Foodies Choice Awards opens nominations in 5 African countries

Public nominations have opened across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda for the inaugural Foodies Choice Awards, a consumer-driven initiative designed to recognise outstanding contributions across Africa’s food and agriculture value chain. Launched by Maxima Media Group, the awards will celebrate excellence in 50 categories spanning agriculture, food brands, culinary arts, tourism and hospitality, food […]

Public nominations have opened across Nigeria, Ghana, Kenya, Tanzania and Rwanda for the inaugural Foodies Choice Awards, a consumer-driven initiative designed to recognise outstanding contributions across Africa’s food and agriculture value chain.
Launched by Maxima Media Group, the awards will celebrate excellence in 50 categories spanning agriculture, food brands, culinary arts, tourism and hospitality, food media, and support services. Consumers will nominate and vote for individuals and organisations they believe have made significant contributions to the sector.

According to the organisers, the awards come at a time when agriculture continues to play a pivotal role in Nigeria’s economy, contributing more than one-fifth of the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP), providing livelihoods for millions, and supporting a large share of the workforce. They noted that smallholder farmers remain responsible for the majority of domestic food production.

Maxima Media Group also highlighted renewed optimism in the sector, citing recent government initiatives to boost food security, expand agricultural financing and attract private investment. Among these is the Federal Government’s $500 million agricultural investment fund aimed at increasing food production, supporting agribusiness growth and strengthening food security.

Beyond farming, the organisers said Nigeria’s food economy is creating new opportunities through indigenous food brands, restaurants, food technology startups, culinary enterprises and export-focused agribusinesses. They believe these developments could contribute to Africa’s ambition of building a $1 trillion food economy by 2030.

Speaking at the launch, Group Chief Executive Officer and Founder of Maxima Media Group, Oluwafemi Ogundoro, described the awards as a platform that empowers consumers to recognise excellence while promoting higher standards across the industry.

“Nigeria possesses one of Africa’s most dynamic food economies. Across our farms, markets, restaurants, food factories and innovation hubs are remarkable individuals and businesses transforming lives every day. Foodies Choice Awards gives consumers the power to recognise those creating real impact while encouraging higher standards, greater innovation and stronger competitiveness across the industry. This is more than an awards platform; it is a movement to celebrate credibility, inspire excellence and unlock new opportunities for Nigeria’s food economy,” he said.

To reinforce the credibility of the awards, KPMG has been appointed as the official assurance partner and will oversee the nomination, validation and public voting processes.

Chief Operating Officer of Maxima Media Group, Michellee Fox, said the partnership is intended to ensure transparency throughout the exercise.

“Trust is the foundation of Foodies Choice Awards. Every nomination, every vote and every winner must genuinely reflect consumer confidence and industry excellence. Our partnership with KPMG ensures the Awards remain transparent, credible and globally respected,” she said.

The inaugural Foodies Choice Awards is scheduled to hold in Lagos in November and is expected to attract government officials, policymakers, investors, development partners, farmers, agribusiness leaders, chefs, hospitality operators, food entrepreneurs and entertainment personalities from across Africa.

Organisers said the awards are part of a broader effort to strengthen Africa’s food economy by promoting recognition, dialogue, trade and investment while creating opportunities that connect producers, innovators, investors and consumers across the continent.