World Potato Congress 2026
Naivasha, Kenya · 26–30 October 2026 · the first World Potato Congress in Sub-Saharan Africa
The 13th World Potato Congress (WPC 2026) takes place from 26 to 30 October 2026 at the Sawela Lodges and Convention Centre in Naivasha, Kenya — the first time the global congress has been held in Sub-Saharan Africa. Organised by World Potato Congress Inc. and hosted by the National Potato Council of Kenya (NPCK) and FreshCrop, it gathers more than 1,000 delegates from over 60 countries under the theme “Global Potato Partnership for Enhanced Food Systems, Nutrition Security and Trade.”
- Event
- 13th World Potato Congress (WPC 2026)
- Dates
- 26–30 October 2026 (pre-Congress workshops 26 Oct; post-Congress field days into early November)
- Venue
- Sawela Lodges and Convention Centre, Naivasha, Lake Naivasha, Great Rift Valley, Kenya
- Hosts
- World Potato Congress Inc., with NPCK and FreshCrop
- Partners
- International Potato Center (CIP), KALRO, Agriculture and Food Authority (AFA)
- Theme
- Global Potato Partnership for Enhanced Food Systems, Nutrition Security and Trade
- Scale
- 1,000+ delegates from 60+ countries; first in Sub-Saharan Africa
- Official site
- potatocongress.org
WPC 2026 is the first World Potato Congress to be held in Sub-Saharan Africa in the event’s three-decade history. The congress is now biennial, and its arrival in Kenya reflects Africa’s growing place in the global potato sector.
Kenya is one of East Africa’s largest producers, with a fast-growing domestic market and a strong research base. The binding constraint the sector is working to solve is the supply of quality seed.
The agenda spans global production and trade, seed systems and variety development, disease and pest management, post-harvest and value addition, climate-smart technologies, and inclusive business models for women, youth and small enterprises, alongside field visits to Kenyan farms and seed operations.
Our coverage of WPC 2026
Christella Uwase: the young Rwandan seed multiplier taking inclusivity to WPC 2026
Dinah Borus: the seed scientist bringing Kenya's apical cuttings to WPC 2026
Inside the World Potato Congress 2026: programme, speakers and field days
Seed to fries: the Kenyan hosts of the World Potato Congress
Kenya to host the first World Potato Congress in Sub-Saharan Africa
Frequently asked
When and where is the World Potato Congress 2026?
26–30 October 2026 at the Sawela Lodges and Convention Centre in Naivasha, Kenya.
Who is hosting WPC 2026?
World Potato Congress Inc., with the National Potato Council of Kenya and FreshCrop; partners include CIP, KALRO and the Agriculture and Food Authority.
What is the theme?
“Global Potato Partnership for Enhanced Food Systems, Nutrition Security and Trade.”
Why is WPC 2026 significant?
It is the first World Potato Congress held in Sub-Saharan Africa, reflecting Africa’s growing role in the global potato economy.
How often is the World Potato Congress held?
Every two years (previously triennial); the 2026 edition is the 13th.
How do I register or attend?
Registration and programme details are on the official Congress website, potatocongress.org. (Potatoes Africa is an independent publisher, not the organiser.)
Potatoes Africa provides independent journalism on WPC 2026 and is not an organiser of the Congress. For official registration, programme and venue details, see the World Potato Congress.