• 25–29 May 2026
  • Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort, Diani

PROGRAMME DAYS

Times shown are East Africa Time (EAT). Programme details may be updated from time to time.
Arrivals, Registration Support & Delegate Check-In

Arrival support, hotel check-in coordination, delegate accreditation support, and on-site assistance for early arriving participants.

  • 08:00 – 17:00
  • Registration Desk / Main Lobby
Delegates’ Arrival Day

Delegates arrive and settle in ahead of the official programme opening on 26 May 2026.

  • All Day
  • Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort
Welcome Cocktail

This session serves as the "Official Reception" led by the ISO Chair and Executive Director.

  • 19:00 – 23:00
  • Bustani Gardens
Registration

Badge collection, delegate registration confirmation, and morning reception.

  • 07:00 – 09:00
  • Registration Area
Arrival of H.E the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya

Arrival of H.E. the Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya and reception by the leadership of the International Sugar Organization, Government of Kenya, and invited delegates.

  • 09:00 – 09:30
  • Plenary Hall
Welcome Remarks

Opening remarks by the ISO Chairman welcoming delegates and setting the context for the 68th International Sugar Council Session and discussions on the future of the global sugar and bioenergy sectors.

  • 09:30 – 09:40
  • Plenary Hall
Jude Chesire

Jude Chesire

Chairman, International Sugar Organization (ISO) & Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Sugar Board
Remarks from the State Department for Agriculture

Perspectives on Kenya’s agricultural transformation agenda and the strategic importance of the sugar sector to national food security, livelihoods, and industrial growth.

  • 09:40 – 09:50
  • Plenary Hall
Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh, CBS

Dr. Kipronoh Ronoh, CBS

Principal Secretary, State Department for Agriculture
Host County Remarks

Welcome remarks from the host county highlighting Kwale’s role in supporting international cooperation, investment, and sustainable agricultural development.

  • 09:50 – 10:10
  • Plenary Hall
H.E. Hon. Fatuma Achani

H.E. Hon. Fatuma Achani

Governor, Kwale County, Republic of Kenya
Ministerial Remarks

Remarks on Kenya’s vision for a modern, competitive, and sustainable sugar industry within the regional and global agricultural economy.

  • 10:10 – 10:20
  • Plenary Hall
Sen. Mutahi Kagwe, EGH

Sen. Mutahi Kagwe, EGH

Cabinet Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Livestock Development
Deputy Presidential Address

An address on Kenya’s economic transformation agenda, with emphasis on agricultural modernization, regional trade integration, food security, and sustainable growth within Africa’s sugar and agro-industrial sectors.

  • 10:20 – 10:50
  • Plenary Hall
H.E. Prof. Kithure Kindiki, EGH

H.E. Prof. Kithure Kindiki, EGH

Deputy President of the Republic of Kenya
Health Break

Refreshments and networking break.

  • 10:50 – 11:20
  • Main Restaurant, Diamonds Leisure
Opening Remarks

The importance of a solid regulatory Framework.

  • 11:20 – 11:50
  • Plenary Hall
Jude Chesire

Jude Chesire

Chairman, International Sugar Organization (ISO) & Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Sugar Board
ETHANOL: A Crucial Decision for Africa

Exploring the strategic role of ethanol and biofuels in Africa’s energy transition, industrial growth, and agricultural transformation.

  • 11:50 – 12:50
  • Plenary Hall
Dr. Plinio Mário Nastari

Dr. Plinio Mário Nastari

President & CEO, DATAGRO Group & President, Brazilian Institute of Bioenergy and Bioeconomy (IBIO)
Presentation by Main Sponsor (KCB Bank Kenya Ltd)

A presentation by KCB Bank Kenya Ltd highlighting the role of financial institutions in supporting growth, investment, sustainability, and innovation within the sugar and agro-industrial sectors.

