Over 8,000 Attendees Converge at Harrow Park for Grand Finale of the African Food & Drinks Festival

By Benson Michael

In Abuja, Nigeria, on the 16th of November, 2025, the African Food & Drinks Festival reached a vibrant climax on Sunday as more than 8,000 attendees filled Harrow Park for the Grand Festival Celebration, marking one of Abuja’s largest cultural gatherings of the year.

The park transformed into the continent’s most spirited culinary arena, featuring over 60 food and drink vendors, a diverse lineup of regional cuisines, live musical performances, cultural showcases, chef demonstrations, games, and family-friendly activities.

Guests experienced dishes spanning all five regions of Africa, from Senegalese thieboudienne and North African tagines to East African nyama choma and beloved Nigerian classics.

Festival founder Mr. Kevin Ezeokoli captured the spirit of the day, saying:
“What happened here today is bigger than food. It’s a reminder that Africa speaks many languages, but we can all sit at one table. When you watch people from different cultures dancing, eating, laughing, and connecting, ,you see unity in real time. That is the heart of this festival.”

With its blend of food, music, art, storytelling, and brand activations, the Grand Festival delivered an immersive celebration of African creativity and community. The energy inside Harrow Park reflected the festival’s central message, that African food is a powerful connector capable of uniting cultures, countries, and generations.

The finale closed with gratitude to attendees, partners, and sponsors who helped make the fifth anniversary edition a defining moment in AFDF’s journey.

The 2025 edition of the African Food & Drinks Festival was made possible through the generous support of Kuda, our headline sponsor, as well as Sensation, Elixir Plus, Imperial Blue, Malta Guinness, and Air Peace. Their collective partnership was instrumental in delivering a truly world-class celebration of African cuisine and culture.
B force for African culinary identity.

The celebration opened on November 14 at the Shehu Musa Yarádua Centre with the African Food Summit & Expo, drawing over 200 delegates for a day of policy dialogue, thought leadership, exhibitions, and cultural engagement. Notable speakers included Mr. Obi Asika, Director-General/CEO of the National Council for Arts and Culture; Brian Nwana, food, travel and lifestyle creator and Guinness World Record holder; and Sammy Adigun, Executive Chairman of Niger Food Ltd.

Across keynote presentations and panel discussions, speakers examined the role of food in economic growth, tourism development, cultural diplomacy, creative industries, and continental unity. The Yarádua Centre buzzed with activity as food entrepreneurs and innovators showcased products and services that reflected Africa’s creativity and potential.

The festival moved into full cultural immersion on November 15 with the African Food Tour, a curated journey through the flavours and stories of the continent. More than 60 participants embarked on a multi-stop tasting experience that began at the Botswana High Commission, continued through the Tanzania and Senegal pavilions, and concluded with a rich Nigerian culinary showcase. The tour offered guests a passport-free journey through Africa’s regions, demonstrating how food serves as a shared language that transcends borders..