BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI – A record 46 foreign participants from governments, embassies and trade agencies marked a major breakthrough for the 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF 2026), underscoring the event’s growing international stature and strengthening Eswatini’s position as a platform for trade and investment.
The milestone was among the key achievements of a trade fair that also attracted more than 2 000 professionals and industry leaders to 19 business seminars, facilitated targeted business-to-business engagements and created new opportunities for international partnerships.
Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) Chief Executive Officer Sibani Mngomezulu says EITF 2026 delivered on its key objectives, significantly expanding international participation while strengthening business networking, knowledge sharing and opportunities for trade and investment.
“EITF 2026 has been a resounding success,” Mngomezulu said.
“We have fulfilled the core operational targets set during our preparatory stages: we delivered an affordable, inclusive trade fair, significantly boosted foreign participation, expanded targeted B2B networking, and opened new pathways in green finance and digital commerce.”
“When we commenced our preparations for EITF 2026, one of our central objectives was to significantly expand foreign participation to ensure that this event truly reflects its international stature,” Mngomezulu said.
“I am proud to report that we achieved a milestone, recording 46 foreign participants representing governments, embassies and foreign trade agencies.”
The international contingent included ZimTrade from Zimbabwe, the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre, Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal, the AE Trade Group from Rwanda and a commercial delegation from the Republic of China (Taiwan).
To accommodate the growing international interest, EIPA introduced an International Pavilion, providing a dedicated platform for local businesses and visitors to engage directly with foreign exhibitors and explore new markets and partnerships.
At the same time, Mngomezulu said EIPA remained committed to ensuring that the trade fair was accessible to businesses of all sizes.
Exhibition rates were maintained without increases to baseline fees, allowing strong participation from across the private sector, ranging from established companies to micro-enterprises.
Beyond the exhibition stands, EITF 2026 also provided a major platform for knowledge sharing, networking and policy dialogue.
A record 19 professional seminars, attended by more than 2 000 participants and industry leaders, were held during the trade fair.
Among the highlights was the Stock Exchange Seminar, which explored carbon credit offsetting and Eswatini’s positioning in the global green economy.
The inaugural Sports Indaba also brought together stakeholders from sport and business to explore corporate investment and sponsorship opportunities aimed at commercialising local talent and creating sustainable livelihoods.
Another major outcome was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between EIPA and Trade and Investment KwaZulu-Natal.
The agreement is expected to strengthen cross-border economic cooperation and pave the way for joint trade activities from 2027 and beyond.
The expanded use of EIPA’s Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) was another key feature of this year’s trade fair.
According to Mngomezulu, every foreign exhibitor received support through a structured matchmaking system, resulting in more than 17 targeted business-to-business meetings linking foreign suppliers and trade delegates with local importers, State-owned enterprises and municipalities.
The BOSS platform also facilitated high-level engagements, including strategic ministerial meetings with entities such as SMH Railways, while providing on-site investor facilitation, trade licensing assistance and work permit processing.
“Going forward, EIPA is committed to institutionalizing and enhancing these concierge B2B and investor services to ensure every trade fair yields direct commercial transactions,” Mngomezulu said.
As the 58th edition came to an end, Mngomezulu thanked the EIPA Board, management and staff, exhibitors, sponsors and technical partners for their contribution to the success of the event.
“I express my heartfelt gratitude to the EIPA team, our Board, sponsors, technical partners, and all exhibitors who made this edition an unforgettable achievement,” he said.
With a record international presence, thousands of participants in professional seminars, strategic partnerships and targeted business engagements, EITF 2026 has set a new benchmark for the country’s premier trade showcase. The focus now is on turning the connections made at Mavuso into lasting investment, stronger trade partnerships and economic growth for Eswatini.
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