A cultural and economic conversation is set to take centre stage in Mbabane as creatives, policymakers and tourism leaders gather for the upcoming Rooted & Rising Dialogue, an event aimed at exploring the economic impact of cultural festivities in the Kingdom of Eswatini.
Organised by Kingdom XLR in partnership with the U.S. Embassy Eswatini, the dialogue will take place on March 19, from 1pm to 4pm at American Corner Mbabane.
Held under the theme “Grounded in Culture – Uplifting the Arts,” the dialogue will focus on the economic impact of Buganu season and cultural festivities in the Kingdom of Eswatini, examining how traditional celebrations contribute to tourism growth, entrepreneurship and the broader creative economy.
The discussion will be moderated by Lution, founder and director of XLR Media, who will guide conversations around the intersection of culture, business and the arts. Joining the panel are several influential voices from government, tourism and the creative sector.
These include Phangisile Mngomezulu from the MSMEs and Entrepreneurship Department at the Ministry of Commerce Industry and Trade, who is expected to provide insights on how small businesses and entrepreneurs benefit from cultural events and seasonal activities such as the Buganu harvest.
Also on the panel is Thobejane Magagula, founder and director of the Babukisi Foundation, who will speak about the role of culture in preserving heritage while creating opportunities for artists and cultural practitioners.
The tourism sector will be represented by Chunky Mdluli-Dlamini from the Eswatini Tourism Authority, who will discuss how cultural festivals and traditional celebrations contribute to attracting both local and international visitors.
Buganu season, which centres around the harvesting and brewing of the indigenous marula fruit, is one of Eswatini’s most celebrated cultural periods. The festivities often draw large crowds and stimulate activity in hospitality, transport, crafts and entertainment industries, making it an important cultural and economic moment in the country’s calendar.
The Rooted & Rising Dialogue aims to unpack these dynamics while also highlighting the role of the arts and cultural storytelling in strengthening national identity and creating sustainable opportunities within the creative economy.
Organisers say the event will also provide a platform for networking, knowledge sharing and collaboration between creatives, entrepreneurs and policymakers interested in advancing Eswatini’s cultural industries.
The event is open to the public, although space is limited, and attendees are encouraged to arrive early to secure their spot. Organisers hope the dialogue will inspire deeper conversations about how culture can be harnessed as a driver for economic development and artistic growth in the Kingdom.
