The Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, together with its satellite institutions and the Gambia Chefs Association, officially launched preparations for the West African Food Festival (WAFFEST) on Friday, 8th August 2026, with a soft launch and fundraising event held at the Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute (GTHI).
WAFFEST 2026 is a landmark regional initiative that will bring together delegates from 35 countries to celebrate West Africa’s rich culinary heritage while promoting tourism, culture, agribusiness, and investment opportunities.
The event also unveiled the festival’s vision of positioning The Gambia as West Africa’s leading gastronomy and culinary tourism destination and officially launched its sponsorship and partnership campaign.
In her launch statement, Mrs. Amie Njie, Permanent Secretary at the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, reassured stakeholders of the government’s commitment to ensuring the event is successfully held in The Gambia, which she described as an opportunity to promote Destination Gambia.
The festival is expected to create significant opportunities for local businesses, chefs, farmers, youth and women entrepreneurs, and the wider hospitality and creative industries, she said.
She therefore calls on all and sundry to put their hands together on deck and make the Gambia WAFFEST 2026 one of the best so far.
It should be noted that the Gambia is currently the champion of the Jollof Rice category, having defeated Nigeria and last year’s host, Ghana, in a stiff competition.
By Lamin Njie
Communications Officer
Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture
