By: Yunus S. Saliu
When the curtains fell on the West African Food Festival (WAFFEST) 2025 in Accra, Ghana, one name echoed across the venue and spilled into international media headlines — The Gambia. Against a backdrop of sizzling pans, fragrant spices, and fierce culinary rivalries, the Gambia Chef Association emerged with a resounding victory, winning four medals and securing the prestigious right to host WAFFEST 2026 on home soil.
From September 22 to 27, the La Palm Royal Beach Hotel, College of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management – COCAHM WAFFEST VILLAGE transformed into a culinary battlefield where chefs from across the continent showcased their creativity, skill, and passion. More than 20 African countries gathered to compete and celebrate the rich culinary heritage that unites the region.
It is a festival of flavours and culture, thus WAFFEST is not just a competition. Since its inception in 2018, the festival has become a cultural melting pot where tradition meets innovation. Chefs blend centuries-old recipes with modern techniques, while attendees delight in culinary demonstrations, workshops, food stalls, and cultural showcases. The atmosphere in Accra was no different this year, a vibrant mix of colourful traditional attire, live drumming, and the unmistakable aromas of West Africa’s diverse cuisines.
“WAFFEST is about more than food; it’s about identity, pride, and unity,” one judge noted, as teams proudly plated their dishes for international jurors appointed by the African Chefs Alliance (ACA).
The Gambia Chef Association proudly called the Gambia Team at the event, and in the heat of the competition, they proved that the “Smiling Coast of Africa” is also a land of culinary excellence. Out of seven categories, the team made its mark in four, namely West African Countries Heritage Jollof (The Jollof Rice War) – Gold Medal (beating Nigeria and Ghana). Meatless Monday Vegan Dish – Gold Medal. In Bread Bake – Silver Medal, and ACA/WAFFEST Chef of The Year (Individual) – Bronze Medal
The victory was particularly sweet in the Jollof Rice War, a category that always stirs friendly rivalries across the region. Gambia first claimed the title in 2023 in Lagos, Nigeria, and successfully defended it this year, reclaiming bragging rights over two of the continent’s Jollof powerhouses.
The winning team featured some of the country’s finest culinary ambassadors, including Chef Musa Darboe, President of the Gambia Chef Association, along with Chefs BSL Manneh, Gibba, Malang Kebbeh, Haddy Nyang, Emmanuel Mendy, Momodou Alpha Jallow, and Chef Muftaha Bojang.
Speaking after the victory, Chef Darboe described the moment as “a triumph not just for Gambian chefs but for Gambian culture.” He added, “Food tells our story. It reflects our heritage, our resilience, and our creativity. WAFFEST has given us the stage to share that story with the world.”
From Accra to Banjul, the road to 2026 is open. In a historic announcement, the ACA confirmed that The Gambia will host WAFFEST 2026. This decision has already ignited excitement at home and abroad, with international food lovers eager to experience the Smiling Coast’s hospitality, culture, and cuisine.
On social media, Gambians celebrated with pride, while international outlets such as DWTV amplified the news, shining a global spotlight on the nation’s growing reputation as a culinary hub.
This is a journey of consistent excellence; the Gambia Chef Association’s success in Accra is not an isolated feat. In 2019, Gambian chefs scooped awards for Best Chef and Best Dessert of the Year in Ghana. Four years later, they stunned Nigeria and Ghana in the 2023 Jollof Rice War in Lagos. Though absent from the 2024 edition in Togo, Team Gambia returned stronger in 2025, reaffirming their place among West Africa’s culinary elite.
Beyond medals and titles, WAFFEST has become a platform for cultural exchange and economic opportunity. It is more than a competition. Chefs leave inspired by new flavours and techniques, while host nations benefit from the boost in tourism and hospitality. For young chefs, the festival is also a training ground, a chance to learn, network, and grow into global culinary leaders.
Founded by Chef Isaac Sackey of the Chefs Association of Ghana, WAFFEST has rotated across the region, from Ghana to Liberia, Nigeria, and Togo. With The Gambia now preparing to take its turn, the spotlight is firmly set on Banjul.
As the final plates were cleared in Accra, one thing was clear: The Gambia is no longer just competing at WAFFEST; it is setting the pace.
And come 2026, the world will be watching as the Smiling Coast welcomes Africa’s best chefs for what promises to be a spectacular celebration of food, culture, and unity.
The full result of this year’s WAFFEST is as follows:
Category 01: Country Cuisine
1st SIERRA LEONE
2nd NIGERIA
3rd GHANA
Category 02: Plated Dessert
1st NIGERIA
2nd GHANA
3rd SIERRA LEONE
Category 03 Three Tier Cake
1st NIGERIA
2nd LIBERIA
3rd SIERRA LEONE
Category O4: ACA/WAFFEST Chef of the Year individual
1st NIGERIA
2nd GHANA
3rd GAMBIA
Category 05: West African Countries Heritage Jollof
1st GAMBIA
2nd GHANA
3rd NIGERIA
Category 06- Bread Bake
1st GHANA
2nd GAMBIA
3rd NIGERIA
Category 07: Meatless Monday
1st GAMBIA
2nd GHANA
3rd ESWATINI
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By: Yunus S. Saliu When the curtains fell on the West African Food Festival (WAFFEST) 2025 in Accra, Ghana, one…
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