The 56th edition of the Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF), a premier event showcasing the best of business and agriculture since its inception in 1968, is set to take place at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre in Manzini, Eswatini, from August 30th to September 8th, 2024. As the Kingdom’s flagship trade event, the EITF has become a vital platform for business networking, attracting over 250 exhibitors and vendors from around the globe.
This year, the fair is expected to draw more than 500,000 visitors, generating substantial economic activity and creating potential trade opportunities worth E150 million. The event’s impact on Eswatini’s economy underscores the immense potential it offers to local businesses.
In keeping with the demands of the digital age, the EITF is launching the EITF App, designed to streamline the application and payment process for exhibitors, reducing reliance on paper applications. This move toward digital solutions highlights the ongoing transformation within the business environment and aligns with the event’s theme for 2024, “Accelerating Business Growth through Digital Transformation.” The theme emphasizes the importance of digitization in promoting efficiency and sustainability.
This commitment to digital transformation is also reflected in e-Government initiatives, which have made applying for permits and making payments more convenient through platforms like Momopay. Additionally, a recent collaboration with a Taiwanese partner to develop BuyEswatini.com, an e-commerce platform, signals Eswatini’s dedication to using digital tools to drive business growth. This focus on digitization not only benefits local enterprises but also enhances opportunities for intra-African trade, particularly in leveraging the Africa Continental Free Trade Agreement (AfCFTA).
The Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority’s (EIPA) new tagline, CONNECT | CREATE | GROW, captures the essence of the EITF, which connects domestic and international businesses, fosters innovation, and promotes the exchange of ideas and products.
Participation in the EITF is encouraged through social media engagement, involvement in promotional campaigns, and the use of branded buses traveling across the country, which will also transport visitors to the event. Businesses that have not yet secured exhibit space are urged to do so quickly, as partnerships and sponsorships are vital to the fair’s success. Already, commitments for free Wi-Fi and sponsorship of the popular Win-A-Car competition have been secured.
Eswatini remains open for business, and the EITF stands as a cornerstone of the nation’s commitment to economic growth and development.
