Propak West Africa, a prominent exhibition and conference dedicated to the packaging, plastics, printing, and processing industries, is poised to convene its 12th edition at the Landmark Centre in Lagos, Nigeria. This three-day event, scheduled to commence next week, anticipates a robust gathering of over 5,500 industry professionals and more than 250 global brands, all converging to explore the latest advancements and trends shaping the future of packaging and manufacturing in the region. The event’s overarching focus centers on driving innovation within the plastic manufacturing sector and championing the growth of locally made products, underscoring a commitment to fostering sustainable industrial development within Nigeria.
The summit unfolds across three distinct days, each meticulously curated to address critical aspects of the packaging and manufacturing landscape. The inaugural day, themed “Shaping the Future of Packaging,” delves into the pivotal roles of innovation, efficiency, and sustainability within manufacturing and packaging operations. A distinguished panel of speakers, including Segun Ajayi-Kadir, Director-General of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Dele Abioye, Managing Director of BUA Foods, and key executives from prominent companies such as Guinness Nigeria, UAC Foods, PZ Wilmar, Diageo, and Sonnex Packaging, will share their insights and perspectives on these crucial topics. This day promises to be a rich source of knowledge and networking opportunities for attendees seeking to optimize their operations and embrace sustainable practices.
The second day of the summit, hosted by KPMG, shifts its focus towards the strategic application of data management in building sustainable packaging systems. This theme resonates with the growing global emphasis on circular economy principles, which prioritize resource efficiency, waste reduction, and the promotion of recycling and reuse. Recognizing the transformative potential of the circular economy for sustainable development, the summit aims to equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to integrate these principles into their business strategies. The speaker lineup for this day includes Mosopefolu George, Lagos State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Oluwasoromidayo George, Director of Corporate Affairs and Sustainability at Coca-Cola, alongside representatives from KPMG, Co-Creation Hub, and Scrapays, offering a diverse range of perspectives on data-driven sustainability.
The culminating day of Propak West Africa centers on fostering made-in-Nigeria solutions under the theme “Scaling SME Manufacturing in Food, FMCG, and Packaging.” This focus underscores the event’s commitment to empowering small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) within the Nigerian manufacturing ecosystem. The discussions will revolve around identifying and addressing the specific challenges faced by SMEs while simultaneously unlocking avenues for growth and expansion. Participants can anticipate valuable insights from speakers such as Dr. Bunmi Kole-Dawodu, Lagos State Manager of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN), and Dr. Aina Olugbenga Stephen, Deputy Director of the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC), along with representatives from First Bank of Nigeria, VertoFX, and Promasidor. This final day serves as a platform for fostering collaboration and driving support for local producers.
Propak West Africa 2024 aims to provide a comprehensive platform for stakeholders across the packaging and manufacturing value chain to converge, exchange knowledge, and forge new partnerships. By focusing on innovation, sustainability, and the empowerment of local businesses, the event seeks to catalyze sustainable growth within the Nigerian manufacturing sector. The diverse array of speakers, representing industry leaders, government agencies, and financial institutions, ensures a multifaceted perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing the industry. The event’s commitment to showcasing live demonstrations of cutting-edge packaging and processing technologies further enhances its value proposition, providing attendees with firsthand exposure to the latest advancements shaping the sector.
The emphasis on locally made products underscores the importance of fostering domestic manufacturing capabilities and promoting self-reliance within the Nigerian economy. By connecting local producers with global brands and industry experts, Propak West Africa facilitates the exchange of best practices and technologies, ultimately contributing to the development of a more robust and competitive manufacturing sector. The focus on SMEs, in particular, highlights the critical role these businesses play in driving economic growth and job creation. By addressing their specific needs and challenges, the event seeks to empower them to scale their operations and contribute meaningfully to national development.
The summit’s dedication to promoting sustainable practices within the packaging and manufacturing industries reflects a growing global awareness of the environmental impact of industrial activities. The emphasis on circular economy principles, resource efficiency, and waste reduction aligns with international efforts to mitigate climate change and promote sustainable development. By incorporating these themes into the conference agenda, Propak West Africa seeks to equip participants with the knowledge and tools necessary to transition towards more environmentally responsible practices. This commitment to sustainability not only benefits the environment but also enhances the long-term viability and competitiveness of businesses operating within the sector.
The carefully curated program, featuring a diverse array of speakers and topics, promises to deliver valuable insights and actionable strategies for attendees. From exploring the latest advancements in packaging technology to navigating the complexities of data-driven sustainability, the summit offers a comprehensive overview of the key trends shaping the future of the industry. The inclusion of sessions dedicated to scaling SME manufacturing and promoting made-in-Nigeria solutions underscores the event’s commitment to fostering inclusive growth and empowering local businesses. By providing a platform for knowledge sharing, networking, and collaboration, Propak West Africa serves as a catalyst for innovation and sustainable development within the Nigerian manufacturing sector. The event’s strategic location in Lagos, a major commercial hub in West Africa, further enhances its reach and impact, drawing participants from across the region and beyond.
