Nigerian Chefs to Showcase Culinary Heritage at West Africa Food Festival 2026

Chef Dr. Eric Mekwuye, the President of the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria, is leading a group of more than 40 chefs to the West Africa Food Festival (WAFFEST) 2026 in Banjul, The Gambia. The festival will take place from October 15 to 21, 2026, and aims to highlight Nigeria’s diverse culinary traditions.

The event will gather culinary professionals from around 35 countries to celebrate West African food culture, gastronomy, tourism, and hospitality. Mekwuye stated that Team Nigeria will showcase traditional dishes, local drinks, cultural attire, and languages from Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones.

Participation in WAFFEST is intended to promote Nigerian cuisine on an international stage, preserve traditional cooking methods, and highlight gastronomy as a key driver of tourism and economic growth. The Nigerian team will also compete in various culinary events, including the Jollof War and the Chef of the Year competition.

Mekwuye emphasized that food is a vital part of cultural identity and can tell Nigeria’s stories while preserving traditions. The Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria, founded in 2011, aims to improve food safety, develop culinary skills, and promote Nigerian cuisine through training and competitions.

APCN recently announced a partnership with ValueJet Airlines, which will support the Nigerian delegation’s travel and transport of culinary equipment to Banjul. This collaboration is expected to reduce travel costs for Nigerian chefs and enhance their participation in international culinary events.

Mekwuye also revealed that Nigeria will host WAFFEST in 2027, which will further position the country as a culinary tourism destination in West Africa. He believes this will create opportunities for local chefs and attract visitors and investments.

ValueJet’s Managing Director expressed confidence that the partnership with APCN will improve the quality of food served on their flights and strengthen their engagement with the culinary community.