Online Reporter
Blessings Chidakwa in Algiers, Algeria
ZIMBABWE’S tourism and hospitality industry patron, First Lady Dr Auxillia Mnangagwa, has called for the championing of African gastronomy as a unifying tool for cultural preservation, women and youth empowerment, socio-economic development and international recognition.
Dr Mnangagwa, who is attending the Intra-African Trade Fair (IATF2025) in Algiers, Algeria, rallied Africans to elevate their cuisines while investing in culinary industries, proudly sharing the richness of the tables with the world.
During the fair, First Lady met Namibian Vice President Her Excellency Lucia Witbooi, African Union Commissioner for Health, Humanitarian Affairs and Social Development (HHS) department Ambassador Amma Twum-Amoah, Wamkele Mene, African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Secretariat, among other top dignitaries.
Dr Mnangagwa started by having a tour of over 20 exhibition stands showcasing Zimbabwean products and services facilitated by ZimTrade, including companies from various sectors such as manufacturing, agriculture, leather, consumer goods, services and artisans.
The First Lady’s visit brought energy and attention to the displays as she engaged exhibitors, encouraged innovation and celebrated the country’s unique identity.
At the stands, Zimbabwean businesses were offered a platform to interact with buyers and investors, establish partnerships, and learn about emerging market trends.
After touring the stands, Mother Zimbabwe, who is a gastronomy champion, was also invited to be guest of honour at the Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Live Demonstration and Conversation held at the Gastronomy and Culinary Arts Kitchen, where she underscored the importance of gastronomy tourism.
A culinary arts live demonstration was also held, which was followed by a conversation under the topic Rebranding African and Caribbean Food Through Franchising Food Service Organisations.
Addressing a high-level delegation in Algiers, Algeria, Dr Mnangagwa described food as a powerful expression of identity, memory, and unity, urging African nations to embrace and showcase their culinary heritage.
Dr Mnangagwa highlighted how Africa’s diverse cuisines reflect the continent’s shared values and rich traditions.
From the spicy dishes of North Africa and the world-renowned jollof rice of West Africa to the stews of East Africa and the hearty meals of Southern Africa, she said African food offers a unique cultural experience that transcends borders.
“Gastronomy and the culinary arts are not merely about food, they are about identity, exchange and opportunity.
They allow us to celebrate who we are, to learn from one another and to create new economic pathways.
“As Africans, let us elevate our cuisines, invest in our culinary industries and proudly share the richness of our tables with the world. For in every dish lies a story and in every meal, shared lies the spirit and also sowing the seed of unity and prosperity,” she said.
Through her office, Zimbabwe managed to host the first-ever United Nations Tourism Africa Gastronomy Showcase, held last year, in the majestic city of Victoria Falls placing it at the centre of Africa’s culinary map, demonstrating how gastronomy can become a unifying platform for culture, tourism and economic development.
The First Lady said gastronomy was no longer just about food, but had become a central part of global tourism, with visitors increasingly seeking authentic culinary experiences alongside traditional sightseeing.
Dr Mnangagwa said this reality presents Africa with a golden opportunity to position itself as not only a continent of rich history and majestic landscapes, but also of unique and diverse culinary experiences.
“As Africa continues to strengthen regional integration through initiatives like the African Continental Free Trade Area, the culinary sector can become a vital driver of intra-African exchange. Imagine African food products circulating freely across our borders, African restaurants thriving in every capital city and African chefs gaining international recognition for their creativity.
“This is not only possible, but is within our reach. So, I extend a Pan-African call to action. I call upon my fellow First Ladies, Ministers, policymakers and cultural custodians across Africa to join hands in advancing gastronomy and culinary arts as pillars of our collective development,” she said.
A champion of women empowerment, the First Lady said gastronomy provides avenues for women’s 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,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa also called upon health professionals and researchers to help us unpack the medicinal and nutritional qualities embedded in traditional food varieties, which do not only enrich societies, but also contribute to the global search for sustainable diets and natural remedies.
Back home, the tourism and hospitality industry patron also highlighted some of the programmes that are promoting and preserving the rich African heritage.
“In recognition of the importance of safeguarding our traditions, I also premiered another initiative, the Nhanga/Gota/Ixhiba program, which is anchored in the preservation of our customs and values.
“This initiative brings out our national identity and ethics, moulding both boys and girls to know who they are and the expectations of good hunhu/ubuntu,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa said this is instrumental in addressing pressing social issues such as drug and substance abuse and child marriages, which have of late escalated in communities, especially among the youth.
“Beyond cultural preservation, the Gota/Nhanga/Ixhiba program is also a platform for improving livelihoods for the youth in particular and the community at large.
“This is all done when I take boys and girls separately for a week-long in-the-bush secluded retreat to teach them all the chores, responsibilities and expected gender roles according to our cultural ethos,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa said through gastronomy, Africa will continue to tell the stories of its ancestors, celebrate traditions and showcase the bounty of its gains, playing a pivotal role as a gateway to understanding a destination’s culture and heritage.
“Allow me to highlight the case of my own country, Zimbabwe. Our traditional dishes, sadza made from indigenous grains such as sorghum and millet, served with vegetables like nyevhe, muboora or protein-rich kapenta fish in peanut butter, are not only delicious, but also nutritious and climate-resilient.
“These foods demonstrate how gastronomy can be linked with health, heritage preservation and sustainable agriculture,” she said.
Dr Mnangagwa also shared about her successful First Lady’s traditional cookout competitions that are held in all the 10 provinces in Zimbabwe, involving grannies and chiefs’ wives, to come up with rich menus of yesteryear in order to revive interest in indigenous foods, encourage innovation among our chefs, and promote Zimbabwean cuisine both locally and internationally.
“These platforms have shown us that our traditional dishes can be presented in modern, world-class towns without losing their authenticity. In doing so, we preserve our heritage while also opening new markets for Zimbabwean food culture.
“Allow me, therefore, to urge African youth to be proud of their culture and heritage. Our traditions, including our food, are not relics of the past, but living assets that must be cherished, celebrated and shared with the world,” she said.
Speaking on the sidelines, ZimTrade chief executive officer Mr Allan Majuru said the event was vital in fostering a lot of things, be it arts, culture, and importantly, gastronomy, which has become a key component in African livelihoods, promoting eating as a culture.
“So for us, it is very important that we have got the First Lady coming here to address the whole of Africa on the importance of gastronomy and how gastronomy is also important as a tourism aspect,” he said.
The IATF 2025 serves as a strategic platform for African countries to strengthen economic integration, showcase their export potential and attract investment.
By participating in the fair, Zimbabwe aims to strengthen its export base, attract investment, and promote tourism, ultimately contributing to the country’s economic growth and development.
