West Africa Food Festival

10/09/2026

CONGRATULATORY MESSAGE FROM ACA.

On behalf of the ACA Board, I congratulate Chef Andile Somdaka and Chef Mahlomola Thamae on their new appointment as Vice Presidents of the South Africa Chefs Association from now to 2027.

ACA wishes to encourage you on this appointment and believes that based on your rich experience, passion and culinary expertise, together with your President, you are going to continue to project the image of the white jacket and South African Chefs to a different level.

ACA is always open for collaboration and for the upliftment of our young chefs and the culinary industry within Africa. Together, let us build and project the white jacket within our continent for the future generation.

Once again, congratulations to both Chefs on your new roles.

Culinary regards,

Chef Shaun Smith
ACA President.

08/09/2026

WAFFEST-Gambia 2026

29/08/2026

ACA inspection team had a fruit discussion at Gambia Tourism Board Executive director and management team during WAFFEST inspection.

28/08/2026

ANNONCE IMPORTANTE - WAFFEST GAMBIA 2026

Au nom du Conseil d'administration de l'ACA, je tiens à informer tous les membres que la Gambie est parfaitement préparée – infrastructures, transports, équipements, sécurité et soutien gouvernemental – pour faire de *WAFFEST - Gambie 2026* un événement exceptionnel sur la Côte Souriante de l'Afrique.

L'équipe d'inspection de l'ACA a quitté la Gambie cette semaine, concluant que le pays était prêt à près de 80 % pour une organisation en grande pompe.

Nous informons nos membres que le Comité d'organisation de WAFFEST Gambie a collaboré avec la compagnie aérienne Valuejet afin de proposer un tarif préférentiel aux membres voyageant du Nigéria et du Ghana vers la Gambie. Nous les invitons à contacter le président de la Gambie, M. Darboe, pour obtenir le lien vers la compagnie aérienne et bénéficier de ce tarif réduit. D'autres compagnies aériennes desservent l'aéroport de Banjul depuis d'autres pays africains, notamment Asky, Ethiopian Airlines, Air Sénégal, Turkish Airlines et Royal Air Maroc/Qatar. Il est également possible de transiter par le Sénégal et de rejoindre la Gambie par la route. Nous vous encourageons à explorer les différentes options.

De plus, nous informons nos membres se rendant à WAFFEST Gambie 2026 qu'ils doivent prévoir un budget pour les frais de sécurité aéroportuaires obligatoires de 40 $ (20 $ à l'aller et 20 $ au retour) à l'aéroport de Banjul. Ces frais s'appliquent à tous les voyageurs à destination et en provenance de Gambie.

L'ACA et WAFFEST Gambie 2026 restent à l'écoute de leurs membres pour faciliter leur voyage et vous assurent un événement exceptionnel en Gambie du 15 au 21 octobre 2026.

L'ACA encourage ses membres à acheter leurs billets dès maintenant afin d'éviter les prix élevés.

L'ACA souhaite la bienvenue à tous ses membres sur la Côte Souriante de l'Afrique.

Que Dieu vous bénisse.

Chef Alex Yamah
Secrétaire général - ACA

28/08/2026

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT - WAFFEST GAMBIA 2026.

On behalf of the ACA Board, I wish to inform every member that The Gambia is fully prepared with infrastructure, transportation, equipment, security and government support to make *WAFFEST - Gambia 2026* wonderful within the Smiling Coast of Africa.

The ACA Inspection Team left The Gambia this week with an assessment of almost 80% prepared and ready to execute in grand style.

We wish to inform members that the WAFFEST Gambia Planning Committee has collaborated with Valuejet Airline to offer a discounted rate for members specifically flying from Nigeria and Ghana to The Gambia. We encourage members to contact Gambian Chefs President Darboe for the link to the airline for the discounted price. Other airlines who service Banjul airport from other locations in Africa include Asky, Ethiopian, Air Senegal, Turkish and Royal Air Maroc/Qatar. There is also an option to fly via Senegal and drive to The Gambia. Please try investigate the different options.

Moreover, we are also informing members travelling to WAFFEST Gambia 2026 to budget for a compulsory airport security fee of $40 (in and out - $20 / $20) at Banjul Airport which applies to everyone traveling to and from The Gambia.

ACA and WAFFEST Gambia 2026 will continue to engage members for a smooth journey and assure you of a great event in The Gambia from 15th - 21st October 2026.

ACA continues to encourage members to buy their tickets now in advance to avoid high purchase costs.

ACA welcomes all members to the Smiling Coast of Africa.

Stay blessed.

Chef Alex Yamah
General Secretary - ACA.

28/08/2026

25/08/2026

24/08/2026

For the first time in history, The Gambia will host the West Africa Food Festival (WAFFEST) from October 15–21, 2026.
The flyer is complete, the date is confirmed, and anticipation is building for this landmark event.

Founded in 2018 by Chef Isaac Sackey through the Chefs Association of Ghana, WAFFEST has grown into West Africa’s premier annual culinary gathering.
It brings together chefs, policymakers, culinary professionals, and food enthusiasts from across the region and beyond to celebrate the richness of West African gastronomy.
Hosting WAFFEST offers The Gambia a unique platform to highlight its traditional and contemporary cuisines.
It is a chance to share our culinary identity with the world and place Gambian food culture at the center of West Africa’s gastronomic map.
The week-long festival will: Enhance professional growth among chefs through training, mentorship, and collaboration. Foster cultural exchange by bridging Francophone and Anglophone communities, uniting diverse traditions through food.
Empower youth by opening career pathways in hospitality and encouraging innovation that blends heritage with modern techniques.
WAFFEST is expected to boost the local economy by attracting visitors, stimulating the hospitality sector, and reinforcing Destination Gambia as a leading tourism hub in the sub-region.
The influx of international participants and tourists will generate significant opportunities for businesses and communities alike.
Beyond the economic benefits, WAFFEST plays a vital role in documenting and promoting indigenous recipes and cooking methods.
This ensures that our culinary heritage is preserved for future generations while remaining dynamic and relevant in today’s world.
A Historic Moment
With over 30 countries confirmed to participate, WAFFEST 2026 will be one of the largest cultural events ever hosted in The Gambia. Adding to the excitement, The Gambia enters the festival as the current champion of the Jollof Rice competition, having triumphed over Nigeria and Ghana in last year’s contest.
In essence, WAFFEST 2026 is more than a food festival — it is a celebration of identity, unity, and opportunity. For The Gambia, hosting this event marks a defining moment in our cultural and tourism journey.