The KZN Kwande Fest is more than an event, it is a movement that redefines how we see innovation, culture, and opportunity in our province. Through this platform, we affirm our commitment to empowering youth, supporting small enterprises, and building a creative economy that reflects the vibrancy and resilience of KwaZulu-Natal.
As government, we recognise that the future of economic development lies not only in infrastructure, but in imagination. Kwande Fest represents that imagination in action where ideas meet industry, and culture meets commerce.
Together, let us continue to build an economy that is inclusive, dynamic, and proudly KZN.
—
Rev. Musa Zondi
MEC for Department of Economic Development, Tourism and Environmental Affairs
Message from the MEC
Knowledge
Advisory
Development
Entrepreneurship
Nurturing
Wisdom
KZN Kwande Fest is KwaZulu-Natal’s flagship celebration of creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurship, a week-long convergence of visionaries, from tech founders to cultural creators. The festival ignites industries, empowers youth, and showcases the province’s creative economy to the world. It blends government leadership with grassroots energy, positioning KZN as Africa’s hub for next-generation ideas.
THE 6 PILLARS OF PROGRESS
At Kwande Fest, everything we do stands on six pillars that drive South Africa’s creative economy:
Knowledge — equipping creators with the insight to grow.
Wisdom — grounding innovation in community and shared experience.
Advisory — transforming bold ideas into strategy and action.
Nurturing — creating spaces where creativity thrives.
Development — unlocking new potential and possibility.
Entrepreneurship — empowering leaders to turn imagination into sustainable wealth.
500+
3
Days of Innovation, Culture & Collaboration
Attendees & Industry Leaders
Mission
To drive inclusive economic growth in KwaZulu-Natal by empowering youth, creators, and entrepreneurs through innovation, collaboration, and cultural expression.
Vision
To position KZN as Africa’s leading hub for creativity and innovation a province where imagination builds opportunity and every idea has the power to grow.
KWANDE FEST IS CHAMPIONED BY KZN EDTEA
KZN Kwande Fest is proudly championed by the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Economic Development, Tourism & Environmental Affairs (EDTEA) advancing innovation, entrepreneurship, and sustainable growth across the province.
Get in touch
Contacts
081 8777 316
info@kznkwandefest.co.za