The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) has officially launched preparations for the West African Food Festival (WAFFEST) 2026, with the inauguration of the festival’s Organising Committee, setting the stage for what is expected to be one of the region’s largest celebrations of food, culture and tourism.
The launch ceremony, held at the Ministry’s headquarters in Banjul, brought together senior government officials, tourism stakeholders and members of the organising committee to begin coordinating plans for the regional festival, which The Gambia earned the right to host following the impressive performance of the Chefs Association of The Gambia at WAFFEST 2025 in Accra, Ghana.
Speaking at the inauguration on behalf of the Minister of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Permanent Secretary Amie Njie described hosting WAFFEST as both a privilege and a national responsibility, stressing the importance of early planning and close collaboration among stakeholders. “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, noting that preparations must move quickly to ensure The Gambia hosts one of the most successful editions of the festival.
Chairman of the Organising Committee and Director General of the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute (GTHI), Momodou Lamin Singhateh, described WAFFEST as a national tourism initiative rather than an event solely for the country’s chefs. According to him, the festival aligns with the Ministry’s strategy of diversifying tourism products and source markets while promoting regional tourism through gastronomy. Singhateh highlighted the growing influence of culinary tourism in destination marketing, noting that hosting renowned chefs from across West Africa would significantly enhance The Gambia’s visibility as a tourism destination.
“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. The organising committee revealed that invitations have already been extended to participating countries, with chefs, tourism professionals and cultural stakeholders across the region expressing strong interest in the event. Also speaking, Organising Committee Secretary Alagie Bojang said WAFFEST 2026 would provide a unique opportunity to showcase Gambian cuisine, culture and hospitality while helping to extend the country’s tourism season beyond its traditional peak months.
He, however, identified funding as one of the major challenges facing preparations, explaining that while the International Trade Centre (ITC) has pledged support, additional resources will be required. The committee is therefore exploring corporate sponsorships, fundraising breakfasts and cultural food events to mobilise the necessary funding. Established in 2018, WAFFEST has grown into one of West Africa’s leading culinary festivals, bringing together chefs, food entrepreneurs, hospitality professionals, tourism stakeholders and cultural performers to celebrate the region’s rich gastronomic heritage.
It may be recalled that last year, the Gambia was crowned the overall champion of the Jollof rice category at WAFFEST Ghana, defeating the host nation, Ghana, including regional rivals such as Sierra Leone and Nigeria, respectively.
