BY GCWALISILE MHLABANE
MANZINI– Traders across Eswatini and beyond are being urged to act swiftly as the final window for exhibition applications at the 58th edition of the Eswatini National Trade Fair draws to a close, with the official application deadline set for June 25, 2026.
This year’s Trade Fair will be staged under the theme “Unlocking Green Economy Opportunities for Sustainable Trade Promotion”, placing sustainability, green innovation, and inclusive economic growth at the centre of Eswatini’s premier business exhibition.
Scheduled for August 28 to September 6, 2026, the annual event continues to cement its status as a leading regional platform for trade, investment, and enterprise development, attracting strong interest from both local and international exhibitors.
Organisers say applications, which opened in March, are now in their final processing phase, with demand rising sharply as businesses race to secure limited exhibition space. They have emphasised that no exhibitor will be confirmed unless both application procedures and payment verification are fully completed.
Officials further clarified that exhibition fees at the Trade Fair are not publicly fixed, as they vary according to stand size, business category, and exhibitor type, including corporates, SMEs, and international participants. Applicants are required to engage directly with the EITF secretariat or designated offices for quotations and bookings.
A deposit is required to secure exhibition space, with the remaining balance payable prior to the event. For the 58th edition, organisers have confirmed strict operational timelines: applications close on June 25, 2026, while final payments are due by July 25, 2026. The structure is designed to ensure a balance between affordability for emerging enterprises and premium exposure opportunities for larger exhibitors.
All applications are processed through the official EITF App, which streamlines submissions, payment verification, and stall allocation, ensuring transparency, efficiency, and accountability throughout the process.
Sihle Nkhabindze, Domestic Trade Promotion Manager at the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority, said traders must move with urgency to avoid missing out on the opportunity.
“Applications for the Eswatini National Trade Fair are currently being processed, and we strongly encourage all traders, both local and international, to finalise their submissions before the deadline. Stall allocation is only confirmed upon full payment and verification, and early engagement is essential to avoid last-minute challenges,” said Nkhabindze.
The Trade Fair continues to play a growing strategic role in strengthening Eswatini’s Meetings, Incentives, Conferences and Exhibitions (MICE) sector, while also driving business tourism, investment attraction, and regional trade integration.
In a continued effort to expand accessibility and public participation, organisers have maintained free entry for all visitors, a move expected to significantly boost attendance and enhance exposure for exhibitors. Past editions have recorded steady growth, rising from approximately 45 000 visitors to over 70 000 in the most recent event.
With momentum building, organisers are confident that the 2026 edition will surpass previous records, further reinforcing the Trade Fair’s position as a catalyst for sustainable economic transformation, innovation, and enterprise development in Eswatini.
As the deadline approaches, traders are being urged to act decisively and secure their place at one of the country’s most influential and impactful business platforms.
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(Courtesy Pic)
