Chef Henok Zerihun, president of the Ethiopian Chefs Association, has been elected president of the East African Chefs Association during the 2026 African Chefs Festival held in South Africa and Eswatini, marking a regional leadership milestone for Ethiopia’s culinary sector. The election took place at the continental gathering, which brought together chefs from across Africa to showcase culinary traditions, food culture and history, while offering professional training programmes and industry exchanges.
The appointment positions Ethiopia in a leading role in promoting culinary tourism across East Africa and highlights growing recognition of the country’s rich food heritage within the regional hospitality industry. Officials said the development provides a platform to promote Ethiopia’s diverse cuisine, indigenous ingredients and traditional cooking techniques to international audiences, supporting efforts to expand tourism and increase the sector’s economic contribution.
Ethiopia was also selected to host the 2027 African Chefs Festival, a decision expected to attract chefs, hospitality professionals and visitors from across the continent and beyond. The event is expected to provide an opportunity to showcase the country’s tourism potential and culinary heritage on a wider international stage.
Source: FSX Business News
