International Special Awards 2023OrganizationInternational selection

Chefs In Africa

Dieuveil Malonga

Kigali, Rwanda

WebsiteInstagram

Digital Influencer Award

A chef or restaurateur who is doing innovative activities online

31-year-old Dieuveil Malonga is committed to giving a voice to African food around the world. In addition to restaurant Meza Malonga in Kigali, Rwanda, where he nurtures the continent’s food culture by training scores of young chefs, his Chefs in Africa platform provides a space for thousands more to meet and share ideas. Over 4,000 chefs, 75% in Africa, are using the digital tool, which connects professional chefs and students with businesses, training programmes and government schemes, working with them to uproot obstacles such as discrimination and poor training or access to employment. Born in Congo-Brazzaville and raised in Belgium, Malonga trained in Germany’s best restaurants before taking part in France’s Top Chef. His fusion cuisine at Meza Malonga mixes local flavors and high-end techniques, and he hopes to expand in 2023.