BY SIBUSISEKILE NDLANGAMANDLA
SIPHOFANENI – The countdown to the 58th edition of the Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) gained momentum at Siphofaneni on the 24th July 2026 as community members gathered to witness a lively roadshow aimed at building excitement ahead of the country’s premier trade exhibition.
The roadshow, organised by the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA), brought entertainment, interactive activities and information about the upcoming trade fair closer to residents and businesses in the area, creating an opportunity for members of the community to engage with the EITF campaign in a lively and accessible manner.
The activation forms part of a national campaign aimed at creating awareness about the 2026 EITF and encouraging businesses, entrepreneurs and members of the public to participate in the event. The 58th edition of the EITF is scheduled to take place from August 28 to September 6, 2026, at the Mavuso Exhibition and Trade Centre in Manzini.
This year’s fair will be held under the theme, “Unlocking Green Economy Opportunities for Sustainable Trade.” The theme highlights the growing importance of sustainability, environmental responsibility and innovation in the business sector. Businesses are expected to use the trade fair as a platform to showcase their products and services, network with potential partners and explore opportunities for growth and investment. It is also expected to bring together Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), large corporations, government institutions and exhibitors from across the region and beyond. The roadshow also served as a platform to encourage local entrepreneurs to take advantage of the opportunities presented by the trade fair.
Since its establishment in 1968, the EITF has developed from what was then known as the Swaziland Independence Exhibition into a major platform for trade, investment, enterprise development and networking. Over the years, the exhibition has continued to provide businesses with an opportunity to display their products, engage potential customers and establish partnerships.
In an interview, Sihle Nkhabindze, Manager for Domestic Trade Promotion at the Eswatini International Trade Fair, said the 2026 exhibition would introduce new initiatives aimed at showcasing local talent and promoting locally manufactured products. Nkhabindze said the fair would introduce Chef Sunday, which would provide an opportunity to showcase the talent and skills of Eswatini chefs. He also highlighted the “Buy Eswatini” initiative, which aims to create awareness about products manufactured locally and encourage consumers to support local businesses.
The 2026 edition is expected to place a strong focus on the green economy, with exhibitors encouraged to highlight sustainable practices, climate resilience and environmentally responsible business solutions. The Siphofaneni activation is part of the build-up activities leading to the main event as EIPA takes the EITF message to communities across the country.
#EITF2026 #EITFRoadshow #EswatiniPositiveNews #Siphofaneni #ConnectCreateGrow #GreenEconomy #SustainableTrade
