Africa Pavilion showcases the flavours of the future at From Seeds to Foods Exhibition

The Africa Pavilion will be one of six regional showcases at the From Seeds to Foods exhibition that opens on 10 October, offering visitors a dynamic journey through the continent’s rich and diverse agrifood systems. With more than 40 sub-Saharan African countries represented and over 160 products on display, the pavilion highlights Africa’s extraordinary biodiversity and its growing role in shaping the future of global cuisine. 

“The Africa Pavilion tells the story of the entire journey from seeds to foods, from production to harvesting, storage, quality standards and food safety, processing, marketing, transport and cooking,” said Abebe Haile-Gabriel, FAO Assistant Director-General and Regional Representative for Africa. “The market we are bringing to Rome reflects Africa’s rich diversity, and these products represent real business opportunities to further develop markets at home and abroad.”

The Pavilion will feature a range of unique, nutritious and healthy foods that combine deep cultural heritage with strong market potential. Among the highlights is chocolate from Sao Tome and Príncipe, produced by an artisanal maker whose creation was awarded best chocolate in the world at the Salon du Chocolat in Paris. Visitors will also encounter soumbala (fermented African locust bean paste) which is known for being one of the most intense umami flavours in the world; fonio from Ghana - an ancient, nutrient-dense grain that thrives in dry conditions; and waterlily flour from Senegal, made from the seeds of the aquatic plants long valued in traditional diets.

Another standout product is Penja pepper from Cameroon, the first African product to receive Protected Geographical Indication status. The Pavilion will also celebrate traditional and wild foods that rarely reach international markets. Botswana will present national favourites such as preserved wild watermelon and dried sweet reeds, as well as segwapa dried meat. Cameroon will bring tea made from wild garden egg (a type of eggplant or aubergine) known as Mendim Me Zon, while Congo will offer savoury safou (African plum) jam. Nutrient-rich baobab, prekese and moringa, which are gaining traction in global health and wellness markets, will also be on display.

Many of the Special Agricultural Products from African countries participating in the One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) initiative will be shown, including potato flour from Lesotho, avocado oil from Tanzania, teff pasta from Ethiopia, and banana chips from Malawi. Through OCOP, FAO supports countries in developing sustainable value chains.

The pavilion will also feature an interactive quiz where visitors can test their knowledge of African ingredients, and a display from partners showcasing innovations in food production, highlighting new technologies and approaches. A special section will spotlight young innovators who are applying tools such as drones and artificial intelligence to transform the way food is grown, processed, and marketed across the continent.

From Seeds to Foods is part of FAO’s 80th anniversary celebrations. It runs from 10-13 October.