Young Nigerian chefs now have an opportunity to showcase their culinary skills on a continental stage as Afreximbank, through its Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme, has opened applications for the CANEX WKND 2026 Junior Chef Competition.
The competition is open to aspiring chefs, culinary students, and self-taught food creatives aged 16 to 21. Eight finalists will be selected to compete live during CANEX WKND 2026, scheduled to hold in Lagos from November 5 to November 8.
According to Afreximbank, participants will be challenged to create dishes that celebrate African culinary heritage while demonstrating creativity, technical ability, presentation skills, and cultural storytelling through food.
Applications opened on June 5 and will close on June 26, 2026. The initiative aims to support emerging culinary talent and promote gastronomy as a key part of Africa’s creative economy.
Leave a comment