The Association des Femmes du Niger (AFN) launched the inaugural national culinary competition, "Prix du Président de la République, Chef de l’État, le Général d’Armée Abdourahamane Tiani," on Saturday, August 15, 2026. The event, aimed at promoting local products and empowering women, took place at the AFN's national headquarters in Niamey. This initiative marks a significant effort to highlight Nigerien cuisine and support female entrepreneurship in the country.
Competition Details and Winners
The competition gathered members of the Government, regional authorities, and participants representing various regions across Niger. Pr. Sidikou Ramatou Djermakoye Seyni, Minister of Population, Social Action and National Solidarity, attended the event, representing Prime Minister Ali Mahamane Lamine Zeine. Minister Seyni stated that "Our millet, our sorghum, our cowpea, our dried meats, our traditional cheeses, and our unique condiments possess exceptional nutritional and taste qualities; it was up to us to restore their prestige." She emphasized the role of "women in promoting the endogenous economy" and reaffirmed "the Government's continued support for local processing sectors, women's entrepreneurship, and Made in Niger products."
The Minister further noted that the "economic dimension of cooking allows women to transform local products and contribute to food sovereignty and national resilience." She added, "Too often perceived as a mere daily chore, cooking is a true economic art," which promotes "greater professionalization and empowerment of women." The first prize was awarded to the candidate from Zinder, while the second prize went to the candidate from Tahoua. The third prize was secured by the candidate from Dosso, and participants from other regions received encouragement prizes.
Government Endorsement and Vision
The inaugural national culinary competition, titled "Prix du Président de la République, Chef de l’État, le Général d’Armée Abdourahamane Tiani," was designed to advance several key national objectives. This first edition specifically aims to promote local products, bolster the "Made in Niger" initiative, and enhance women's economic empowerment across the country. The competition serves as a platform to showcase the diversity and quality of Nigerien agricultural produce and culinary traditions. By encouraging the use of indigenous ingredients, the initiative seeks to stimulate local markets and create new economic opportunities for producers and processors.
The focus on women's economic empowerment is central to the competition's vision, recognizing their significant role in the food sector and the broader economy. Through this event, the government intends to support female entrepreneurs and professionals in the culinary arts, fostering greater financial independence and skill development. The initiative aligns with broader national strategies to strengthen local industries and reduce reliance on imported goods, thereby contributing to food sovereignty and national resilience. The competition also endeavors to elevate the professional standing of cooking, transforming it from a domestic chore into a recognized economic art form. This approach is expected to lead to greater professionalization within the sector and open new pathways for women's entrepreneurship.
AFN's Goals and Local Valorization
The Association des Femmes du Niger (AFN) conceptualized the national culinary competition as a direct means to advance several core national objectives. A primary goal is the promotion and valorization of local products, aiming to showcase the rich agricultural diversity of Niger. This initiative directly supports the "Made in Niger" campaign, encouraging the use of indigenous ingredients and processed goods within the country's culinary landscape.
Beyond product promotion, the competition is designed to bolster women's economic empowerment. By recognizing cooking as a professional skill and an "economic art," the AFN seeks to elevate the status of female entrepreneurs and professionals in the culinary sector. The event provides a platform for women to demonstrate their expertise, fostering greater financial independence and skill development. This approach aligns with broader national strategies to strengthen local industries and contribute to food sovereignty and national resilience, as articulated by the government. The competition intends to transform cooking from a domestic activity into a recognized pathway for professionalization and entrepreneurship for women across Niger.