Africa’s food and beverage sector is entering a defining growth phase, with rising demand, rapid urbanisation and evolving consumer behaviour reshaping the continent’s food economy.
Valued at approximately $346 billion in 2024, Africa’s F&B market is projected to reach about $567 billion by 2032, with longer-term estimates placing the broader opportunity near $1 trillion by 2030. Growth is being driven by population expansion, retail modernisation and a young, increasingly global consumer base demanding premium, health-focused and convenience-led products.
At the same time, structural pressures remain significant. Hunger continues to rise across the continent, with more than one in five people affected. These realities underscore the urgency for innovation across processing, pricing, logistics and distribution systems.
Against this backdrop, Africa Food Show 2026 will return to the Cape Town International Convention Centre as a leading sourcing and partnership platform for the sector. The three-day exhibition will connect suppliers, manufacturers and technology providers with senior buyers, wholesalers, hospitality groups and procurement leaders from across Africa and international markets.
“Africa’s F&B sector is brimming with opportunity amid rapid urbanisation, retail transformation and growing consumer demand,” said Margaret Peters, Event Director at dmg events. “Sustained growth depends on stronger value-chain connections, and Africa Food Show creates the space for partnerships and measurable business growth.”
The event builds on a 21-year legacy as Africa’s Big 7 and continues its repositioning as a marketplace for industry collaboration and expansion. The upcoming edition will again be co-located with Hotel & Hospitality Expo Africa, reflecting growing demand from a hospitality sector with an expanding development pipeline across the continent.
With hundreds of exhibitors and thousands of professionals expected to attend, Africa Food Show 2026 will feature structured networking, sourcing opportunities and industry programming focused on innovation, sustainability and growth strategy.
Registration opens in March for professionals seeking new products, partnerships and insight into Africa’s evolving food economy.
