- Xigera Safari Lodge sharpened his skills before Olympiad
BOSWA Culinary Institute of Botswana’ student chef, Boemo Raphokojane is currently in India, representing Botswana at the 12th International Young Chef Olympiad (YCO) 2026 which is Organized by the International Institute of Hotel Management (IIHM) in partnership with the International Hospitality Council (IHC). The Olympiad, which started on February 1 is the world’s largest culinary competition for student chefs, featuring participants from 50 countries aged between 18 and 24.
It was founded in 2015 by Dr. Suborno Bose, Chairman of the IIHM Global Council, and to qualify, student chefs are required to enrol in a culinary arts program, and be selected to represent their country, often through national or institutional competitions.
The participants are competing for the prestigious YCO 2026 Champion Trophy and international recognition. The winners will walk away with cash awards as Gold medallist will pocket US$5,000, US$3,000 for Silver and Bronze US$2,000.
Following the official opening of the Olympiad on the 1st February 2026 in Bengaluru, contestants were divided into groups and travelled to different host cities. Botswana will be hosted in Hyderabad city alongside Scotland, Greece, France, Nigeria, Namibia, South Africa, Belarus, Switzerland and Ireland.
In an interview, Head of Marketing Obakeng Molefe at BOSWA institute noted that through the competition, Raphokojane qualified for the Olympiad after emerging the winner in the culinary arts competitions that were hosted last year by the institute.
Molefe has revealed that before heading to the Olympiad Raphokojane went for a training at Xigera Safari Lodge where he sharpened his skills and gained experience.
Molefe is delighted that Raphokojane will gain international exposure and be able to share experiences with other aspiring young chefs in a global stage.
He has since pleaded for support in the form of following, liking and sharing his posts on the institute’ social media platforms. So far BOSWA Culinary Institute of Botswana has sent a total of three young chefs to the competition who participated in the years 2024, 2025 and 2026. Based in Maun, the institute provides culinary education and training needed to join world-class chefs that can successfully compete in the global culinary arena
