Maxima Media Group unveils continent-wide Foodies Choice Awards
Maxima Media Group has officially launched the maiden edition of the Foodies Choice Awards, introducing what it describes as Africa’s first consumer-driven recognition platform dedicated to celebrating excellence across the continent’s food and agriculture value chain.
The initiative, launched on July 17, 2026, opens nominations simultaneously in Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda, marking the beginning of a Pan-African awards scheme designed to honour governments, farmers, agribusinesses, chefs, food brands, hospitality operators, media personalities and innovators contributing to Africa’s food economy.
The launch comes as Ghana continues to strengthen its agricultural sector under the administration of President John Dramani Mahama, with renewed efforts focused on food security, agro-processing, value addition, youth participation in agriculture and industrial development.
Agriculture remains one of Ghana’s most important economic sectors, contributing significantly to national GDP while supporting millions of livelihoods through cocoa, horticulture and other high-value agricultural products.
The Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Creative Arts has also intensified efforts to promote Ghanaian cuisine through initiatives including the 2026 Afro-Gastro Festival, positioning food as a major tourism and economic asset.
According to the organisers, the Foodies Choice Awards differs from traditional industry awards by allowing consumers to determine nominees and winners through a transparent public nomination and voting process.
The inaugural edition will feature 50 award categories across six sectors, including Agriculture, Chef and Culinary, Tourism and Hospitality, Food Brands, Media, and Food Support Services.
Consumers across the participating countries can now submit nominations for individuals, organisations and institutions that have made meaningful contributions to the food industry and their communities.
Speaking during the launch, Maxima Media Group Founder and Group Chief Executive Officer, Oluwafemi Ogundoro, described the initiative as a transformational platform capable of strengthening Africa’s food economy, which is projected to reach US$1 trillion by 2030.
He said the awards would empower consumers by giving them a direct voice in recognising excellence throughout Africa’s food value chain while encouraging credibility, innovation and sustainable growth.
To reinforce transparency, international professional services firm KPMG has been appointed as the official Assurance Partner for the awards. The firm will independently oversee the nomination, validation and public voting processes across all participating countries.
Chief Operating Officer of Maxima Media Group, Michellee Fox, said appointing KPMG demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to transparency, accountability and international standards, ensuring every nomination and winner earns public confidence.
The inaugural Foodies Choice Awards ceremony is scheduled to take place in Lagos, Nigeria, this November and is expected to attract government officials, policymakers, investors, farmers, chefs, hospitality executives, entrepreneurs, development partners and entertainment personalities from across Africa.
Organisers say the event will promote investment, strengthen cross-border partnerships and showcase Africa’s growing food economy, with future editions rotating annually among participating countries.
Maxima Media Group noted that the awards form part of its broader vision to strengthen Africa’s food ecosystem through recognition, trade promotion, dialogue and investment alongside initiatives such as the Africa Food & Trade Summit.
Nominations are currently open at www.thefcawards.com.
