The 2026 3FM Jollof Wars, a major highlight of the 2026 3FM Afro Connect, has crowned a new champion. Côte d'Ivoire took home the top prize, beating representatives from 9 other African countries. The competition, which celebrates national pride and culinary skills through the popular West African dish jollof, saw participants from Ghana, Benin, Nigeria, Senegal, Togo, Sierra Leone, Mali, Gabon, and The Gambia vying for the coveted title.
The competition was a fierce yet entertaining battle of culinary skills, with each team bringing unique cooking styles, ingredients, techniques, and cultural influences to the table. A panel of judges inspected and tasted each dish, ultimately declaring Côte d'Ivoire the winner. This victory marks a significant achievement for Côte d'Ivoire, as they dethroned Sierra Leone, the defending champions from the 2025 edition.
Sierra Leone, who entered the competition as defending champions, finished 9th, unable to replicate their previous year's success. Host nation Ghana also fell short, finishing 6th, and was unable to secure the top prize on home soil. The final standings were as follows: Togo (10th), Sierra Leone (9th), Nigeria (8th), The Gambia (7th), Ghana (6th), Gabon (5th), Senegal (4th), Mali (3rd), Benin (2nd), and Côte d'Ivoire (1st).
Benin claimed the first runner-up position, while Mali finished as second runner-up after putting up strong performances throughout the competition. Côte d'Ivoire's victory was met with excitement, as they earned the right to claim culinary bragging rights until the next edition of the Jollof Wars.
The 2026 3FM Afro Connect event celebrated African culture and cuisine, with the Jollof Wars being a major highlight. The competition showcased the diversity and richness of African culinary traditions, with each team presenting their unique take on the popular dish jollof.
According to TV3 Ghana, the competition was a celebration of national pride, culinary skills, and creativity. The event provided a platform for participants to showcase their talents and share their cultural heritage with a wider audience.
The victory for Côte d'Ivoire marks a new chapter in the Jollof Wars, with the country taking over the crown from Sierra Leone. The 2026 3FM Jollof Wars have come to a close, but the conversation around African cuisine and cultural exchange is expected to continue.
Key points
- Côte d'Ivoire emerged winner of the 2026 3FM Jollof Wars, dethroning Sierra Leone.
- The competition was part of the 2026 3FM Afro Connect event, celebrating African culture and cuisine.
- Côte d'Ivoire earned the right to claim culinary bragging rights until the next edition of the Jollof Wars.
