Isiyaku Ahmed
The 8th African Traditional Food Fair, also known as the Mba’Apostoli Food Festival 2026, will hold from October 16 to 17 at the FCT Exhibition Pavilion, Garki, Abuja, as part of activities marking World Food Day 2026.
The two-day event, themed “Food forTomorrow: Reviving Indigenous Foods for Healthy Living, Climate-Resilient and Food-Secure Nigeria,” aims to promote indigenous African foods, improve nutrition, strengthen food security and encourage sustainable food systems.
The festival will bring together farmers, food entrepreneurs, processors, chefs, researchers, policymakers, development partners, nutrition advocates, cultural groups, consumers and other stakeholders to celebrate Africa’s rich culinary heritage.
The event is being organised by the Mba’Apostoli Multipurpose Cooperative in partnership with the Global Initiative for Food Security and Ecosystem Preservation (GIFSEP), Sustainability Eternal and Kasejene, alongside other institutional, private-sector and community partners.
In a statement signed by the Media Coordinator, Daughter Jack, the organizers called on Nigerians, government institutions, food businesses, farmers, development organizations, researchers, cultural groups and the media to participate in the festival and support efforts to build healthier and more food-secure communities.
According to the statement, the fair will provide a platform to explore the role of indigenous foods in improving nutrition, strengthening livelihoods, promoting climate resilience and preserving Africa’s food heritage.
Day One will feature a policy dialogue on indigenous and sustainable food systems, exhibitions and stakeholder engagements, while Day Two will host the African Food and Cultural Fiesta, featuring food exhibitions, culinary experiences and cultural activities.
The organizers said the festival would also encourage discussions on how traditional food knowledge and indigenous agricultural practices could contribute to more sustainable and resilient food systems in Nigeria.
As part of activities leading to the event, the organizers have scheduled a press conference for Friday, 16 October at 9:00 a.m. at the FCT Exhibition Pavilion, Garki, Abuja.
The press conference will formally unveil the fair, outline its objectives and planned activities, and provide an opportunity for organizers and partners to engage journalists on the importance of indigenous foods to public health, food security, climate resilience and cultural preservation.
The organizers encouraged members of the public and relevant stakeholders to support the initiative as part of broader efforts to promote local food consumption and build sustainable food systems.
