Growtech West Africa 2027 Set To Drive Food Security Push In Lagos

Growtech West Africa will open in Lagos in January 2027 as organisers seek to connect farmers, processors, investors and technology providers with food production opportunities across the region.

The agribusiness exhibition is scheduled for January 26 to 28, 2027, at the Landmark Centre. It is expected to bring together more than 5,000 professionals, over 100 exhibitors and above 50 speakers from agriculture, livestock, aquaculture, food production, agri-tech, irrigation and supply-chain businesses.

Informa, the international B2B events and market intelligence company behind the exhibition, said the debut comes as West African governments and private operators try to raise food output, reduce import dependence and improve agricultural systems.

The organisers said the region spends more than $50 billion each year on food imports, even as population growth, urban expansion, climate pressure and changing consumer demand continue to stretch food systems.

They said Nigeria is expected to play a major part in that shift because of its large farming population, vast arable land and rising investment in production, processing and logistics.

Across West Africa, public agencies and private businesses are pushing to increase yields, improve farming methods and strengthen local production so that the region can become more self-sufficient.

The organisers also cited OECD projections that West Africa’s food economy could pass $480 billion by 2030, a figure they said points to one of the fastest-growing agricultural markets in the world.

Growtech West Africa is expected to create a meeting point for international know-how, farm technology, finance and partnerships. The event will cover crop production, livestock, aquaculture, irrigation, food systems, supply chains and agri-business services.

Growtech Middle East Director, Ahmed Khalil, said the region had reached a decisive period in its food and farming development.

“West Africa stands at a defining moment for its agriculture and food sector. The region has the land, population, resources and ambition to significantly strengthen food security and local production capabilities over the coming decade,” he said.

Khalil said the exhibition was designed to match global innovation with the needs of local markets, while also creating room for investment, partnerships and long-term industry growth.

He said the platform would help stakeholders identify practical ways to expand production, improve processing, raise efficiency and support food security across West Africa.

The exhibition is also expected to attract participants from government agencies, development institutions, agribusiness firms, equipment suppliers, food processors, exporters, investors and technology companies.

Industry players say events of this kind could help small and medium-sized agricultural businesses find partners, learn about new equipment and gain access to ideas that can reduce losses after harvest.

Nigeria’s role as host is also expected to draw attention to the country’s food production challenges and opportunities. The country has a large domestic market, but it continues to face pressure from high food prices, insecurity in some farming communities, poor storage, weak transport links and limited access to finance for farmers.

Organisers said Growtech West Africa would give exhibitors and delegates a chance to discuss those constraints while exploring technology, irrigation, mechanisation and supply-chain solutions suited to regional conditions.

They said the Lagos event would also support conversations around investment in food processing, local manufacturing, aquaculture, livestock systems and climate-resilient farming.

The launch comes at a time when food security remains a major policy concern for Nigeria and several neighbouring countries. Governments across the region have been looking for ways to reduce the cost of imports and support local producers.

By bringing international companies and regional stakeholders into one venue, the exhibition is expected to help build commercial links that could support stronger local food systems over the coming years.