Conference Recap: Propak East Africa 2025 – "Unwrapping the Future"
The 2025 edition of the Propak East Africa Conference delivered a bold and refreshed experience under the theme “Unwrapping the Future.” Over three impactful days, the conference brought together industry professionals, innovators, and thought leaders from across the region for a powerful exchange of ideas, knowledge, and solutions.
The first day focused on practical skills and sustainability in plastics, offering hands-on training and expert-led sessions on recycling. Day two shifted the spotlight to packaging, where stakeholders explored current innovations and future possibilities in the Eastern Africa Packaging Summit. The final day turned attention to the future of manufacturing, examining how scalable infrastructure, sustainable practices, and investment strategies are driving productivity and profitability across the region’s industrial landscape.
Each day built on the momentum of the last—creating a vibrant platform for learning, networking, and collaboration.
Keep an eye out for what’s next in 2026, as we continue to redefine the future of the plastics, printing, packaging, and processing industries in East Africa.
*The conference programme may change due to the organisers discretion.
Rosalid Rwaru
Dynamic and impassioned, forward thinking accomplished senior management leader in the realm of sustainability within the manufacturing sector. With a diverse background spanning various operational roles, I bring a holistic perspective to the table, leveraging my expertise to drive positive change. My unwavering commitment to conserving resources, optimizing energy usage, minimizing waste, and implementing sustainable manufacturing practices. My mission is unequivocal: to create a positive environmental and social impact. I am a people and process champion with a demonstrable capacity to design and implement sustainability initiatives that enhance environmental performance, save money, generate revenue and social value. With a track record of success in driving transformational initiatives, I am poised to continue leading impactful efforts towards a brighter, more sustainable tomorrow. I enjoy travelling and reading.
Elisha Magak
reGenesis.ag.
Elisha Oketch is in AgTech Partnerships Advisory at reGenesis.ag.
Regenesis.ag is a Florida-based technology platform designed to enhance supply chain transparency, traceability, and sustainability across various industries - - including agriculture, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, fashion, and logistics. The platform enables businesses to track products from origin to consumer, ensuring compliance with global regulations and fostering trust among stakeholders.
At reGenesis, we see packaging not just as a vessel, but as a vital medium for transparency, traceability, and trust. In alignment with packaging professionals' mission to elevate packaging standards and industry readiness, our platform bridges innovation with compliance—empowering your members to adopt smart packaging solutions that are globally aligned, digitally enabled, and consumer-focused."
George Munai
Vertiv
George is a dynamic and result-oriented Business Manager with over 12 years of verifiable year after year successful experience in Sales and Management process by working in conjunction with sales teams, engineers and clients in the technological industry. He is experienced and trained in Data Center infrastructure solutions design and implementation.
He currently manages the business growth in East Africa with a focus on delivering exceptional Customer experience service with the Vertiv team and esteemed distributors and partners across all East African countries. With his expertise in sales, business development, product management to regional management he caters to markets sectors across the region from telecom, data centres to renewable power generation and industrial automation.
Jonathan Kinisu
Tetra Pak East Africa
Jonathan Kinisu is the Managing Director, Tetra Pak East Africa since July 1, 2019. Jonathan is a seasoned sales and marketing professional with over 15 years’ experience in B2B and B2C sales in the petroleum industry (Shell) and more recently the global food packaging industry with Tetra Pak. He has extensive knowledge on the East African dairy and beverages landscape and has been responsible for executing the sales strategy in Tetra Pak across several countries across East Africa, including Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi, Ethiopia, Madagascar and Mauritius. He has a background in sciences with a bachelor’s degree in Biochemistry with Biotechnology and a master’s degree in computational Genetics. He expresses a deep passion for dairy and beverage development across the region and believes that East Africa should be the dairy powerhouse of the world. When not working, the former student of Friends School Kamusinga enjoys farming, playing basketball and mentoring young people across East Africa.
Annet Wanjiru
Hegazy Pack Ltd
Annete is a packaging industry professional with a strong background in business development, supply chain management, and customer relations. Hegazy Pack Ltd, focuses on expanding market reach, strengthening client partnerships, and ensuring the delivery of high-quality, innovative packaging solutions that align with industry demands.
With experience in human resources and a deep understanding of packaging, She has played a key role in streamlining operations, implementing strategic initiatives, and driving efficiency across business processes. She is particularly passionate about smart packaging and the potential of digital transformation to help MSMEs scale and compete on a global level.
As a panelist, Annete Wanjiru looks forward to contributing insights on how businesses can leverage packaging innovations to enhance sustainability, improve supply chains, and unlock new growth opportunities.
