Following the conclusion of their inspection visit to the Gambia ahead of the West Africa Food Festival ( WAFFEST), slated to take place from 15t – 21st October, 2026, Chef Shaun Smith, President of the Africa Chefs Alliance, revealed that The Gambia is 80% ready and on track to deliver a world-class West Africa Food Festival (WAFFEST) 2026, subject to implementing the recommendations in there inspection report.
“All stakeholders are genuinely committed to making this event the best it can be, and they are indeed the warm and hospitable “Smiling Coast of Africa,” he said.
On behalf of the Africa Chefs Alliance (ACA) Board, a two-member inspection team embarked on a five-day official inspection visit to The Gambia from 21st to 26th August 2026, to assess the country’s preparedness to host the West Africa Food Festival (WAFFEST) 2026.
The inspection was conducted in collaboration with The Gambia Chefs Association and supported by the Ministry of Tourism, Arts & Culture, The Gambia Tourism Board (GTBoard), Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute (GTHI), International Trade Centre (ITC), and The Gambia Hotels Association (GHA).
The team inspected critical facilities including the main conference hall (BICC), designated hotels, transportation, national security arrangements, equipment for competition, feeding/catering plans, and the proposed program of activities.
Among the Key Findings is that The Gambia has demonstrated high commitment, adequate infrastructure, and exceptional hospitality to host this historical event for the first time since WAFFEST was 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.
By Lamin Njie
Communications Officer
Ministry of Tourism, Arts And Culture
