2nd UN Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism Highlights
Bringing together over 400 participants from 30 countries, the forum reinforced Africa’s growing commitment to position gastronomy tourism as a driver of social and economic development
The 2nd UN Tourism Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa, held from April 23–25, 2025 in Tanzania, highlighted the region’s commitment to advancing gastronomy tourism as a driver of social and economic development.
UN Tourism reported that the Forum brought together over 400 participants from 30 countries, including the Ministers of Tourism from Tanzania, Zimbabwe, and the Democratic Republic of Congo, alongside South Africa’s Deputy Minister and the FAO Representative in Tanzania.
Discussions reportedly focused on policy frameworks, collaboration with local producers, and sustainable practices aimed at elevating food tourism and empowering communities.
His Excellency Dr. Philip Isdor Mpango, Vice-President of the United Republic of Tanzania, officially opened the Forum. In his address, UN Tourism stated that he called for greater visibility of Africa’s food cultures, stronger regional branding, and enhanced collaboration with local producers, and more sustainable practices to strengthen food systems and promote healthy consumption across the continent.
UN Tourism noted the 2025 edition also welcomed Dr. Auxillia C. Mnangagwa, First Lady of the Republic of Zimbabwe, under whose patronage, according to the organisation, “the regional edition of the Forum for Africa was held last year. Her leadership has been instrumental in advancing African gastronomy on the global stage.”
Advancing Skills with Education and Funding Opportunities
The event was co-organised with the Basque Culinary Center and marked progress in aligning gastronomy and tourism efforts. UN Tourism Secretary-General Zurab Pololikashvili praised Africa’s culinary heritage as an asset for generating jobs, supporting rural development, and strengthening global identity.
To further advance this agenda, UN Tourism announced 100 scholarships for African students to study gastronomy and culinary arts through the UN Tourism Online Academy.
The scholarships aim to strengthen the capacities of national tourism professionals and advance expertise in the field. Additionally, UN Tourism signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Chefs in Africa, focusing on advocacy, promotion, and skills development to bolster gastronomy tourism.
Bolder brands—Strengthening Culinary Ecosystems,
UN Tourism highlighted the Forum’s call to safeguard culinary heritage by promoting native crops, documenting traditional recipes, and engaging producers to strengthen local food ecosystems.
Participants also emphasised the importance of food festivals, cultural events, and storytelling in showcasing African cuisine globally and reshaping perceptions of the continent’s culinary identity.
Sierra Leone has been announced as the host country for the Third Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa. Building on its success, the Forum is consolidating its role as a strategic platform to advance gastronomy tourism across the region.
