Sierra Leone Gears Up to Host 3rd UN Tourism Africa Gastronomy Forum

Sierra Leone Gears Up to Host 3rd UN Tourism Africa Gastronomy Forum

Sierra Leone has signaled its full readiness to host the third edition of the UN Tourism Africa Gastronomy Forum, utilizing the ongoing 69th Meeting of the UN Tourism Commission for Africa (CAF) in Seychelles to cement strategic partnerships and finalize preparations for the upcoming continental event.

A delegation led by the Minister of Tourism and Cultural Affairs, Mrs. Nabeela Farida Tunis, joined tourism leaders and policymakers from across the continent to align on priorities for Africa’s tourism future. The forum, which is slated to run from December 2 to 4, 2026, aims to champion culinary tourism as a critical engine for economic development and cross-cultural engagement.

The event, which has previously traveled to Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe (2024), and Arusha, Tanzania (2025), is considered a flagship platform for the African tourism sector. Hosting the third edition represents a significant milestone for Sierra Leone as it seeks to elevate its gastronomy sector.

During the CAF summit, Minister Tunis emphasized that the forum will focus on human capital development, job creation, and the preservation of cultural heritage. "Gastronomy is a vital link between culture, tourism, agriculture, and the creative economy," Minister Tunis stated, underscoring the government's commitment to ensuring the forum directly benefits local hospitality and food production communities.

Sierra Leone’s strategy for the December forum centers on expanding culinary training, increasing the participation of women and youth, and integrating local food heritage into national tourism branding.

Through bilateral engagements at the Seychelles meeting, the delegation has been fine-tuning logistics and drawing on the experiences of previous host nations to ensure a successful event.

The broader CAF agenda also highlighted the resilience of Africa's tourism industry amidst shifting global travel trends and climate challenges, further validating the importance of specialized platforms like the Gastronomy Forum in diversifying the continent’s tourism offerings. 

Sierra Leone now looks forward to showcasing West Africa’s unique culinary traditions on the global stage, by welcoming over 300 stakeholders like chefs and policymakers in an event that celebrates Africa's culinary heritage while highlighting gastronomy's power to drive economic growth, regional integration, and sustainable development, showcasing how food and tourism intersect to benefit the entire continent.