The doors have closed on another hugely successful PROPAK West Africa event. From the 10th to 12th September 2024, the 11th edition brought together a record number of visitors, exhibitors and industry stakeholders across the three days in Lagos and provided the platform for the manufacturing sectors it serves to congregate. From the official post event statement, WHERE To Print magazine reports how the hugely successful industry number one annual trade show for the packaging, printing, processing, and plastics sectors in Wes Africa keeps driving innovation and positive change:
Right from DAY 1, the three-day event dedicated to driving innovation and positive change across West Africa manufacturing value-chain saw the power of networking in action as participants and exhibitors forged connections, built valuable business relationships and formed networks expected to continue to shape the future of the industry.
The exhibition albeit with insightful conference was opened with a tour and welcoming remarks from H.E. Mrs. Folashade Ambrose-Medebem, Honourable Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives, Trade and Investment (CCT&I), Lagos State, followed by Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director General, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN). The Smart Packaging Conference then followed with key industry stakeholders discussing the very pertinent topic of food security and how packaging can support it with speakers from UNIDO, NAFDAC and Crown Flour Mill among others giving their viewpoints.
The biggest edition of PROPAK West Africa features the largest collection of cutting-edge machinery live! This year saw more than 5,000 attendees visit the Landmark and witness over 250 brands from 174 exhibiting companies. For the first time, all four halls at the event centre were filled with the latest technologies available in the global market place for the packaging, printing, processing and plastics industries. Following the success of the event, more than 82% of the exhibition centres four halls have already been booked for the 2025 event!
“Following the success of the event, more than 82% of the exhibition centres four halls have already been booked for the 2025 event!”
The exhibition saw companies including AMS Africa, Betaglass, Bobst, Galdi, Manuchar, Neofyton, Omina Technologies, Piovan, Sacvin, SBA Group, Sonnex, Papilon Plastics, Tricon and Vista showcasing equipment, materials and solutions from 27 countries spanning four continents. With live demonstrations of injection mould, blow mould, sachet and biscuit packaging lines the exhibition floor across the four halls was bustling with motion and intrigue that culminated in serious bargaining and deal closures expected to shape the West African manufacturing landscape.
DAY 2 welcomed the event’s Strategic Partners, KPMG who delivered an exclusive conference focusing on ‘Plastics for a Sustainable Future’. With speakers from companies such as Pernod Ricard, Talopram, Lagos State and Verod Capital providing insights and thoughts on this growth area for the industry to an invite only crowd made up of CEO’s, Founders and Packaging Specialists.
Away from the 2024 conference programme saw the launch of the latest feature at the exhibition, The Product Innovation Stage! It was brought in to provide a more intimate platform for companies to showcase and talk through their latest products and was a resounding success with packed crowds hearing from the likes of Tetrapak West Africa, SACMI, Ishida, Bobst, Epson, GEA West Africa and many more.
No doubt, the 2024 edition of PROPAK West Africa was indeed a huge Success as it keeps driving innovation and change! As the organisers – Afrocet Montgomery UK thanked their sponsors, partners and all stakeholders for ensuring the event remains the leading platform for the manufacturing sector in West Africa, they also promised to welcome everyone to a bigger and better show next year from the 9th to 11th September 2025.
Visit www.propakwestafrica.com to find out more about PROPAK West Africa or to participate.