News on Potato Varieties and Seed from Africa

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.

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.

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.

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!

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

Global potato markets face a 'Potato Flood' as production outpaces demand, causing price crashes and farmer losses. Rising output from Europe, Asia, Egypt, Turkey, and new exporters China and India fuels oversupply, worsened by U.S. tariffs on EU fries.

Kenya nears release of '3R' Late Blight-resistant potatoes after 20+ years of research by CIP & KALRO. Supported by 2Blades, Feed the Future & Simplot, the varieties promise higher yields, disease protection, and improved food security by 2026.

The James Hutton Institute introduced two PCN-resistant potato varieties, Malaika and Glen, in Kenya. Developed with international partners, they boost yields, support food security, and meet local farmers’ needs for fast-cooking, low-dormancy potatoes.

The 13th World Potato Congress will be held in Naivasha, Kenya, from October 26–30, 2026—the first in Sub-Saharan Africa. Hosted by NPCK and FreshCrop Ltd, the event will spotlight global potato innovations, food security, and trade.

Rwanda is now a key hub for seed potato trade in the Great Lakes Region, thanks to farmer-led innovations, Africa’s largest minituber facility, a national seed catalogue, and efforts toward regional integration and formal cross-border seed markets.

Kenya will host the 13th World Potato Congress in October/November 2026, following a venue change from Poland. Led by NPCK and supported by key partners, the event aims to spotlight potatoes' role in food security and economic growth.

Potato farmers have urged the government to put more effort into producing certified seed. They have said what is available in the market is costly and inaccessible to most small-scale farmers.

Egypt's fresh potato exports are seeing strong growth, driven by rising demand from Russia, Asia, and the UK. This highlights Egypt's production strength and global market position.

The Rwanda Agriculture and Animal Resource Development Board (RAB) is conducting trials on new potato varieties that require no fungicide spraying