By: Yunus S. Saliu
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) has inaugurated the Organising Committee for the West African Food Festival (WAFFEST) 2026, as The Gambia begins preparations to host the regional culinary event.
The committee was inaugurated on Tuesday at the MOTAC headquarters in Banjul by Permanent Secretary Amie Njie on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture.
The ceremony brought together Deputy Permanent Secretaries Isatou Drammeh and Siaka Fadera, senior ministry officials and members of the organising committee.
The Gambia secured the hosting rights for WAFFEST 2026 following the performance of the Chefs Association of The Gambia at the 2025 edition of the festival held in Accra, Ghana.
Addressing the ceremony, PS Njie stressed the need for early planning and collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the successful organisation of the festival.
“We want to get it right. That is why this committee brings together all key stakeholders to strategise, discuss and develop the best approaches for delivering a successful event,” she said.
She described the hosting of WAFFEST as both an opportunity and a responsibility for the country, noting that the committee has less than four months to prepare for the event.
“We have been entrusted with a huge responsibility on behalf of the entire country. We must give it our full commitment and work collectively to ensure that The Gambia hosts one of the most successful editions of the festival,” she added.
The Chairman of the Organising Committee and Director General of the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute (GTHI), Momodou Lamin Singhateh, described WAFFEST as a national event with the potential to promote The Gambia as a leading tourism destination.
“WAFFEST is not an event for the Chefs Association alone. It is a national event that aligns with the Ministry’s strategy of diversifying tourism source markets and promoting regional tourism,” Singhateh said.
He highlighted the growing importance of gastronomy tourism in destination marketing, citing the potential of hosting renowned chefs from across West Africa to attract international attention.
“If one celebrity chef can generate millions of online impressions for The Gambia, imagine the impact of hosting more than ten renowned chefs from across West Africa at one festival,” he said.
Singhateh disclosed that invitations have already been sent to participating countries, with strong interest expressed by chefs, tourism stakeholders and visitors across the region.
He commended past and present executives of the Chefs Association of The Gambia for their efforts in securing the hosting rights, describing their contribution as a patriotic service to national development.
Meanwhile, Alagie Bojang, Secretary of the Organising Committee, said WAFFEST would provide an important platform to promote gastronomy tourism and extend The Gambia’s tourism season beyond the traditional peak period.
“WAFFEST provides a unique opportunity to showcase Gambian cuisine, culture and hospitality to the rest of West Africa and beyond,” Bojang said.
He, however, identified funding as a major challenge, noting that although the International Trade Centre (ITC) has pledged support, the committee requires additional resources to meet the festival’s projected budget.
Bojang said the committee was exploring fundraising initiatives, including corporate sponsorship campaigns, fundraising breakfasts and cultural food events.
WAFFEST is a regional culinary festival that brings together chefs, food enthusiasts, tourism stakeholders and cultural performers from across West Africa. The 2026 edition is expected to promote The Gambia’s culinary heritage and strengthen its tourism profile.