BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI – Securing a venue at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre is set to become as simple as a few clicks, with the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) introducing a new digital booking platform designed to put convenience directly in the hands of clients.
The platform was officially unveiled on September 4, 2026, at the UNDP Sustainable Centre, as EIPA moves to modernise access to one of the country’s key trade, exhibition and events facilities.
Set to go live on October 1, 2026, the online platform will enable emaSwati, businesses and international clients to check venue availability in real time, identify dates that have already been reserved and schedule venue rentals online.
For event organisers, the change promises to take much of the uncertainty out of securing a venue, allowing clients to see availability before making arrangements and plan their events with greater confidence.
Speaking during the launch, EIPA Chief Financial Officer Hanalora Strydom said the platform was developed with the customer experience at its centre.
“We want to make it easier for our clients to engage with Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre. They should be able to access the information they need without having to go through a lengthy process just to find out whether a venue is available,” said Strydom.
She said the real-time feature would give clients greater control over the booking process, particularly when planning events around specific dates.
“Clients will be able to go onto the platform, see what is available in real time, choose the date that works for them and proceed with their booking,” she explained.
The platform will also allow users to view dates that have already been reserved, creating greater visibility and reducing the likelihood of clients planning around unavailable dates.
“It gives the client visibility. You can see the dates that are already taken and those that are still available, so you can plan accordingly,” said Strydom.
The new system is expected to benefit businesses, event organisers, government institutions, private organisations and individuals looking to host conferences, exhibitions, workshops, corporate functions, product launches and other events at the centre.
For international clients, the online system could also make it easier to explore the facility and plan events in Eswatini without first having to physically visit the centre.
Strydom said the initiative was part of EIPA’s wider drive to use technology to improve service delivery and make its operations more responsive to clients.
“This is part of our digital transformation journey. We are looking at how we can use technology to improve efficiency and ultimately improve the experience of the people we serve,” she said.
The launch comes as the Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) 2026 continues to bring together businesses, investors, entrepreneurs and other stakeholders under the theme “Unlocking Green Economy Opportunities.”
The digital booking platform adds another dimension to the trade fair’s focus on innovation, demonstrating how technology can be applied to simplify everyday business processes and improve access to services.
Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre has become an important venue for exhibitions, conferences, business meetings and major events, making efficient access to its facilities essential for businesses and organisations.
By taking bookings online, EIPA is seeking to make the process more transparent, efficient and accessible while improving the overall management of venue reservations.
From October 1, 2026, clients will be able to check availability and make bookings digitally, bringing Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre closer to the fingertips of those looking to turn an idea, meeting or event into reality.
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