BY GCWALISILE MHLABABE
MANZINI– Emaswati can now shop and sell products online through Buy Eswatini 2.0, a digital marketplace officially launched on Thursday, September 3, 2026, during Day 7 of the 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF).
The platform went live with 150 brands onboarded, 558 registered members, 580 products listed and 420 sales recorded ahead of its official launch, signalling growing interest in digital commerce among local businesses and consumers.
Launched by the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) at the Green Chamber in Pavilion 1 of the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre, Buy Eswatini 2.0 is designed to connect local businesses directly with consumers while creating opportunities for Eswatini products to reach wider regional and international markets.
The platform allows businesses to showcase their products online, while consumers can browse local goods, place orders and make payments through one digital marketplace.
Speaking at the launch, the EIPA Chief Executive Officer urged Emaswati to embrace Buy Eswatini and use it to support local businesses and strengthen the country’s economy.“Today we are moving from projects to a national platform, and for us, I think this is very exciting,” the CEO said.
The CEO explained that the initiative began with Buy Eswatini 1.0, which was launched at the 2025 EITF to connect local businesses with buyers through e-commerce.
The launch of Buy Eswatini 2.0 marks a new phase, with the platform officially handed over to EIPA, which has assumed full ownership and responsibility for ensuring that it delivers its intended economic benefits.
“This is officially being handed over to us as EIPA, and we take full ownership of the platform. It’s going to be our responsibility to ensure that it delivers the desired goals for Eswatini,” the CEO said.
The EIPA CEO stressed that the success of Buy Eswatini would depend on more than technology, challenging micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) to take ownership of the opportunity.
Businesses were urged to market themselves effectively, maintain high-quality standards and provide reliable service to customers.
“It is also going to be about marketing yourselves, taking ownership for the quality and reliability of your products, and having the desire to grow,” the CEO said.
“This is not a platform for continuous hand-holding. We are giving the platform, but we encourage our businesses and MSMEs to take up this challenge.”
The CEO said the platform’s greatest value was its ability to improve market access, which remains a key challenge for many small businesses.
“For us, Buy Eswatini is not just about technology; it’s about market access,” the CEO said.
“We know that when MSMEs grow, everyone wins—whether they employ people, or whether they improve the quality of life for themselves.”
Buy Eswatini 2.0 is open to businesses across sectors, including farmers, manufacturers, artisans and agro-processors.
The initiative also seeks to ensure that women, youth, persons with disabilities and older people benefit from the opportunities created by digital commerce.
“We want every sector of Eswatini society to be impacted by this platform,” the CEO said.
“It’s your platform. We are hosting it, but it’s your platform as Emaswati.”
The EIPA CEO further urged businesses to compete professionally online by offering competitive prices, professional packaging, exceptional customer service and reliable order fulfilment.
“We need to ensure that orders that are placed are fulfilled,” the CEO stressed.
The upgraded platform was developed with support from the Republic of China (Taiwan), with International Integrated Systems Inc. (IISI) providing technical expertise.
It brings together key elements of digital trade, including product listings, online ordering, digital payments and delivery.
MTN Eswatini forms part of the payment ecosystem through MoMo Pay, while EPTC supports logistics and delivery, helping connect online purchases with physical fulfilment.
Local businesses have also received onboarding and training in areas such as online store management, digital marketing and e-commerce to help them participate effectively in the digital economy.
EIPA Executive Head of Trade Promotion Sibusiso Mnisi said Buy Eswatini was designed to operate throughout the year rather than only during the annual trade fair.
The platform will provide businesses with a permanent digital space to market and sell their products, while giving consumers an opportunity to shop locally beyond the physical exhibition environment.
Mnisi said the year-round marketplace could also help ease congestion during trade events by allowing businesses to continue showcasing their products and engaging customers online.
Representing the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Principal Secretary Ambassador Melusi Masuku described the launch as a significant milestone in Eswatini’s efforts to modernise trade, empower local enterprises and advance economic growth.
The next challenge is to build on the platform’s early traction by bringing more businesses and consumers into the digital marketplace and expanding the range of locally available products.
For EIPA, Buy Eswatini is more than a digital marketplace. It is an opportunity to give local businesses greater visibility, connect them with new customers and strengthen their ability to compete in an increasingly digital economy.
As the platform goes live, the message to Emaswati is clear: shop local, sell local and support businesses that are building Eswatini’s economy.
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