By Yunus S Saliu
The Gambia has officially opened the 2026 West African Food Festival (WAFFEST), with Vice-President Momodou B.S. Jallow calling for greater investment in culinary tourism, skills development and regional cooperation to drive economic growth.
The opening ceremony, held on Friday, Oct. 16, at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre in Bijilo, brought together government officials, diplomats, tourism stakeholders, chefs, development partners and participants from across Africa and beyond.
Held from Oct. 15 to 21 under the theme “Developing Skills, Changing Lives,” the festival attracted participants from more than 30 countries, including Anglophone, Francophone and Lusophone nations, as well as Uganda, Rwanda and South Africa.
The event features national cuisine and beverage presentations, cultural performances, drumming, dancing and masquerade displays, showcasing the diversity of participating countries and the richness of African culinary traditions.
Presiding over the opening, Vice-President Jallow welcomed delegates on behalf of President Adama Barrow, the government and people of The Gambia, describing the country’s hosting of the festival as an opportunity to strengthen its position as a destination for cultural and culinary tourism.
He commended the Gambia Chefs Association for its performance at the 2025 edition and encouraged Gambian chefs to defend their Jollof rice championship title.
Jallow said food was more than a source of nourishment, describing it as an expression of identity, history and shared heritage that unites communities, preserves culture and sustains livelihoods.
He said WAFFEST provided an important platform for celebrating culinary diversity, strengthening regional cooperation and promoting gastronomy as a driver of tourism and economic growth.
The Vice-President described The Gambia’s diverse cuisine and renowned hospitality as valuable national assets that could attract visitors, create jobs, support local businesses and generate income for communities.
He urged stakeholders to promote food markets, traditional cooking experiences, restaurants and cultural festivals as tourism attractions in their own right.
Jallow also highlighted the festival’s potential to connect chefs, food producers and tourism entrepreneurs through competitions, exhibitions, master classes and networking opportunities, enabling participants to exchange knowledge and establish lasting partnerships.
He called for stronger links between local agriculture and the hospitality industry to create reliable markets for farmers, fishermen and food processors.
He further stressed the importance of local sourcing, food safety, nutrition and sustainable practices in improving standards, reducing waste and supporting inclusive growth.
The Vice-President urged greater investment in women and young people through skills development, mentorship, apprenticeships and access to finance, saying such support would help them innovate, preserve culinary heritage and compete internationally.
He also called on West African countries to use their culinary and cultural assets to deepen regional integration, expand intra-African trade and advance the objectives of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
Jallow said WAFFEST’s success should be measured not only by participation but also by the partnerships established, businesses strengthened and opportunities created beyond the festival.
He reaffirmed the government’s commitment to supporting tourism, hospitality and the creative industries as drivers of employment, inclusive economic growth and improved livelihoods before officially declaring WAFFEST 2026 open.
Meanwhile, Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Abdoulie Jobe thanked the National Organising Committee, the Gambia Chefs Association, sponsors and development partners for their contributions to the festival.
He said the event reflected a vision of harnessing West Africa’s culinary heritage to promote tourism, create cultural and economic opportunities, and strengthen cultural diplomacy and regional cooperation.
Jobe acknowledged support from the European Union through the Youth Empowerment Project for Diversification, Tourism and Creative Industries, as well as the International Trade Centre and the World Bank-funded Tourism Diversification and Resilience Gambia Project.
Other speakers included Siaka Fadera, Deputy Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, and Chef Shaun Smith, president of the Africa Chefs Alliance, alongside representatives of participating countries.
The festival is expected to provide opportunities for cultural exchange, professional development and stronger partnerships among chefs, tourism operators and food producers, while showcasing West Africa’s culinary heritage to international audiences.