  • 12:50 – 13:10
  • Plenary Hall
Annastasia Kimtai

Annastasia Kimtai

Managing Director, KCB Bank Limited
Leveraging Earth Observation and Artificial Intelligence throughout the Sugar Production Value-Chain

Exploring the application of satellite imagery, geospatial intelligence, and artificial intelligence to improve productivity, planning, and sustainability across the sugar value chain

  • 13:10 – 13:40
  • Plenary Hall
Gerald Yegon

Gerald Yegon

Regional Lead, Africa – Government Business, Planet Labs PBC
Lunch

Lunch break for delegates.

  • 13:40 – 15:00
  • Main Restaurant, Diamonds Leisure
Science, Innovation and Partnerships for a Competitive and Sustainable Sugar Industry

Exploring how research, innovation and strategic partnerships can enhance productivity, sustainability and competitiveness across the sugar value chain.

  • 15:00 – 15:40
  • Plenary Hall
Dr. Chrispine Omondi

Dr. Chrispine Omondi

Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Sugar Research and Training Institute (KESRETI)
NCBA

A presentation by NCBA Bank Kenya Ltd

  • 15:40 – 16:00
  • Plenary Hall
James Gossip

James Gossip

Managing Director NCBA Bank Kenya PLC
Africa’s Sugar Investment Frontier: Trade Flows, Market Opportunities and Why East Africa Matters

Examining trade flows, investment opportunities, and the growing strategic importance of East Africa within the global sugar economy

  • 16:00 – 16:40
  • Plenary Hall
Nick Kwolek

Nick Kwolek

Founder & Managing Director, Kulea
Close of Day 1

Summary of key discussions and conclusions from the day’s sessions, followed by adjournment of proceedings for Day 1.

  • 16:40 – 17:00
  • Plenary Hall
Evening Gala Dinner

Official evening reception for delegates and invited guests.

  • 19:00 – 21:00
  • Beach Side
Jude Chesire

Jude Chesire

Chairman, International Sugar Organization (ISO) & Chief Executive Officer, Kenya Sugar Board
MECAS

Meeting of the Executive Committee and Administrative Subcommittee sessions as scheduled by the ISO Secretariat.

  • 09:30 – 13:00
  • Meeting Room
Lunch

Lunch break for delegates.

  • 13:00 – 15:00
  • Main Restaurant
Administrative Committee

Administrative Committee deliberations.

  • 15:00 – 17:00
  • Meeting Room
Evening Cocktail

Join us for an evening of warm hospitality, networking and cultural exchange as we welcome delegates to the 68th ISO Council Meeting. This cocktail reception offers an opportunity to unwind, foster meaningful connections and experience the rich spirit and charm of Kenya in a relaxed and elegant setting.

  • 19:00 – 21:00
  • Coral Beach Bar
Credentials Committee

Credentials Committee session.

  • 09:00 – 09:30
  • Committee Room
Council Meeting

Formal Council proceedings of the 68th International Sugar Council Meeting.

  • 09:30 – 13:00
  • Council Chamber / Plenary Hall
Lunch

Lunch break for delegates.

  • 13:00 – 14:30
  • Main Restaurant
Africa Sugar Development Task Force (ASDTF) Meeting

Reactivating the Africa Sugar Development Task Force to align stakeholders on AfCFTA priorities, including trade policy, rules of origin, and biofuels.

  • 15:30 – 17:00
  • Plenary Hall
H.E. Ambassador Aly Touré

H.E. Ambassador Aly Touré

Permanent Representative of Côte d’Ivoire to International Commodity Organizations
Delegates Free to Make Own Arrangements

Evening remains open unless a closing reception or host event is confirmed.

  • Evening
  • At Leisure
Excursions Day

Delegates may select from the official excursion options published on the website, including curated coastal and inland experiences.

  • From Morning – Varies
  • Various Excursion Locations
Golf Tournament

Optional golf activity for registered participants. Details, tee-off scheduling, and participation logistics to be communicated separately.

  • Morning – Varies
  • Diamonds Leisure Beach & Golf Resort
Optional Excursion Choices

Excursion choices include the official experiences featured under Travel Information on the website. Delegates are advised to review and select in advance.

  • All Day
  • See Excursions Page