Eswatini's biggest celebration of homegrown brands is back. The 3rd Made in Eswatini Consumer Choice Awards were officially launched on Friday during the MSME Growth Forum at Mahlalekhukhwini House in Ezulwini.
This set the stage for another year of recognising the products, services and experiences that continue to shape the country's growing entrepreneurial landscape.
The awards, which will be held on September 6, 2026 at The Mall in Mbabane, invite consumers across the country to nominate and vote for their favourite locally made brands, placing the power of recognition directly in the hands of the public.
Officially launching this year's awards, Minister for Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo reaffirmed Government's commitment to creating an environment where Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) can start, grow and compete, describing entrepreneurs as the backbone of Eswatini's economy.
He encouraged Emaswati to actively nominate and vote for their favourite local products, services and experiences, saying consumer support remains critical in building trusted brands capable of competing beyond the country's borders.
Unlike traditional business awards decided solely by industry panels, the Made in Eswatini Consumer Choice Awards recognise businesses through public support, allowing consumers to celebrate the brands they use, trust and recommend every day.
The awards have quickly established themselves as one of the country's leading platforms for recognising local excellence across industries ranging from food and beverages to beauty, agriculture, manufacturing and innovation.
Previous editions have celebrated brands that have gone on to become household names.
Among last year's biggest winners were Organic Luju Sachets, which dominated the health and wellness category, Sibebe Premium Lager, which walked away with the coveted Best Product of the Year award, Ebuhleni Natural Products, recognised for its hair and skincare range, and Dlamini Chicken Abattoir, which earned top honours in the agribusiness category.
The launch of this year's awards comes as Eswatini continues building a stronger identity around locally produced goods.
In recent weeks, Her Royal Highness Princess Sakhizwe concluded a nationwide consultative tour aimed at developing the country's first foundational definition of what officially qualifies as Made in Eswatini®.
The consultation process, spearheaded by A Peculiar People, ran from May 5 to June 25, 2026 and engaged 312 stakeholders, including manufacturers, retailers, policymakers, entrepreneurs and small business owners from across the country.
As part of the consultations, Princess Sakhizwe visited several local manufacturers, including Ngwenya Glass, Lemanti Manufacturers, Far East Textiles and Exipro, gaining first-hand insight into local production, innovation and the realities facing Eswatini's manufacturing sector.
The consultations concluded that the Made in Eswatini® mark should represent far more than where a product is assembled.
Instead, it should reflect genuine local economic contribution through manufacturing, employment creation, skills development, innovation, ethical business practices and meaningful investment in the country's productive economy.
Speaking on the initiative, A Peculiar People Chairman Melusi Zox Dlamini said the credibility of the Made in Eswatini® mark would depend on maintaining clear and transparent standards.
He said the framework would distinguish products that are genuinely manufactured or substantially transformed within Eswatini from those that are simply imported and repackaged, ensuring consumers can buy local with confidence.
Princess Sakhizwe also expressed appreciation to the hundreds of stakeholders who participated throughout the consultation process, saying their openness, patriotism and commitment had laid the foundation for a mark that she believes will become a symbol of national pride and consumer trust.
The conversation around strengthening local businesses continued during the MSME Growth Forum, where business leaders, entrepreneurs and development partners explored the theme 'Defining Made in Eswatini, A Foundation for Economic Growth'.
The discussions also highlighted how digital solutions, including those offered by MTN MoMo, are helping local businesses simplify payments, improve operational efficiency and unlock new opportunities for growth.
For many entrepreneurs, the awards have become more than an annual ceremony. They have evolved into a platform that gives local brands national exposure while encouraging consumers to intentionally support businesses producing quality goods and services within Eswatini.
With nominations now officially open, this year's competition is expected to shine a spotlight on another generation of emerging businesses while giving established brands the opportunity to defend their titles.
While the countdown to September 6, begins, consumers will once again decide which local brands deserve to wear the Made in Eswatini crown, proving that some of the country's biggest success stories are being built right at home.
