Manzini – Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has announced that government will prioritise the expansion of the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre to accommodate the growing demand from local and international exhibitors.
Speaking during the official opening of the 2025 Eswatini International Trade Fair, Dlamini said it had become clear during his tour of the stalls that the event had outgrown its current space. He explained that many companies, including foreign firms, were eager to participate but could not be accommodated due to limited facilities.
“It is paramount for His Majesty’s Government to prioritise the expansion of the trade fair grounds,” he told the gathering, adding that the development would align with the Nkwe Programme of Action and the Grand Plan for National Transformation.
The prime minister described the trade fair as one of Eswatini’s most significant economic and cultural platforms, noting its transformation since its launch in 1968 as a small agricultural exhibition into a multi-sector showcase of innovation attracting regional and international participants.
This year’s theme, Digital Transformation 2.0: Creating Business Networks, reflects Eswatini’s ambitions to strengthen its place in an interconnected global economy. Dlamini said technology was central to government’s vision of creating opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises and positioning the country as a regional hub for commerce and innovation.
He also introduced a new feature of the trade fair, the Green Zone Experience, designed to promote renewable energy, environmental conservation and green financing. He commended the participation of women and youth entrepreneurs, saying their innovations were proof that the country was embracing sustainable solutions while creating jobs.
Dlamini tied the dual celebrations of Eswatini’s 57th independence anniversary and the trade fair’s 57th year to the nation’s resilience and achievements under the leadership of King Mswati III. He praised the King for continuing to attend the fair annually and for personally visiting stalls to engage with exhibitors.
Reflecting on independence, the prime minister said the country remained proud of its peaceful transition under King Sobhuza II and committed to preserving stability.
He further explained that expanding the fairgrounds would not only solve logistical challenges but also serve as a strategic investment to attract global investors, boost visibility for local businesses and strengthen Eswatini’s ability to host major events.
Among the dignitaries attending the ceremony were Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa, former South African President Jacob Zuma and former Democratic Republic of Congo President Joseph Kabila.
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