Bite of Africa Magazine Launches, Celebrating Innovation in African Gastronomy
Africa’s rich cultural identity took centre stage on Friday evening as A Bite of Africa Magazine was officially launched at Queen Bee’s Restaurant at Kenneth Kaunda International Airport.
The event brought together culinary experts, innovators, creatives, and government officials to celebrate African gastronomy under the theme “Showcasing Innovation in African Gastronomy.”
The launch marked a significant milestone in the continent’s food media landscape. Positioned as more than just a magazine, A Bite of Africa aims to amplify African voices, highlight authentic flavours, and promote the continent’s culinary creativity on the global stage.
The publication will spotlight chefs, farmers, restaurant professionals, food entrepreneurs, and innovators who are shaping Africa’s evolving food culture.
According to the editorial vision, the magazine will focus on showcasing local cuisine, profiling culinary talent, promoting food entrepreneurship, exploring food technology and sustainability, and connecting Africa’s food story to international markets.
Officiating at the ceremony, Minister of Technology and Science, Honourable Felix Chipota Mutati, MP, highlighted the cultural and economic potential of African cuisine. He praised the initiative for blending creativity with innovation, noting that food is a powerful expression of identity.
“Food and taste express who we are as Africans. I see creativity, innovation, and transformation in what Bite of Africa is doing, the same ingredients that drive science and technology,” he said.
The Minister also expressed the Government’s readiness to collaborate, proposing the integration of African culinary heritage into national skills development programmes.
“We want you to work with us to revise curricula in our institutions to include African foods. You will be creators of that change,” he urged.
Hon. Mutati encouraged collective support for promoting local cuisine as a regional and global brand. “A product cannot become a brand unless we deliberately promote it. When you eat kalembula or kapenta and share that experience, you make it a brand,” he added.
Rideve Media Managing Director, Dr Chanda Chipongoma, welcomed guests and described the launch as a pivotal moment in African storytelling. “Tonight, we are not just unveiling a publication; we are presenting a new platform, a new narrative, and a new celebration of who we are as Africans,” she said.
She emphasised that A Bite of Africa would serve as a bridge connecting cultures, communities, and markets through food, innovation, travel, and lifestyle. Dr Chipongoma also acknowledged the editorial team led by Elida Nyirenda and partners such as Tastes of Africa Zambia for their commitment to bringing the magazine to life.
The ceremony culminated in the symbolic ribbon-cutting, officially marking the magazine’s entry into the media space. Guests later enjoyed a curated selection of dishes, a fitting tribute to African creativity and the continent’s growing culinary identity.
