UNDP AND EIPA LAUNCH SUSTAINABLE CENTRE TO DRIVE GREEN BUSINESS AT 2026 TRADE FAIR

By Tlalane Dlamini

MBABANE – The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) have announced a strategic partnership to establish the UNDP Sustainable Centre at the 2026 Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF), advancing the country’s green economy agenda.

The announcement was made on August 20, 2026 at the EIPA Boardroom in Mbabane by UNDP Resident Representative Henrik Franklin and EIPA CEO Sibani Mngomezulu. The Centre will operate from August 31 to 4 September 2026, hosting dialogues, networking opportunities, and knowledge-sharing sessions on sustainable business growth.

Franklin emphasised that sustainability is no longer separate from business success. “It is increasingly becoming a driver of competitiveness, innovation, investment, and long-term economic growth,” he said.

The Centre’s programme aligns with this year’s EITF theme, “Unlocking Green Opportunities for Sustainable Trade,” and will feature ten business seminars covering circular economy, green finance, and inclusive participation for women and persons with disabilities.

Powering Profit Symposium

A flagship event, “Powering Profit: Rethinking the Cost of Doing Business in Eswatini,” will take place on September 2, 2026 from 9:00 am to 1:00 pm. The symposium will explore how renewable energy, energy efficiency, and smart technologies can reduce operating costs with energy identified as a significant expense affecting enterprise performance.

Franklin noted that rising operational costs pressure MSMEs, yet these challenges present opportunities. “When businesses have access to the right information, the right technologies, and the right financing, they can transform costs into investments and investments into sustainable growth,” he stated.

CREATE Programme Support

The initiative is supported by the Catalyzing Renewable Energy Access and Transition in Eswatini (CREATE) Programme, a Government initiative funded by the European Union and implemented by the Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy in collaboration with UNDP and Catalyse Eswatini. The programme targets 320 bankable business plans and aims to help 250 MSMEs access blended finance for renewable energy solutions.

CEO Sibani Mngomezulu highlighted that the partnership strengthens EIPA’s role in promoting sustainable business growth. “The UNDP Sustainable Centre adds depth and long-term value to the Trade Fair, connecting local enterprises with global thinking, international best practice, and practical sustainability solutions,” he said.

He encouraged businesses to explore sustainable, inclusive business models, stating that “green finance, resource efficiency, circular production, responsible trade, and inclusive participation are practical areas where businesses can create value, attract investment, and contribute to national development.”

Franklin extended a special invitation to MSMEs, entrepreneurs, women-owned businesses, youth-led enterprises, farmers, and financial institutions to participate actively in the Centre’s programmes.

“Whether you are looking to lower operational expenses, strengthen your business model, access financing, or discover innovative green solutions, the UNDP Sustainable Centre will offer a platform for learning, networking, and building partnerships that can help your business thrive,” Franklin said.

He concluded that sustainable development creates jobs, improves productivity, and strengthens resilience. “Together, let us use the 2026 International Trade Fair to demonstrate that green business is smart business, and that sustainable trade can be a powerful engine for inclusive prosperity.”