BY OWN CORRESPONDENT
MANZINI- The Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) supported this year’s Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) in going beyond exhibitions by providing functional meeting spaces for businesses and exhibitors to turn identified opportunities into meetings and potential deals.
Managed by the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA), the BOSS provided a dedicated boardroom and lounge for exhibitors to engage prospective clients, partners and other stakeholders. The facilities have also enabled exhibitors to bring clients to the trade fair for more focused business-to-business discussions, while private-sector companies have used the space to meet potential partners. This year’s EITF features more international exhibitors; therefore, the space helps move discussions from the stands to a meeting platform where further Trade and Investment opportunities and collaborations can be discussed.
EIPA Executive Head of Investment Promotion Martin Masilela said the facilities had recorded interest, with more than 20 meetings booked and facilitated on Day 8 of the EITF.
“The BOSS facility has been a key enabler for moving conversations beyond the exhibition floors. The engagements included business-to-business meetings, private-sector discussions and high-level strategic meetings,” he said.
With the Trade Fair continuing until Sunday, Masilela encouraged the business community to make use of the facilities during the remaining days. Meetings can be booked in person or through the QR code available at the BOSS facility.
The meeting spaces complement the broader purpose of BOSS, which is to make it easier for businesses and investors to access government services and pursue opportunities in Eswatini. Established in 2025 and based at the Sibekelo Building in Mbabane, BOSS brings several government services under one roof, simplifying processes that would otherwise require investors to engage with different offices.
BOSS currently offers six services, including company registration, trading licences, taxonboarding, permits and investment facilitation, with plans to expand the services offered in the future. Masilela said the initiative has received positive feedback from the private sector and has contributed to reducing the time required to start a business in Eswatini.
At the EITF, that same approach is being applied to business engagements. Opportunities identified at exhibition stands can be taken into a dedicated meeting space for presentations, negotiations and further discussions, giving exhibitors and potential partners an opportunity to develop relationships beyond the initial encounter.
The initiative is also moving towards greater digitalisation, with BOSS preparing to take its services online, further improving access to government services for businesses and investors.
For EIPA, the EITF provides an opportunity to bring the BOSS concept directly into the business environment, making it easier for businesses to connect, pursue opportunities and move discussions towards tangible outcomes.
(Courtesy Pic)
