The fifth edition of VIV Africa, an international trade show for the poultry, dairy and wider agrifood industries, has brought 152 exhibitors from more than 50 countries to Rwanda, showcasing technologies and solutions for the animal protein sector. The exhibition, which runs at the Kigali Convention Centre on October 7–8 following a leadership conference on October 6, has brought together farmers, producers, technology providers, investors and other industry players. Exhibitors are showcasing products and services across the animal protein value chain, including animal feed, animal health, breeding, farm production, processing and food engineering. Natalie Taylor, Project Manager for VIV Africa, said the event provides a platform for African producers to connect with international companies, exchange knowledge and develop business relationships. The event is 100 per cent business-to-business (B2B), according to its organisers. “VIV Africa is a really important platform because it connects people from all around the globe. It is really about the exchange of knowledge and also the business that is being formed,” Taylor said. She said the event is particularly important as the animal protein industry faces growing demand driven by population growth. “The most important thing happening right now is population growth and the rising demand for animal protein. So, how do you produce this in a sustainable way to meet the demand?” she said. Taylor said the exhibition’s growth since it was launched in 2017 as Poultry Africa reflects the expanding animal protein industry. The event has grown from about 75 exhibitors at its inaugural edition to 152 this year. It has also expanded beyond poultry, with the 2026 edition featuring a Dairy Pavilion, while organisers are considering aquaculture, including fish and shrimp, for future editions. “What I’m really proud of is how it has grown,” Taylor said. She said the event also attracts visitors from more than 120 countries, giving exhibitors and buyers opportunities to explore technologies, identify partners and develop business. “The greatest achievement is being able to spread that knowledge, get the business community together and just watch it evolve — more exhibitors, more visitors and more deals being done,” she said. Poultry sector draws investment interest Jean de Dieu Hakizimana, chairperson of the Rwanda Poultry Industry Association (RPIA), said Rwanda’s poultry industry has expanded significantly. The national poultry population rose to 12.95 million in 2025 from 6.29 million in 2024, according to the Ministry of Agriculture and Animal Resources. ALSO READ: Rwanda’s poultry boom: How can momentum be sustained? RPIA brings together players including poultry farmers, hatcheries, feed manufacturers, input suppliers, veterinary service providers, equipment suppliers, processors, slaughterhouses and traders. “Demand for poultry products is rising, driven by population growth, urbanisation, changes in diets and food consumption,” Hakizimana said. He identified feed production, hatcheries, poultry genetics, meat and egg processing, slaughterhouses, cold-chain equipment, animal health services and poultry technologies as key investment opportunities. “Dutch investors can bring technology and expertise, and Rwandans can bring the market in poultry,” he said, referring the importance of partnerships in the industry. Dr Alphonse Hakizimana of Sarura AgroVet, a supplier of veterinary medicines, products and equipment for poultry and dairy farmers, said the exhibition was helping the company identify suppliers and business partners. “This exhibition gives us an opportunity to meet suppliers from different countries and explore new business opportunities. We can connect with exhibitors, exchange contacts and explore opportunities to collaborate as businesses,” he said. Sarura AgroVet already works with suppliers from countries including China, Kenya, India and Jordan, he said. Marcel Wijnen, a board member of the Dutch Poultry Centre, said Dutch poultry companies are looking to expand their presence in Africa as demand for poultry meat and eggs grows. The Dutch Poultry Centre represents nearly 100 companies across the poultry value chain, including suppliers of equipment, machinery and technology. “We are really proud to be here in Rwanda because we want to share our knowledge, our systems and our machinery with the farmers here in order to develop the poultry sector,” he said. Wijnen said Africa’s growing poultry production presents opportunities for both local producers and international suppliers. “We expect even higher growth in the coming years and decades, so we think there is a high potential for African countries, but also for Rwanda, to grow,” he said. He also argued that greater local production could help reduce reliance on imported poultry products. “I think it is better if Africa would produce it themselves,” he said. He said Dutch companies see the expanding African poultry market as an opportunity to supply equipment, technology and production systems. “Our members see the potential of Africa. They see that the poultry sector will grow, and they can benefit from selling their products, systems and equipment to African countries,” Wijnen said. Exhibitors seek African partnerships Ignacio Pérez, Regional Manager for Europe, Africa, the Middle East and the Indian subcontinent at Spanish company Igusol, said the exhibition is helping the company identify distributors in Rwanda, Kenya, Uganda and other African markets. Dr Edmond Soda Amartey, who represents US company Kemin Biologics in Ghana, said the company produces pharmaceutical products and vaccines for poultry. He said investment and expertise are needed to strengthen livestock immunity and protect animals against viral diseases. Petr Lolek, Business and Sales Manager at Czech poultry equipment manufacturer VEIT Electronics, said accurate weighing helps farmers monitor flock performance and identify problems. “We specialise in weighing solutions, including automatic poultry scales and sorting machines. Our equipment gives farmers accurate information efficiently and easily. Farmers need to know the body weight of their chickens because it helps them identify problems and understand how their flock is performing,” he said. Lolek said Africa offers significant potential for the company’s expansion. “That is why we are here, and we are actively visiting African countries and building partnerships across the continent. This is the second time we have attended this exhibition, and we can see how much Africa’s poultry sector is growing,” he said. VEIT Electronics is already active in countries including Nigeria, Ghana and Zambia and has distributors across Africa, he said. VIV Africa will move to Abidjan, Ivory Coast, in 2027 as organisers introduce an alternating format, with the exhibition held in East Africa in even-numbered years and West Africa in odd-numbered years.
