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Chefs lead the charge for African gastronomy federation at UN tourism forum
BY BAYANDA NKATHA
The United Nations (UN Tourism) Regional Forum on Gastronomy Tourism for Africa concluded on a high note in Victoria Falls, with calls for the establishment of a continental federation to promote local cuisines.
From Friday to Sunday, the resort city of Victoria Falls hosted a diverse range of tourism stakeholders, including UN Tourism officials, government ministers, tourism players, traditional leaders, and government departments.
President Mnangagwa was the guest of honor at Friday’s official opening, which was attended by three First Ladies: Auxilia Mnangagwa and her counterparts from Angola and Serbia.
At the forum, delegates – mostly chefs, restaurant owners, and hospitality industry operators – emphasized the need for collaboration in Africa to promote gastronomy.
Carl Joshua Ncube, a chef who once resided in Victoria Falls, called for the free movement of cuisines across borders.
“We have to remove borders if we are to address the challenges that we are experiencing in terms of gastronomy in Africa,” he urged.
“We can’t be saying this is Ethiopian food, this is Zimbabwean food. Food in Africa is not just something you put on our tables, it is part of our religions, our culture.”
Chef Mounir El Arem from Tunisia stressed that collaboration will make gastronomy more durable.
“To promote African gastronomy, we need to make an international appeal for a federation of cuisine Africa,”
“Countries need to have a federation of African cuisine, and my message to chefs is that let’s wear that white shirt everywhere.”
Chef Elijah Amoo Addo from Ghana highlighted the need to change the perception of chefs as uneducated.
“Chefs are doctors in the kitchen, as we have diverse knowledge on the nutritional value of the foods we have.”
He also emphasized the challenges posed by tight borders.
“One challenge that we face as Africa in the gastronomy has to do with tight borders. It is easy for me to travel to Europe to explore the economy and culture there than to travel across the borders within Africa, mostly due to visa issues. These challenges hinder the promotion of gastronomy on our continent, and there is a very important need for us to work together to break these borders in order to choose and use our ingredients within and across borders.”
Tourism Minister Barbara Rwodzi closed the event, stating that it marked the beginning of bigger things in African gastronomy.
BY NOKUTHABA DLAMINI
Blessing Waison and Fortunate Chidzivo took top honors at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon yesterday, as Zimbabwean long-distance runners excelled at Africa’s most prestigious road race.
Econet General Manager – Marketing, Mrs Tariro Muchena (left), and Finance Director, Mr Chengeto Moyo, present the winner’s prize to men’s marathon champion, Blessing Waison, at the 2025 Econet Victoria Falls Marathon, while Victoria Falls Mayor, Mr Prince Moyo, looks on
The event, which featured athletes from over 40 countries, saw Waison storm to victory in the men’s full marathon, clocking 2 hours, 13 minutes, and 16 seconds. He narrowly beat decorated Olympian Isaac Mpofu in a thrilling duel that brought thousands of spectators to their feet.
Godwin Katakura followed closely in third, completing an all-Zimbabwean podium sweep in the 42.2km race. The trio’s success came with bigger rewards this year, after Econet Wireless doubled the total prize purse to $50,000.
Waison walked away with $3,000, while Mpofu and Katakura earned $2,000 and $1,500, respectively.
In the women’s marathon, Chidzivo delivered a commanding performance, clocking 2 hours and 42 minutes to claim another major title in her illustrious career. Ethel Pangiso and Phillipa Dube completed the women’s podium in second and third place, respectively.
Rising star Wayne Kabondo turned heads in the men’s 21km half marathon, overcoming a formidable field to finish in 1 hour, 3 minutes, and 44 seconds. Kabondo pocketed $1,500 for his efforts.
In the women’s 21km race, Caroline Mhandu crossed the line in 1 hour, 17 minutes, and 50 seconds, ahead of Miriam Sibanda and Melody Kaseke.
The marathon’s inclusive spirit was evident in the 18km Specially Abled Races, which saw uplifting performances across different categories. Godknows Hamadziripi claimed the men’s tricycle title, while Samson Muroyiwa won the handcycle event.
Among the women, Stella Jongwe triumphed in the handcycle race, and Ratidzo Tomu took first position in the tricycle category.
Organized by Econet Wireless in partnership with Wild Horizons, the 2025 edition drew over 5,000 participants and spectators from more than 40 countries. The marathon route, widely regarded as Africa’s most scenic, winds through game reserves and offers spectacular views of the Zambezi River and Victoria Falls.
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Beyond the races, this year’s event featured live music, traditional dance, health expos, and community wellness activities.
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