CANEX GASTRONOMY & CULINARY ARTS

CELEBRATING AFRICAN AND CARIBBEAN FOOD CULTURE WHILE ADVANCING TRADE AND GLOBAL IMPACT

The CANEX Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Programme is a core pillar of the Creative Africa Nexus, positioning African and Caribbean cuisine as both a cultural asset and a catalyst for economic growth, trade, and cultural exchange.

CELEBRATING & ELEVATING african & CARIBBEAN food

CANEX Gastronomy and Culinary Arts celebrates and elevates African and Caribbean food culture and providers across the continent and diaspora, supporting and highlighting the full culinary value chain, from traditional practices and indigenous ingredients to modern innovation, hospitality, and export-ready products.

As part of CANEX’s broader mandate, it strengthens the creative and cultural industries by exploring how to structure food value chains and expand access to regional and global markets.

WHO IS IT FOR?

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

why african gastronomy matters

African and Caribbean gastronomy sits at the intersection of culture, trade, tourism, and entrepreneurship, serving as both a powerful expression of identity and a driver of value addition, job creation, and export growth. Through CANEX, African and Caribbean food systems are positioned as scalable, market-ready, and globally competitive.

PROGRAMMES

JOLLOF WARS

A lively, friendly competition celebrating the iconic Jollof rice. Attendees gain an immersive cultural experience, taste a variety of regional flavours, and engage with chefs and food enthusiasts while exploring the rich heritage and competitive spirit behind this beloved dish.

Junior Chefs Competition

A platform spotlighting the next generation of culinary talent. Discover emerging chefs, explore new flavours, and gain inspiration, mentorship, and networking opportunities in the gastronomy sector.

EVENTS

CANEX Gastronomy & Culinary Arts programming brings African and Caribbean food culture to life through immersive experiences, industry conversations and market-facing engagements:

Culinary Showcases & Live Experiences — Dynamic displays of African and Caribbean cuisine, techniques and flavours
Summit Sessions & Fireside Chats — High-level conversations with chefs, food producers and culinary entrepreneurs shaping the African and Caribbean food landscape
Masterclasses & Workshops — Practical sessions on food entrepreneurship, sustainability and culinary innovation

WHERE AFRICA'S FLAVOURS MEET THE WORLD