Africa-Press – Eswatini. African Alliance Group has announced plans to build a 34-room boutique hotel in Malkerns, a move set to boost Eswatini’s tourism sector and ease accommodation shortages during major events such as the MTN Bushfire Festival.
The announcement was made by African Alliance Partner Sthofeni Ginindza on Friday, July 18, 2025, during a media briefing held at LivPadel, Malkerns Square. The event also introduced the new CEO of Lojaf Group, Mario Fernandes.
Ginindza highlighted that tourism and agriculture are two critical drivers of Eswatini’s economic growth. He pointed out that despite hosting one of Africa’s biggest festivals, Malkerns lacks hotel accommodation. “When tourists come, they need a place to sleep,” he said. “This boutique hotel will help fill that gap.”
The hotel will be built on a 42-hectare plot formerly used for pineapple farming. The land had been abandoned due to poor soil conditions before it was transformed into a mixed-use space by Pick n Pay, which operates under African Alliance.
The area now features world-class developments such as the LivPadel courts. “What we have built here is on par with what you can find in Johannesburg, Stellenboschor Dubai,” Ginindza proudly stated.
Currently, African Alliance has developed 150 residential units on the site all fully occupied. Ten more will open within the next two weeks. Ginindza said this proves that supply can drive demand. “We built first. People came later. That’s the new economy.”
The boutique hotel Is the first in a new wave of projects following the Sectional Titles Bill, which was passed into law seven years ago. The Minister of Housing and Urban Development recently confirmed that developments under the Act are now moving forward. Manzini is expected to be the next development site.
Ginindza also revealed plans to introduce a mobile food unit at King Mswati III International Airport within the next two months to address the lack of dining facilities there.
Each year, the MTN Bushfire Festival brings thousands of visitors to Malkerns. While camping and glamping are available, nearby hotels like Hilton Garden Inn and Happy Valley are often fully booked. The boutique hotel is expected to provide a stylish and convenient alternative for festivalgoers and other tourists.
RECAP:
.A 34-room boutique hotel is planned for Malkerns.
.It will help meet demand during the MTN Bushfire Festival.
.Built on former pineapple farmland repurposed by Pick n Pay.
.More developments planned for Manzini and airport facilities
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