MALKERNS – Standard Bank Eswatini Chief Executive Mvuselelo Fakudze says the bank is leveraging its continental footprint to position the Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival as one of Africa’s leading cultural experiences while creating new opportunities for local creatives, entrepreneurs and small businesses.
Speaking at the launch of the eighth edition of the festival on Friday, Fakudze said Luju has grown into one of Southern Africa’s premier lifestyle festivals, attracting thousands of visitors from more than 25 countries and showcasing the best of African food, fashion and the arts.
He said Standard Bank remains committed to expanding the festival’s reach beyond Eswatini through its presence in more than 21 African countries, using its regional network to connect local talent with new audiences, partnerships and business opportunities.
“As Standard Bank, we are intentional about using the strength of our continental network to elevate the Luju Festival beyond Eswatini’s borders and create meaningful opportunities for creatives, entrepreneurs and SMEs,” Fakudze said.
As part of that strategy, he announced that the Luju Festival experience will this year extend to Mozambique, where a Luju launch event will be hosted at the Standard Bank Mozambique Incubation Hub, creating another platform to showcase Eswatini’s creative industry while strengthening regional collaboration.
Fakudze described the festival as more than an annual event, saying it has become an ecosystem that drives entrepreneurship, celebrates African culture and creates economic opportunities.
“The Standard Bank Luju Festival is not just another event. It is an ecosystem that embodies what it means to finance what matters by enabling SME development and celebrating local and regional talent through food, fashion and music,” he said.
He also highlighted the bank’s recently launched Phokophela Sinawe campaign, saying it reflects Standard Bank’s commitment to supporting emaSwati by promoting entrepreneurship, financial inclusion and community development.
The Chief Executive further applauded the bank’s partnership with Mastercard, saying it continues to expand access to secure and innovative financial services, while also reaffirming Standard Bank’s long-standing Corporate Social Investment partnership with World Vision Eswatini.
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