Young culinary talent made a powerful impression at the inaugural Creative Africa Nexus Junior Chef Competition, held during the recently concluded Intra-African Trade Fair 2025 in Algiers.
The event celebrated Algeria’s rich culinary heritage while offering a platform for aspiring chefs to showcase their skill and creativity.
Fatma Zohra Bendjelida took top honors, with Loubna Ali Cherif and Aouis Akkouch named first and second runners-up.
Open to Algerian chefs aged 16 to 21, the competition focused on dishes inspired by African ingredients and traditions.
The two-day final featured eight contestants competing for cash prizes, medals and mentorship sessions.
On the second day, participants teamed up under the guidance of acclaimed chefs Andile Somdaka, Rabah Ourrad and Taymor Mason.
Judges included Chef Robert, Chef Coco, Chef Stone and Rabah Ourrad, along with a guest appearance by Chinelo Oramah, matron of the Afreximbank Spouse Network.
Zimbabwe’s First Lady Auxillia Mnangagwa, who delivered the keynote address, called for greater support of youth innovation in gastronomy and investment in African culinary platforms.
She emphasized the potential of gastronomy to unify communities, promote culture and drive economic growth.
Temwa Gondwe, director for intra-African trade and export development at Afreximbank, described the competition as a strategic move to elevate African cuisine on the global stage.
He noted that food, like music and fashion, can serve as a powerful tool for cultural diplomacy and economic empowerment.
The chef competition was one of several gastronomy-focused events at the trade fair, which included cooking demonstrations and the Jollof Wars.
The Intra-African Trade Fair 2025, held Sept. 4 to 10 in Algiers, attracted more than 112,000 participants and generated more than $48 billion in trade deals.
Creative Africa Nexus, or CANEX, is billed as the largest gathering of creatives from Africa and the Diaspora, spanning industries such as film, music, fashion, culinary arts, sports and visual arts.
Algiers, Algeria – Bantu Gazette
