BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI— The 58th edition of the Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) 2026 has doubled down on its commitment to inclusive economic growth, with organisers confirming that exhibition rates will remain unchanged in a deliberate move to boost participation among small businesses and strengthen investor access.
The announcement was made during the official launch held at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre on May 19 2026, where the Chief Executive Officer of the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA), Sibani Mngomezulu, said the decision reflects a clear focus on accessibility and enterprise development.
“To support our local businesses during these challenging economic times, EIPA has taken the firm stance of not increasing exhibition rates for the second year in a row. We want to ensure that cost is not a barrier to entry for our small and medium enterprises,” said Mngomezulu.
He added that maintaining stable pricing is part of a broader strategy to expand participation from both local MSMEs and international exhibitors, positioning the fair as a stronger hub for trade linkages and investment partnerships.
“Keeping the rates unchanged ensures the platform remains accessible, fostering growth for local MSMEs and expanding international business networks,” he said.
Officials clarified that exhibition fees at the EITF are not fixed publicly, as they vary depending on organisation type, stand size and exhibitor category, including corporates, SMEs and international participants.
Applicants are required to engage directly with the EITF secretariat or relevant offices for quotations and bookings. A deposit is typically required to secure an exhibition space, with the remaining balance payable prior to the event.
For the 2026 edition, organisers have set key operational deadlines, with exhibition applications closing on June 26 2026, while the final payment deadline is set for July 25 2026.
The flexible pricing structure is designed to balance affordability for emerging enterprises while maintaining premium exposure opportunities for larger exhibitors.
The EITF is also increasingly positioned as a key driver of Eswatini’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, supporting business tourism, investment attraction and cross-border trade linkages.
Speaking on behalf of the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade, Principal Secretary Melusi Masuku said the fair remains an inclusive national platform that integrates business, innovation, sport and lifestyle.
As preparations continue for the August 28 to September 6 2026 event, stakeholders are encouraging businesses to take advantage of the unchanged rates and strict timelines to secure exhibition space early and maximise market opportunities.
EITF 2026 continues to be positioned as more than an exhibition — but a strategic marketplace for enterprise growth and economic transformation in Eswatini.
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