LAST CALL FOR MADE IN ESWATINI FAIR SPACES

Momentum is building within Eswatini’s entrepreneurial sector as the countdown intensifies for the highly anticipated Made in Eswatini Consumer Fair 2026. With exhibition space nearly fully booked, organisers have issued a final call for local businesses to secure their participation in what is shaping up to be a premier retail and consumer showcase.

Limited Spaces Remain

Local entrepreneurs and producers have until March 31, 2026 to confirm their participation. As of this week, only 18 exhibition spaces remain available, following an unprecedented surge in applications. Vendor registrations have more than doubled, from 141 in 2025 to 309 in 2026, highlighting growing confidence in the platform.

To accommodate this record demand, organisers are finalising a redesigned floor plan aimed at maximising visibility and enhancing the overall visitor experience. Merchants who have not yet secured their stalls are strongly encouraged to act swiftly to avoid missing out on this high-impact opportunity.

Royal Support Strengthens Initiative

The fair has received a significant boost following its official launch, where Her Royal Highness Princess Sakhizwe reaffirmed her commitment to promoting local enterprise. In a notable show of support, the Princess announced she would personally sponsor participation costs for more than 25 award-winning local brands, including Black Mamba Sauces, Imbali Gin, and Teddz Urban, enabling them to exhibit free of charge.

In her remarks, Princess Sakhizwe expressed optimism about the future of local industry, emphasising the importance of aligning national initiatives to elevate Eswatini’s products on the global stage.

Advancing Economic Self-Reliance

The Made in Eswatini Strategy, launched at the UN House in late 2025, is positioned as more than a trade exhibition, it is a strategic initiative aimed at transforming the country’s retail ecosystem.

According to Melusi Zox Dlamini, Chairman of A Peculiar People, the initiative seeks to foster a self-reliant economy by encouraging consumers to actively support locally produced goods.

This year’s edition is further strengthened by strategic partnerships, including:

MTN MoMo – Supporting digital engagement through voting platforms and financial inclusion initiatives
Intellectual Property Protection – The official Made in Eswatini trademark has been secured through the EIPO, safeguarding brand authenticity
Youth Empowerment – A formal partnership with the Youth Chamber of Commerce and Industry Eswatini (YCCIE) ensures youth participation remains central to the initiative

Key Reminders for Merchants

Act quickly: Limited space remains, and demand is high
Maximise exposure: The fair offers direct access to thousands of consumers seeking locally made products
Deadline: All stall confirmations must be completed by Tuesday, March 31, 2026

The Made in Eswatini Consumer Fair represents a pivotal step toward reducing import dependency and promoting homegrown innovation. For local businesses, it is not only a marketplace, but a defining platform to showcase Eswatini’s excellence to the world.