ESWATINI SCORES BIG AS SAIMSA GAMES PROMISE A TOURISM BOOM AND REGIONAL CELEBRATION

By Ntokozo Zwane

Eswatini is preparing to roll out the red carpet for thousands of regional visitors as the Kingdom enters the final phase of preparations for the 2026 Southern Africa Inter-Municipal Sports Association (SAIMSA) Games, an event expected to become one of the country’s biggest sporting spectacles and tourism showcases.

From 20 to 25 September 2026, more than 7,000 athletes, officials and supporters representing at least 60 municipalities from across Southern Africa are expected to descend on the Kingdom. Beyond the excitement of competition, the Games are set to deliver a significant boost to tourism, giving visitors the opportunity to experience Eswatini’s renowned hospitality, rich cultural heritage and breathtaking natural attractions.

Speaking during a media briefing at the Matsapha Town Council, Eswatini Inter-Municipal Games Association (ESIGA) President Sthembile Simelane said preparations are at an advanced stage, with government ministries, municipalities, sporting bodies, accommodation establishments, security agencies and emergency services working collaboratively to deliver a world-class event.

Unlike previous editions, the 2026 SAIMSA Games will adopt a decentralised hosting model, ensuring that communities across the country benefit from the influx of regional visitors. While the Mavuso Exhibition and Sports Centre will serve as the main venue, competitions will also be staged at the UNESWA Kwaluseni Campus, Somhlolo National Stadium, Malkerns Country Club, Olympia Africa Centre, and several other sporting facilities nationwide.

The tournament will feature 12 sporting codes, including football, athletics, volleyball, cycling, fishing and table tennis, alongside traditional games such as mlabalaba and owela. This diverse programme is expected not only to attract sports enthusiasts but also to encourage visitors to explore multiple destinations across the country.

For Eswatini’s tourism and hospitality industry, the Games represent a significant economic opportunity. Accommodation bookings are already exceeding expectations, with municipalities from South Africa, Botswana, Namibia, Zambia and Lesotho securing rooms well ahead of the event. Organisers have appealed to guesthouses, lodges and other accommodation providers to partner with the Local Organising Committee to help meet the growing demand.

The anticipated influx of visitors is also expected to create opportunities for transport operators, restaurants, craft markets and informal traders. Vendors have been encouraged to register with organisers to capitalise on the increased business expected during the regional gathering.

Adding further significance to the event, the 2026 SAIMSA Games will coincide with the association’s 20th anniversary, while also forming part of Eswatini’s national celebrations marking the 40th anniversary of the accession of His Majesty King Mswati III to the throne and His Majesty’s 58th birthday.

With venue inspections completed and comprehensive safety plans in place, organisers are confident the Kingdom is ready to host an unforgettable sporting festival. As anticipation continues to build, the 2026 SAIMSA Games are shaping up to be far more than a regional tournament, they represent an opportunity to position Eswatini as a leading sports tourism destination, showcasing its warm hospitality, vibrant communities and proven ability to host world-class international events.