The Khalifa Fund for Enterprise Development (KFED) will support 10 Emirati SMEs at Grains Africa 2025. The exhibition runs from August 21–23, 2025, in Nairobi, Kenya. It will take place alongside the AgroFoodPlastpack Exhibition 2025, which gathers exhibitors from 16 countries.
This event comes at a crucial time. Agricultural markets are expected to reach USD 1 Trillion by 2030. Therefore, Emirati SMEs can use the platform to explore new trade opportunities. At the same time, they will contribute to food security solutions across Africa and beyond.
Driving Innovation and Export Growth
The 10 UAE-based firms span agri-tech, sustainable farming, and value-added food manufacturing. Their participation demonstrates KFED’s mission to grow the national entrepreneurial ecosystem, encourage innovation, and boost the UAE’s global competitiveness.
The companies include East Gate (bakery equipment), iPack (sterile cardboard packaging), Printing Talk (precision-printed packaging), iPlast Industries (plastic pallets and packaging), Samira Maatouk (premium coffee), Orion (packaging films, liners, and bags), and Popular Popcorn (healthier gourmet popcorn).
Together, these businesses will showcase smart farming technologies, sustainable products, and high-quality solutions. As a result, they aim to raise productivity while protecting the environment.
Strategic Vision for Global Competitiveness
Her Excellency Mouza Obaid Al Nasri, CEO of KFED, emphasized:
“This participation highlights our commitment to supporting Emirati startups and entrepreneurs, while enhancing their global competitiveness, and is in line with Khalifa Fund’s vision to establish a sustainable business ecosystem, which will support long-term growth and economic diversification”.
To further this goal, KFED launched the ‘SME Export Enablement Programme’ earlier in 2025. Through advisory services, capacity-building initiatives, and access to global trade platforms, the program equips SMEs to expand internationally. Moreover, it strengthens collaboration between public and private sectors in new and emerging markets.
A Platform for Sustainable Growth
Beyond trade, KFED’s involvement reflects the UAE’s wider commitment to sustainable development goals (SDGs). By linking Emirati innovation with Africa’s fast-growing agricultural industry, the Fund reinforces the UAE’s position as a hub for entrepreneurship, industrial growth, and agricultural innovation.
