West Africa Food Festival 2026 opens in The Gambia

The 8th edition of the West Africa Food Festival (WAFFEST) has commenced in The Gambia, running from October 15 to October 21, 2026. Held at the Sir Dawda Kairaba Jawara International Conference Centre, the event was officially opened by Vice President Muhammad B. S. Jallow and Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture Abdoulie Jobe.

Operating under the theme ‘Developing Skills, Changing Lives,’ the festival brings together chefs and culinary teams from over 30 countries. The program includes country cuisine showcases, masterclasses, and cooking competitions aimed at preserving West African culinary heritage and fostering regional cooperation within the hospitality sector.

Officials noted that the festival serves as a strategic platform for tourism development, specifically targeting the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) sector to diversify the nation's tourism offerings. The event also aims to drive economic growth, entrepreneurship, and employment opportunities for women and youth through the culinary and hospitality industries.