MBABANE – Some Eswatini artisans who showcased at the Indalo Exhibition are set to take their creations to Copenhagen, Denmark next month June 7, through support from the International Trade Centre.
The Indalo Exhibition, which ran from May 1 to 8 at Alliance Française de Mbabane, brought together local creatives, artisans and international partners in a celebration of sustainable design, culture and innovation.
Powered by the European Union in Eswatini and implemented through a partnership with the International Trade Centre (ITC), the exhibition formed part of the broader ‘Eswatini: Promoting Growth Through Competitive Alliances’ programme aimed at strengthening trade, creative industries and export opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
Now, some of the creatives involved in the exhibition are preparing to showcase their work in Copenhagen during the globally recognised 3daysofdesign exhibition platform, where Eswatini products will be exposed to international buyers, designers and collectors. Worth noting is that this is the second exhibition of the same initiative that will be attended by emaSwati.
The Indalo Exhibition celebrated the fusion of traditional Swati craftsmanship and contemporary European design, with organisers describing it as a platform rooted in sustainability and cultural preservation.
‘Indalo’ is a siSwati word meaning both ‘nature’ and ‘creation’ reflecting the exhibition’s focus on environmentally conscious artistry and creative collaboration.
Among the exhibitors were renowned local collectives and artisans including:
- Master Artworks, known for its handcrafted ceramic pieces rooted in Eswatini tradition.
- Malolotja Handcraft, specialising in soapstone sculptures and functional art.
- Siyaphambili Handicraft, a women-led co-operative weaving baskets from sustainable Lutindzi grass.
- Indzaba Yami Handicraft, creating woven products inspired by community stories.
- Favourite, blending Swati heritage with contemporary décor design.
- Welcome Mashaba, producing finely crafted soapstone homeware.
- Wels Crafts, a growing crochet brand offering handmade apparel and accessories.
The exhibitors showcased a wide range of products including handwoven lutindzi grass baskets, traditional brooms, ceramics, pottery, stoneware, sculptural pieces, soapstone décor, woodcraft and sustainable interior décor items inspired by Eswatini’s cultural identity.
The exhibition also highlighted the work of Vuna Africa by Sharon Venancio who presented the ‘Sicongo-Pinnacle’ collection, a handcrafted collection of light shades produced using lutindzi traditional grass and other natural elements.
According to organisers, the collaborations are designed to position emaSwati creatives for access into high-end international design markets while preserving indigenous knowledge and traditional skills.
Officials from the ITC said the programme continues to empower artisans and small businesses through skills development, product innovation and international market access opportunities. The European Union’s (EU) support for the initiative has also been credited with helping transform informal craft businesses into export-ready enterprises capable of competing internationally.
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