In a bold move to transform East Africa’s food and beverage landscape, Kerry, a global leader in taste and nutrition, partnered with the Strathmore Agri-Food Innovation Center (SAFIC) at Strathmore University Business School to host the first-ever East Africa CEO Forum.
Bringing together over 100 influential figures from across the region, the forum was themed “Insights and Innovations in the Food and Beverage Industry.” It served as a platform for collaboration between academia and industry, fostering dialogue around innovation and sustainable economic growth.
As Africa continues to rise as a global hub for food and beverage innovation, the forum attracted CEOs, policymakers, academics, and entrepreneurs. A key highlight was a dynamic panel discussion covering topics such as evolving consumer preferences, sustainability as a business advantage, resilient supply chains, and new models for industry-academic collaboration. Participants also explored how businesses can adapt to changing markets while building agile, future-ready operations.
Hosted at the Strathmore University Business School, the event aligns with Kerry’s continued expansion in emerging markets. In March 2025, the company launched operations in Rwanda as part of its €1 billion investment, reinforcing its commitment to bringing world-class food solutions closer to African manufacturers.
“Bringing together diverse perspectives from industry leaders helps us identify innovative solutions that address the complex challenges facing businesses today,” said Jad Neaime, General Manager, Kerry Africa. “The CEO Forum demonstrates our commitment to build collaborative leadership and advancing industry standards across Africa while contributing to economic growth and development. Our substantial investment reflects our confidence in Africa’s potential and our dedication to supporting its food ecosystem.”
Ms. Maris Evelyn, Deputy Head of Mission at the Embassy of Ireland to Kenya, delivered a keynote address underscoring the role of Irish businesses in advancing sustainable development. “Kerry’s expanding presence not only creates substantial economic opportunities but also facilitates knowledge exchange and innovation across borders. The Embassy of Ireland is proud to support such meaningful partnerships between our countries,” she said.
Dr. Caesar Mwangi, Executive Dean of Strathmore Business School, emphasized the power of academia-industry alignment. “Our partnership with Kerry exemplifies our mission to bridge research and real-world impact. By convening leading experts and leaders, we’ve sparked a dialogue that will shape the region’s innovation agenda and build a stronger, more inclusive food sector.”
Also speaking at the event, Prof. Simon Nderitu, Centre Director of SAFIC, outlined the center’s vision to transform African food systems by leveraging evidence-based, private-sector-led strategies.
Kerry currently operates the most extensive manufacturing and R&D network in Africa’s F&B sector. Its state-of-the-art Centre of Excellence for Taste Creation in South Africa is supported by seven manufacturing facilities and application centers across Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Nigeria, Cameroon, and South Africa.
The success of the CEO Forum signals the beginning of a new era for East Africa’s food and beverage sector—one shaped by innovation, regional collaboration, and a shared commitment to sustainable growth.
