Nairobi, Kenya has been chosen as the site for the 2026 World Potato Congress (WPC), a May 23 news release said. This will be the first time the Congress will be held in Africa.
“Kenya is centrally located and a leader in both potato research and development in East Africa. I am confident that this congress will increase the profile and capacity for the potato value chain in this region as well as provide an opportunity for networking, investment, and trade relationships across the entire potato sector,” Peter VanderZaag, WPC president, said in the release.
The successful bid was led by National Potato Council of Kenya and Kenya Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development, with support from the International Potato Centre, Agriculture and Food Authority, Kenya Agricultural and Livestock Research Organization, KenInvest, Pest Control Product Board, Kevian Kenya Ltd, Agriculture Sector Network, Bayer East Africa and Syngenta Foundation for Sustainable agriculture, the release said.
“Holding the Congress in Kenya will contribute towards ending extreme poverty in all forms in Africa. Besides contributing towards ending hunger, achieving food security and improved nutrition, the congress will provide valuable educational opportunities in promoting sustainable agriculture. It will provide opportunity for inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all, especially for youths and women in the sector,” the bid committee said in the release.
The release noted the proposed theme for the Congress is “Developing Global Potato Partnerships for Enhanced Food Systems, Food Security and International Trade.” It will happen in late July 2026.
There are plans in place for a pre-conference golf tournament and networking reception, the release said. Post-conference activities will include technical tours to large seed and potato growing operations, researchers, packers and processors as well as an opportunity for delegates to visit one of Kenya’s many national parks. The release noted delegates can extend their stay to see the eighth that wonder of the world — the world’s largest Wildebeest migration which occurs in the months of July and August.
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