Meet Nana: From Ghana to Australia, the Story Behind Nana Africa
Nana Africa, an Australian food business that sells West African spice rubs, sauces, frozen meals, and African coffee, was founded by Nana, who was born in Ghana. Nana, which is based in Nunawading, Victoria, earned the 2024 Best Jollof Award (AMCFOZ) and ships all around Australia. Her goal is to spread Ghanaian culture and flavor throughout the nation she now resides in.
This is her story—where the flavors originate, how a near-death experience inspired her to pursue her ambition, and how Nana Africa evolved from a family kitchen custom into a brand available in more than 14 retailers.
Nana Africa at a glance
Nana Africa is a Ghanaian-owned food brand that brings West African flavour to Australian kitchens, with products delivered nationwide and experiences run from Victoria.
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Fact |
Detail |
|---|---|
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Brand |
Nana Africa |
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Founder |
Nana, born in Ghana |
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Based in |
Nunawading, Victoria, Australia |
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Delivers to |
Australia-wide |
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What we make |
Spice rubs, sauces and meal kits, frozen ready meals, African dark roast coffee, trail packs |
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Award |
2024 Best Jollof Award (AMCFOZ) |
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Where to buy |
Online and in 14+ retail stores across Melbourne |
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Rubs are free from |
Gluten, dairy, preservatives, artificial colours and artificial flavours |
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Experiences |
Cooking classes, catering, school food experiences, events |
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Contact |
info@nanaafrica.com.au |
Where do Nana Africa's flavours come from?
They originate from Nana's early years in Ghana, West Africa, when family life revolved on food. From a young age, she developed a strong love for her Ghanaian background because to her father, who was entirely Ghanaian.
Growing up, Nana witnessed the food's strong flavors, the people's friendliness, and the culture's depth. Ghanaian cuisine uses warming spices, fresh peppers, tomatoes, ginger, and onions to create layers of flavor. Foods like suya, tomato stew, and jollof rice are supposed to be shared, and every Nana Africa product is inspired by this idea.
What is Nana's family connection to Ghana and cocoa?
Nana's family story blends cultures and begins with cocoa. Her grandfather, who was Scottish and Irish, travelled to Ghana to teach Ghanaians how to grow cocoa properly.
He did not expect to fall in love there. He met Nana's grandmother, and together they had three children.
That mix of heritages shapes how Nana sees food: rooted in Ghana, open to the world, and always about bringing people together. It is also why Nana Africa speaks to Ghanaian families who miss home as much as to Australians discovering West African flavour for the first time.
Why did Nana start Nana Africa?
Nana started Nana Africa after a near-death experience made her realise how important it is to chase your dreams. Before that, she was following her passion for nursing, a career built around caring for others.
Her priorities shifted at that very instant. Her goal was to spread her passion for Ghanaian cuisine and culture to Australia, where she currently resides. Food carried memories, welcomed visitors, and told a story with each bite, so it was the logical way to do it.
In her own words, she wanted to introduce Australians to the vibrant colours, bold spices and unique dishes that represent the heart and soul of Ghana.
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What does Nana Africa sell?
Nana Africa sells West African spice rubs, Ghanaian sauces and meal kits, frozen ready meals, African dark roast coffee and trail packs, all delivered across Australia. Every rub is free from gluten, dairy, preservatives, artificial colours and artificial flavours.
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Range |
What it is |
Shop |
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Spice rubs |
West African rubs for chicken, BBQ and seafood, plus a 4 x 30g sampler |
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Sauces and meal kits |
Ghanaian sauces for jollof and stews, so you can cook authentic flavour at home |
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Frozen ready meals |
Heat-and-eat Ghanaian meals |
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African coffee |
Nana Africa dark roast |
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Trail packs |
Lightweight packs with West African flavour for hiking and camping |
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Seasoning powders |
Coming soon |
Not sure where to start? The West African Spice Rub and Seasoning Sampler lets you try the range in one pack, and it makes a good gift.
Did Nana Africa win a jollof award?
Yes. Nana Africa won the 2024 Best Jollof Award from AMCFOZ. Jollof rice is the celebrated West African rice dish cooked in a rich, seasoned tomato base, and few dishes spark more friendly rivalry across the region.
The win showed that Ghanaian jollof speaks to everyone at the table, whether they grew up with it or are tasting it for the first time. The same flavour thinking now goes into the Nana Africa sauces and rubs.
Want to cook it yourself? Our Ghanaian jollof rice recipe (link it once that post is live) walks through it step by step, and the sauces collection gives you a head start
Where can I buy Nana Africa products?
You can buy Nana Africa online at nanaafrica.shop with delivery across Australia, or in person at 14+ stockists across Melbourne. Examples include Prahran Health Food Shop in South Yarra, Go Vita Doncaster, Terra Madre Organic Shop in Brunswick, South Melbourne Market Grocer and Go Vita Southland in Cheltenham.
Outside the shop, Nana brings the food to you:
- Catering for parties, weddings and corporate events
- Group cooking classes for friends, families and teams
- 1-on-1 cooking classes and date night classes
- School food experiences that bring Ghanaian food and culture into the classroom
- A Taste of Africa Experience
Retailers can also send a wholesale enquiry. Nana Africa also supports a charity; you can read more on the Our Charity page.
Want to meet Nana and ask questions? Visit the About page or get in touch.
Frequently asked questions about Nana Africa
Who founded Nana Africa?
Nana, who was born in Ghana, founded Nana Africa. She lives and works in Victoria, Australia, and created the brand to share Ghanaian food and culture with Australians.
Where is Nana Africa based?
Nana Africa is based in Nunawading, Victoria, Australia. Products are delivered across Australia, and the brand is stocked in 14+ retail stores around Melbourne.
What is Nana Africa known for?
Nana Africa is known for authentic Ghanaian spice rubs, sauces, frozen meals and African dark roast coffee, and for winning the 2024 Best Jollof Award (AMCFOZ). It also runs cooking classes and catering.
Is Nana Africa food gluten-free?
The Nana Africa spice rubs are free from gluten, dairy, preservatives, artificial colours and artificial flavours. Check the label on each product for allergen details and read the Food Safety and Allergy Notice before ordering.
Does Nana Africa deliver across Australia?
Yes. Nana Africa delivers across Australia. Shipping costs and times are calculated at checkout, and the full details are in the shipping policy.
Where can I buy Ghanaian spices in Australia?
You can buy Ghanaian spice rubs from Nana Africa online at nanaafrica.shop or in Melbourne stores such as Go Vita Doncaster and Terra Madre Organic Shop in Brunswick.
Can I book a cooking class or catering with Nana Africa?
Yes. Nana Africa offers group cooking classes, 1-on-1 and date night classes, school food experiences and catering for events. Visit the Booking Hub to enquire.
What is jollof rice?
Jollof rice is a popular West African dish of rice cooked in a seasoned tomato and pepper base. Ghana and Nigeria both claim the best version, and Nana Africa won the 2024 Best Jollof Award with its Ghanaian style.