The Agence Nationale de la Promotion du Tourisme du Niger (APTN) launched the inaugural National Gastronomy Fair of Niger, known as 'Abinci’Niger', in Niamey on 16 October 2026. The three-day event, scheduled to conclude on 18 October, aims to showcase local culinary traditions. The first edition of the National Gastronomy Fair of Niger, 'Abinci’Niger', is held from October 16 to October 18, 2026, in Niamey. The event is organized by the Agence Nationale de la Promotion du Tourisme du Niger (APTN).
Guichene Kari Aghaichata, the Minister of Tourism and Handicrafts, described the event's purpose during the opening proceedings. She stated: "Abinci’Niger a été pensé comme bien plus qu’une exposition, mais le fruit d’une démarche construite pas à pas, avec et pour celles et ceux qui font notre cuisine." Organizers designed the fair to serve as a platform for chefs and producers to highlight the diversity of Nigerien food culture to national and international visitors throughout the designated program dates. By bringing together professionals from various sectors of the food industry, the Agence Nationale de la Promotion du Tourisme du Niger (APTN) seeks to provide a centralized hub for cultural exchange.
Celebrating Niger's Culinary Diversity
Organizers selected the theme 'un pays, 8 régions, 1000 saveurs' to represent the gastronomic scope of the inaugural event. The theme of the fair is 'un pays, 8 régions, 1000 saveurs'. This thematic focus aims to categorize the culinary output of the nation by noting the distinct identities of its administrative territories. By focusing on the eight regions, the fair allows for a full survey of the varied ingredients and traditional preparation methods found within the borders of Niger.
Zinder holds the status of guest of honor for this first edition of the fair. The region of Zinder was selected as the guest of honor for this inaugural edition. Officials chose the region to lead the inaugural presentation, offering attendees a focused look at the specific culinary customs and ingredients unique to that area.
General Salifou Mody, the Minister of State for Defense, presided over the opening ceremony on behalf of the Prime Minister. The ceremony was presided over by the Minister of State for Defense, General Salifou Mody, acting on behalf of the Prime Minister. During his address, he emphasized the strategic importance of the fair in the current national climate. General Salifou Mody stated: "la tenue de ce salon constitue une initiative porteuse de sens, car elle nous invite à porter un regard nouveau sur une richesse que nous possédons depuis toujours, mais dont le potentiel mérite d’être davantage reconnu, structuré et valorisé notamment dans ce contexte de refondation de notre pays où la valorisation de nos ressources nationales, le développement de l’entrepreneuriat et la promotion de la consommation locale constituent des leviers essentiels de notre marche vers la souveraineté." The presence of high-level government officials at the event shows the importance placed on the development of the tourism and culinary sectors. The Agence Nationale de la Promotion du Tourisme du Niger (APTN) continues to manage the logistics of the event through the final day of the fair on 18 October 2026.