For the second year in a row, Team Gambia successfully defended its Best Jollof Rice title at the 2026 West Africa Food Festival (WAFFEST).
The 8th edition of the festival took place in Banjul, The Gambia, from 15 to 21 October 2026. The festival, themed “Developing Skills, Changing Lives,” attracted more than 300 delegates, including over 30 international chefs from across West Africa and beyond.
Beyond the competitions, the week featured national cuisine displays, cultural performances, masterclasses, and networking sessions. 
The gathering celebrated West African food heritage. It also aimed to promote skills development and regional cooperation in the hospitality and tourism sectors.
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How Gambia Claimed the Best Jollof Rice Title
Led by Chef Haddy Nyang, Team Gambia entered the competition as defending champions after winning the title at the 2025 edition held in Ghana.
It was the first time the country hosted the WAFFEST, and the team delivered another strong performance. After competitive tasting rounds that highlighted different styles of the beloved dish, judges declared The Gambia the winner once again.
Organisers and partners, including the EU Delegation in The Gambia and the International Trade Centre (ITC), publicly congratulated the team. Reports also indicated that Gambian chefs performed well in other categories, including Chef of the Year, Bread Bakery, and BBQ.
The Long-Running “Jollof Wars”
The result adds a new chapter to the long-running “Jollof Wars” that have become a source of friendly rivalry and national pride across West Africa.
While Nigeria and Ghana have traditionally dominated the ‘best jollof rice ’ conversation, The Gambia has now secured consecutive official titles at the regional festival.
Nigeria was represented by a strong contingent from the Association of Professional Chefs Nigeria (APCN). The team was led by Chef Dr. Eric Mekwuye, the National President of APCN.
Ghana also sent a team that competed in the Jollof Rice category and other events.
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