In a world where food and agriculture are at the heart of 21st-century challenges, some voices emerge with singular force. Fatmata Binta, a Sierra Leonean chef based in Ghana, embodies the convergence of gastronomy, culture, and social commitment. On October 16, 2025, the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) officially appointed her as Regional Goodwill Ambassador for Africa, a role that will allow her to promote sustainable food systems and support women farmers across the continent.
A culinary experience celebrating traditional African foods
The first African to win the prestigious Basque Culinary World Prize, Ms. Binta has established herself as a leading figure in African culinary innovation. Her creativity goes far beyond the plate: it encompasses a global vision of gastronomy as a tool for development and the preservation of local knowledge. Through her nomadic restaurant concept, « Dine on a Mat, » she offers a culinary experience celebrating traditional African foods, while her Fulani Kitchen Foundation advocates for underutilized crops such as fonio and promotes the empowerment of women farmers.
As a FAO Goodwill Ambassador, she will continue to use her voice and her networks to advocate for farmers, particularly women farmers, and young people
Welcoming the chef to her new role, FAO Director-General QU Dongyu highlighted the importance of her influence: “As a FAO Goodwill Ambassador, she will continue to use her voice and her networks to advocate for farmers, particularly women farmers, and young people.” This appointment comes in a symbolic context, on World Food Day, which also marked the 80th anniversary of FAO.
Standing at the intersection of culture, food, and policy, advocating for Africa’s forgotten foods and our food systems, and ensuring that rural communities are heard
For Fatmata, the mandate is more than recognition: it is about combining culture, food, and policy to defend African food systems. She explained, “This role means standing at the intersection of culture, food, and policy, advocating for Africa’s forgotten foods and our food systems, and ensuring that rural communities are heard.” Her approach highlights the importance of preserving local resources and creating food value chains that directly benefit producers and communities.
Fatmata Binta’s career also illustrates the growing role of chefs and culinary creators in advocating for sustainability and social justice. Her work with fonio, an ancient African grain often overlooked, exemplifies her strategy: restoring heritage foods to the center of the diet while promoting food security and economic inclusion. Through her initiatives, she collaborates closely with women farmers, creating knowledge-sharing networks and encouraging innovation in the production and processing of indigenous foods.
Gastronomy, a strategic tool for rural development and economic valorization of African products
Fatmata’s vision aligns with both regional and continental dynamics. As a chef and food activist, she demonstrates how gastronomy can become a strategic tool for rural development and economic valorization of African products. Her holistic approach includes culinary education, mentorship of young women, and promotion of sustainable agricultural practices, linking culture, economy, and ecology.
As FAO Goodwill Ambassador, she will have an international platform to highlight Africa’s food system challenges, showcase innovative farming practices, and create synergies between chefs, producers, institutions, and policymakers. Her voice becomes a powerful lever for transforming the way the world perceives and values Africa’s rich food heritage.
