BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – Following the outstanding success of Eswatini’s participation in the 2025 Paris Design Fashion Week, the European Union (EU), the International Trade Centre (ITC), and the Government of Eswatini, in collaboration with Alliance Française, are bringing the celebrated INDALO Exhibition to Eswatini — a showcase of the nation’s finest craftsmanship, creativity, and sustainable design.
The exhibition will run from Saturday, 25 October to Thursday, 6 November 2025, at Alliance Française in Mbabane, featuring artistic works born from collaborations between Eswatini’s Micro, Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (MSMEs) and leading European designers.
This initiative forms part of the broader “Eswatini: Promoting Growth Through Competitive Alliances” programme — an EU-funded, ITC-implemented partnership with the Government of Eswatini that supports inclusive trade, creative industry growth, and sustainable livelihoods.
In September, Eswatini’s MSMEs took centre stage at the Paris Design Fashion Week, presenting innovative, co-created designs that drew international acclaim. Distinguished guests included the EU Ambassador to Eswatini and the First Lady of France, Mrs Brigitte Macron.
Building on that success, the INDALO Exhibition aims to bring the Paris experience home, allowing the Eswatini public, creative professionals, and policymakers to engage with designs that have captured global attention.
Speaking ahead of the opening, EU Ambassador to Eswatini, Karsten Mecklenburg, underscored the exhibition’s significance for Eswatini’s creative economy and international partnerships.
“The INDALO Exhibition is a celebration of creativity, sustainability, and partnership. It shows how collaboration between Eswatini’s artisans and European designers can transform local craftsmanship into global opportunities,” he said.
“Through initiatives like this, the EU reaffirms its commitment to empowering MSMEs, promoting cultural exchange, and supporting sustainable livelihoods that value both people and the planet.”
The exhibition will be open daily to the public, featuring interactive sessions such as ceramic painting and basket-weaving workshops, where visitors can experience hands-on artistry alongside local and international designers.
The name “INDALO” — meaning both nature and to create in siSwati — captures the spirit of the event: a collective celebration of craftsmanship that connects Eswatini’s artisans with European designers, merging traditional artistry with contemporary aesthetics and eco-conscious design.
At its heart, the INDALO Exhibition seeks to:
- Showcase Eswatini’s rich cultural heritage and craftsmanship;
- Promote sustainable livelihoods through the creative industries; and
- Bridge traditional techniques with modern design for global markets.
Through EU funding and ITC coordination, artisans have co-created innovative works with both local and international designers, including Sharon Venancio (Eswatini), Asis Percales (Spain), Kaja Dahl (Norway), Mari Koppanen (Finland), and Delphine Mériaux & Agathe Pautrot (France).
Participating Eswatini collectives include Master Artworks, Malolotja Handcraft, Tintsaba Master Weavers, Siyaphambili Handicraft, Indzaba Yami Handicraft, and Favourite Designs — each contributing unique, handmade creations that tell stories of culture, community, and creativity.
The INDALO Exhibition stands as a powerful symbol of how collaboration, sustainability, and artistry can transform Eswatini’s creative industries into global success stories.
Courtesy Pic)
