Uganda joins 16 African countries for 2026 Vegan Restaurant Week

What the report says

Uganda is set to take part in the 2026 Thrive Africa Vegan Restaurant Week, joining 16 other African countries in a continental campaign focused on plant-based cuisine, food entrepreneurship and more sustainable food systems. According to Nile Post, the fourth edition of the initiative is scheduled for September 21 to 27, 2026 and will be run remotely across Africa.

The campaign is organised by Thrive Africa, a division of Thrive Philanthropy, and is expected to involve more than 60 organisations working with restaurants, chefs and food businesses. Other participating countries include Kenya, Nigeria, Malawi, Tanzania, Cameroon, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Ghana, Zimbabwe, Benin, Sierra Leone, Morocco, Guinea, Rwanda, South Africa, Burkina Faso and Zambia. Organisers say participating businesses will highlight plant-based dishes through special menus, promotions and tasting events.

Thrive Africa says the week is meant to show how African ingredients such as legumes, grains, vegetables, fruits, nuts, seeds and traditional staples can be used in contemporary meals. The organisation also links the campaign to wider issues including public health, climate resilience, environmental sustainability, animal welfare and food-system change.

The report says the initiative has expanded since launching in 2023, growing from a small advocacy effort into a continental platform. Organisers expect up to 500 restaurants and food businesses to be mobilised this year, and registration remains open for interested participants.