The 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) is heading into its final weekend with a packed programme of music, motorsport, sport, family entertainment and more than 200 exhibitors, as organisers prepare for a high-energy conclusion on Sunday.
With the Trade Fair having already attracted strong crowds since opening on August 28, visitors have just three days left to experience the exhibitions and entertainment before the annual showcase closes at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre on September 6.
The final weekend will combine live performances from local and South African artists, the highly anticipated EITF Spin at Mavuso Spin City, the closing stages of the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup, Mula Sport finals, a Family Fun Fair and Chef Sunday, among other attractions.
The Trade Fair is being held under the theme “Unlocking Green Economy Opportunities for Sustainable Trade Promotion,” with exhibitors continuing to showcase products, services, technologies and innovations linked to sustainable economic development.
Friday will also feature the final business engagements of the Trade Fair, including a football and business conference from 9am to 1pm at the Green Chamber. The Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) will also launch the Mavuso Online Booking platform at the UNDP Sustainability Centre.
EITF spokesperson Siphesihle Nkhabindze said organisers were pleased with the response so far and were expecting a strong finish.
“We have so far been very impressed by the quality of exhibitors and the number of visitors we have seen at the Trade Fair. There is a lot happening this weekend, and we want to encourage even more people to come through. Whether you are coming for the music, the sport, the family activities or to explore the exhibitions, there is something for everyone at EITF,” said Nkhabindze.
The Trade Fair officially opened last Saturday, with His Majesty King Mswati III opening the event and touring several exhibition stands. The opening weekend also featured performances from local musicians and South African acts including Simmy and Mduduzi Ncube.
Spin City to Take Centre Stage
Motoring enthusiasts will have a major reason to head to EITF on Saturday when the Eswatini International Trade Fair Spin takes over Mavuso Spin City from 1pm until late.
The event will bring together spinning, music and entertainment, with Aymos and Xolwa among the performers, while Problem Child and Scelo are expected to provide the spinning action alongside other local spinners.
Thaifo Son, DJ Mbo, Aya City, Sgitha and other DJs will add to the entertainment line-up.
Entry is E80 for adults and E30 for children, with cooler boxes permitted subject to event conditions. Bottles are not permitted.
Trade Fair Cup Reaches The Business End
Football will also dominate the weekend as the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup enters its decisive stages.
Two semi-finals are scheduled for Saturday, with the tournament reaching its climax on Sunday when the third-place playoff and final take place.
Mula Sport will also provide sporting entertainment, with netball and basketball games scheduled for Saturday, while volleyball will add to the weekend’s sporting programme.
The sporting events are expected to bring teams, supporters and sports enthusiasts together, further expanding the Trade Fair’s appeal beyond its exhibition spaces.
Three Days of Live Music
Music remains one of the biggest attractions of the closing weekend, with performances scheduled from Friday through Sunday.
Friday, September 4, will feature South African artist Eemoh alongside DJ-Masento, Darren and Criss Tino. A dance competition will also form part of the programme, with Miss Unique and Sintour serving as MCs. Entry is E40 for adults and E20 for children.
Saturday’s programme is headlined by Aymos and Xolwa, with Thaifo Son, Ayacity, DJ Mbo, DJ Cup, Sgitha, Motoyemali and Bisto also performing. Miss Unique and Sintour will return as MCs. Entry is E80 for adults and E30 for children.
The final day, Sunday, September 6, will feature South African star Mthandeni SK, alongside DJ Mixmash, Shephard Brothers, DJ Crooks and DJ KL. Entry on Sunday is free.
Gates open at 10am each day.
Family Fun And Food To Round Off The Fair
Families have not been left out of the closing weekend programme, with the Fun Fair offering games, quad bikes and face painting for younger visitors.
Movie lovers can also catch a free screening of G20 on Friday at 4pm at the UNDP Sustainability Centre, courtesy of Movie Zone.
Sunday will introduce another attraction through Chef Sunday, where local chefs will showcase BuyEswatini products while preparing and offering samples of local flavours.
The initiative will give visitors an opportunity to experience local products through food while supporting domestic producers and businesses.
