African cuisine is experiencing a major surge in global popularity, with West African food in particular recognised as the “top culinary trend” in 2023, according to Open Table.
Mirroring this, African music, fashion, film, art, dance, and literature are now shaping global trends more than ever.
Major drivers of this include Africa’s bourgeoning diaspora, the influence of African food content on social media, and the ongoing fusion of African flavours with local cuisines by chefs and restaurants, creating innovative dishes that resonate with a broader audience.
A GROWING INTEREST IN AFRICAN CUISINE
The influence of the African diaspora on global cuisine is unmistakable. While India’s diaspora is the largest when considering a single nation’s people living abroad, at around 32 million, more than 200 million people of African descent live outside the continent, according to the World Economic Forum.
Like with Indian and Chinese cuisine, this has significantly contributed to the popularisation of traditional foods, ultimately leading to the integration of flavours and dishes into local culinary landscapes.
The growing popularity of dishes like jollof rice, originating from Senegal but popular across much of West Africa, reflects the global appreciation for the distinctive and bold flavours of African cuisine.
The trade routes established during the colonial era, including the forced migration of enslaved Africans, played a significant role in introducing African spices, grains, and tropical fruits to Europe and Asia.
This exchange was significant in disseminating African flavours globally, with the spice trade in particular bringing West African influences to the Mediterranean, which contributed to the development of dishes like North African tagines and couscous.
SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES BRING LIGHT TO AFRICAN PRODUCE
The rising interest in sustainable products, especially within the coffee industry, has brought significant attention to African produce and cuisine.
This has been fuelled by the global demand for ethically sourced goods, the increasing popularity of specialty coffee, and the efforts of cooperatives and training programs that have enhanced the quality of African coffee.
Countries like Ethiopia, Kenya, and Rwanda are renowned for their high-quality coffee beans, which have become highly sought after in the specialty coffee market. Consumers are increasingly drawn to the unique flavours and origins of African coffee, which are often marketed as premium products due to their distinct taste profiles and sustainable sourcing practices.
Cooperatives and cross-sector partnerships have played a crucial role in elevating the quality of African coffee. By providing farmers with access to training, resources, and better market opportunities, these cooperatives have enabled the production of higher-quality beans that meet international standards.
In the words of Verna Eggleston, Head of the Bloomberg Philanthropies Women’s Economic Development Portfolio, “It takes all the communities” to drive real change.
As a result, Africa’s coffee market is projected to grow by 6.68% (2024-2029) resulting in a market volume of US$149.10m in 2029. Meanwhile, African coffee has become a key player in the global narrative of sustainability in agriculture, with its success serving as a model for other regions.
Moreover, the focus on sustainability has brought greater visibility to African cuisine and agricultural products beyond coffee. As consumers become more aware of the origins of their food and beverages, there is a growing curiosity about African culinary traditions and other produce from the continent.
We’ve seen this first hand through our partnership with Q Coffee. providing independence and life-changing opportunities to thousands of women across Rwanda.
Building on the collective vision of Bloomberg Philanthropies and Sustainable Growers—made possible through the support of several invested organisations—we’ve been proud to be part of a combined effort to expand the reach of Q Coffee internationally, helping to initially establish a new outlet at Expo City Dubai and elevating the brand’s presence through our Concept Development, Advisory and Market Study services.
Q Coffee has already helped to provide financial independence to over 724,000 women and has impacted the lives of 2.8 million of their children. And as the climate threatens future sustainability of coffee growing and the livelihoods of anyone who relies on the sector to survive, strategies employed by Q Coffee farms to cultivate more climate resistant crops are becoming more important than ever.
THE MIDDLE EAST – A GATEWAY TO INTERNATIONAL MARKETS FOR AFRICAN BRANDS
The Middle East, particularly cities like Dubai, has increasingly become a vital gateway for African cuisine, brands, and concepts to access the global market.
This role has been significantly amplified by major events like Expo 2020, which provided an international platform for cultural exchange and the celebration of diverse culinary traditions from across the African continent.
Similarly, COP28, held in the UAE, highlighted the growing global emphasis on sustainability, a theme closely aligned with the ethos of many African food brands which often focus on ethical sourcing, organic farming, and sustainable practices, resonating with the increasing consumer demand for sustainable and ethically produced food.
As well as a permanent place within the city’s F&B mix in the form of Alkebulan, the celebrated African food hall, a program of major entertainment events have taken place —showcasing a diverse and vibrant offering of African arts and culture.
Through our role as F&B Masterplanners and lead consultants for Expo City Dubai, we’ve seen the city establish itself as a global crossroads where East meets West and Africa connects with the world.
ALKEBULAN
When we developed Alkebulan, the world’s first African dining hall, in partnership with acclaimed chef Alexander Smalls, we brought together diverse cuisines from across the African continent and its diaspora.
“Alkebulan was designed to celebrate the food of the African diaspora, bringing African food into the contemporary culinary conversation. We are looking at the innovators and bringing them to another level.” - Alexander Smalls, Chef and Founder of Alkebulan
This included the offerings a wide range of chefs and brands including Afro Street Eatery, Shoebox Bakery, Seven Seafood, Choma BBQ and Penja.
The reception was incredible—not only did visitors appreciate the rich variety and magic of the food offerings, but their engagement with the story behind the concept was striking.
Alkebulan, our acclaimed African dining hall, curated by the renowned chef Alexander Smalls, is a celebration of diverse culture experienced through its cuisine and design.
