Kenya has been officially selected to host the 2026 World Potato Congress (WPC), becoming the first country in Sub-Saharan Africa to organize the prestigious global event. The announcement follows a revised agreement between the World Potato Congress Inc. and the Polish Potato Federation, which had initially planned to host the event in Gdansk, Poland.
The decision to return the hosting rights to Kenya comes after a renewed request by the National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK) and strong support from various stakeholders. WPC President Peter VanderZaag acknowledged that Kenya had originally been selected for 2026 but the plan was temporarily deferred to allow the country to strengthen institutional frameworks and partnerships. “We are pleased to see Kenya now fully ready to deliver a world-class event,” VanderZaag stated.
Set to take place between late October and mid-November 2026, the Congress will be co-organized by the NPCK, the Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA), FreshCrop Limited, and the International Potato Center (CIP). The event is expected to draw over 1,000 delegates from across the world, featuring workshops, exhibitions, and technical tours aimed at promoting sustainable potato production and global trade.
Wachira Kaguongo, WPC International Advisor and NPCK CEO, confirmed that necessary financial and logistical support has been secured through collaborations with global and local partners, including corporate sponsors.
Dr. Bruno Linyiru, Director General of the AFA, emphasized Kenya’s commitment to agricultural innovation. “With guiding documents like the National Potato Policy and the National Potato Strategy, Kenya is well-positioned to lead Africa’s potato transformation,” he said.
FreshCrop Ltd., a Kenyan agribusiness that empowers smallholder farmers through hub-based service delivery, will play a key role in showcasing Kenya’s practical solutions for potato farming. CEO Chris Gasperi said, “This is a chance to show how field-day-based learning, as used by WPC events, is transforming farmer livelihoods on the ground.”
Dr. Joyce Maru of CIP added that the Congress will provide a platform for scientific exchange and foster new partnerships focused on food security and climate resilience.
The Congress will also serve as a spotlight on Africa’s growing role in global potato production. Leading potato-producing countries on the continent include:
Egypt, Africa’s largest producer and exporter
Algeria, known for its extensive cultivation in the northern Mediterranean zone
South Africa, a key exporter with advanced irrigation systems
Kenya, the regional leader in East Africa
Morocco and Ethiopia, both steadily increasing their production in recent years
Kenya’s cultural richness, scenic landscapes, and leadership in agricultural research are expected to make the 2026 Congress a memorable and impactful event for the global potato community. Further details on venue and registration will be released by August 2025.