Since its debut in 2016, the GTCO Food and Drink Festival has evolved from a bold idea into Africa’s biggest culinary celebration, a fusion of culture, commerce, and community.
Powered by Guaranty Trust Holding Company Plc (GTCO), the festival has become a powerful platform for showcasing not just food, but the heart and hustle of Nigeria’s small and medium enterprises (SMEs).
This year’s edition promises to deepen its impact with a strong focus on sustainability, inclusivity, and global exposure for Nigerian cuisine.
What began as a corporate social responsibility initiative has grown into a cultural institution that unites hundreds of thousands of food lovers and entrepreneurs every year at the GTCentre in Oniru, Lagos. The goal from day one was clear: to empower everyday Nigerians through economic opportunities, and GTCO has stayed true to that vision. In 2022, over 140 small-scale food businesses received free retail spaces; that number jumped to 204 in 2023, a clear sign of the festival’s expanding reach and impact.
GTCO is not only offering a space to showcase talent, but also backing that promise with financial tools like the Food Industry Credit, designed to help business owners move from side hustle to full-scale operation. For many, the festival has become a launchpad, bridging the gap between aspiration and achievement.
The cultural heartbeat of the festival is just as strong. With live demonstrations and masterclasses led by top chefs like Nigeria’s Ire Hassan-Odukale and international names like Francesco Mazzei, the event has amplified traditional African flavours while placing them on a global culinary map. GTCO’s CEO, Segun Agbaje, summed it up aptly when he said in 2024, “This event is a celebration of not just food, but of the rich tapestry of cultures and traditions that make African cuisine so unique.”
Unlike typical expos guarded by high ticket prices, GTCO’s event is free, open, and accessible; a deliberate choice to make sure everyone, from the akara vendor to the five-star chef, has a seat at the table. Families, music, kids’ baking sessions, and street food stalls blend effortlessly with global chefs and gourmet delights. The result is a full sensory experience where community is just as important as commerce.
Today, with over 250,000 attendees in recent editions, the festival has helped position Lagos as a global culinary hotspot. It’s not just about egusi soup anymore; it’s about culinary diplomacy, connecting Africa to the world one bite at a time. The event attracts food experts and tourists from across continents, creating room for cross-cultural exchanges and positioning Nigerian food within global gastronomy.
At its core, the GTCO Food and Drink Festival reflects a company banking on people, not just profits. It has become a stage for dreams, a tool for empowerment, and a reflection of Nigeria’s dynamic spirit. In a country navigating economic uncertainty, the festival offers a taste of what’s possible, a reminder that through food, culture, and community, we can build something lasting. Not just an event, but a movement; and that may be its most nourishing legacy yet.
