Africa Dairy Innovations Summit (AFDIS) 2026: Shaping the future of dairy in Africa

KENYA – The Africa Dairy Innovations Summit (AFDIS), held from 16–17 April 2026, brought together influential investors, managers, and professionals from across Africa and globally to chart the future of the dairy industry.

Under the theme of adopting new technologies and practices to boost access to nutritious, safe, affordable, and convenient dairy products in Africa, the event was organized by FW Brands MEA.

Sponsored by Cape Food Ingredients and supported by partners including the Ethiopia Commercial Milk Producers Association, the International Livestock Research Institute, the Kenya Dairy Board, the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS), and Ethiopia’s Ministry of Agriculture, the summit offered a rich blend of strategic discussions, technical insights, and practical innovations.

Key presentations and panel discussions

The future of dairy industry in Africa

This opening session featured leaders such as Mercy Ndoro (Dairibord Holdings, Zimbabwe), Kenneth Gitonga (Meru Central Dairy Cooperative Union, Kenya), Denis Chitowe (Mzuzu Dairy, Malawi), Hassan Sheikh (Bakhresa Food Products, Tanzania), and Micheline Thienpont (La Fromagerie, Rwanda).

The conversation was wide-ranging, tackling the pressing issues that will shape the industry into 2030 and beyond. Panellists spoke candidly about the demand and supply gaps that continue to challenge African dairy markets.

Kenneth Gitonga highlighted the paradox of high local demand for milk versus the logistical challenges of exporting liquid milk, underscoring the need for infrastructure and innovation.

Additionally, innovation was highlighted as a critical driver of growth, with leaders stressing the need for new technologies in production, processing, and packaging to improve efficiency and product quality.

The panel also explored trade and market expansion, noting that Africa has significant potential to expand its regional and international dairy trade if logistical and infrastructural barriers are overcome.

Technologies & Innovations that enhance the nutritional, health and wellness, taste and texture, reduce costs and improve the shelf life of dairy products.

Brian Lanton, Managing Director of Cape Food Ingredients, explored components such as lactose and galactose, linking them to broader themes of health and wellness.

He emphasized how consumer preferences are shifting toward products that not only deliver nutrition but also align with lifestyle choices, such as reduced sugar, improved digestibility, and functional benefits.

Following this, Enrico Biraschi, Commercial Director at Mediterranea/IGEA, introduced the concept of bioprotective microbial cultures.

He explained how beneficial bacteria can be harnessed to fight harmful microorganisms, thereby keeping dairy products fresher and safer for longer.

Concurrently, Dr Tawanda from Frulact delivered a presentation on how innovation in fruit preparations is helping shape dairy products that not only taste good but also deliver tangible health benefits.

He emphasized that today’s consumers are increasingly seeking products that go beyond basic nutrition, looking for options that support gut health, immunity, brain function, heart health, and bone strength.

Latest quality testing, food safety protocols and compliance systems for the dairy industry in Africa

Panel of experts: Molly Abende (Dairyland), George Kibet (Kenya Dairy Board), and Boaz Ndisio (ProGnosis Biotech S.A.) emphasized the importance of robust testing frameworks that can detect contaminants and guarantee nutritional integrity.

They discussed how modern laboratories and advanced diagnostic tools are becoming indispensable for producers who want to compete in global markets.

Latest processing, packaging and cold chain technologies transforming the dairy industry in Africa

Session 5 of the Africa Dairy Innovations Summit 2026 turned the spotlight on processing, packaging, and cold chain technologies—areas that are rapidly transforming the dairy industry in Africa.

One of the most compelling contributions came from Reza Chabokro, Marketing & Innovation Director East Africa at Danone, who explored how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the dairy value chain.

He highlighted how AI-driven insights can optimize packaging design, streamline cold chain logistics, and support customer-centric product development.

He stated, “Africa will not catch up, Africa will lead in innovation”.

Sustainable dairy production and circular economy across the value chain in Africa

The 1^st speaker, Alex Gathii Gitonga, Founder and Managing Director of Tanalope Consultancy, explained that the future of dairy growth in Africa depends not on simply adding more cows, but on making each cow more productive through better management, smarter breeding, and informed operational choices.

The session also featured a panel discussion on cooperatives. Panelists including Mildred Kosgei (Kenya Dairy Board), Daniel Mutai (Mumberes Farmers Choice), Moses Kimani (State Department for Livestock Development), and Alex Gathii Gitonga.

They examined the opportunities and challenges facing cooperative-led dairy systems.

While cooperatives remain the backbone of milk collection and farmer organization in Africa, the discussion revealed persistent issues such as weak governance structures, delayed payments to farmers, limited access to finance, and inefficiencies in milk collection and quality control.

Despite these challenges, the panellists emphasised that cooperatives hold immense potential if they undergo transformation.

They called for transparent, professionally managed, and market-driven cooperatives that can support value addition, ensure fair compensation for farmers, and unlock growth across the dairy value chain.

Session 7: Emerging Issues in the Dairy Industry

Dr. Elizabeth (Annie) Cook (ILRI) highlighted the urgent need to tackle animal health challenges such as East Coast fever and mastitis, which continue to undermine productivity and farmer livelihoods.

Dr Cook also emphasised the importance of genetic improvement programs, which are helping to breed more resilient and productive animals suited to Africa’s diverse environments.

Alongside this, she pointed to the strengthening of informal milk markets, which remain vital for millions of households across the continent.

Governance, Integrity & Transparency

Roderick Daddey-Adjei, Deputy CEO of the Food and Drugs Authority in Ghana, highlighted the risks of food fraud, mislabeling, and weak traceability systems.

He stated that without robust governance, the industry’s growth could be undermined by reputational damage and consumer mistrust.

A panel discussion brought together a distinguished group of speakers: Roderick Daddey-Adjei, Deputy CEO of the Food and Drugs Authority in Ghana; Mildred Kosgei of the Kenya Dairy Board; and Tendayi C. Marecha, Secretary General at the Dairy Processors Association of Zimbabwe.

They centred on the urgent need to strengthen governance frameworks across the dairy sector.  Tendayi Marecha added perspective from Zimbabwe, stressing the importance of industry associations in setting standards and advocating for ethical practices across the value chain.

The second panel, communicating the goodness of dairy in the age of social media, fake news & misinformation, tackled the communication challenges facing dairy brands today.

Industry experts, including Milan Kabata, Waithera Ng’ang’a, and Victor Thumbi, discussed how misinformation spreads rapidly online and how brands must adapt their strategies.

Conclusion

AFDIS 2026 was a landmark event that underscored Africa’s potential to lead in dairy innovation. From CEOs to scientists, regulators to marketers, the summit highlighted the importance of collaboration, investment, and governance.

The clear message was that Africa’s dairy sector is not just catching up—it is poised to lead globally in innovation, sustainability, and consumer-focused growth.

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