Gathoni Mwethu
Packaging Producer Responsibility Organisation (PAKPRO)
Gathoni Methu is a passionate and results-driven waste management expert with over five years of experience in the private and non-profit sectors, specializing in sustainable waste management and circular economy models. She currently serves as the Membership Lead at PAKPRO, Kenya’s first Producer Responsibility Organisation (PRO), where she fosters collaboration between industry stakeholders and policymakers to promote sustainable packaging recovery and recycling. Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Science from Kenyatta University, advanced training in Solid Waste Management Technologies from the Technical University of Denmark, and specialized coursework in Results-Based Management at MSTCDC in Arusha.
Beyond her technical expertise, Gathoni brings over a decade of experience in community development, working closely with grassroots organizations and youth groups to promote environmental education and experiential learning. Her work spans Kenya’s urban and rural regions, reflecting her commitment to inclusive, scalable, and context-sensitive solutions. A firm believer in collaborative action and policy-driven change, she advocates for innovative waste management practices that align economic growth with environmental stewardship. Outside of work, Gathoni enjoys dance, baking, travel, and camping, and channels her experiences into mentoring the next generation of sustainability leaders.
Ali Badarneh
UNIDO
Ali Badarneh is the chief of the Food Security and Food Systems Division at UNIDO. He leads a team of professionals and experts working in areas related to Value Chain Development, Food Safety, Fisheries, Agro-parks, and Market systems development. He also coordinates and manages UNIDO’s partnerships with FAO, WFP and WPO.
Graduated of Birmingham University as a food engineer, he worked as a food safety and quality consultant for a regional consulting firm in the Middle East and many international organizations (UNIDO, LRQA, CU, ISO, ACDI-VOCA and USAID). He holds international accreditations in areas related to the quality and food safety auditing and training.
Joint UNIDO in 2008 and was awarded the Role Model Award from the Director General of UNIDO for his outstanding achievements and contribution to UNIDO’s mandate.
https://at.linkedin.com/in/ali-badarneh-50785928
Fawzan Chaudhri
NCBA Group
Fawzan Chaudhri is a seasoned Corporate Banker with over 20 years of cross-border experience, spanning London’s Square Mile, Knightsbridge, and East Africa. He leads a team of corporate relationship managers, delivering both traditional and cutting-edge banking solutions to help corporations achieve their strategic goals.
At NCBA Bank, Fawzan oversees a substantial corporate portfolio, driving sustainable growth through fit-for-purpose financial solutions. Passionate about innovation, he helps businesses navigate corporate banking complexities while adapting to the circular economy. His expertise includes corporate finance, negotiation, leadership, and strategic collaboration.
Enock Okoth
Mohinani Group
Dr. Ayub Macharia
National Environment Management Authority - KE (NEMA)
Dr. Ayub is a distinguished environmental expert with a PhD in Environmental Education (Education for Sustainability) and multiple advanced degrees in environmental science, strategic leadership, and education. With over three decades of experience, he has held key roles in academia, government, and policymaking, including serving as Acting Director General of the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) and currently as the Director of Environmental Education and Awareness at the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources.
Dr. Ayub has been instrumental in shaping Kenya’s sustainability agenda, chairing the National PET Plastics Management Committee and leading multiple green initiatives funded by DANIDA. A dedicated educator, he lectures part-time at Strathmore University on environmental law, policy, and strategic leadership. His passion lies in driving participative and results-oriented leadership for sustainable development.
Rodgers Machoka
Odoo ERP
Rodgers Machoka is an Odoo Business Advisor who empowers businesses to achieve operational excellence and sustainable growth through the strategic implementation of Odoo ERP. Combining his strong foundation in finance with years of experience in business development, Rodgers possesses a unique ability to analyze business needs, identify areas for improvement, and deliver tailored Odoo solutions that optimize processes, enhance financial performance, and drive revenue growth. He is passionate about helping businesses leverage technology to streamline operations, gain a competitive edge, and achieve their full potential.Business Advisor
Mélanie Keïta Mariam
Melanin Kapital
Melanie Keita is the CEO and co-founder of Melanin Kapital, the first fintech offering a carbon neobank to help businesses, investors, and financial institutions manage, access, and track carbon credits and green lending in Africa. Recognized by Forbes 30 Under 30 (2021) and awarded by Hewlett Packard Foundation and AfricArena, she is a leader in climate finance innovation.
With a background in impact investment across Paris, Nairobi, and Frankfurt, Melanie has worked with organizations like Investisseurs & Partenaire, the United Nations, and Finance in Motion. She specializes in corporate finance, fundraising, and impact assessment, supporting SMEs, startups, and financial institutions.
She also teaches impact investing in emerging markets at ESCP Europe and mentors entrepreneurs in accelerator programs like Bridge for Billions and GIZ-SAIS. Melanie holds a Master’s in Corporate Finance from ESSCA Business School, an MSc in International Sustainability from ESCP Europe, and a Microfinance certification from Frankfurt School of Finance & Management.
