STANDARD BANK LUJU FESTIVAL DEEPENS ESWATINI-MOZAMBIQUE CREATIVE PARTNERSHIP

MAPUTO, MOZAMBIQUE – The Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival has reinforced its commitment to strengthening cultural, tourism and creative industry ties between Eswatini and Mozambique following the successful launch of its 2026 edition in Maputo.

Hosted at the Standard Bank Incubator Hub in partnership with Standard Bank Mozambique, the launch marked another important milestone in Luju Festival’s regional expansion while highlighting the growing role of the creative economy in driving tourism, trade and cross-border collaboration.

Now in its eighth edition, the festival will take place on 1–2 August 2026 at the iconic House On Fire in Malkerns, marking the first time the event expands into a full two-day experience.

Speaking during the launch, Standard Bank Mozambique Director of Marketing and Brand Management Dayse Madeira Correia said the bank views culture as an important driver of economic development and remains committed to supporting initiatives that empower young people while strengthening Africa’s creative industries.

Representing Standard Bank Eswatini, Temaswati Dlamini, on behalf of Head of Brand and Marketing Sanele Khumalo, said Luju has evolved from a national celebration into a continental platform that connects people, creativity and opportunity beyond borders.

The festival’s Creative Director, Jiggs Thorne, described Mozambique as one of Luju’s most important regional markets, noting that the neighbouring country is now the festival’s second-largest audience after Eswatini. He said the partnership reflects the deep cultural and historical ties shared by the two countries and the organisers’ vision of using the arts as a catalyst for economic growth and regional development.

Mozambique Takes Centre Stage

Mozambique will once again enjoy a strong presence throughout the festival, with celebrated Marrabenta star Neyma headlining part of the music programme alongside Ka-Tembe Connexion, a collaborative musical project celebrating the shared cultural heritage of Eswatini and Mozambique.

Festival organisers also confirmed that Mozambique’s fashion and culinary sectors will feature prominently, with announcements on participating designers and chefs expected ahead of the festival.

The launch also reaffirmed Luju Festival’s commitment to creating new opportunities for Mozambican artists, entrepreneurs and creative businesses through regional partnerships that promote market access, knowledge exchange and cultural entrepreneurship.

Mozambique’s Secretary of State for Arts and Culture, Matilde Muocha, described participation in Luju Festival as an opportunity to increase the international visibility of Mozambican artists while opening access to wider regional and global markets.

Tourism and Economic Impact

Beyond celebrating African food, fashion and music, Luju Festival continues to position itself as a significant contributor to Eswatini’s tourism and creative economy.

Festival organisers expect more than 10,000 visitors from over 26 countries to attend this year’s event.

In 2025 alone, Luju generated E2.7 million in sales for 103 SME traders, with 85% of participating businesses being local enterprises. Independent research further shows that the wider House On Fire festival ecosystem contributes more than E121 million annually to Eswatini’s economy while supporting over 2,300 jobs.

This year’s culinary programme will celebrate Nguni Foodways, showcasing indigenous African food traditions and sustainable culinary practices, while the fashion showcase, themed “Kwasukasukela (Once Upon a Time),” will explore African storytelling through contemporary design, headlined by internationally acclaimed South African designer Mzukisi Mbane.

The Maputo launch also precedes the participation of an official Mozambican government delegation at this year’s festival, further strengthening bilateral cooperation between Eswatini and Mozambique through tourism, culture and the creative economy.

The Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival takes place on 1–2 August 2026 at House On Fire, bringing together world-class food, fashion, music, design and entrepreneurship in a celebration of African creativity and innovation.