By Yunus S Saliu
The Gambia is hosting the eighth edition of the West African Food Festival (WAFFEST) from 15 to 21 October, bringing together chefs and representatives from more than 30 countries for a week of culinary competitions, cultural exchanges and professional training.
The festival, held under the theme “Developing Skills, Changing Lives”, is organised by The Gambia through the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, in collaboration with the Gambia Chefs Association and other partners.
A welcome cocktail was held on Thursday to receive participating delegations ahead of the official opening ceremony scheduled for Friday at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo.
The Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute (GTHI) in Kanifing will host most of the festival’s culinary activities, including cooking competitions, practical demonstrations, masterclasses and professional development sessions.
This year’s edition has attracted participants from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds, including Anglophone, Francophone and Lusophone countries, as well as Uganda and South Africa, according to the organisers.
The international participation reflects the festival’s ambition to promote culinary exchange, strengthen professional networks and encourage cooperation across Africa and beyond.
The Gambia’s preparations have received positive feedback from the Africa Chefs Alliance (ACA), whose president, Chef Shaun Smith, said the country was “very much on track” to deliver a successful event following an inspection of facilities, accommodation, transportation, security and competition equipment.
The festival also provides an opportunity for Gambian chefs to defend titles won at the 2025 edition in Accra, Ghana.
At the previous festival, the Gambia Chefs Association won the Heritage Jollof competition and the Meatless Monday challenge. The team also secured a silver medal in bread baking and received other individual awards.
With more than 30 countries expected to take part, WAFFEST 2026 is expected to place The Gambia at the centre of a gathering that uses food to promote cultural understanding, skills development and regional cooperation.