Fredd Kambo
ARCH Emerging Partners, Cold Chain Fund
Fredd is responsible for the development and execution of ARCH’s Cold Chain East Africa investment strategy. This involves the development of temperature-controlled warehouses and logistics businesses across EAST Africa. In this role, Fredd leads the Cold Chain Fund's efforts to address systemic problems in food loss and food security, as well as meeting the challenges of maintaining the integrity of pharmaceutical products. Fredd has over 20 years of Investment Banking and Private Equity Fund Experience, having worked previously in senior roles at JP Morgan, Sanlam Investment Management, and Abraaj.
Eoin Flinn
254 Brewing
Eoin is a founder / co-founder of Burn Manufacturing, Booch, Grounded, 254 Brewing, and Nairobi Singalong. In 2024 he successfully lobbied for a small brewers provision in the Kenyan Excise Act, and in 2025 he became Chair of the KAM Alcohol Committee. He is commited to promoting small and independent traditional brewers around the country.
Mr. Kofi Essuman
WPO
Kofi Essuman is a seasoned professional with 40 years of experience in the food manufacturing industry and international agencies, specializing in packaging, product development, quality management, and sustainability. He holds a Certificate in Packaging from Michigan State University, a Master’s in Food Science, and a Bachelor’s in Food Science & Nutrition from the University of Ghana.
Kofi currently chairs the Management Board of GS1 Ghana and the Board of Directors of Royal Crown Packaging Limited. His career spans leadership roles at Cocoa Processing Company, Unilever Ghana, and the International Trade Centre (ITC) in Geneva and Fiji. He has also served as CEO of GS1 Ghana.
A key figure in African packaging, Kofi founded the Institute of Packaging Ghana and the African Packaging Organization. He has consulted for FAO, UNIDO, and various international firms, contributing to numerous publications and conferences. With over a decade of lecturing experience, he has taught Food Packaging and Packaging Value Chain courses at leading Ghanaian universities.
Frederic Couty
International Trade Centre
Dr, Mary Clare Akinyi Kidenda
The Technical University of Kenya
Dr Mary Clare Akinyi Kidenda is a senior lecturer and the academic team leader in the Department of Design and Creative Media of the School of Creative Arts and Media at the Technical University of Kenya. She has over 38 years of experience teaching art and design in secondary schools, tertiary institutions and universities.
In addition to a Doctorate in Design and Visual Arts, Dr Mary Clare holds a Master of Arts in Design and a Bachelor’s Degree in Education and Fine Art. Her research interest is in design practice and planning in the informal sector and, more recently, in visual arts therapy and green skills in the green economy.
Dr Mary Clare is a member of the Design Association of Kenya (DeSK) and Arts Council of the African Studies Association (ACASA). She is also an associate member of UNESCO University Twinning and Networking (UNITWIN) and a member of Exploring Visual Cultures’ expert panel.
Aleksa Mirković
UNIDO
Aleksa Mirkovic is a Serbian citizen and a graduate of MODUL University Vienna, where he specialized in entrepreneurship, innovation, leadership, and governance. He gained experience through roles at Bauerfeind in Zagreb and Alterna International in Belgrade before joining UNIDO in 2022 as a Project Associate in the Agri-Business and Infrastructure Development Department.
At UNIDO, Aleksa focuses on expanding the department’s sustainable food packaging portfolio, coordinating partnerships with the World Packaging Organization, GreenBlue, and Informa Markets. His work centers on establishing Packaging Centers of Excellence in developing countries to enhance food security, public health, job creation, and market access.
To further his expertise, he is currently pursuing a Master’s in Packaging Technology and Sustainability at FH Campus Wien.
Kirtida Bhana
Plastics SA
Kirtida Bhana is a seasoned Learning and Development professional with over three decades of experience in skills development, training, and leadership within the plastics manufacturing sector. As the Head of the Academy for Learning and Development at Plastics|SA, she plays a pivotal role in shaping the Skills Development Agenda, managing training programs, and fostering industry collaborations.
She serves as a Non-Executive Director on the merSETA Accounting Authority and chairs the Plastics Chamber Committee, contributing to strategic decision-making in the manufacturing and engineering education sector. Kirtida is also actively involved in curriculum development and academic advisory at Tshwane University of Technology, ensuring alignment between industry needs and education.
Academically, she holds a Higher National Diploma in Polymer Technology and is currently pursuing an MBA at the University of East London in the UK. She has also completed executive education programmes at Wits School of Governance, including Leadership in Board Governance and Research Conceptualisation for Public Sector Researchers, where she received an academic achievement award as the top student in her cohort.
