......Lactalis Eswatini has committed E60,000
Preparations for the Made in Eswatini Consumer Fair are well underway, with stakeholders conducting a guided tour of the venue along Dr. Sishayi Road ahead of the May 1 event.
The walkthrough, led by Her Royal Highness Princess Sakhizwe, brought together government officials, municipal leadership, corporate partners, and event organisers to assess progress and finalise key logistical elements.
Among those present were Minister for Housing and Urban Development Appolo Maphalala, Mbabane Municipal Council CEO Gciniwe Fakudze, and Mayor Thulani Mkhonto, alongside other stakeholders involved in delivering the fair.
Speaking during the tour, Maphalala said the initiative reflects ongoing efforts to position urban spaces as centres of economic activity, noting that attention is being given to operational details such as safety and stall coordination.
He added that the platform will create opportunities for youth entrepreneurs and small businesses to showcase their products and connect with potential investors.
The event has also attracted corporate support, with CNB Marketing & Branding contributing E10,000 towards branding and visual setup. The sponsorship is expected to enhance the overall presentation of the fair, creating a more engaging environment for exhibitors and attendees.
Lactalis Eswatini has also committed E60,000 towards the initiative, further strengthening private sector involvement in the event.
During her address, Princess Sakhizwe called on stakeholders to support initiatives that promote locally produced goods, highlighting the importance of collaboration between the public and private sectors.
She also referenced the development of a “Choose Local” multimedia campaign, led by A Peculiar People in partnership with Cetera Agency, which aims to promote awareness around locally made products.
“But let me emphasise: this campaign will require partners. It will require belief. And it will require investment,” she said.
The Princess further noted that the campaign is intended to highlight the affordability, quality, and economic value of choosing locally produced goods.
Beyond the business focus, organisers have confirmed that the Consumer Fair will incorporate entertainment elements, including DJs and live performances, to create a more dynamic experience for attendees.
The inclusion of entertainment is expected to draw a wider audience while encouraging interaction between consumers and exhibitors throughout the day.
Stakeholders also used the tour to review the layout of the venue, with organisers working to ensure that the space can accommodate both exhibitors and foot traffic efficiently.
According to organisers, merchant onboarding has already closed due to high demand and limited space, signalling strong interest from local businesses.
The Made in Eswatini Consumer Fair is expected to bring together a wide range of exhibitors across different sectors, with a focus on promoting local products and services.
The event comes as the country prepares to mark His Majesty King Mswati III’s 40-year reign, adding a broader national context to initiatives aimed at supporting local enterprise.
While final preparations continue, attention remains on execution, with stakeholders working to ensure that the event meets both logistical and commercial expectations on the day.
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2025 Made in Eswatini Consumer Fair attracted over 1,200 Shoppers,
....Set stage for annual event
The 2025 Made in Eswatini Consumer Fair attracted over 1,200 shoppers to Dr. Sishayi Road, with government later confirming the event would be adopted as an annual fixture on the national calendar.
A total of 141 Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) participated in the fair, offering a range of locally produced goods.
By the close of trading, 57 product lines had sold out, including food products and locally designed clothing.
The exhibitor base reflected strong participation from key groups within the sector. Women-led businesses made up 90% of participants, while 70% were youth-owned enterprises. The event also contributed to the creation of 60 jobs.
In addition to trade, the programme included six hours of live entertainment, with performances from Manana and Sands.
Digital engagement around the event reached close to one million impressions. This included the Consumer Choice Awards, where more than 213,000 votes were recorded in support of participating brands.
Following the turnout and level of participation, the Municipal Council of Mbabane, in partnership with A Peculiar People, confirmed that preparations for subsequent editions would continue, with the event forming part of ongoing efforts to support local enterprise.