Potato News from Africa

With 100 days to go until the 13th World Potato Congress in Kenya, organizers announced new speakers, reopened late poster abstract submissions, and highlighted key program updates, field demonstrations, partnerships, and networking opportunities.

Solynta has secured approval for its hybrid true potato seed variety SOLHY023 in Kenya, expanding its HTPS portfolio with stronger late blight resistance and supporting resilient, disease-free potato production through advanced hybrid breeding.

Zimbabwe harvested 100,055 t. of potatoes in the 2025/26 summer season, raising average yields to 29 t/ha. Expanding production to meet winter targets will depend on greater access to certified seed, irrigation, storage, processing, and investment.

World Potato Congress extended the early bird registration deadline for its 2026 congress in Naivasha to 6 July. The event will feature technical tours, including Farmer Field Day, and bring together global potato industry delegates and farmers.

Potato breeders in Kenya are developing new varieties that combine disease resistance with the frying qualities needed for French fries. The work aims to improve yields, strengthen the potato value chain and deliver better fries for consumers daily.

MYDIPUREE introduces premium potato flakes from selected Algerian potatoes using modern technology for consistent quality. Suitable for instant mashed potatoes, snacks, bakery, and meat products, offered in 20 kg packs for global export markets.

East African potato farmers face rising costs from late blight. Through the Crop Trust's BOLD project, breeders and farmers are testing potatoes with wild resistance traits to cut spraying, lower costs and improve food security in Kenya and Uganda.

World Potato Congress Inc. will host a June 18 webinar previewing the 13th World Potato Congress in Kenya. The session will highlight the Congress program, field days, technical tours and key industry initiatives ahead of the October event.

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.