MBABANE – The Made in Eswatini initiative, spearheaded by A Peculiar People, continues to gain momentum, as leading local corporates and emerging enterprises rally behind the upcoming Made in Eswatini Consumer Fair set for May 1.
The growing wave of support shows increasing confidence in locally produced goods and services, as well as a renewed push to strengthen domestic value chains and stimulate economic growth through local consumption.
Last week, two of the country’s prominent manufacturers – Lactalis Eswatini (Parmalat) and Eswatini Wire (Swazi Wire Industries) – stepped forward with notable sponsorship contributions towards the Consumer Fair.
Lactalis Eswatini injected E60 000 in cash, while Eswatini Wire provided barricade materials valued at E40 000 to support infrastructure preparations at the event venue.
The sponsorships were officially unveiled during a media tour of the fairgrounds along Dr Sishayi Road in Mbabane, offering stakeholders and the public a glimpse into what is shaping up to be the country’s largest platform dedicated to locally produced goods.
These contributions build on earlier support from MTN Fintech, which committed E100 000, as well as the Leap Taxi App, which added E75 000 towards the initiative. Collectively, the growing list of sponsors reflects a strong private sector endorsement of the buy local movement.
Chairman of A Peculiar People, Melusi ‘Zox’ Dlamini, said the level of corporate participation signals a turning point in how businesses perceive the value of supporting local production.
Dlamini provided an exclusive preview of how the fair precinct will be transformed into a vibrant, well-curated ‘local superstore’, designed to showcase the very best of Eswatini’s products and services. He explained that the concept goes beyond a traditional exhibition, positioning the fair as an immersive retail experience that connects consumers directly with local brands.
“This is about creating an environment where emaSwati can see, touch and experience the quality of products made right here at home,” he said. “We are building a platform that not only celebrates local excellence, but also drives real economic participation.” The momentum behind the initiative was further amplified during the official venue tour, where Princess Sakhizwe delivered a keynote address that reinforced the national significance of the campaign.
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