By Ayomide Otitoju
The African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), through its Creative Africa Nexus (CANEX) programme, has opened applications for the 2026 edition of the CANEX WKND Junior Chef Competition, targeting Nigeria’s emerging culinary talents aged 16 to 21.
The competition will hold during CANEX WKND 2026, scheduled for November 5 to 8, 2026, in Lagos, Nigeria, and will spotlight young chefs who can combine creativity, technical skill, and cultural storytelling through food.
Applications opened on June 5, 2026, and will close on June 26, 2026, via the official CANEX platform.
Now in its second edition, the contest builds on its debut held in Algiers, Algeria, during IATF2025, where Fatma Zohra Bendjelida emerged as the inaugural winner. This year’s edition will see eight finalists selected to compete live in Lagos, where they will reinterpret African culinary heritage into innovative dishes reflecting the continent’s diverse food traditions.
According to the organisers, shortlisted candidates will progress through a semi-final stage featuring live cooking sessions before a panel of culinary experts from Africa and the Caribbean. Participants will be assessed on creativity, technical ability, presentation, use of local ingredients, and their capacity to express cultural narratives through cuisine.
Speaking on the initiative, Afreximbank’s Director of Intra-African Trade and Export Development (Creatives and Diaspora), Temwa Gondwe, said the competition underscores the bank’s commitment to developing Africa’s creative economy by investing in talent with commercial potential.
He noted that African gastronomy remains one of the continent’s most valuable yet underutilised assets, with the potential to drive tourism, create jobs, strengthen food systems, and expand global markets for African cuisine.
Winners will receive cash prizes, certificates, and trophies, while all selected participants will benefit from mentorship, industry exposure, and networking opportunities with leading chefs and stakeholders.
Eligibility is open to Nigerian applicants aged 16 to 21 who reside anywhere in the country and are willing to travel to Lagos for the event. Applicants may be aspiring chefs, culinary students, or self-taught food creatives.
