UN Tourism’s first Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa has been lauded as a significant landmark in catalysing the growth of culinary tourism across the host country of Zimbabwe and the African continent.

Held in Victoria Falls from July 26 to 28, the forum was attended by around 200 delegates, including heads of state, representatives from the African Union, the Southern African Development Community and the UN’s Food and Agriculture Organization.

‘Transformative power’ of gastronomy

Discussions at the forum emphasised the transformative power of gastronomy tourism in enhancing local communities and economies throughout Africa.

Participants explored the role of gastronomy in elevating Africa’s presence on the global tourism stage, as well as strategies for integrating gastronomy into national tourism policies. There was a strong focus on showcasing Africa's rich culinary heritage to the world, underlining the importance of collaboration among chefs, policymakers and other stakeholders.

Focus was also placed on effective funding and the significance of combining tradition, innovation, and quality to create unique food tourism experiences.

Part of the drive to instill pride in Africa’s diverse culinary offerings and traditions will include working with the African diaspora and stepping up educational and vocational training.

“We leave Victoria Falls with a road map that will enable us to build an Agenda for Gastronomy Tourism in Africa, to ensure that we do work to make gastronomy tourism benefit people and planet,” said UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili.

The event was held under the patronage of the First Lady of Zimbabwe, Auxillia Mnangagwa, in collaboration with the Basque Culinary Center.

Promoting innovation in gastronomy

The event featured the UN Tourism Regional Gastronomy Pitch Challenge, in which five entrepreneurs presented innovative solutions to improve the gastronomy and tourism value chains.

Gracia Bvute from Zimbabwe won the competition with her project PaBvute Gourmet, a catering company specialising in crafting authentic culinary experiences.

“I am honoured to have had a chance to share our vision as PaBvute Gourmet to put our cuisine on the global stage and our current social impact and innovation,” said Bvute.

Four chefs were enrolled as African UN Tourism Ambassadors for Responsible Tourism for their efforts in promoting national cuisines and advocating for sustainable culinary practices: Yohanis Gebreyesus from Ethiopia, Adenike Adefila from Nigeria, Mounir El Arem from Tunisia, and Carl Joshua Ncube from Zimbabwe.

Zimbabwe to host Academy for Culinary Arts

The signing of a Memorandum of Understanding marked the establishment of the Zimbabwe International Tourism Academy for the Culinary Arts, in partnership with UN Tourism. The academy will offer 100 online scholarships aimed at nurturing culinary talent across the continent.

The second edition of the forum will be held in Tanzania.