The Global G.A.P Tour Stop landed in Nairobi this week and from September 23rd to 25th, the iconic Ole Sereni Hotel buzzed with conversations, connections and big ideas. The theme — “Driving the Region’s Agri-Food Trade through Compliance and Product Diversification” — set the tone for three action-packed days that brought together farmers, exporters, policymakers, retailers and innovators under one roof.
Walking into the venue, you could immediately feel the energy. Ole Sereni’s beautiful setting — overlooking the Nairobi National Park — created the perfect mix of sophistication and calm, making it easy for participants to network, learn and exchange ideas.
A Meeting of Minds
The event featured insightful panel discussions that tackled some of the most pressing issues in agriculture and food trade. Experts shared thoughts on compliance with international standards, improving market access for African produce and why product diversification is the next big opportunity for farmers. Attendees heard inspiring case studies from exporters who have successfully broken into global markets, proving that when standards are embraced, doors open.
There were also honest conversations about challenges — from climate change to fluctuating prices and how technology, training and partnerships can help farmers build resilience. The panels struck a perfect balance between education and inspiration, leaving participants with practical takeaways they could apply immediately.
Showcasing Innovation Through Booths
One of the highlights of the tour stop was the exhibition area. Booths were set up for different organizations and companies to showcase their products, services and solutions. From Agri-Tech innovations to sustainable farming tools, the booths created a hands-on learning experience. Participants could walk in, ask questions and get instant help or demonstrations from experts making the event not just a talking space but a solutions hub.
Farm Visits: Learning by Seeing
To make the experience even more practical, attendees had the chance to step out of the conference halls and into real farms. These field visits were eye-opening, offering a front-row seat to how Global G.A.P standards are applied on the ground. Participants saw first-hand how farmers are implementing best practices in crop management, harvesting and post-harvest handling. This made the conversations from the panel discussions come alive, helping everyone connect the dots between policy, compliance and real farming outcomes.
Sponsors and Partners Who Made It Happen
This successful tour stop would not have been possible without the support of its sponsors and partners, who are committed to advancing Africa’s agri-food sector. Their backing made it possible to bring together such a diverse group of voices and ensure the discussions reached beyond the conference room.
Networking and Collaboration
Beyond the sessions, the event provided plenty of opportunities for networking. Coffee breaks and evening socials saw farmers chatting with buyers, government officials exchanging ideas with exporters and agripreneurs pitching innovative solutions. The mood was upbeat — a sign that everyone was united by one mission: to see African produce shine on the world stage.
Looking Ahead
As the event wrapped up, the message was clear: Africa has what it takes to become a global powerhouse in agri-food trade but to get there, compliance with international standards, continuous training and a focus on sustainability will be key.
The Global G.A.P Tour Stop was more than just a conference. It was a call to action, a space for collaboration and a reminder that the future of food is being shaped right here in Kenya.
