BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MBABANE – Her Royal Highness Princess Sakhizwe has urged Emaswati to deliberately prioritise locally produced goods, saying every purchase made locally contributes directly to the growth and sustainability of the Kingdom’s economy.
Her Royal Highness made the remarks at Pink Lotus on 16 April 2026, shortly after leading a high-level delegation on a site tour of Dr Sishayi Road, which has been officially designated as the venue for the upcoming Made in Eswatini Consumer Fair scheduled for 1 May. The visit formed part of final preparations for what is expected to be one of the country’s most significant platforms for showcasing home-grown products and services.
Speaking during her keynote address, the Princess noted that the Consumer Fair is not only an exhibition but a strategic national platform designed to connect leadership, business, and innovation. She further situated the initiative within the broader national calendar, as Eswatini prepares to celebrate the Ruby Jubilee marking the 40-year reign and birthday of King Mswati III, saying such milestones should also reflect the strength of local production and enterprise.
“It is her sincere hope that, in the near future, a platform will be created where His Majesty can engage directly with these remarkable products that are MADE IN ESWATINI,” she said, highlighting the importance of giving visibility to local producers.
The Princess emphasized that building a self-reliant economy requires more than policy direction, stressing that it must be supported by consumer behaviour that actively chooses local goods over imported alternatives. She added that initiatives such as the Consumer Fair provide an important bridge between producers and national leadership, while also inspiring confidence in domestic industries.
The event brought together senior government and municipal leaders, including Housing Minister Hon. Apollo Maphalala, Mbabane Mayor Councillor Thulani Mkhonto, and Chief Executive Officer of the Mbabane City Council, Gciniwe Fakudze. Also present was Executive Chairperson of A Peculiar People, Melusi ‘Zox’ Dlamini, who guided the delegation through the planned layout of Dr Sishayi Road, explaining how the space will be transformed into a curated “local superstore” featuring specialised product stalls from across the Kingdom.
As the programme progressed, attention shifted to the growing role of private sector participation in strengthening the Buy Local movement. The Princess extended appreciation to Eswatini Wire and Lactalis Eswatini, noting that their sponsorship reflects rising corporate confidence in domestic production. She further encouraged citizens to support these companies as part of a broader effort to reinforce local value chains.
“To our new partners, Eswatini Wire and Lactalis, thank you for your generous sponsorship. You have invested in the economic confidence of our nation and I urge us all to return the favour and choose local. Let us choose Eswatini Wire for all our steel and fencing needs. And let us choose Lactalis for all our dairy needs,” she said.
She further called on municipalities and businesses across the country to follow the example set by the capital city, emphasizing that expanding such initiatives beyond Mbabane would help decentralize economic opportunities and promote inclusive growth. She added that coordinated participation between public and private sectors remains key to the success of national development programmes.
Importantly, she also revealed that merchant onboarding for the Consumer Fair has already closed due to overwhelming demand from entrepreneurs across the country, a clear indication of rising interest in local economic platforms. Plans, she noted, are now being considered to expand the concept to other towns in future editions.
she also extended goodwill messages to His Majesty King Mswati III, wishing Him long life, strength, and wisdom, while encouraging Emaswati to continue embracing locally made products with pride, unity, and renewed confidence in the Kingdom’s economic potential.
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