Potato News from Africa

Modern potatoes are bred from a relatively narrow genetic pool, while the diseases and environmental pressures affecting potato production continue to evolve.

In South Africa potatoes are the fourth most consumed staple food after maize, wheat, and rice. They are a valuable source of affordable energy and nutrition and play an important role in feeding households throughout the year.

FPS Food Process Solutions (FPS) has secured a major project with MAF Gateways, a leading distributor of frozen French fries, to deliver a complete end-to-end potato processing line in Egypt serving both local and international export markets.

World Potato Congress 2026 in Kenya is nearing, with key deadlines in May and July. New speakers include Jamey Higham and Hamadi Boga, while delegates can expect global insights, Kenyan cuisine, and funded travel opportunities.

For over three decades, starting in the early 1990’s, the World Potato Congress Inc. has made its way around the globe, providing an avenue for networking and educational opportunities focused on all thing’s potato.

Stakeholders in the potato sector are calling for defined and time-bound policy measures aimed at strengthening farm incomes, expanding processing capacity and supporting export development.

The 13th World Potato Congress will be hosted in Nairobi, Kenya. Organized by World Potato Congress Inc., this global event will bring together key stakeholders, highlighting speakers, partnerships and innovation across the potato value chain.

A growing population, increased export demand, adoption of technologies, and increased breeding of improved varieties provide opportunities for the Kenyan potato industry, according to Severino Manene, Kenya’s Assistant Director for Agriculture

Ethiopia potato cooperatives are rebuilding after conflict, with farmers in Tigray and the Gamo Zone using improved seed, training and finance to restore production and strengthen food security.

The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board conducted a February 3-6, 2026 harvest trial to assess improved potato varieties Ndamira and Victoria for higher yields and stronger resistance to late blight across multiple site.

Gulfood360 Africa/Kenya will debut in Nairobi on 4–6 May 2027, positioning Kenya as Africa’s gateway to the USD 567B food economy. Backed by Kenya–UAE CEPA, it will drive trade, investment, agrifood innovation, and global market access across Africa.

GRIMME has opened a new branch in Fisantekraal, Durbanville, Cape Town, strengthening its presence in South Africa and the broader sub-Saharan Africa region.

Egypt’s General Authority for the Suez Canal Economic Zone (SCZONE) on December 23 announced the launch of a new agro-processing project in the Sokhna industrial zone, with a total investment of USD 8 million.

Senegal’s MASAE received containers with seed potatoes at Dakar Port for the 2025–2026 campaign, marking progress toward food sovereignty with 20,000+ tons of seeds and 7.3 billion FCFA (EUR 11.13 million) in state support.

Excitement builds as we mark one year to the 13th World Potato Congress, set for Oct 26–30, 2026, at Sawela Lodge, Naivasha, Kenya. Keynotes and registration launch in Nov. Stay tuned for updates and sponsorship opportunities!

Potatoes SA and the Department of Basic Education partner to enhance school nutrition through the National School Nutrition Programme, showing that adding potatoes boosts learners’ energy, focus, and satiety while helping fight childhood malnutrition sustainably.

Potato is one of the most important and widely grown vegetable crops in Eritrea for its nutritional benefit and a source of income for farmers.

Since its introduction in 2009, aeroponic technology at the Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resources Development Board’s Musanze station has become one of the country's most successful seed potato multiplication methods, transforming production efficiency