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CANEX GASTRONOMY & CULINARY ARTS

Celebrating African Food Culture. Driving Trade and creating Global Impact. CANEX Gastronomy & Culinary Arts is a core vertical of the Creative Africa Nexus, positioning African food culture as both a creative asset and a driver of economic growth, trade, and cultural exchange.

CELEBRATING & COMMERCIALISING african food culture

CANEX Gastronomy & Culinary Arts celebrates and commercialises African food culture across the continent and the diaspora. It supports the development of the full culinary value chain, from traditional food practices and indigenous ingredients to contemporary culinary innovation, hospitality, and export-ready food products.

As part of CANEX’s broader mandate, the gastronomy vertical contributes to structuring Africa’s creative and cultural industries, strengthening value chains, and expanding access to regional and international markets

WHO IS IT FOR?

CANEX Gastronomy is designed for chefs, restaurateurs, food producers, food writers, hospitality professionals, culinary entrepreneurs, and agri-food businesses seeking visibility, skills development, trade opportunities, and cross-border collaboration.

why african gastronomy matters

African gastronomy sits at the intersection of culture, trade, tourism, and entrepreneurship. Food is a powerful expression of identity and heritage, while also representing a significant opportunity for value addition, job creation, and export growth. Through CANEX, African food systems are positioned as scalable, market-ready, and globally competitive.

WHAT CANEX GASTRONOMY OFFERS

CULINARY SHOWCASES

Platforms to showcase African cuisine and culinary talent at flagship events and across CANEX programming.

MARKET ACCESS

Access to markets through trade and export promotion initiatives connecting food producers with global buyers.

KNOWLEDGE EXCHANGE

Industry knowledge exchange and capacity building through masterclasses, workshops, and industry conversations.

BRAND VISIBILITY

Visibility for African food brands and culinary professionals on continental and international platforms.

YEAR-ROUND PROGRAMMING FOR AFRICAN FOOD CULTURE

CANEX Gastronomy & Culinary Arts delivers year-round programming that brings African food culture to life through immersive experiences, industry conversations, and market-facing platforms. Activities are designed to spotlight culinary talent, elevate African cuisine, and connect food creators and businesses with wider creative and trade ecosystems.

Culinary Showcases & Food Exhibitions

Culinary showcases, food exhibitions, and live experiences that celebrate African flavours, techniques, and innovation. These immersive events spotlight culinary talent and elevate African cuisine on a global stage.

Conversations & Knowledge Sharing

Conversations and knowledge-sharing sessions that explore food culture, entrepreneurship, sustainability, and the future of African gastronomy. Connecting practitioners, thinkers, and innovators across the culinary ecosystem.

Trade & Export Promotion

Linkages to trade and export promotion initiatives, supporting African food brands and producers in accessing buyers, partners, and new markets. Connecting culinary enterprise with CANEX Trade infrastructure.

Presence at CANEX WKND & IATF

Gastronomy programming is integrated into major CANEX platforms, including CANEX WKND and CANEX at the Intra-African Trade Fair, where food culture is showcased alongside other creative industries.

WHERE AFRICA'S FLAVOURS MEET THE WORLD

PREVIOUS EDITION HIGHLIGHTS

KEY MOMENTS FROM CANEX GASTRONOMY

GASTRONOMY SHOWCASES AT CANEX WKND

Celebrity chefs from Africa and the diaspora at the opening ceremony.

CANEX JUNIOR CHEF'S COMPETITION 2025

Spotlighting emerging culinary talent from across the continent.

THE JOLLOF WARS

Celebrating African food heritage and friendly culinary rivalry.

I’m Visiting

Discover new partners and innovation

Showcases & Competitions

Chefs, food vendors, producers, and food businesses can engage through showcases, exhibitions, competitions, and industry platforms across the CANEX programme cycle.

The Annual Moment

African gastronomy is experienced live through CANEX’s flagship platforms, where food culture takes centre stage alongside fashion, music, film, and other creative industries.

MULTIPLE PATHWAYS INTO AFRICAN GASTRONOMY

CANEX Music Factory offers multiple pathways for creators and industry professionals to integrate into the global value chain.

CANEX WKND 2026

Apply to Participate

Chefs, food vendors, producers, and food businesses can engage through showcases, exhibitions, competitions, and industry platforms across the CANEX programme cycle.

Partner With Us

Media organisations, content creators, and strategic partners are invited to collaborate on storytelling, coverage, and initiatives that amplify African food culture and culinary entrepreneurship.

Visit CANEX WKND

African gastronomy is experienced live through CANEX’s flagship platforms, including CANEX WKND, where food culture takes centre stage alongside fashion, music, film, and other creative industries.