Africa-Press – Eswatini. A celebration of culture, creativity, and community took centre stage as Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini officially launched the 2025 edition of the Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival, a proudly home-grown event now hailed as one of Southern Africa’s premier lifestyle showcases.
With the majestic backdrop of House on Fire, the Prime Minister commended the festival for its extraordinary impact in elevating Eswatini’s profile on the global tourism map while championing sustainability, inclusivity, and economic empowerment.
“His Majesty’s Government takes pride in the remarkable growth of this proudly home-grown Eswatini festival,” said the Prime Minister. “It has evolved into one of Southern Africa’s premier food and fashion experiences. We recognise the ripple effects of this festival far beyond its two-day programme.”
Scheduled for 1–2 August this year, the Luju Festival is more than just a culinary and fashion spectacle. It has become a beacon of innovation and social impact, with targeted initiatives that drive entrepreneurship, skills development, and community empowerment.
“The Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival is a shining example of a successful business model that champions sustainability and inclusivity,” the Prime Minister added. “It is doing good, and it is doing it well.”
Supporting Entrepreneurs, Transforming Communities
The Premier highlighted standout components such as the Food and Fashion Indaba and Standard Bank’s Grow Beyond Borders SME Seminar, describing them as practical tools in promoting both emerging and established enterprises.
“In the recent Speech from the Throne, His Majesty King Mswati III reaffirmed the critical role of the private sector in our Nation’s economic progress,” said PM Dlamini. “Standard Bank has answered the call, not only through financial inclusion, but by nurturing Eswatini’s entrepreneurs.”
He further applauded the festival’s Corporate Social Investment (CSI) partnership with World Vision, which supports small-scale bee farmers in communities like Lobamba Lomdzala. The initiative was praised as a model of inclusive and integrated development.
Fueling National Vision Through Festivals
The PM emphasized that fostering entrepreneurship and strengthening Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) is key to reducing youth unemployment and harnessing the demographic dividend.
“Strengthening skills development within MSMEs is central to building human capital for long-term national prosperity,” he said.
By cultivating platforms that blend creativity, commerce, and community development, Luju is not only redefining lifestyle festivals in the region but also driving Eswatini’s economic aspirations.
A Cultural Gem With Global Appeal
Recognized for its rich fusion of culinary art, fashion, music, and conscious living, the Luju Festival is fast becoming a must-attend event for international tourists seeking authentic African experiences.
“We celebrate Luju Festival’s contribution towards enhancing the Kingdom of Eswatini’s global positioning as a top tourism destination for unique and high-quality cultural experiences,” said the PM.
As anticipation builds for this year’s edition, the message is clear: Luju is not just a festival – it is a movement that celebrates what’s best about Eswatini, while building a brighter, more inclusive future.
For More News And Analysis About Eswatini Follow Africa-Press
