BY MBONO MDLULI
MBABANE – The inaugural Made in Eswatini Consumer Fair, held on April 25, 2025, in the heart of Mbabane along Dr Sishayi Road, successfully attracted 1 200 consumers.
This event, which was hosted by A Peculiar People, aimed to showcase locally produced goods and services, celebrate homegrown entrepreneurship, and encourage support for Eswatini-based brands.
According to a statement issued by A Peculiar People Chairman Melusi ‘Zox’ Dlamini, the fair is part of a series of strategic platforms created by a Peculiar People to promote economic growth through domestic consumption.
Event Highlights
– Participation:
– 141 MSMEs participated, with 90% being women-led and 70% youth-led businesses, highlighting the spirit of innovation in Eswatini.
– 7 government agencies and companies contributed as partners, exhibitors, and sponsors.
– Consumer Engagement:
– A notable 57 product lines sold out, indicating robust consumer demand for local products.
– The event featured 6 hours of local music, including performances by 4 DJs, 16 session musicians, and four established Eswatini artists.
– Economic Impact:
– The fair facilitated the creation of 3 permanent and 57 casual jobs.
– It generated 940 000 social media impressions with an estimated publicity value of E450 000.
Key Outcomes
– Increased awareness of the quality and variety of local products.
– Enhanced direct engagement and sales between producers and consumers.
– Growth and visibility for local businesses.
Acknowledgments
A heartfelt thank you to:
– Her Royal Highness Princess Sakhizwe
– The Honorable Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo
– Mbabane East MP Hon. Welcome Dlamini
– His Lordship The Mayor of Mbabane Thulani Mkhonto
– CEO of Mbabane, Ms. Gciniwe Fakudze
Their support was instrumental in the event’s success, alongside the efforts of sponsors, exhibitors, municipal officials, media partners, and the enthusiastic public.
Sponsors and Partners
The event was supported by various sponsors, including:
– MTN MoMo
– Montigny Investments
– Slomoes Corporation
– KFC Eswatini
– Pick n Pay
– Lojaf
– Theo Brands
– Emlembe Beverages
– Solanis
– Leap IT
– Lactalis Eswatini
– Coca-Cola
– Sibebe Premium Lager
– Brand Inn
– Co-Creator Café 360
Official Research Partner
– Marketing and Advertising Research Council
Finance & Tax Advisory Partner
– Duraz Consultants
Official Travel Partners
– Leap Taxi
– Transmagnific
Official Media Partners
– Eswatini Observer
– EBIS
– Eye Studio
– Multi Media Clique
– Fleek Photography
– Stratcom Media
– JCDecaux
Government Agencies
– Eswatini Revenue Service
– Eswatini Competition Commission
– Youth Enterprise and Revolving Fund
– SEDCO
– RSTP Business Incubator
Feedback and Future Prospects
Feedback from vendors and consumers was overwhelmingly positive. Vendors experienced strong consumer interest, with many achieving sold-out sales. Consumers expressed a desire for more frequent events, indicating a demand for continued access to locally made products and engagement with entrepreneurs.
In summary, the inaugural Made in Eswatini Consumer Fair successfully promoted local products and fostered consumer confidence in Eswatini’s homegrown offerings, marking a significant milestone for the local economy.
