Victoria Island, Lagos, came alive during the 8th edition of the GTCO Food and Drink Festival, attracting tens of thousands of food lovers and entrepreneurs from across Africa. Widely regarded as the continent’s biggest culinary celebration, the festival transformed the city into a vibrant hub of flavors, culture, and enterprise over a three-day period.
From the rich aroma of jollof rice to the refreshing taste of organic smoothies and palm wine, the festival offered an immersive experience for visitors eager to explore Africa’s diverse culinary heritage. More than 36 vendors and 18 restaurants, including Chi Tang Twinwaters and Out of the Box Restaurant, dished out a wide range of local and international delicacies. Exhibitors like Farm and Spice, The Coconut Lady, and Eden’s Honey added further depth to the event with unique products that reflect Africa’s rich agricultural value chain.
GTCO CEO, Segun Agbaje, highlighted the festival’s role in connecting people and accelerating small business growth. “This festival is more than a food event—it’s a celebration of culture, a platform where strangers become family and small businesses grow into household names,” he said.
Entrepreneurs at the event shared testimonies of how the platform has impacted their lives. Chinonso Celestine of Eves Organics noted increased brand visibility, while a popular street food vendor known as ‘Mama’ shared how the festival’s exposure helped her begin fulfilling delivery orders and support her children’s education. She proudly served grilled delicacies with the help of her sons, embodying the festival’s spirit of community and entrepreneurship.
Now in its eighth year, the GTCO Food and Drink Festival has become a springboard for food entrepreneurs and a key celebration of Africa’s culinary brilliance, bringing together innovation, tradition, and economic empowerment under one roof.
