The Gambia will host the 8th edition of the West African Food Festival, Waffest, from October 15 to 21, 2026 — the first-ever in the country, bringing together more than 1,000 delegates from 35 countries.
Held under the theme “Skills Development Changes Lives,” Waffest 2026 will feature masterclasses, culinary battles, exhibitions and engagements designed to expose participants to new skills and techniques in hospitality and food sectors.
Speaking at a press briefing Tuesday, the Director General of Gambia Tourism and Hospitality Institute, Momodou Singhateh, described hosting of Waffest as a significant opportunity for the tourism industry.
He said the event fits into the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture’s efforts to expand the country’s tourism market within the sub-region, noting that Gambia has traditionally relied heavily on visitors from distant source markets.
According to Singhateh, COVID-19 exposed the need to diversify and strengthen regional tourism.
“Bringing Waffest to The Gambia is in line with some of those efforts. We have not been into this segment of tourism for a long time,” he said.
He added that hosting the festival provides an opportunity to reflect on Gambian culinary identity and promote Gambian food and culture to international audience.
“If The Gambia is hosting the eighth edition of Waffest, it means Waffest is coming home,” Singhateh declared.
National Coordinator and Country Representative of the International Trade Centre, Yusupha Keita, said his organisation’s support for Waffest forms part of work under EU-funded Youth Empowerment Project, YEP, particularly in tourism and creative industries.
Keita said the project is supporting tourism product development and diversification, including Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions, MICE, and festivals.
He said Waffest provides the opportunity to attract large number of visitors while creating space for young Gambians to acquire new skills.
“Training our young people, showing them new skills, showing them new techniques, that is going to be a huge improvement in our hospitality sector,” he said.
Keita said expected participation of more than 1,000 delegates from across West Africa would be significant milestone for the tourism sector and The Gambia.
Hosting of Waffest in The Gambia traces back to Jollof rice competition held at AKWAABA in 2019, shortly before the COVID-19 pandemic, which was won by a Gambian participant. Gambia beat West Africa at its own Jollof game — now it hosts the feast.
Chairperson of Waffest 2026, Ellen T Johnson, highlighted preparations underway and thanked institutions, partners and stakeholders supporting the event. She outlined opportunities for institutions and private-sector partners to participate in the week-long festival.
