BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Mbabane East Member of Parliament (MP) Welcome Dlamini is calling upon Emaswati to rally behind the Made in Eswatini Consumer Fair.
Dlamini said this on February 3, 2025 at the KFC Drive Through in Mbabane during the launch of the digital registration of the Made in Eswatini Consumer Fair, which is set to take place on April 25, 2025 in Mbabane. At the moment, there are around 98 entrepreneurs who registered for the event, according to Melusi ‘Zox’ Dlamini, Chairman of A Peculiar People, an organisation that is organizing the event.
The event was also attended by Eswatini Consumers Association Chairman Bongani Mdluli, and Lungile Dlamini from the Municipal Council of Mbabane. During the launch, Dlamini said such an event was going to improve businesses of entrepreneurs who had products that were produced in Eswatini.
He described this event as one that was designed to showcase and elevate locally produced goods and services, which was an initiative that aligned with the country’s national vision to drive economic empowerment, job creation, and sustainable development through the promotion of homegrown businesses.
As leaders, Dlamini said they had a duty to create an enabling environment for local businesses to thrive. “The growth of our economy depends on our ability to empower entrepreneurs, strengthen domestic industries, and foster a culture of consuming local products. By doing so, we not only uplift our business community but also build economic resilience, reduce dependency on imports, and create opportunities for innovation and competitiveness,” Dlamini said.
“As a Member of Parliament, I reaffirm our institution’s unwavering commitment to supporting policies and initiatives that drive local business growth. Parliament continues to advocate for economic policies that favor local industries, including preferential procurement of locally made goods and enhanced support for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs),” he said.
He described the Made in Eswatini Consumer Fair is a practical extension of this commitment, offering local entrepreneurs a unique opportunity to connect with key stakeholders and expand their market reach. “This one-day event, taking place on Friday, April 25, 2025, in Mbabane, is more than just an exhibition—it is an economic catalyst,” he said.
By bringing together Government representatives, buyers, distributors, retail chain stores, and the general public, Dlamini said this fair would:
- Enable local businesses to gain visibility and secure long-term partnerships,
- Provide direct market access for entrepreneurs to sell their products to consumers,
- Drive job creation by stimulating demand for local goods,
- Celebrate our cultural heritage by showcasing Eswatini’s rich and diverse products.
Dlamini said this event would coincide with National Flag Day, which was a public holiday—a perfect occasion for citizens to come together in a spirit of economic empowerment and patriotism. He also urged members of the media to support the event, stating that the success of the Made in Eswatini Consumer Fair largely depended on public awareness.
Speaking during the event, Mdluli said the time had come for Emaswati to support what was produced in the country, and it was for that reason why Eswatini Consumers Association was in support of this event. He said by supporting local entrepreneurs, the nation would be enabling the business people to produce quality products, which, in turn, could protect them from being exposed to products that could be bad for their health.
Dlamini from the Municipal Council of Mbabane commended A Peculiar People for coming up with this concept. Dlamini made it clear that the Council would love to have this event held in Mbabane on yearly basis.