Preparations officially commenced on Friday, August 7, with a soft launch and fundraising event held at the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute, (GTHI), in Kanifing.
Organised by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture in collaboration with the Gambia Chefs Association and partners, WAFFEST 2026 is expected to attract delegates from 35 countries. Participants will include government officials, development partners, diplomatic missions, chefs, food producers, tourism stakeholders, investors, exhibitors and visitors from across West Africa and beyond.
The festival is designed to celebrate the region’s rich culinary heritage and cultural diversity while creating opportunities for investment, employment, agribusiness, tourism development and innovation.
Speaking at the launch, Chef Saikou Bojang of Spice Hub and Gambia’s most celebrated chef, said the event is an opportunity for The Gambia to make history by showcasing the country’s identity through food, culture and hospitality.
WAFFEST, he said, goes beyond food, describing gastronomy as an important link between cuisine, culture and tourism.
He noted that The Gambia has already demonstrated its ability to compete regionally, recalling past events where Gambian chefs have won several trophies, including Jollof rice competitions.
Chef Bojang added that the WAFFEST concept was conceived in 2018 by Nigerian and Ghanaian culinary leaders and formally launched in Accra, Ghana, in 2019. Since then, Gambian chefs have participated in regional competitions with notable achievements, providing a strong foundation for the country to host a major regional food festival.
Representing the Minister for Tourism, Arts and Culture, Permanent Secretary Amie Njie Joof said government is committed to supporting the successful hosting of WAFFEST 2026. She described the event as an important opportunity to strengthen The Gambia’s position as a centre of cultural and tourism excellence in West Africa.
“The fest will provide a platform to showcase the richness of West African cuisine, the creativity of local chefs, the hospitality of the people and the tourism potential of the region,” she said.
“Food is a universal language,” PS Njie Joof added, noting that cuisine tells the story of farmers, fishermen, communities and generations whose traditions have shaped West African societies.
She said celebrating West African cuisine is not only about preserving cultural heritage but also about creating opportunities for investment, employment, innovation and sustainable growth in tourism. WAFFEST, she added, will strengthen The Gambia’s reputation for culinary and cultural tourism while giving local businesses access to regional and international markets.
Also speaking, Momodou Singhateh, General Manager of GTHI, described WAFFEST as “more than a festival.”
“It is a celebration of shared heritage, creativity, resilience and culture, where tourism, arts and culture converge,” he said.
Singhateh said GTHI’s role in training young people in tourism and hospitality makes the institution a natural partner for the festival. He added that the success of WAFFEST 2026 will depend on collective support from government, the private sector, development partners, diplomatic missions and individuals.
The week-long event will feature culinary competitions, exhibitions, seminars, cultural activities and other programs designed to promote gastronomy, tourism and regional exchange.
With The Gambia set to welcome participants from 35 countries, organisers believe WAFFEST 2026 could become a major platform for promoting Gambian cuisine, strengthening regional integration and opening new pathways for the country’s creative and tourism industries
