AFRICAN nations must leverage their diverse culinary traditions to capture a share of the rapidly growing global gastronomy tourism market, which is projected to reach US$40,5 billion by 2030, African Union ambassador for gastronomy Auxillia Mnangagwa said on Saturday.
Speaking at the Creative Africa Nexus Summit held alongside the Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 in Algeria, Mnangagwa positioned culinary heritage as a critical economic driver and a pillar of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA).
The global culinary tourism market was valued at US$11,5 billion in 2023, with key growth drivers including rising consumer spending on travel and a heightened desire among tourists to experience locally sourced cuisine and explore different cultures through food.
“Gastronomy plays a pivotal role as a gateway to understanding a destination's culture and heritage,” she stated.
“Culinary experiences have become a driving force in travel decisions, as international food enthusiasts seek authentic and immersive opportunities to taste the flavours of the world.”
Mnangagwa emphasised that this trend presents a golden opportunity for Africa to diversify its tourism offering beyond wildlife and landscapes.
She identified gastronomy tourism as a fundamental component for promoting local cultures and a major element of intangible heritage, characterising it as a key driver for socio-economic development through the preservation of cultural heritage and community empowerment.
“In many African societies, women are the custodians of culinary traditions. By promoting local cuisine, we empower women not only as guardians of culture, but also as entrepreneurs, contributing to household and national economies,” Mnangagwa said.
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She called for health professionals and researchers to scientifically document the medicinal and nutritional qualities of traditional African food varieties.
Mnangagwa also urged African ministers, policymakers, and cultural custodians to collaborate in advancing gastronomy and culinary arts as pillars of collective development.
