BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI– The 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) is expected to be more vibrant and impactful, with more than 70 000 attendees anticipated during the 10-day trade showcase from August 28 to September 6, 2026.
The anticipated turnout is expected to create greater opportunities for businesses to increase their visibility, engage customers, forge partnerships and explore new markets, as exhibitors from Eswatini and beyond prepare to showcase their products, services and innovations.
The projection was revealed by Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) Executive Head of Trade Promotion Sibusiso Mnisi during the EITF 2026 Exhibitor Briefing held at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre in Manzini on August 10, 2026.
Mnisi said the trade fair provides businesses with an important platform to connect with opportunities, build relationships and position themselves for growth.
“This is your fair, it is also your platform to connect, influence, and thrive,” Mnisi said.
His remarks underline the growing role of EITF as more than a traditional exhibition, with the platform providing opportunities for businesses to engage potential customers, investors, suppliers and strategic partners.
The 58th edition will be held under the theme “Unlocking Green Economy Opportunities for Sustainable Trade Promotion,” placing green innovation, sustainable business practices and investment opportunities at the centre of this year’s showcase.
The theme is expected to encourage businesses to showcase products, technologies and services that contribute to sustainable development while opening conversations around opportunities presented by the green economy.
With more than 70 000 attendees expected, the trade fair is also anticipated to generate significant commercial activity for participating businesses.
Local exhibitors will have an opportunity to engage consumers and potential investors directly, while international exhibitors can use the platform to gain exposure to the Eswatini market and establish connections with businesses across the region.
The anticipated influx of attendees could also benefit businesses operating around the exhibition, particularly those in hospitality, transport, food, retail and other service sectors.
Mnisi also highlighted knowledge sharing as an important component of the EITF programme, with seminars expected to equip businesses and other participants with practical knowledge while creating opportunities for networking.
“We hosted 15 seminars last year and reached over 1 000 participants. This year we are targeting 2 000 people through knowledge sharing platforms,” he said.
The knowledge-sharing programme is expected to complement the exhibition by giving entrepreneurs and businesses opportunities to exchange ideas, engage experts and identify potential partnerships.
The green economy theme is expected to influence this year’s exhibition, with participating businesses encouraged to showcase environmentally responsible products, technologies and business models.
The theme, “Unlocking Green Economy Opportunities for Sustainable Trade Promotion,” places emphasis on sustainable production, green innovation and responsible investment as potential drivers of new business opportunities.
Preparations for the major showcase are already underway, with MTEC opened for exhibitors, vendors and service providers to begin stand construction and move-in from August 12 to 26.
The build-up period is expected to be critical as exhibitors prepare their displays ahead of the official opening on August 28.
EIPA has issued strict construction and safety guidelines to ensure the preparation process is conducted safely and efficiently.
Custom stand contractors are required to register with the EITF secretariat and confirm that their designs have been approved by qualifying architects before construction begins.
Contractors working on site must also wear appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE), while activities such as cutting, sanding and polishing are prohibited inside the exhibition halls because of the dust and fumes they generate.
Exhibitors have also been warned against suspending structures from MTEC halls, pavilion roofs and ceilings, as the structures are not designed to carry additional weight.
The organisers have further instructed exhibitors to observe the stipulated height restrictions for the different halls and pavilions.
The restricted-entry period will run from August 28 to September 7, during which no stand construction, installation or repairs will be permitted.
Following the conclusion of the fair, the official move-out and stand breakdown period will take place from September 8 to 12.
The 58th EITF is therefore shaping up to be a major gathering of businesses, consumers, entrepreneurs and investors, with the anticipated 70 000-plus attendees expected to inject further energy into the exhibition.
For participating businesses, the large expected audience presents an opportunity to turn exposure into sales, partnerships, customer relationships and access to new markets.
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