Young culinary talents will take centre stage at the 2026 Akwaaba African Travel Market as organisers use the flagship Jollof Rice War competition to promote African cuisine, culture and tourism.
The event organiser, Ikechi Uko, said winners of the Lagos Boy Child Initiative (LBCI) Boys Cooking Competition held on August 3 would compete at the continental event. He said the boys impressed judges with their confidence, teamwork, discipline and creativity, qualities he believes deserve a wider platform.
Uko said their participation would expose the young cooks to chefs, tourism professionals, exhibitors and potential mentors from across Africa. He added that the experience could inspire careers in hospitality, food entrepreneurship, culinary education and destination marketing while helping the participants build valuable professional networks.
According to him, this year’s Jollof Rice War will feature expanded cultural displays, destination showcases and culinary exchanges aimed at using food to tell Africa’s stories and promote shared heritage. The initiative is also expected to strengthen partnerships among African tour operators and destinations ahead of the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Uko said Akwaaba would continue to leverage food, culture and hospitality to encourage intra-African travel and showcase the continent as a diverse and attractive tourism destination.
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