after a mandatory biometric enrolment at the Visa on Arrival (VoA) lounge in Nigeria.
What is Short Stay Visa?
A Short Visit (Stay) Visa allows a traveler to visit Nigeria for a period not exceeding three months (90 days) for the purpose of visit, tourism, business meeting, conference, seminar, contract negotiation, marketing, sales, purchase, distribution of Nigerian goods, trade fairs, job interview, sports, entertainment, study tour, academic exchange programme, humanitarian services, relief/emergency works, and temporary work permits. However, all short visit visa available on e-Visa Classes are not extendable.
- Info & Requirements for Short Stay Visa (Embassy)
Visiting Visa – Multiple Entry
Granted based on reciprocity to visitors wanting multiple social visits to Nigeria, typically valid for up to five years. Each visit can last up to 180 days. Requirements include an invitation letter, proof of host’s immigration status, bank statements, and return flight details. It disallows any form of employment and cannot be extended beyond stated limits.
- Info & Requirements for Short Stay Visa (e-Visa)
Business – Single Entry Visa
Allows a 30-day stay for business-related activities such as meetings, conferences, contract negotiations, trade fairs, and job interviews. Applicants need a valid passport, invitation letter from a Nigerian company (with CAC certificate), proof of accommodation, and a return ticket. This visa is single-entry, non-extendable, and does not permit direct employment in Nigeria.
Business – Frequently Travelled Business Executives
Caters to high-profile business travelers who invest at least USD $250,000 in Nigeria. It is valid for one year with multiple entries, each stay capped at 30 days. Requirements include proof of investment from a recognized agency, an invitation letter, CAC documentation for the host company, and confirmed travel. Employment is not permitted.
Visiting Visa – Single Entry
Issued for a 30-day social visit to family or friends in Nigeria. Applicants need an invitation letter from their host, the host’s Nigerian passport or residency permit, proof of funds, and a valid return ticket. This visa is single-entry, cannot be extended, and prohibits employment. Minors must show birth certificates and parental consent.
Business – Multiple Entry Visa
Offered on a reciprocal basis to nationals of countries that grant Nigerians similar privileges. Valid for short business trips (up to 30 days per visit) and requires proof of return travel, an invitation letter, and the host company’s CAC certificate. While multiple entries are allowed, each individual stay is limited to 30 days; no employment is permitted.
NB (Caveat):
- Visa information provided here is for information purpose only and are used at your own risk.
- Visa rules are subject to change without notice.
- For more information on visa process, please contact the relevant Nigerian embassy in your country for most up-to-date information.
© https://immigration.gov.ng/nigerian-visa/
© www.propakwestafrica.com
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