The first African Edible Insects Fair (Safric) will take place on December 4-5, 2026, in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire. The event is organized by Insectafriq, under the auspices of the Fondation Mutation Academy, and with the scientific support of the Centre national de recherche agronomique (Cnra). The fair's theme is "Se nourrir autrement pour une souveraineté alimentaire de l'Afrique" or "Eating differently for African food sovereignty."
The fair aims to establish itself as a reference platform for the structuring, professionalization, financing, and valorization of the African edible insect industry. According to Hassan Hoteit, president and founder of the Fondation Mutation Academy, the industry has significant potential, with current production estimated between two and three tons. He emphasized that a kilo of edible insects is four times richer in protein than a kilo of meat.
The event has garnered support from various stakeholders, including Ahoua N'Doli Théophile, an inspector general of state, who is the fair's patron. Artist and singer François Kency, who is also an ambassador for edible insects in Côte d'Ivoire, expressed his enthusiasm for the sector, citing its potential to create jobs, provide protein, and promote healthy eating.
The two-day event will feature workshops, panels, and business meetings. The first day will focus on food sovereignty, science, and circular economy, with a keynote speech on new proteins, panels, and a scientific debate on entomology. The second day will concentrate on markets, green jobs, and investment, with an workshop on standards, a masterclass, entrepreneur pitches, and a forum for young people.
Several African countries, including Burkina Faso, Togo, Bénin, and the République démocratique du Congo, are expected to participate in the fair. Eunice Kouassi, managing partner of Insectafriq, highlighted the organization's efforts to support insect farmers from production to structuring the industry, with certified farms and traceable production.
The fair's organizers believe that it will be a significant step towards developing the edible insect industry in Africa. With its focus on promoting sustainable food systems and providing alternative sources of protein, the event is expected to attract attention from stakeholders across the continent.
By hosting the first African Edible Insects Fair, Côte d'Ivoire is positioning itself as a leader in the development of the edible insect industry in Africa. The event is expected to contribute to the country's economic growth and provide new opportunities for entrepreneurs and farmers.
Key points
- The fair aims to establish a reference platform for the structuring, professionalization, financing, and valorization of the African edible insect industry.
- The event will feature workshops, panels, and business meetings on topics such as food sovereignty, science, and circular economy.
- Several African countries are expected to participate in the fair, which is expected to contribute to the development of the edible insect industry in Africa.
