By Aminata Kuyateh
The Gambia has launched preparations to host the West Africa Food Festival (WAFFEST) 2026, calling for stronger partnerships and investment to leverage food and gastronomy as drivers of tourism, culture and local business growth.
Scheduled for October 15–21, WAFFEST 2026 is organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in partnership with the Gambia Chefs Association. The week-long festival is expected to attract delegates from 35 countries, including chefs, food producers, investors, tourism stakeholders, development partners and exhibitors.
A soft launch and fundraising event on Friday at the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute (GTHI) in Kanifing officially kicked off preparations and opened the sponsorship campaign.
Saikou Bojang, president of the Gambia Chefs Association, said WAFFEST 2026 offers The Gambia a platform to showcase its cuisine, culture and national identity. He traced the festival’s origins to Accra in 2019, an initiative started by chefs from Nigeria and Ghana, and noted Gambian chefs’ strong track record in regional competitions. “Gambian chefs have won trophies in Ghana and Liberia, and we have represented the country across Africa,” he said, highlighting a first-place finish at a Pan-African chefs’ event and notable performances in Jollof competitions.
Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture Amie Njie Joof described the soft launch as the formal start of preparations and urged coordinated support. “WAFFEST is an opportunity to celebrate West Africa’s shared heritage, creativity and resilience,” she said, calling on government, the private sector, development partners and individuals to provide financial, technical and moral backing. “The festival’s success depends on collective effort.”
The Director of the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute said WAFFEST will position The Gambia as a destination for cultural and culinary tourism by spotlighting West African culinary heritage, hospitality, agribusiness innovations and local creativity. He added that food tells the stories of farmers, fishermen and communities and that the festival can unlock investment, innovation and regional cooperation.
Organisers say the soft launch and fundraising push aim to raise awareness and mobilise sponsors, investors and partners to ensure WAFFEST 2026 delivers measurable benefits for The Gambia’s cultural and tourism sectors.