Strengthening local manufacturing key to East Africa’s packaging future

East Africa’s packaging and processing industry stands at a defining moment. Demand for packaged goods is rising rapidly, driven by urbanisation, expanding fast-moving consumer goods markets, regional trade integration, and the continued growth of e-commerce.

Across Africa, the packaging market is projected to grow from approximately $45 billion in 2025 to nearly $58.5 billion by 2031, according to the 2026 Kenya Flexible Packaging Market Report with the country set to be among the fastest-growing packaging markets. This growth presents significant economic opportunities. But it also presents responsibility.

As consumer expectations evolve and regulatory frameworks strengthen, packaging is no longer viewed solely as a functional necessity. It is increasingly central to sustainability, consumer trust, product safety, and trade competitiveness.

Governments across East Africa are implementing measures such as single-use plastic restrictions, Extended Producer Responsibility frameworks, and ambitious recycling targets to address environmental concerns and plastic waste management challenges.

The question facing industry leaders today is not whether sustainability matters. It is about balancing sustainability objectives with the need to accelerate industrial growth and strengthen local manufacturing capability.

In many parts of the region, demand is rising faster than local production capacity. Manufacturers still rely heavily on imported machinery, technologies, and complex multi-material packaging structures.

While imports have supported market expansion, long-term competitiveness requires a shift toward more localised, technology-enabled, and regionally anchored production ecosystems.

Innovations such as mono-layer recyclable packaging and compostable materials are helping reduce multi-material waste while improving end-of-life recovery.

Digital technologies now allow premium packaging finishes to be produced locally, reducing the need to outsource internationally and lowering logistics-related emissions.

The future of packaging in East Africa will not be defined by growth alone. It will be defined by how responsibly and strategically the growth is managed.

By aligning regulation with innovation, investing in skills and modern technologies, and fostering industry collaboration, East Africa can build a packaging ecosystem that supports environmental stewardship while driving economic resilience.

Advances in food and beverage processing systems are improving efficiency, reducing material waste, and optimising energy use across production lines. These are not distant possibilities, they are technologies already entering the East African market.

At the same time, regulation must remain pragmatic and collaborative. Policymakers and industry stakeholders must work together to ensure sustainability targets are achievable, enforceable, and supportive of investment.

Clear and predictable policy frameworks create certainty for investors and accelerate the adoption of environmentally responsible solutions. Conversely, fragmented or poorly harmonised regulations risk increasing costs and slowing innovation.

Capacity building is equally critical. As packaging technologies become more sophisticated, the industry must invest in skills development and technical training.

From advanced printing technologies to modern processing systems, building local expertise ensures that sustainability ambitions are matched by operational capability.

Kenya, in particular, has an opportunity to anchor this transformation. With its strong industrial base, expanding SME sector, and position as a gateway to regional markets, the country can help shape a more resilient and competitive packaging ecosystem for East Africa.

The growing interest from international technology providers and equipment manufacturers reflects rising confidence in the region not just as a consumer market, but as a viable production and investment destination.

Platforms that bring together regulators, manufacturers, technology providers, and investors play an important role in accelerating this shift. Industry gatherings such as Propak East Africa create space for policy dialogue, technology transfer, and collaboration.

This year’s edition, taking place from 3rd to 5th March at the Sarit Expo Centre, will enable stakeholders to explore practical solutions to sustainability and compliance challenges while strengthening local production capability.

The future of packaging in East Africa will not be defined by growth alone.

It will be defined by how responsibly and strategically the growth is managed. By aligning regulation with innovation, investing in skills and modern technologies, and fostering industry collaboration, East Africa can build a packaging ecosystem that supports environmental stewardship while driving economic resilience.

The path forward is not about choosing between sustainability and industrialisation. It is about designing a model where both advance together, ensuring that East Africa’s packaging future is competitive, compliant, and built for the long term.

Angela Kinyua is Managing Director of Montgomery Group East Africa