The 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair is set to turn the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre into a nine-day entertainment, culture and lifestyle hub when the fair opens this Friday.
Running until September 6, this year’s EITF will bring together more than 40 artists and DJs, sports competitions, traditional dance, family activities, exhibitions and international exhibitors under the theme, “Unlocking Green Economy Opportunities for Sustainable Trade Promotion.”
While the trade fair remains centred on business and trade, the entertainment programme is expected to be one of the major attractions, with more than 70 per cent of the announced performers coming from Eswatini.
The opening day will feature a mix of local and regional performers, with M Nation, Mazwelany, Linda Dlamini, Zulu D, Young Zesh, MCO Jamrock, DJ Matamza and DJ MaBee among the acts scheduled to perform.
South African performers Mduduzi Ncube and Simmy are also part of the opening-day programme, while Zwile and The Band and Sanchiezy are expected to feature among the performances.
The entertainment programme continues throughout the fair, with gospel, contemporary music and DJ performances spread across the different days.
Names on the wider line-up include Ndawonye Christ Worshipers, Jumbo, Shongwe ne Khuphuka, Phathwakahle, Make Siwela, Obsession, Sweet Shandis, Bandora, Lady Zee, Lady Gee, DJ Mike, DJ Njebza, Sbu De Drum DJ, DJ Tira, Q Twins and EEMOH.
The programme also includes dedicated entertainment for Gospel Sunday and the final weekend, while dance competitions will give performers another opportunity to take the stage before EITF audiences.
EITF spokesperson Siphesihle Nkhabindze said the entertainment programme was designed to complement the fair’s wider offering and create an environment that appeals to families, young people, entrepreneurs and visitors from the region.
The fair will also give audiences an opportunity to experience different forms of Eswatini culture through traditional dance competitions.
Sibhaca, Ingadla and Lutsango groups from across the Kingdom are expected to compete during the exhibition period, with participating groups ranging from grassroots communities to teams representing institutions, corporates and the armed forces.
The competitions are being spearheaded by Imigidvo Yesintfu Eswatini and will form part of the cultural programme running alongside the commercial activities at the fair.
Sports will also feature prominently, adding another dimension to the EITF experience.
The 8Bet Trade Fair Cup returns this year, while Mulasport will sponsor basketball, volleyball and netball competitions. The basketball tournament continues to attract players based outside the country alongside local talent, adding a regional element to the sporting programme.
The combination of sport, music and cultural activities has increasingly become part of the EITF experience, with last year’s visitor numbers surpassing 70 000.
For families, the fair will also include children’s activities and Family Fun Days, extending the programme beyond the exhibition halls and evening entertainment.
Another addition this year is a series of green-energy prizes for visitors.
Instead of the previous “Win A Car” promotion, organisers have introduced prizes linked to energy efficiency in keeping with this year’s green economy theme. The organisers said the new format is intended to give more visitors opportunities to win throughout the duration of the fair.
The international component of EITF has also expanded, with the first International Pavilion bringing exhibitors from South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe, Botswana and Mozambique together at the fair.
Turkey and Taiwan will also be represented, alongside the Ministry of Information and Communication Technology and the SEDCO Agriculture Pavilion.
For visitors, the pavilion adds an opportunity to experience products, businesses and ideas from outside Eswatini without leaving the trade fair grounds.
The fair will also have a strong digital element, with Jenny Internet returning for its third consecutive year as a partner and providing free Wi-Fi valued at E570 000.
The service will allow exhibitors and visitors to remain connected, promote their businesses online, communicate with customers and share their experiences from the fair.
Jenny said the sponsorship was intended to connect people to opportunities, while EIPA Chief Executive Officer Sibane Mngomezulu said the free Wi-Fi would benefit exhibitors, MSMEs and visitors.
Away from the entertainment and exhibitions, the EITF programme includes 19 business seminars and engagements from August 31 to September 4, covering areas such as green enterprise, digital trade, exports, creativity, energy transition and financing.
The UNDP Sustainable Centre will also host discussions around sustainable business and the transition towards a greener economy, giving entrepreneurs and businesses an additional space for networking and learning.
However, for visitors simply looking to spend the day at the fair, there will be plenty happening beyond the formal business programme.
More than 200 exhibitors are expected, creating an opportunity to move between exhibition stalls, food and entertainment spaces, sporting activities and cultural performances throughout the nine days.
The organisers have also encouraged members of the public to follow the EITF social media pages for daily programme updates, as activities will vary throughout the fair.
With music, traditional dance, sport, exhibitions, family activities and international participation all forming part of the programme, the 2026 EITF is set to offer visitors more than a conventional trade exhibition.
The fair opens at Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre in Manzini on Friday, August 28, with activities continuing until September 6.
For those planning their EITF itinerary, the opening-day entertainment, Gospel Sunday, the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup, Mulasport tournaments, traditional dance competitions, the International Pavilion and the green-energy prize draws are among the activities already confirmed.
The 58th edition will therefore bring together business, entertainment, sport and culture under one programme, with local talent remaining at the centre of the experience.
