By SCM Business Correspondent
LAGOS, Nigeria — As the sun rises over the Atlantic coastline of Victoria Island this May Day, the air in Lagos is thick with more than just the usual coastal humidity. It carries the aroma of sizzling Thai curries, the earthy scent of slow-cooked Dum Pukht Biryani, and the sweet fragrance of artisanal pastries.
The GTCO Food & Drink Festival, now in its ninth edition, officially kicks off today, transforming the GT Centre into a sprawling 3-day microcosm of the global culinary economy.
Running from May 1st to May 3rd, 2026, the festival has evolved from a local corporate social responsibility initiative into Africa’s premier retail exhibition for the food and beverage industry.
With doors open from 10 AM to 10 PM daily, the event is expected to draw tens of thousands of visitors, ranging from casual foodies to international investors looking for the “next big thing” in the African food tech and hospitality space.
At its heart, the GTCO Food & Drink Festival is a masterclass in market access. This year, the festival hosts over 200 small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). For these vendors, the value proposition is unmatched: a free-to-attend platform that connects local startups directly with a cosmopolitan, high-spending audience.
In a period where global supply chains are shifting, the festival highlights the resilience of local African food entrepreneurs. By providing high-end exhibition stalls at no cost to the vendors, Guaranty Trust Holding Company (GTCO) is effectively lowering the barrier to entry for innovators in the food space.
This allows a small-scale chili sauce maker from rural Nigeria to share the same stage—and the same customers—as established international brands.
Curriculum of Flavor: The Masterclasses
While the outdoor stalls buzz with commerce, the interior of the GT Centre serves as a high-octane classroom. The 2026 edition features a curated lineup of masterclasses led by world-renowned chefs. These sessions are designed to do more than just entertain; they aim to bridge the skill gap between local talent and global standards. Highlights of this year’s schedule include:
The Art of Italian Cuisine: A deep dive into regional pastas and Mediterranean techniques.
The Dum Pukht Biryani Experience: Exploring the intricate, slow-cooking heritage of the Mughal Empire.
Thai Curry Intensives: Mastering the balance of the four essential Thai flavors: salty, sweet, sour, and spicy.
Kids Baking Masterclasses: Cultivating the next generation of culinary professionals in a dedicated, high-energy environment.
The festival is not merely a weekend of indulgence; it is a strategic pillar of GTCO’s broader vision for the African continent. By positioning Lagos as a culinary hub, the event drives domestic tourism and stimulates the hospitality sector.
Historically, Nigeria’s economy has been synonymous with oil and gas. However, the “orange economy”—encompassing food, fashion, and entertainment—has become a vital engine for job creation. The GTCO Food & Drink Festival acts as a catalyst, providing the “ideas and inspiration” necessary for aspiring entrepreneurs to turn a passion project into a scalable business.
Beyond the balance sheets, the festival is a celebration of community. With live music, expansive children’s play areas, and a diverse array of local and international street food, it has become a staple of the Lagos social calendar.
As the 9th edition unfolds at Plot 1, Water Corporation Drive, it is clear that the festival is no longer just about food. It is about the power of a brand to foster an ecosystem where small businesses thrive, global cultures intersect, and the “Journey Behind Every Plate” is given the spotlight it deserves. For three days in May, Lagos is not just the commercial capital of Nigeria—it is the culinary capital of the world.
Event at a Glance
Dates: May 1st – 3rd, 2026
Venue: GT Centre, Oniru, Victoria Island, Lagos
Entry: Free
Exhibitors: 200+ Food & Drink SMEs
Activities: Masterclasses, Live Music, Kids’ Zone
