The print and packaging industry across East Africa — and the broader Middle East & Africa region — is experiencing rapid expansion, driven by rising FMCG demand, expanding retail and e-commerce, and increased regional trade and exports. The Middle East & Africa printing and packaging market was valued at around USD 28.5 billion in 2024 and is forecast to grow to nearly USD 43 billion by 2033, reflecting continued demand for high-quality printed materials and packaging solutions.

Across the region, digital printing technologies — including inkjet and hybrid systems — are unlocking new business models by enabling shorter print runs, variable data jobs, and faster turnaround times with lower waste, while more traditional processes like flexography continue to support larger volume packaging needs. Digital printing for packaging alone is projected to grow steadily, with markets in the region expected to reach over USD 500 million by 2028 due to increased adoption in food, beverage, and cosmetics sectors.

At events like Propak East Africa, this momentum is visible in action. Established global and regional players such as ROTOCON — known for its ECOLINE flexo presses and label solutions — and GLS Specialty Chemicals, showcasing sustainable printing inks and coatings for food and pharmaceutical packaging, will exhibit the latest technologies advancing productivity and sustainability in print production.

For commercial printers, packaging converters, and brand teams in East Africa, these trends present both opportunity and challenge: growing markets demand quality, speed, technological competence, and consistent colour and print standards across diverse substrates. Digital transformation in print — from AI-assisted workflows to ECG (Expanded Colour Gamut) solutions — is reshaping how businesses compete.

This is where the Printing SA Masterclass, part of Propak East Africa, plays a pivotal role. Designed as a one-day technical training programme, it helps industry professionals deepen their practical skills in hybrid inkjet printing, design for print and packaging, ECG printing, and integrating AI into creative and production processes.

Whether you’re looking to improve production efficiencies, reduce costs, enhance print quality, or adopt new technologies with confidence, this masterclass delivers actionable insight grounded in regional and international expertise.

Don’t miss the opportunity to sharpen your skills and future-proof your operations — REGISTER NOW to secure your place at the Printing SA Masterclass 4th, March 2026