Honouring Excellence. Building Africa's Food Future.
AFIA 2026 — In Partnership with CAPA — November 2026
The African Food Influencers Awards recognises the individuals and brands shaping Africa's culinary identity — on the continent and across the world.
What is AFIA?
The African Food Influencers Awards is Africa’s definitive recognition platform for excellence in food, culinary arts, and food industry leadership.
Organised annually, AFIA honours the individuals and brands making a measurable, lasting contribution to Africa’s food ecosystem — across culinary arts, entrepreneurship, media storytelling, and cultural preservation.
The awards are built on three principles that do not change: impact over popularity, independent jury, and zero pay-to-play.
AFIA 2026
AFIA 2026 is convened by African Food Network in partnership with CAPA — Culinary Art Practitioners Association of Nigeria — as National Host and Chef Network Partner.
AFIA 2026 — The Awards
Honouring Excellence. Building Africa's Food Future.
Ceremony: November 2026 | In Partnership with CAPA
Thirteen awards across four tracks. Recognised by an independent jury. Nominated by the industry. Open to individuals and brands from across the African continent and the African diaspora.
CULINARY EXCELLENCE
Recognising chefs, restaurateurs, and culinary professionals at the forefront of African cuisine.
MEDIA AND INFLUENCE
Recognising creators, journalists, and digital voices reshaping how the world understands African food.
BRANDS AND INNOVATION
Recognising the food brands, agrifood ventures, and hospitality concepts driving Africa's food economy forward.
FUTURE AND LEGACY
Recognising the educators, advocates, and cultural custodians building the long-term foundations of African food culture.
Nominate for AFIA 2026
Do you know a chef, entrepreneur, creator, or food industry leader who has made a genuine and measurable contribution to Africa’s food ecosystem?
AFIA 2026 nominations are now open. Nominations are reviewed by an independent jury. Selection is based on impact, not popularity.
Nominations close [date TBC]. All submissions are treated confidentially.
AFIA 2025 — The First Class
In 2025, the African Food Influencers Awards held its inaugural edition — bringing together the first class of honourees recognised for their contribution to Africa's food ecosystem.
Chef Hilda Baci
Chef of the Year
Nigeria
A global record-breaking chef whose achievements following her Guinness World Record have positioned Nigerian cuisine on the world stage.
Dr. Akinwumi Adesina
Lifetime Achievement Award
Nigeria
As President of the African Development Bank, Dr. Adesina has been instrumental in financing and promoting Africa's food security agenda for over two decades.
Chef Neo Nontso
Rising Star in Food & Drinks
South Africa
A fast-rising chef, cookbook author, and TV personality promoting modern South African cuisine to new audiences.
Delivered in Partnership
National Host and Chef Network Partner — AFIA 2026
AFIA 2026 is convened by African Food Network in partnership with CAPA as National Host and Chef Network Partner.
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