July 3, 2026

The Panafrican Press

English-language platform committed to rigorous, independent journalism across the African continent.

Bénin’s culinary innovation: ‘The New Chefs’ project ignites local talent and tourism growth

On July 2, 2026, in Cotonou, a transformative initiative named « Les Nouveaux Chefs » was officially launched by Bénin Tourisme, EuroCham, and LuxDev. This project aims to propel Béninese gastronomy onto the global stage, leveraging elite culinary training, the promotion of local heritage, and professional integration. This collaborative effort is set to transform the culinary arts into a powerful engine for tourism development and economic structuring, offering significant opportunities for young people across the nation’s 12 departments.

A strategic partnership to highlight Bénin’s culinary heritage

The official launch conference for « Les Nouveaux Chefs » took place on Thursday, July 2, 2026, in Cotonou, drawing a distinguished audience of journalists, hospitality sector professionals, and institutional representatives. This initiative marks a pivotal moment in Bénin’s destination promotion strategy, forged through an unprecedented synergy between the Béninese Agency for Tourism Development (Bénin Tourisme), the European Chamber of Commerce in Bénin (EuroCham), and the Luxembourg Agency for Development Cooperation (LuxDev).

The project’s clear objective is to uncover a new generation of culinary talents capable of reinventing and elevating Bénin’s rich gastronomic traditions. As global travelers increasingly seek out