Recognised for her analytical thinking, governance expertise, and commitment to innovation, Kirtida continues to drive workforce development and operational excellence in the industry
Annabé Pretorius
Plastics SA
Annabé graduated in Polymer Science at Stellenbosch University a long time ago. After working at the CSIR, AECI and the Plastics Federation of SA, she formed her own company, Plastix 911 in 2007 and has been active in the plastics industry for more than thirty years. In January 2022 she joined Plastics SA as Executive: Technical Operations.
She is the face behind the annual statistics for the local plastics industry and to get the numbers, she visits at least 120 manufacturers, polymer producers and recyclers every year.
Various committees and working groups tap into Annabé’s knowledge and experience. She is a regular on the judging panel for the Gold Pack design awards for the Institute of Packaging, an active member of the South African Bureau of Standards and recently also of the African Organisation for Standardisation.
She’s absolutely passionate about plastics, anything to do with plastics, from the making there-off to the getting rid of it at the end of its first life.
Jackline Kittony
Tetra Pak East Africa
Jackline Kittony- Arao is the Marketing & Portfolio Director at Tetra Pak East Africa. She has 16 years’ experience spearheading dozens of initiatives for several multinational FMCG organizations in East and West Africa. Her work has provided her with extensive exposure and experience in emerging markets and she has developed a global mindset as a result.
Jackline Has led several marketing and sales initiatives that increased companies’ product portfolio range, increased market shares, generated new business and resulted in incremental revenue for companies such as Tetra Pak, Colgate Palmolive and Reckitt Benckiser. She is passionate about innovation and growing brands, especially in the African markets where the needs are very diverse.
James Odongo
Kenya Extended Producer Responsibility Organisation (KEPRO)
James has vast knowledge in public policy development, community development, program management, research and advocacy as well as systems strengthening with a bias to Business Member Organization (BMO) strengthening.
Prior to joining KEPRO, Mr. Odongo served as the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at the Kenya National Chamber of Commerce & Industry Nairobi Chapter. James has also previously worked with the Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) leading the Research, Policy & Advocacy Department.
He holds a B. A Planning from the University of Nairobi (UoN) and is currently pursuing an Msc. Urban Management from the same institution.
Joyce Gachugi Waweru
PAKPRO
A Visionary Leader in Sustainable Business With over 18 years of leadership experience in shared value and corporate sustainability, Mrs. Joyce Gachugi – Waweru is a trailblazer in creating business strategies that prioritize societal impact. Currently serving as the CEO at PAKPRO®, Joyce is steering the company towards excellence in the Circular Economy sector. Under her guidance, PAKPRO® has emerged as a pioneer in Extended Producer Responsibility, seamlessly integrating environmental and social considerations into its core business operations.
Richard N. Muteti
Confederation of Micro, Small and Enterprises Organizations East Africa (CMSEO-EA)
Mr. Richard Muteti serves the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) sector in various capacities in Kenya, the East African Community and the COMESA region. He is the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya National Federation of Jua Kali Associations and Chairman of the Skilled Artisans and Informal Apprenticeship Association-Kenya Chapter. Mr. Muteti heads the secretariat of the Confederation of Micro and Small Enterprises Organization East Africa (CMSEO-EA) which is the apex regional body representing the informal sector in the region. Mr. Muteti is also the Regional Project Manager of the EAC MSMEs Trade Fairs which is a Regional MSME market access programme for small businesses in the EAC. He is currently championing the MSME Sector and TVET linkages towards the creation of gainful self-employment and entrepreneurial opportunities for the MSMEs in the EAC region.
Zippy Shiyoya
Institute Of Packaging Professionals Kenya (IOPPK)
Director of the Institute of Packaging Professionals Kenya. Worked for over 20+ years in a Swedish-Swiss multinational food packaging & processing company, with a converting factory based in Kenya. Her key role of Coordinating package design projects gives her solid experience in emerging markets.
Joseph Nyongesa
Institute Of Packaging Professionals Kenya (IOPPK)
Akshay Shah
Silafrica
Akshay Shah, Group Executive Director, Silafrica. Akshay is a respected & accomplished leader in the Sustainable Plastics Packaging Industry, and a strong advocate for transitioning to a Circular Economy in Africa. In his role at Silafrica, one of Africa's leading sustainable plastic packaging manufacturing company for leading FMCG brands, his focus is on achieving sustainable growth through technology leadership & circular economy.
He believes the transition to realizing a true circular economy is only possible through teamwork by partnering with all stakeholders, and the benefit is a sustainable environment with huge job creation potential. He currently serves as the Board Chairperson on the Kenya Extended Producer Responsibility Organization (KEPRO) Board.
