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MBABANE - Local businesses have scored big ahead of the 2025 EITF, as the EIPA has awarded service tenders valued at E1 141 782 for the prestigious annual event.
The trade fair, set to run from August 29 to September 8, 2025, at the Mavuso Exhibition and Trade Centre in Manzini, will be held under the theme ‘Digital Transformation 2.0: Creating Business Networks’
The initiative seeks to boost economic participation by empowering local service providers with key procurement opportunities.
“These opportunities not only stimulate growth for small and medium enterprises, but also strengthen our local supply chain ecosystem,” Eswatini International Trade Fair (EIPA) Spokesperson Siphesihle Nkhabindze said.
In addition to the trade fair-related services, Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) awarded two other tenders: NTT Toyota was awarded a E1 157 705.70 contract for the supply of vehicles.
South African-based Image Makers was awarded E252 747 for the supply and delivery of corporate wear.
The announcement of the awarded tenders follows a recent EITF exhibitor briefing session hosted by EIPA last week.
The session was designed to orient both new and returning exhibitors on expectations, logistics and innovations tied to this year’s event.
EIPA CEO Sibani Mngomezulu highlighted that the upcoming edition will include experiential zones, enhanced international participation and deeper alignment with Eswatini’s national development priorities.
His Majesty King Mswati III is set to grace the Trade Fair on September 6, coinciding with the Kingdom’s 57th Independence Day and the 57th edition of the fair. His Majesty’s attendance is expected to significantly elevate the profile of the event, both locally and internationally.
It is a strategic driver in our national development agenda. The fair connects businesses — locally and internationally — while opening doors to trade, investment and meaningful partnerships.
He highlighted that the trade fair plays a key role in realising the Government’s Nkwe Programme of Action, which seeks to grow the economy by 12 per cent gross domestic product (GDP) by 2029.
EIPA revealed that interest from international participants has grown significantly. Applications from both local and foreign exhibitors have been robust, with several African and overseas businesses eyeing the fair as a gateway to southern Africa.
“This year, we anticipate an even larger pool of international exhibitors, which is a testament to Eswatini’s rising stature as a regional trade and investment hub,” Mngomezulu stated.
He added that the EITF App remains the central platform for exhibitor registration and vendor applications, streamlining the process and ensuring transparency.
In line with its digital transformation theme, the fair will introduce several new experiential spaces, including:
- The Garden Zone – showcasing horticulture, sustainable landscaping and green innovations.
- The Lifestyle Zone and Wellness Day – a celebration of health, fashion, beauty and mental well-being.
These zones are designed to promote sectoral diversity and expand engagement beyond traditional trade categories.
Minister for Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo described the fair as more than just an exhibition. “This is a platform for trade, innovation, learning and investment partnerships,” he said.
EIPA CEO Sibani Mngomezulu. (File pic)