Amanze Chinonye
King Mswati III has called for stronger regional trade and investment cooperation as the 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair draws exhibitors from across Southern Africa, including Botswana and Zimbabwe, Prime Business Africa reports.
The 10-day trade fair, being held from Aug. 28 to Sept. 7 at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre in Manzini, brings together domestic and international businesses to showcase products, seek investment opportunities and develop commercial partnerships.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe king, who officially opened the trade fair on Saturday, August 29, 2026 toured exhibition stands at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre alongside Botswana’s Minister of Trade and Entrepreneurship, Tiroeaone Ntsima.
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The participation of Botswana and Zimbabwe underscores the fair’s role as a platform for cross-border business, as Eswatini’s investment promotion authority seeks to turn contacts made at the event into commercial partnerships.
EIPA Chairman Philani Siyaya said international exhibitors from Botswana, coordinated by the Botswana Investment and Trade Centre, and Zimbabwe, coordinated by ZimTrade, were participating in the fair.
He said EIPA was working towards formal cooperation arrangements with both organisations to strengthen cross-border business relationships and help Eswatini companies gain access to wider markets.
The fair is being held under the theme, “Unlocking Green Economy Opportunities for Sustainable Trade Promotion”, with organisers focusing on investment, sustainable production, market access and regional business links.
King Mswati said regional integration, intra-SADC trade and cross-border value chains were important for job creation and industrial development, particularly through investment in agriculture and minerals and greater value addition within African economies.
The king also called for the urgent expansion of the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre, saying record exhibitor numbers had exceeded the venue’s capacity and forced some businesses to operate from temporary marquees.
The presence of Ntsima at the event comes as Botswana seeks to accelerate industrialisation, export development and private-sector growth. The minister has previously called for greater value addition and stronger regional trade links to help Botswana move beyond exporting raw materials.
The trade fair’s regional focus comes against a broader push within the Southern African Customs Union and the Southern African Development Community, or SADC, to deepen economic integration and address barriers affecting trade and investment.
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Eswatini, Botswana and Zimbabwe are all members of SADC, while Eswatini and Botswana are also members of the Southern African Customs Union.
For Eswatini, officials say the priority is to ensure that the trade fair produces business deals and market opportunities rather than simply serving as an exhibition.
Siyaya said EIPA’s Business One Stop Shop was operating at the fair to facilitate business-to-business and buyer-seller engagements, including helping foreign exhibitors and local companies navigate the processes required to establish and expand businesses in Eswatini.
The 58th edition comes as Eswatini seeks to use regional trade, investment facilitation and private-sector partnerships to broaden its economic base and connect local producers to markets beyond its borders.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
