MANZINI – The 58th edition of the Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) is set to place the green economy at the heart of business conversations.
The organisers of the trade fair Eswatini Investments Promotion (EIPA), seek to reposition the country’s flagship trade exhibition into a platform that champions sustainability, innovation and inclusive economic growth.
The country’s premier trade exhibition, which will run from August 28 to September 6, 2026, was officially launched yesterday by Principal Secretary (PS) in the Ministry of Comemrce, Industry and Trade Melusi Masuku on behalf of Minister Manqoba Khumalo.
Masuku said the EITF has evolved significantly since its establishment in 1968 and continues to serve as one of the country’s most influential economic platforms by driving trade, investment and innovation.
He said this year’s edition would place greater emphasis on sustainable business practices while still maintaining focus on digital transformation and inclusivity.
“The theme for EITF 2026 is ‘Unlocking Green Economy Opportunities for Sustainable Trade Promotion’,” said Masuku.
“This theme serves as a call to action. We urge all exhibitors, from MSMEs and large corporations to government institutions, to showcase their Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) frameworks.”
Masuku said the decision to elevate the green economy reflects growing global and regional pressure on businesses and governments to embrace sustainability, climate resilience and responsible production systems.
He said the EITF wants to demonstrate that Eswatini is ready to position itself among countries prioritising ethical business standards, transparency and environmentally conscious investment models.
“We want to demonstrate to the world that Eswatini operates according to the highest standards of ethics, transparency and social responsibility,” he said.
The PS noted that discussions during the fair would go beyond theoretical conversations around sustainability and instead focus on practical business opportunities emerging from the green economy ecosystem.
Among the issues expected to dominate seminars and engagements during the fair are recycling, upcycling, circular economy models and green finance.
“These conversations reaffirm our commitment to sustainable production and consumption,” said Masuku.
Globally, green economies are increasingly becoming central to economic policy as countries seek to reduce carbon emissions, improve energy efficiency and create environmentally sustainable industries capable of generating jobs and attracting investment.
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Visitor numbers continue rising – EIPA CEO
MANZINI – Sibani Mngomezulu, Chief Executive Officer of the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA), said the 2025 edition marked a turning point for the trade fair brand.
Mngomezulu said EITF had undergone a successful rebranding exercise aimed at ensuring that it remained globally competitive while preserving its traditional identity.
The rebranding introduced the ‘Connect | Create | Grow’ concept.
“Connect means bringing domestic and international businesses together with suppliers and buyers. Create is about fostering a platform for innovative ideas and creative products, while Grow speaks to expanding the reach of Eswatini’s commerce,” he said.
Mngomezulu revealed that the 2025 edition attracted 282 exhibitors, including over 22 foreign participants.
He added that visitor numbers exceeded 70 000, reflecting growing interest in the event both locally and internationally.
“In 2025, we saw a surge in participation with 282 exhibitors, including over 22 foreign participants. Our visitor numbers soared past the 70 000 mark,” he said.
The CEO attributed part of the increased attendance to the successful integration of sports tourism and entertainment activities into the fair programme.
One of the major attractions expected to return during this year’s edition is the popular 8Bet Trade Fair Cup, which has become an increasingly important feature of the EITF.
Mngomezulu confirmed that the partnership between the Premier League of Eswatini and 8Bet would continue for a third consecutive year.
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… exhibition rates remain unchanged
MANZINI – In a development likely to be welcomed by local businesses, EIPA CEO Sibani Mngomezulu announced that exhibition rates would remain unchanged for the second year in a row.
He said the decision was intended to support MSMEs facing challenging economic conditions and ensure that costs do not become a barrier to participation.
“To support our local businesses during these challenging economic times, EIPA has taken the firm stance of not increasing exhibition rates for the second year in a row,” he said.
“We want to ensure that cost is not a barrier to entry for our small and medium enterprises.”
The CEO added that EIPA had expanded outdoor exhibition spaces to accommodate growing demand while encouraging businesses to invest in custom-built stands to improve presentation quality.
He also revealed that efforts are underway to attract more foreign exhibitors and investors in order to strengthen linkages between local businesses and international markets.
Mngomezulu said the launch of the Ezulwini Palazzo International Convention Centre represented a major milestone for Eswatini’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) tourism sector.
He said flagship events such as the Royal Signature Expo, the upcoming Eswatini Investment Conference and the EITF would help position the country as a competitive business tourism destination.
As part of the sustainability drive, Mngomezulu announced that the ‘Green Zone’ initiative would return in partnership with Nedbank.
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