Shoppers and travellers in Eswatini are set to enjoy a new level of retail convenience as Lojaf, the franchisee of Pick n Pay Eswatini, prepares to launch its first-ever Pick n Pay GO stores in Nkonyeni and Sikhuphe later this year.
The new format, designed for smaller spaces and high-traffic locations, will bring grab-and-go meals, premium coffee, and top-selling grocery essentials to areas that have long lacked access to modern retail services.
The Nkonyeni outlet is expected to open by the end of August, catering to residents, golfers, and passing traffic in the fast-growing Nkonyeni precinct. Meanwhile, a second Pick n Pay GO unit will be located at King Mswati III International Airport (KM3), inside the departures lounge, giving travellers and airport staff access to fresh food and drinks for the first time.
“If you’ve ever been to the KM3, you know you can be stuck there with nothing to eat,” joked S’thofeni Ginindza, Partner at African Alliance, the investment group behind Lojaf. “That era is over. You’ll be able to get a sandwich, a cappuccino, or even proper food, finally.”
Ginindza noted that the GO concept is not being introduced primarily for profit but as part of the company’s broader commitment to service and national development.
“We don’t even expect to make money off the airport store,” he admitted. “It’s about brand awareness and showing our commitment to serving the public wherever they are.”
The KM3 expansion will also include a mobile vending service targeting VIP lounges and private aviation terminals, which Ginindza said currently lack even the most basic amenities. This unit will also cater to security personnel, ground staff, and media teams who often face long hours during protocol events.
Pick n Pay GO represents a major innovation for Lojaf, agile, localised, and digitally enabled. It fits within African Alliance’s broader retail strategy, which focuses on serving underserved areas.
“We believe in building ahead of the curve,” Ginindza explained. “We supply, and the people come. That’s how we grow the economy.”
When African Alliance took over the franchise, Pick n Pay Eswatini operated just four stores, in Mbabane, Manzini (The Hub), and two in Matsapha (Mahhala and Mashayitafula). Today, that footprint has increased, reaching new communities with world-class retail experiences.
“We don’t just grow for the sake of growth,” said Ginindza. “We build with purpose, to match global standards. Whether in Mahhala or in Johannesburg, our customers should feel the same exceptional quality.”
Mario Fernandes, incoming CEO of Lojaf, echoed the commitment to innovation and customer service. “We’re always looking at ways to innovate and make things better for Eswatini,” he said.
Despite the expansion and innovation, both Ginindza and Fernandes stressed that the company’s core remains unchanged: empowering people, delivering quality, and staying ahead of the curve.
“We still remain the brand lead in Eswatini,” said Fernandes. “We’ve got good stores, clean stores, and good people. Most importantly, we continue to evolve, every single day.”