16/04/2026
HRH PRINCESS SAKHIZWE DRIVES ‘BUY LOCAL’ VISION AHEAD OF MADE IN ESWATINI CONSUMER FAIR
By Sihlelelwe Mabuza (intern)
MBABANE – HRH Princess Sakhizwe, alongside the Minister for Housing and Urban Development Appolo Maphalala joined key stakeholders for a guided tour of the upcoming Made in Eswatini Consumer Fair venue along Dr Sishayi Road in Mbabane, ahead of the main event scheduled for May 1, 2026.
The tour formed part of ongoing preparations to ensure the successful rollout of what is expected to be a major platform for promoting local industry.
During the engagement Princess Sakhizwe used the opportunity to rally support for a national “Choose Local” multimedia campaign, calling on businesses, municipalities, and government institutions to actively invest in the initiative. Her Royal Highness stressed that the campaign is designed to shift mindsets and encourage emaSwati to embrace locally produced goods by highlighting their affordability, quality, and overall economic value.
HRH Princess Sakhizwe revealed that A Peculiar Peoples Person is currently leading the development of the campaign, which will utilise multiple media platforms to reach a wide audience across the country. According to the Princess, the initiative comes at a crucial time when there is a growing need to strengthen local industries and reduce reliance on imported goods.
HRH Princess Sakhizwe emphasised that the success of the campaign will not happen in isolation, but will require strong partnerships, shared belief in the vision, and meaningful financial investment. welcomed the involvement of Cetera Agency, noting that the collaboration between the two agencies is expected to deliver a world-class commercial that will resonate with emaSwati and inspire a sense of pride in supporting local products.
The Princess further urged local businesses and municipalities to follow the example set by the capital city in supporting initiatives that promote local economic growth. The Princess described the campaign as a bold and necessary step towards building a culture where buying local becomes a norm rather than an exception.
In addition to promoting the campaign, Her Royal Highness highlighted the broader significance of the Made in Eswatini Consumer Fair, describing it as a strategic platform that will connect producers directly with consumers while showcasing the country’s industrial and creative capabilities. The fair is expected to provide businesses with increased visibility, market access, and opportunities for growth.
In a heartfelt tribute, Her Royal Highness wishes His Majesty King Mswati III a long and prosperous life, praying for his continued health and wisdom in leading the nation.
The presence of His Honorable Minister Appolo Maphalala at the tour also showed Government’s commitment to supporting initiatives that drive urban development and economic activity.
The fair is anticipated to bring increased foot traffic to Mbabane, benefiting surrounding businesses and contributing to the city’s vibrancy.
As preparations continue, organisers remain confident that both the Consumer Fair and the “Choose Local” campaign will play a significant role in strengthening Eswatini’s economy, empowering local entrepreneurs, and fostering a lasting culture of supporting home grown products.
Pic by Mpendulo Gama