Sierra Leone is set to welcome the continent and the world as it hosts the 3rd United Nations Africa Gastronomy Forum at the state-of-the-art Julius Maada Bio International Conference Centre in Lungi from 2nd to 4th December 2026, in what is expected to be one of Africa’s most significant gatherings focused on gastronomy, tourism, culture, and sustainable development.
The three-day forum will convene government leaders, tourism experts, chefs, investors, cultural practitioners, academics, development partners, and hospitality stakeholders from across Africa and beyond to explore gastronomy’s transformative role in advancing tourism, economic growth, cultural preservation, and job creation.
The Ministry officials have confirmed that more than four African First Ladies will participate in a special high-profile Live Culinary Showcase, where they will prepare and present traditional dishes from their respective countries. The unique event is expected to celebrate Africa’s rich culinary heritage while promoting intercultural exchange and regional cooperation.
His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio and the United Nations Secretary-General will grace the official opening ceremony, underscoring the forum’s global significance and Sierra Leone’s growing stature as an emerging tourism and cultural destination.
According to the proposed programme, participants will engage in a wide range of activities including live cooking demonstrations, technical workshops, panel discussions, business networking sessions, exhibitions, food and beverage showcases, cultural performances, and social programmes designed to highlight Africa’s diverse culinary traditions and tourism potential.
Industry experts say the forum presents a unique opportunity for Sierra Leone to showcase its vibrant food culture, pristine beaches, rich biodiversity, historical attractions, and growing hospitality sector to an international audience.
Speaking ahead of the event, the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Nabeela Farida Tunis, described the forum as a strategic platform to position Sierra Leone at the forefront of gastronomy tourism in Africa. She noted that the country’s diverse culinary offerings, ranging from traditional cassava-based dishes to fresh seafood delicacies and indigenous ingredients, could become powerful tools for destination marketing and rural economic development.
‘The forum is also expected to facilitate knowledge-sharing on sustainable food systems, value chain development, agricultural innovation, culinary entrepreneurship, and the integration of gastronomy into national tourism strategies.
“For Sierra Leone, hosting the event represents more than just an international conference. It is a major opportunity to attract investment, strengthen the country’s tourism brand, create market access for local producers, and promote community-based enterprises linked to food, culture, and heritage”, the Head of Public Affairs, Emmanuel A.B. Turay, said.
He further explained that the gathering is anticipated to generate increased international visibility for Sierra Leone while creating opportunities for local chefs, farmers, hospitality operators, tour guides, artisans, and small businesses to connect with global partners and investors.
As preparations intensify, excitement continues to build across the tourism and hospitality sectors, with many viewing the event as a defining moment in Sierra Leone’s journey toward becoming a leading destination for cultural and gastronomy tourism in Africa.
The 3rd UN Africa Gastronomy Forum is expected to leave a lasting legacy by strengthening partnerships between governments, development agencies, private sector actors, and local communities, while promoting the role of gastronomy as a catalyst for sustainable development, cultural diplomacy, and inclusive economic growth.
With the eyes of Africa turning to Lungi in December 2026, Sierra Leone stands ready to serve not only as host, but also as a showcase of the continent’s rich culinary traditions, warm hospitality, and immense tourism potential.
