BY MBONO MDLULI
MALKERNS – Prime Minister has challenged the MTN Bushfire Festival to double its contribution to the country’s economy from E121.2 million, underscoring the event’s growing importance as a tourism and economic driver for Eswatini.
The Prime Minister made the remarks during a “Bring Your Fire” interview on the opening day of the 19th MTN Bushfire Festival in Malkerns on Friday, May 29, 2026.
Dlamini praised the festival’s continued growth over the years, describing it as one of the country’s most significant cultural and tourism platforms. He said Bushfire had become instrumental in attracting thousands of tourists to Eswatini annually, contributing meaningfully to government efforts to expand the tourism sector.
He noted that the festival’s success aligns with Eswatini’s ambitious goal of attracting five million tourists annually, saying events of Bushfire’s calibre play a critical role in raising the country’s international profile and stimulating economic activity.
“The growth of MTN Bushfire over the years has been remarkable, and we would like to see its contribution to the economy grow even further,” said Dlamini during the interview, encouraging organisers and stakeholders to explore opportunities to increase the festival’s economic footprint.
Beyond tourism, the Prime Minister also applauded the festival for its role in empowering emaSwati entrepreneurs, particularly craft traders and micro, small and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs). He said Bushfire had created an important platform for local businesses to market and sell their products to both local and international visitors.
Dlamini highlighted that the exposure gained through the festival not only boosts sales for traders but also helps local entrepreneurs expand their customer base and grow their businesses.
The annual festival, held at House on Fire in Malkerns, has evolved into one of the region’s most recognised cultural events, attracting music lovers, creatives, and tourists from across the globe. Apart from entertainment, the festival has increasingly become an economic catalyst, benefiting sectors such as hospitality, transport, food services and retail.
As this year’s festival gets underway, the Prime Minister’s challenge places renewed focus on how one of Eswatini’s flagship events can further deepen its contribution to national development while continuing to celebrate arts, culture and social impact.
