BANJUL, The Gambia — Liberia secured three podium finishes at the 8th West Africa Food Festival (WAFFEST) 2026, placing second in jollof rice preparation and third in both cake-making and barbecue competitions.
By Francis G. Boayue
The competitions were held on Tuesday, October 20 in The Gambia, bringing together culinary professionals from across West Africa to showcase their skills and national cuisines.
In the cake-making category, Sierra Leone took first place, followed by Ghana in second, while Liberia finished third.
The Gambia won the barbecue preparation competition, with Nigeria placing second and Liberia taking third place.
In the jollof rice category, The Gambia secured first place, Liberia finished second, and Burkina Faso placed third.
The results highlight Liberia’s culinary talent and provide an opportunity to promote the country’s traditional cuisine as part of broader efforts to strengthen tourism and regional cooperation.
The Liberia National Tourism Authority (LNTA), represented by its Creative Economy Manager, Barcolleh Poronpyae, accompanied a delegation from the Liberia Professional Chefs Association (LIPCA) to the regional festival.
Speaking at the festival’s opening ceremony on behalf of the LNTA, Poronpyae emphasized the importance of regional collaboration, networking, and strategic partnerships in advancing culinary tourism and creating opportunities for food entrepreneurs.
He also expressed appreciation to the Government and people of The Gambia, the Chefs Association of The Gambia, and the festival organizers for their hospitality and support in hosting the Liberian delegation.
According to the LNTA, participation in WAFFEST provides an opportunity to strengthen regional partnerships, exchange professional experiences, and explore initiatives to develop Liberia’s culinary industry.
Poronpyae also expressed Liberia’s interest in hosting a future edition of the WAFFEST cooking championship, which could provide a platform to showcase Liberian cuisine, local culinary talent and the country’s cultural heritage to regional and international audiences.
The festival promotes West African culinary traditions while encouraging professional exchanges and creating opportunities within the food, hospitality and tourism sectors.
Liberia’s performance adds to efforts to position the country’s culinary industry as a contributor to tourism development, cultural promotion and economic opportunities for local chefs and food entrepreneurs.
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