Ecomondo 2026: The Green Economy Trade Fair Strengthens Its Global Influence
Ecomondo 2026: A Platform for Green, Blue, and Circular Economies
The 29th edition of the Ecomondo fair concluded last Friday in Rimini, Italy, featuring a robust participation from international actors in the green, blue, and circular economies. Organized by the Italian Exhibition Group (IEG), the event reported a 14% increase in foreign visitors, solidifying its status as one of the leading global events focused on ecological transition and sustainable innovation.
Over 1,800 Exhibiting Brands Gathered in Rimini
This year’s edition saw the participation of over 1,800 exhibiting brands, with 21% being foreign companies, occupying a space of 171,000 square meters spread across 30 pavilions. The fair was also highlighted by the organization of more than 10,000 business meetings, fostering exchanges among companies, institutions, associations, researchers, and innovators.
Ecomondo 2026 reaffirmed its role as an international platform dedicated to developing concrete solutions for the circular economy, facilitating the sharing of technologies, knowledge, and skills among various stakeholders involved in ecological transition.
Technological Innovation at the Heart of This Edition
One of the standout features this year was the "Innovation District," showcasing around twenty startups and small to medium-sized enterprises committed to developing innovative solutions for the circular economy.
The international appeal of the fair was further demonstrated by the presence of 1,300 buyers and foreign delegations, supported by Italy’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Italian Trade Agency (ICE).
Media coverage also reflected the event’s significance, with 651 accredited journalists, 15% of whom came from international media outlets.
Mexico and Africa at the Center of International Cooperation
Mexico’s participation was a key highlight of this 29th edition, with organizers emphasizing the importance of this partnership with a Latin American country committed to transforming its development model around the principles of a circular economy.
This cooperation is set to continue with the organization of Ecomondo Mexico, scheduled for April 20-22, 2027, at Expo Guadalajara.
Africa also played a significant role in the fair’s internationalization strategy, marked by the launch of the "Africa Investment HUB." This initiative aims to enhance trade exchanges and strengthen cooperative networks with associations and economic actors across the continent.
The Africa Green Growth Forum Highlights Circular Economy
The sixth edition of the Africa Green Growth Forum put circular economy issues at the forefront, discussing the efficient management of natural resources and raw materials, including water, textiles, plastics, and paper.
Discussions also covered regenerative bioeconomy, European regulatory developments, climate change adaptation, and enhancing cooperation between Africa and the Mediterranean.
Organized with the involvement of the task force responsible for implementing the Mattei Plan, Confindustria Assafrica & Mediterraneo, and RES4Africa, this event explored partnership prospects around green growth and sustainable development.
Over 200 Events Dedicated to Ecological Transition
Ecomondo 2026 offered more than 200 events in total, including 70 organized by the fair’s international technical-scientific committee. Discussions focused on innovation, European policies, and the necessary transformations in production systems.
The program advocated for a comprehensive approach to ecological transition, viewed not only as an environmental challenge but also as an economic transformation lever capable of reconciling sustainability, growth, and competitiveness.
This edition benefitted from collaboration with multiple international and national institutions, including the European Commission, FAO, OECD, the European Environment Agency, as well as various Italian ministries, the Emilia-Romagna region, and the city of Rimini.
With increasing international participation, thousands of professional meetings, and an enhanced commitment to partnerships with Africa and Latin America, Ecomondo confirms its ambition to contribute to accelerating the circular economy on a global scale.
