rofessional Chef Association concludes Provincial Training and Tours on Gastronomy

Sierra Leone Prepares for 2026 UN Tourism and Gastronomy Conference.

Freetown, Sierra Leone — July 15, 2025 — As Sierra Leone gears up for the prestigious 2026 United Nations Tourism and Gastronomy Conference, the Professional Chef Association Sierra Leone (PCASL) has embarked on a nationwide initiative to elevate culinary standards and foster local talent through comprehensive provincial training and tours.

The capacity-building program, which commenced on July 7th and continues through July 12th, 2025, aims to empower aspiring chefs and hospitality professionals across key regions. A team of five seasoned professional chefs from Freetown traveled to the provinces to conduct hands-on training sessions, exchange culinary knowledge, and build vital industry networks.

The journey began in Bo, Sierra Leone’s second-largest city, where the team visited the Sierra Leone Opportunity Industrialization Center (SLOIC). Here, they engaged with over 120 catering students from renowned establishments such as Dohas Hotel, Bo Inn, Agtam Bar and Restaurant, and Galiness Hotel. The sessions focused on modern culinary techniques, food safety, presentation skills, and sustainable practices—aimed at equipping students with skills relevant to both local and international standards.

Next, the team traveled to Kenenma, where they visited Dorwaila Hotel, Albertsons Hotel, and Paloma Hotel. These visits included practical demonstrations, mentorship, and discussions on the role of gastronomy in economic development. The initiative seeks to inspire local hospitality establishments to adopt innovative culinary approaches, improve service quality, and contribute to Sierra Leone’s growing tourism sector.

Currently, the team has arrived in Makeni, the capital of the Northern Province, with plans to continue their outreach. In Makeni, they visited prominent hotels such as Makambo Hotel, Mena Hills Hotel, Wusum Hotel, Villa Lodge Hotel, and Royal Hotel. The goal is to foster collaboration between professional chefs and hotel management, thereby elevating the standards of culinary offerings across the region.

 

As Sierra Leone prepares to host the 2026 UN Tourism and Gastronomy Conference, initiatives like these are vital in showcasing the country’s rich culinary heritage, promoting sustainable tourism, and creating economic opportunities for local communities. The Professional Chef Association Sierra Leone remains committed to nurturing talent, sharing knowledge, and positioning Sierra Leone as a competitive player on the global gastronomic stage.

The Professional Chef Association Sierra Leone is dedicated to promoting culinary excellence, supporting hospitality professionals, and contributing to the development of Sierra Leone’s tourism industry. Through training, advocacy, and industry collaborations, PCASL aims to foster sustainable growth and elevate Sierra Leone’s culinary reputation internationally.