China Named Guest of Honor for Togo's 2026 La Marmite Festival

Culture

Wednesday, 17 June 2026 18:26

China Named Guest of Honor for Togo's 2026 La Marmite Festival

(Togo First) - China will be the guest of honor at the fifth edition of Togo's La Marmite Festival (FESMA), which will take place in Lomé from Aug. 12 to 16, 2026.

Festival organizers announced the selection on June 16 during the event's official launch in the Togolese capital. This year's edition will be held under the theme " Promouvoir l’intégration et le vivre-ensemble à travers l’alimentation et la cuisine."

According to organizers, the decision to feature China reflects the festival's ambition to strengthen cultural exchanges through gastronomy while broadening its international profile.

"China is an ancient civilization with a culinary tradition spanning thousands of years and sharing many similarities with our own," said Jean-Paul Agboh Ahouélété, FESMA's commissioner-general.

While expanding its international reach, the festival remains committed to promoting local agricultural products. After highlighting gari and Togolese rice in previous editions, organizers have chosen fonio as this year's featured product.

The traditional West African grain is increasingly valued for its nutritional benefits and resilience. Through the initiative, organizers hope to encourage greater production, processing and consumption of fonio while drawing attention to the role local crops can play in strengthening food security and supporting sustainable food systems.

New Competitions and Training Programs

Several new activities will be introduced during this year's festival to increase its regional impact and create more opportunities for participants.

One of the main attractions will be a culinary competition bringing together chefs from seven West African countries. Each country will be represented by three contestants, providing a platform for participants to exchange techniques, share experiences and celebrate the diversity of West African cuisine.

The festival will also host Innovagro, a competition designed to reward promising innovations in the agri-food sector. The event will showcase projects focused on transforming agricultural products and creating greater value across local food supply chains.

Entrepreneurs and professionals working in the food and catering industries will be able to take part in training sessions focused on business development, management and professional skills. Organizers say the workshops are intended to help participants strengthen and expand their activities.

In addition, FESMA will launch a new culinary guide dedicated to local dishes and host an international symposium on nutrition. The gathering will bring together researchers and academics from across the West African Economic and Monetary Union (UEMOA) to discuss issues related to nutrition, food systems and public health.

Over the years, La Marmite Festival has established itself as one of Africa's leading culinary events. This year's edition is expected to bring together chefs, farmers, food processors, entrepreneurs, researchers and food enthusiasts for five days of exhibitions, tastings, networking opportunities and cultural performances celebrating the region's rich culinary heritage.

Gautier Agbekodovi

REFORMS OVERVIEW

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