By Noncedo Shabangu (Intern)
MBABANE – A fresh wave of excitement is sweeping across Eswatini’s local business landscape as MTN MoMo powers up a national voting platform for the 2025 Made in Eswatini Consumer Choice Awards.
Launched on Thursday, 19 June 2025, at Emafini, the campaign was unveiled in the presence of business leaders, entrepreneurs, and stakeholders. The goal: to honour the creativity and excellence behind homegrown products. Thanks to MTN MoMo, the public now has a voice in deciding which locally made items stand out.
“Consumers are the heartbeat of every successful brand,” said Jordy Shiba from MTN MoMo. “Through this initiative, we are putting power in the hands of the people, letting them vote for the products they trust and love.”
Shiba commended Made in Eswatini Director, Melusi Zox Dlamini, for his unwavering vision in promoting local enterprise. He praised the campaign as a “beacon of hope and opportunity” for local businesses, with the voting element further solidifying consumer involvement in shaping Eswatini’s brand landscape.
Voting is accessible and affordable. Starting Tuesday, 24 June 2025, until 22 July 2025, consumers can visit vote.madeineswatini.africa.com, with each vote costing just E0.50.
Eight exciting categories are up for selection, including:
- Favourite Apparel
- Drink
- Taste
- Beauty
- Health & Wellness
- Home Product
- Experience
- And the prestigious Product of the Year, chosen entirely by public vote.
“The beauty of this platform,” Shiba added, “is that every voter becomes a brand ambassador. Together, we are shaping the future of local pride and excellence.”
The nomination phase has closed, and the final list of contenders, nominated by the public, will be released on Monday, 23 June 2025.
Shiba concluded with an inspiring call: “Let’s uplift Eswatini’s entrepreneurs and ensure that locally made products are celebrated in every home and on every shelf.”
