Mrs. Amie Njie, the Permanent Secretary, at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, on Tuesday, 7th July, 2026 has officially launched the organizing committee for the West African Food Festival (WAFFEST), at the Ministry’s conference room, as the Gambia prepares to host the historical event in collaboration with the Chefs Association of the Gambia and other relevant stakeholders, slated for October 15th to 21st, 2026.
WAFFEST showcases the diverse flavors, traditional recipes, and modern twists of West African cuisine. Established in 2018 by Chef Isaac Sackey through the Chefs Association of Ghana, WAFFEST unites chefs, food enthusiasts, and cultural ambassadors from across the region and beyond.
The festival also promotes cultural exchange, innovation, and youth empowerment in the culinary arts.
Speaking at the event, PS Njie stated that one of the key roles of the steering committee is to sit, plan, and strategize on how best the Gambia can successfully host this year’s WAFFEST without hindrance.
“We want to be considered the best host, and that cannot happen without serious planning. So we all need to work together as a team to achieve our goals. Every member in this committee is important, and therefore, together we can achieve a lot in terms of preparations for this upcoming event, she said.
She further stated that the event is a national one which requires the support of everybody as it will further boost the country’s tourism sector and further promote Destination Gambia.
“We don’t have much time now against the hosting of the event. So the ball is in our court for all of us to do what is expected of us as members of the organizing committee,” she said.
For his part, Mr. Momodou Lamin Singhateh, Director General of The Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute (GTHI), said it was in April this year that the Chefs Association of The Gambia sought an audience with the Honourable Minister for Tourism seeking support both financially and morally for the hosting of WAFFEST 2026 here in the Gambia.
“This was the time that it was confirmed by the West African Chefs Alliance to give the hosting rights to the Gambia. So from that time to now, we have been putting efforts together to where we are today, which is the launch of this historical event,” he said.
DG Singhateh further mentioned that the event is a national one and therefore called on all and sundry to put hands on deck and make it the best WAFFEST, as so many countries have already expressed their interest to participate in the event.
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.
By Lamin Njie
Communications Officer
Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture
