In 2026, the festival also proudly welcomes Nyama Choma as a new partner, further strengthening the food ecosystem
Image: Supplied
On 25 April 2026, the Jozi Kota Festival returns to The Station in Newtown; not only to honour its roots, but to deliver measurable economic impact in the heart of Johannesburg.
What started at this venue has grown into a nationally recognised platform spanning 13 festivals across 7 provinces and extending beyond South Africa’s borders. Today, the Jozi Kota Festival is more than a food celebration; it is a growing economic ecosystem focused on job creation, SMME development and township entrepreneurship.
The 2026 Jozi edition is projected to generate significant economic activity within Newtown and surrounding communities through:
• Direct employment for event staff, security, technical crews, hospitality workers and logistics teams.
• Revenue opportunities for Kota vendors, suppliers and informal traders. • Increased foot traffic benefiting nearby retailers, transport operators and local businesses.
• Strategic partnerships that intentionally empower small-scale food entrepreneurs. Reflecting from 2024 in comparison with 2025 and a forecast for 2026 Kota festival tour: Job Creation:
• Over 5 000 jobs created, reflecting more than 150% growth in comparison from the 2024 festival tour. Attendance:
• More than 64 000 attendees, marking a 100% increase in comparison to 2024 festival tour. Forecasted employment growth for 2026 Kota festival tour:
• Employment for the 2026 Kota tour is projected to increase by at least 200% compared with the 2025 Kota tour, reflecting the planned expansion of the event. By prioritising local procurement and community-based vendors, the festival ensures that money generated flows back into the regional economy strengthening township business networks and supporting sustainable livelihoods.
What started at this venue has grown into a nationally recognised platform spanning 13 festivals across 7 provinces and extending beyond South Africa’s borders.
Image: Supplied
A key pillar of this year’s economic impact is the continued partnership with Albany; a proudly South African bakery brand committed to supporting township food entrepreneurs.
Through this collaboration, Albany works closely with Kota vendors across the tour, providing structured support, brand alignment opportunities and a platform that elevates their businesses to new markets.
The programme goes beyond visibility, it is designed to help vendors professionalise, scale and build sustainable enterprises. As part of this national vendor development initiative, the Jozi Kota Festival tour introduces a powerful incentive:
The Best Kota Vendor across the tour stands a chance to win their share of R110,000. This competition not only raises standards of quality and innovation but injects meaningful capital into small businesses, enabling winners to reinvest, expand operations and potentially create additional employment within their communities.
In 2026, the festival also proudly welcomes Nyama Choma as a new partner, further strengthening the food ecosystem around the event. Their involvement expands culinary diversity, enhances vendor collaboration opportunities and contributes to the overall economic multiplier effect created by the festival. With partners such as Capitec bank they assist in providing financial guidance, simple, affordable banking solutions and digital service that makes running a sustainable business easier.
Albany works closely with Kota vendors across the tour, providing structured support, brand alignment opportunities and a platform that elevates their businesses to new markets.
Image: Supplied
Kota festival believes in building communities by providing business education through multiple workshops hosted in different events regions. In a country facing high unemployment rate, particularly among youth, the Jozi Kota Festival contributes through:
• Temporary and recurring job opportunities across each province. • Skills exposure in event management, hospitality, production and brand activations.
• Structured trading environments for informal food entrepreneurs.
More than 64 000 attendees, marking a 100% increase in comparison to 2024 festival tour. Forecasted employment growth for 2026 Kota festival tour
Image: Supplied
• Revenue generation opportunities that often support entire households. COO and Co-Founder Mr. Luvo Limba reflects: “This is where the Kota Festival story began. But today, our impact goes far beyond celebration. Each festival represents real jobs; real businesses being supported and real money flowing back into communities.
Through partnerships like Albany, Capitec and Nyama Choma, we are building something sustainable, not just events, but opportunities.”
Beyond its economic contribution, the festival will deliver a premium, family-friendly experience featuring:
• A curated selection of top Kota vendors showcasing creative and traditional interpretations of South Africa’s most loved street food. • A vibrant music and entertainment line-up celebrating local talent.
• A safe, professionally organised environment designed for comfort and enjoyment.
: Jozi kota festival 25 April 2026 The station, Newtown HipHop
Tickets are available at Computicket outlets nationwide and online.
• Parking tickets from R50
• Early Bird tickets from R80 Early booking is encouraged as high attendance is anticipated.
For smooth ticket purchase, visit www.kotafestival.com We look forward to welcoming you.