Lom©: Olivia Bayala, president of the Authentic African Flavors association, called on Sunday in Lom© on all those involved in Burkinabe gastronomy to come together to promote the country's culture. "I call on all those in the field of gastronomy to come together to promote your culture. Together we will go far. If we unite, we will show the rest of the world what Africa is capable of," said Olivia Bayala, president of the Authentic Flavors of Africa association.
According to Burkina Information Agency, Ms. Bayala spoke on Sunday in Lom©, on the occasion of the Togo International Crafts Market (MIATO). On this occasion, her association offered tastings of dishes "made in Burkina" during the day dedicated to Burkina Faso, the guest country of honor at the 4th edition of MIATO. "Everyone was satisfied with our dishes. This shows that we're doing a good job. We came with all the equipment from Burkina Faso to hold this tasting," added Ms. Bayala.
More than 200 people participated in this tasting event, which is a significant achievement for her association. Traditional dishes on offer included babenda, gonr©, zomkom, sweet potato d¨gu¨, lemon moringa juice, and grilled chicken. In Ms. Bayala's opinion, the success was due to the formation of the association. She expressed gratitude to the ministers responsible for trade and culture for providing this opportunity, which was initially promised during the International Festival of Gastronomy and Cultural Identity of the AES space.
The President urged the government to continue its policy of promoting "Consuming Locally" to enhance Burkina Faso's cultural prominence globally. Authentic Flavors of Africa is a Burkinabe association with a mission to promote African cultural riches as a lever for cultural, economic, and tourist development. "We are working towards a gastronomy that promotes local expertise, strengthens identities, and fosters friendship between peoples," said its president.
The 4th edition of the Togo International Crafts Market (MIATO) will take place from April 23 to May 4, 2025, in Lom©. Saturday was dedicated to Burkina Faso, the guest of honor at this African cultural festival.