Culinary entrepreneur and IGCAT Expert from Ivory Coast, Yasmine Fofana joins the jury of IGCAT’s World Food Gift Challenge 2026.
Yasmine Fofana is a marketing and communication professional with over 20 years of experience, dedicated to advancing African culinary culture and tourism on a global stage. She is the founder of Afrofoodie, a leading gastronomy platform from Ivory Coast, and the force behind flagship initiatives such as Abidjan Restaurant Week and Abidjan Cocktail Week—both of which have become key drivers in showcasing the country’s dynamic hospitality scene.
Her work sits at the intersection of storytelling and destination branding with a clear mission: to reshape narratives around African cuisines and position the continent as a leading gastronomy destination. Through collaborations with leading players in tourism, organizations, and brands, she helps amplify African food cultures and the voices shaping them, positioning them more prominently on the global stage.
Yasmine’s impact has earned her international recognition, including being selected as a 2016 Mandela Washington Fellow under the Young Africa Leaders Initiative, a 2017 Chevening Scholar, and a fellow of the Leading African Women in Food Fellowship.
With a unique blend of industry insight, cultural storytelling, and event curation, Yasmine brings a forward-thinking perspective to the jury—highlighting how food gifts can embody identity, elevate local craftsmanship, and position destinations through authentic, contemporary narratives.
