BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE– The Made in Eswatini Consumer Fair, an initiative under A Peculiar People, is strengthening its position as a leading national platform for local products, industrial development and economic transformation, with FAIS Cement emerging as one of the strong symbols of local manufacturing capacity supporting the Buy Local agenda.
Supported by Her Royal Highness Princess Sakhizwe, who serves as steward of the Buy Local and Made in Eswatini agenda, the initiative has recorded overwhelming national interest, receiving more than 300 applications from local entrepreneurs eager to showcase their products and services at the upcoming fair.
As preparations intensify ahead of the official opening on 1 May 2026 at Dr Sishayi Road in Mbabane, the fair is increasingly being recognised as more than an exhibition. It is developing into a structured economic platform designed to connect producers, consumers, and institutions under a shared vision of economic self-reliance, dignity and inclusive growth.
A key highlight in the national conversation came through the Nedbank Eswatini Business Watch on Eswatini TV on 29 April 2026, where the Chairperson of the initiative, Melusi “Zox” Dlamini, called for a fundamental shift in national consumption patterns.
He noted that Eswatini has long depended heavily on imports, a situation that continues to weaken local industries while exporting jobs and economic value to other countries. According to him, this imbalance can only be corrected through intentional support for local production and consumption.
Dlamini emphasised that economic transformation begins with everyday consumer decisions. He explained that choosing local products ensures that money remains within the country and continues circulating through households, small businesses and informal traders, thereby strengthening the entire economy.
He stressed this point by stating that “every local purchase is more than just a transaction; it is an investment in a neighbor’s dream,” adding that such decisions play a direct role in building a resilient and self-sustaining economy.
He further warned against continued reliance on imported goods, noting that “every time we reach for a foreign product, we are essentially spending our wealth to create jobs in other countries while our own potential sits on the sidelines,” calling this a major challenge that requires urgent national attention.
Attention was also drawn to the issue of visibility of local products, with many consumers still unaware of the range of goods produced within Eswatini. Efforts are now underway to develop a unified platform that will showcase local industries across sectors such as construction, agriculture, food processing, fashion and manufacturing.
As part of this initiative, a national quality identification mark is being introduced to help consumers easily recognise locally made products that meet recognised standards, while strengthening trust in domestic production.
Consumers have been encouraged to reconsider perceptions around local goods, with emphasis placed on the fact that many locally produced items are already competitive in quality, design and presentation. Local food products, cosmetics, leather goods and clothing are among the sectors showing steady growth and innovation.
Entrepreneurs have also been urged to strengthen professionalism in packaging, customer service and branding, as they play a central role in shaping the national “Made in Eswatini” identity and how local products are perceived beyond borders.
Within this growing ecosystem, FAIS Cement has been highlighted as one of the key local industrial players demonstrating Eswatini’s capacity to produce quality construction materials that contribute to infrastructure development while reducing import dependence.
The initiative has also received support from local corporate partners, reflecting growing confidence in domestic industry and the expanding Buy Local movement.
As anticipation builds toward opening day, the Made in Eswatini Consumer Fair continues to position itself as a benchmark platform for local industry promotion and economic empowerment.
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(Courtesy Pic)
