Trailblazing Namibian chef Elizabeth Isai (25) is set to compete in the finals of the Worldchefs Global Chefs Challenge to take place in Newport, Wales, between 16 and 19 May.
This comes after she took first place in the semi-finals of the Africa/Middle East category.
According to a statement issued by Namibian Chefs Association president Curt Burns, Isai completed her chef certification through the Namibia University of Science and Technology in 2020.
“She then took some extra cooking classes at local institutions and then proceeded to dazzle the Namibian and world culinary stages with her skill and passion,” says Burns.
In 2022 she triumphed as the gold medallist and highest scoring participant – among more than 100 professionals – of the WorldSkills Africa Competition that was held at Swakopmund.
According to Burns, Isai placed 17th out of 30 participants in the WorldSkills Special Edition Competition held in Switzerland in 2022, but scooped the first place in the junior category of Namibian Chef of the Year competition hosted by the Namibian Chefs Association.
“In 2023, Elizabeth ranked second in the junior category at the chef of the year competition, and then went on to be named senior chef of the year in 2024 – an achievement that has been described as remarkable for her age,” Burns adds.
He says Isai’s journey to the Global Chefs Challenge finals started in 2023 when she competed in the semi-finals of the junior category and brought home a bronze medal.
“This was followed by a silver medal in 2025, where she competed in the senior category. Both competitions took place in the United Arab Emirates, as well as the semi-finals where she came first, and won the golden opportunity to compete in Wales, in May this year,” says Burns.
In anticipation of Isai’s participation at the Global Chefs Challenge Finals, the Namibian Chefs Association is hosting ‘An Evening at the Chef’s Table: A Gala of Culinary Excellence’ on 26 March.
“An unforgettable night of taste and elegance awaits with Elizabeth as the chef at work. We proudly stand behind Elizabeth Isai as she prepares for the next prestigious milestone of what has already proven to be a fruitful culinary career.
“As we prepare as an association to help Elizabeth to compete on the world stage, we would welcome any additional support and sponsorship as such endeavours bear a lot of additional costs and expenses for our organisation,” Burns adds.
He says tickets went on sale on Sunday.
– Email: matthew@namibian.com.na
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