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BY NTOKOZO ZWANE
MANZINI – Eswatini has firmly established itself as one of Africa’s emerging culinary tourism destinations following the resounding success of the inaugural Southern African Food Festival (SAFFEST), which transformed the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre into a vibrant showcase of food, culture, innovation and regional unity.
Held from 15 to 18 July 2026 under the theme “Uniting Nations Through Flavour,” the four-day festival welcomed more than 50 acclaimed chefs from across the African continent, attracting food lovers, tourism stakeholders, hospitality professionals and international visitors eager to experience the richness and diversity of African cuisine.
A Regal Welcome to Eswatini’s Culinary Story
The festival officially commenced with a colourful welcome dinner attended by Minister for Tourism and Environmental Affairs Jane Mkhonta-Simelane, Manzini Regional Administrator Prince Gija, Eswatini Tourism Authority Board Chairperson Penelope Mkhwanazi, Taiwan Embassy spokesperson Dr. Sofia Jeng, Taiwan Africa Vegetable Initiative (TAVI) Project Manager Sophia (Yuan Li Chan), alongside chefs, sponsors, industry leaders, development partners, tourism stakeholders and members of the media.
Their presence highlighted the growing recognition of gastronomy as a strategic tourism driver capable of attracting international visitors, creating economic opportunities and showcasing Eswatini’s renowned hospitality and rich cultural heritage. It also reflected the importance of international collaboration in strengthening food systems, culinary innovation and sustainable tourism across the region.
Officially opening the festival, Minister Mkhonta-Simelane described SAFFEST as far more than a culinary event, saying it is a platform that celebrates Africa’s shared identity while demonstrating how food preserves culture, inspires innovation, creates livelihoods and strengthens tourism.
“Food is more than what we eat; it is our culture, our history and our identity. Every plate tells a story, and every shared meal brings people together. Through gastronomy, we celebrate what makes us unique while strengthening the ties that unite us as Africans and connect us with the world. Welcome to Eswatini, where every meal tells a story, “ the Minister said.
Four Days of Flavour, Culture and Connection
Throughout the four-day celebration, visitors enjoyed an exciting programme featuring live cooking competitions, culinary masterclasses, professional seminars, food exhibitions and immersive cultural experiences celebrating the continent’s diverse culinary traditions.
Traditional favourites, including smoky mogodu, fluffy dombolo, hearty samp, indigenous vegetables and an array of authentic regional dishes, delighted festivalgoers. Every meal reflected the stories, customs and identities of communities from across Southern Africa, transforming each tasting into a cultural journey.
The festival also showcased the creativity of Africa’s leading chefs, who reimagined traditional ingredients through contemporary techniques while remaining true to the continent’s culinary roots. The result was an unforgettable experience where food became a powerful expression of culture, heritage and identity.
Building Bridges Through Culinary Tourism
Beyond the flavours, SAFFEST proved to be a catalyst for cultural exchange, skills development and business networking.
Interactive seminars and masterclasses brought together aspiring chefs, culinary students, restaurateurs, hospitality professionals and food entrepreneurs with some of Africa’s leading culinary experts. Discussions centred on culinary innovation, food entrepreneurship, sustainable agriculture, indigenous ingredients and preserving Africa’s rich food heritage for future generations.
The exchange of knowledge, techniques and traditions strengthened regional partnerships while highlighting gastronomy’s growing role in promoting cross-border collaboration, cultural appreciation and tourism development.
The festival further demonstrated how culinary tourism can stimulate local economies by creating opportunities for farmers, food producers, hospitality businesses, artisans and tourism operators, while encouraging visitors to experience destinations through their unique food cultures.
Positioning Eswatini on Africa’s Culinary Map
Organised by the Eswatini Chefs Association, the inaugural SAFFEST has laid a solid foundation for positioning Eswatini as a leading culinary tourism destination on the African continent.
By seamlessly combining exceptional cuisine, cultural storytelling, hospitality, education and professional collaboration, the festival demonstrated that travel today is increasingly about authentic experiences, discovering local flavours, connecting with communities and celebrating cultural diversity.
As chefs and visitors departed with new friendships, valuable industry connections and unforgettable culinary experiences, Eswatini served more than exceptional meals, it presented a compelling vision of how gastronomy can drive tourism, celebrate African identity, stimulate economic growth and strengthen regional integration.
The successful debut of SAFFEST not only showcased the Kingdom’s culinary excellence but also reaffirmed Eswatini’s growing reputation as a destination where authentic African flavours, warm hospitality and rich cultural traditions come together to create world-class tourism experiences.
With its successful inaugural edition now complete, SAFFEST has laid the groundwork for what promises to become one of Africa’s premier culinary tourism events, further elevating Eswatini’s profile as a destination where visitors are invited not only to explore the Kingdom, but to experience it, one unforgettable plate at a time.
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