The Mozambican government and Standard Bank Mozambique on Tuesday, 7 July, reaffirmed their commitment to advancing the creative industries as a driver of economic growth, calling for greater recognition of culture as a source of wealth, employment, and regional integration.
The pledge was made at the Media Activation for the Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival 2026, an event organised by Standard Bank. Speaking at the occasion, the bank’s Marketing Director, Dayse Correia, said the cultural sector has moved beyond its long-held perception as a secondary industry to establish itself as one of Africa’s emerging economic pillars.
‘The data show that artistic talent generates wealth, employment, and opportunity,’ Correia said, adding that investment in the creative industries represents a strategic bet on advancing economic and social development.
According to Correia, the seventh edition of the Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival generated approximately US$2.5 million in sales for small businesses, involving more than 100 exhibitors, the majority of them local operators. She said the results demonstrate the event’s direct impact on stimulating economic activity and strengthening the small business ecosystem.
Founded by Standard Bank Eswatini, the Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival has established itself as one of Southern Africa’s leading cultural platforms. In 2025, the event drew more than ten thousand participants from 26 countries, promoting regional integration, cultural exchange, and the visibility of African talent.
Beyond its cultural dimension, the festival stimulates activity across tourism, hospitality, food and beverage, transport, logistics, and trade, generating business and employment opportunities across the creative industries.
In the case of Mozambique, Standard Bank believes that its partnership with Standard Bank Eswatini could open new opportunities for local musicians, designers, and other creative entrepreneurs, facilitating access to regional markets and strengthening the growth prospects of these professionals.
Secretary of State for Arts and Culture, Matilde Muocha, echoed the government’s commitment to promoting arts and culture, arguing that initiatives of this nature reinforce the country’s cultural identity and expand opportunities for professionals in the sector.
‘Arts and culture are instruments of diplomacy and national image promotion, helping to position Mozambique as an active participant in the African cultural ecosystem,’ Muocha said.
The eighth edition of the Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival is scheduled for 1 and 2 August 2026 and is expected to feature a stronger Mozambican presence. The initiative forms part of the joint efforts by the government and Standard Bank to consolidate the creative economy as one of the pillars of the country’s sustainable development.
Source: Diário Económico
