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BUILDEXPO AFRICA 2025 Kicks Off in Nairobi with Regional and Global Participation

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Gerald Kombo & Henry Naminde
July 16, 2025

(Henry Naminde Visuals) 
High-profile government officials and senior representatives from Expogroup pose for a group photo following the official opening ceremony.

The 26th edition of BUILDEXPO AFRICA opened this morning at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre (KICC), drawing stakeholders from across the building, construction, and infrastructure sectors. Organized by Expogroup East Africa, the international trade expo runs from July 16 to 18, 2025, and is expected to attract thousands of participants from over 40 countries.

The stairway entry to BUILDEXPO AFRICA 2025 at the Kenyatta International Convention Centre, Nairobi.

The expo was officially opened by Hon. Charles M. Hinga, CBS, CA(SA), Principal Secretary for Housing and Urban Development, alongside Hon. Regina A. Ombam (State Department for Trade) and Hon. John L. Ololtuaa (State Department for Tourism).

(Hon. Charles M. Hinga, Principal Secretary for Housing and Urban Development, delivers the keynote address during the official opening of BUILDEXPO AFRICA 2025.)

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“This expo is about connecting ideas to solutions,” said PS Charles Hinga.
“It gives us the opportunity to interact with innovation, policy, and the private sector all in one place.”

(Hon. Charles M. Hinga seated alongside fellow Principal Secretaries and senior officials during the opening session at KICC. )

(Hon. John L. Ololtuaa, Principal Secretary for Tourism, speaks on the role of infrastructure in supporting regional tourism and heritage.)

The 2025 edition has brought together over 300 companies, including key players in construction equipment, building materials, smart energy systems, mining technologies, and water infrastructure. Participants include Lesol City Ltd, LinkMisr International, PL International Holdings Kenya Ltd, King Tiles, and first-time exhibitors from Singapore, China, Egypt, Pakistan, India, and Europe.

(Duncan Njage of Expogroup East Africa with Hon. Charles M. Hinga, Principal Secretary for Housing and Urban Development left to right during the address by Hon. John L. Ololtuaa, Principal Secretary for Tourism.)

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“The diversity we’re seeing this year in terms of exhibitors reflects the growing international confidence in East Africa’s construction sector,” said Duncan Njage, a spokesperson for Expogroup East Africa.

Sector Outlook

Kenya’s construction industry has faced fluctuations, with the sector contracting by 2% in the third quarter of 2024, attributed largely to a slowdown in private sector investment. However, this year’s expo comes at a time of renewed optimism following the government’s allocation of KSh 504.6 billion to infrastructure and energy in the 2025/26 national budget.

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“With government backing and regional cooperation, the sector is well-positioned for recovery and future growth,” noted Njage.

Forecasts suggest that Kenya’s construction industry could rebound by 2.9% in 2025, with average annual growth of 5.5% projected through 2029, driven by housing, energy, roads, and water projects.

Exhibits and Engagements

BUILDEXPO AFRICA 2025 features a mix of product showcases, live demonstrations, and expert-led forums on sustainable design, green technology, and financing models for large infrastructure projects.

Expogroup’s Duncan Njage walks a government official through one of the exhibition booths on the show floor.

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“We are not just exhibiting equipment; we are discussing solutions to practical problems on the ground,” said a representative from Lesol City Ltd, whose booth features energy-efficient and solar-powered lighting systems.

Professional bodies such as the Kenya Professional Realtors Association, Konza Technopolis, WASH Alliance, and REBWAK are participating, alongside delegations from Uganda, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Rwanda, and Somalia.

Key Highlights

  • Global Representation: Over 43 countries represented, including China, Egypt, India, Italy, Turkey, and the UAE.

  • Product Categories: Construction machinery, roofing and tiles, energy solutions, steel structures, sanitation technology, and smart city tools.

  • Strategic Venue: Held at KICC, offering central access for local and international participants.

Looking Ahead

The expo will run through July 18, 2025, with open registration for professionals and institutional buyers. The final day will feature a panel on public-private collaboration and financing models for affordable housing and infrastructure.

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“Our goal is to leave this expo with actionable partnerships and technology transfers that benefit the region,” said a representative from PL International Holdings Kenya Ltd.