Experienced vendors specializing in high-quality food, crafts, and experiential services are invited to apply for the opportunity to trade at the 19th edition of the MTN Bushfire International Festival.
The festival will take place at House on Fire in Eswatini’s scenic Malkerns Valley from May 29-31, 2026.
In 2025, MTN Bushfire traders generated a whopping E10.3 million in sales. Traders will get an opportunity to showcase their products to the festival’s multicultural audience of over 23,000 people from 55 countries.
The festival’s Communications Manager, Phiwo Dhlamini, revealed in a press statement that the trader application process is conducted online. “Application forms are available on the MTN Bushfire website, www.bush-fire.com. Applications submitted by other means will not be considered. Prospective festival traders are strongly encouraged to thoroughly review the Info Packs provided on the website before filling out their applications for detailed guidance on the festival’s selection criteria and mandatory quality and sustainability standards,” notes the statement.
Dhlamini further stated that trader applications will close on January 28, 2026, with final selections announced by February 27, 2026.
“Due to the volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted. If you do not receive a response by the end of February, please consider your application unsuccessful for this year. Shortlisted candidates will be asked to present their products and stall concepts and attend a mandatory in-person Trader Workshop at House on Fire.”
The statement also advises prospective traders to embrace sustainability.
“Winner of “Best Responsible Event” at the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards in 2017 and powered by the festival’s #GREENYOURFIRE environmental sustainability goal, MTN Bushfire endorses socially and environmentally sustainable policies and practices across the product value chain, in collaboration with packaging and recycling partners. All festival traders are required to use biodegradable packaging.”
Aspiring traders should demonstrate their experience, high-quality products, and alignment with MTN Bushfire’s socially and environmentally conscious philosophy, with preference given to products that are locally sourced and produced, using eco-friendly packaging.
“We look forward to receiving your application and seeing how you can #BRINGYOURFIRE in 2026! For any questions regarding trading at the festival, please email traders@bush-fire.com.”
MTN Bushfire welcomes applications for the following trader categories:
1. Food and/or Beverage Vendor: The festival is seeking experienced vendors offering authentic, high-quality cuisine, including ready-to-eat fresh produce, gourmet street food, and artisanal beverages.
2. Craft Vendor: Companies or artisans producing original crafts of high quality that positively impact the environment and their communities.
3. KidZone: The children’s KidZone invites vendors providing exciting and engaging entertainment and food for children up to age 16.
4. Lifestyle and Services: Applicants aiming to enhance the festival experience for guests, such as fitness, yoga, face-painting, etc.
Applicants will be evaluated based on quality and uniqueness, creativity, experience, professional presentation, and customer service quality.
Traders are reminded that MTN Bushfire is a cashless environment, using NFC chips on festival wristbands for transactions. Training on the cashless system will be provided.