BY NELIWE NGUBANE
MALKERNS– Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs, Bongani Nzima, has described the Standard Bank Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival as a powerful catalyst for Eswatini’s cultural revival and economic transformation, saying the event continues to create opportunities for entrepreneurs, creatives and small businesses across the Kingdom.
Speaking at the official launch of the 2026 Standard Bank Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival on Friday evening, Nzima said this year’s theme, “A Return to the African Future,” reflects a nation proudly embracing its heritage while building a modern, competitive economy.
He said Luju has become more than a lifestyle festival, evolving into a platform where African culture, creativity and enterprise meet to create sustainable economic opportunities.
Highlighting the importance of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), the Minister revealed that Eswatini is home to approximately 70,000 SMEs, employing more than 90,000 emaSwati and making a significant contribution to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP). He said government’s continued investment through the SME Revolving Fund, loan guarantee schemes and entrepreneurship programmes, which have already reached more than 1,500 traders across the country’s Tinkhundla, demonstrates its commitment to growing the sector.
Nzima said the recently introduced National MSME Policy 2025–2029 provides a roadmap for building a competitive and inclusive business environment that connects local enterprises to regional and international markets.
He also praised this year’s festival themes, Nguni Foodways and Kwasukasukela (Once Upon a Time), saying they prove that culture is not only a source of identity but also a valuable economic asset. According to the Minister, local chefs and fashion designers are transforming Eswatini’s heritage into marketable brands capable of competing on the regional and global stage.
The Minister welcomed Luju’s expansion into a full two-day festival for the first time, saying the move is expected to increase visitor numbers, extend tourist stays and create greater trading opportunities for local businesses while strengthening the festival’s economic impact.
He further applauded the festival’s partnership with World Vision Eswatini through its beekeeping initiative, describing it as an example of how cultural events can drive meaningful community development.
Officially launching the 2026 edition of the festival, Nzima thanked Standard Bank Eswatini, sponsors and organisers for their continued investment in Eswatini’s creative economy, urging the nation to celebrate its heritage while embracing the opportunities of the future.
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