Africa-Press – Eswatini. Eight local livestock micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs) supported through the European Union (EU)-funded Eswatini Livestock Value Chain Development Project showcased their products, innovation and entrepreneurial talent during the Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival 2026.
According to the European Union Delegation to Eswatini, the entrepreneurs used the two-day festival as a platform to market their products while demonstrating the growing potential of Eswatini’s livestock value chain.
The exhibitors are beneficiaries of the Eswatini Livestock Value Chain Development Project, which is supported by the European Union through its partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC).
During the festival, the European Union Ambassador to Eswatini, Karsten Mecklenburg, visited the exhibition stands where he engaged with the entrepreneurs and learned more about their businesses, products and future growth ambitions.
The EU said the initiative forms part of its broader Eswatini: Promoting Growth through Competitive Alliances programme, which is implemented in partnership with the Government of Eswatini.
According to the EU, the project is aimed at strengthening local value chains, supporting enterprise development, creating employment opportunities and helping businesses access new markets.
The Luju Festival provided an ideal platform for the entrepreneurs to interact with thousands of visitors from Eswatini and neighbouring countries while showcasing locally produced goods.
The European Union said the festival celebrated local innovation, highlighted Eswatini’s economic potential and demonstrated the importance of investing in home-grown enterprises.
The participation of the livestock MSMEs complemented the festival’s objective of promoting local businesses, culture, food, fashion and entrepreneurship.
Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini, who officially toured the festival, described Luju as a platform that demonstrates how indigenous knowledge and creativity can be transformed into products with real economic value.
The Prime Minister said the country was becoming increasingly vibrant through events such as Luju, adding that they provide entrepreneurs with opportunities to showcase world-class products rooted in Eswatini’s culture and heritage.
During his tour, Dlamini interacted with exhibitors, encouraged entrepreneurs to continue growing their businesses and even purchased locally made products as a demonstration of support for home-grown enterprises.
Business Eswatini Chief Executive Officer E. Nathi Dlamini also praised the festival, describing it as an important contributor to the economy.
He said Luju continues to attract more small businesses and niche entrepreneurs every year, providing them with valuable exposure and access to customers.
“We need events like this,” he said, noting that festivals of this nature stimulate economic activity while creating opportunities for entrepreneurs to grow.
Standard Bank Eswatini Chief Executive Mvuselelo Fakudze echoed similar sentiments, saying Luju is about promoting African culture, connecting people and creating business opportunities.
He said the festival serves as an important platform where traders, designers, food vendors and entrepreneurs are able to showcase their products while strengthening Eswatini’s tourism and creative economy.
