HATO Strengthens Connections and Shares Expertise At The African Poultry Leadership Conference 2026

One of the key highlights of the conference was the level of interest shown in poultry lighting technologies. During workshop sessions, participants actively engaged in discussions on how lighting can influence bird behaviour, productivity, welfare, and overall farm performance. Many attendees indicated that the topic was highly relevant to their daily operations and offered valuable new perspectives for their businesses. 

The event also demonstrated the importance of education and knowledge sharing within the poultry sector.

By focusing on practical applications and farm-level challenges, HATO was able to showcase its expertise while helping producers better understand the impact of lighting management on results. 

The conference provided valuable insights into the evolving poultry industry across the continent. While many poultry farms still rely heavily on natural daylight, there is a clear trend towards more advanced housing systems, facility upgrades, and investments in modern breeder and layer operations. These developments create new opportunities for innovative solutions that support efficient and sustainable poultry production. 

HATO engaged with poultry professionals and businesses from East, Southern, and West Africa, strengthening existing relationships and establishing new connections throughout the region. These conversations confirmed a growing interest in technologies that help producers optimise farm performance and improve management practices.

Beyond showcasing technology, the conference provided an opportunity to exchange knowledge with poultry professionals from across the region. Many attendees shared a strong interest in learning how lighting can be used as a management tool to improve flock performance, welfare, and operational efficiency. The discussions highlighted a growing awareness that precision lighting can play a far greater role in poultry production than is often recognised today. 

Some of the most discussed topics included:

• Precision lighting concepts and best practices
• Measuring and evaluating light conditions inside poultry houses
• The relationship between lighting, bird behaviour, and productivity
• Future opportunities for innovation within modern poultry facilities

The enthusiastic response throughout the event further strengthened HATO's position as a trusted source of technical expertise and practical guidance for the poultry industry across Africa. 

Turning conversations into opportunities

The African Poultry Leadership Conference 2026 was a valuable and rewarding experience for HATO. Beyond the conversations held during the event, it opened the door to new collaborations and future opportunities across the African poultry sector. Most importantly, it confirmed the growing demand for knowledge and innovation in poultry lighting - areas where HATO remains committed to helping producers succeed.

We would like to thank the organisers and all participants for the engaging discussions and look forward to continuing these conversations in the months ahead.