Africa’s most dynamic Cocktail and Spirits Festival, AJABU, returns to Cape Town from the 24th to the 30th of November 2025, uniting some of the world’s top bartenders with Africa’s most exciting bar talent.
Born from the Swahili word meaning miracle or something wondrous, AJABU continues to redefine Africa’s position on the global drinks stage — not just through its world-class events, but by building pathways for education, equity, and representation across the industry.
A festival that celebrates more than cocktails
AJABU has evolved into a global movement that champions creativity, community, and connection. Each festival edition brings together leading local and international bars to collaborate on exclusive educational seminars, workshops, experiences, and AJABU Mashups; unique one-night pop-ups designed to celebrate the art of the cocktail through African ingredients, stories, and style.
Empowering Africa’s bartenders through AJABU Scholarships
Beyond the bar, AJABU’s lasting impact is rooted in its Scholarship Programme, which has become one of the cornerstones of professional growth in Africa’s bar scene.
In 2025, 49 scholarships were awarded through partnerships with the Wine & Spirit Education Trust (WSET), Professional Bar Training, and the Edinburgh Whisky Academy, with an impressive 70% going to women. This initiative continues to spotlight African talent while driving diversity and inclusion.
“We’re proud to support bartenders who are shaping Africa’s cocktail culture and redefining global standards,” said Colin Asare-Appiah, co-founder of AJABU. “This year’s scholars represent the future —talented individuals from across Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, Rwanda, Ethiopia, Congo, South Africa, and beyond, each ready to lead Africa’s bar movement into a new era.”
From training academies in Namibia to bar consultancies in Ghana, many scholars are already mentoring others, leading programmes, and running their own businesses — building a foundation for long-term transformation across the continent.
“This is just the beginning,” adds Mark Talbot Holmes, co-founder of AJABU. “We’re building a sustainable ecosystem where African bar talent has access, visibility, and opportunity on the global stage.”
This year, AJABU will also host a special collaboration with Anna Sebastian and her global movement “Celebrate Her”, an initiative dedicated to creating safe, welcoming spaces for women in the hospitality industry. Focused on community, education, career development, safety, and wellness, “Celebrate Her” champions women through mentorship and shared experience. In partnership with The Cape Grace Hotel, AJABU and Celebrate Her will co-host an invite-only lunch honouring excellence, resilience, and leadership among women shaping the future of hospitality.
Recognition on the world stage
AJABU’s influence continues to ripple beyond the continent. Following its acclaimed pop-up at Tales of the Cocktail in New Orleans earlier this year, African bars made historic strides on the 2025 international nominations list — with 15 African bars recognised across categories such as Best International Bar Team, Best New International Cocktail Bar, and Best International Hotel Bar. This marks the first time Africa has outperformed the Middle East in total nominations, solidifying the continent’s growing reputation for excellence and innovation.
Introducing the AJABU Cocktail Safari Experience
Three years in the making and new for 2025, the AJABU Cocktail Safari Experience sees the festival evolve a new offering for aficionados – monthly pop-ups presented as urban cocktail-making adventures. Each month, this three-stop experience leads a group of 12 guests through Cape Town’s most iconic venues for an afternoon and evening of immersive mixology, live entertainment, and sensory storytelling. From crafting your own cocktails to sipping curated creations and rounding off the night with music and entertainment, each Safari promises a journey of flavour, fun, and friendship.
Look out for a limited edition AJABU Cocktail Safari Experience in November 2025, hosted by Collin Asare-Appiah, founder of AJABU Cocktail and Spirits Festival.
This season, AJABU brings magic, connection and collaboration to Cape Town.
Everybody is welcome!
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