By Sizwe Dlamini
Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) Vendor Stalls are selling out fast, prospective vendors are urged to promptly apply and complete payment to secure space.
Applications for exhibition stands and vendor stalls at the Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) have opened, with an encouraging response.
Vendor stalls offering a variety of goods and services, including food and drink, balloon art, snacks, and photography, are close to being sold out.
EITF spokesperson Siphesihle Nkhabindze highlighted that “the EITF is not just about entertainment, but primarily a hub for business where companies forge connections with potential long-term clients and investors while also showcasing their products and services”.
Nkhabindze emphasized that the core objective of the EITF is to bolster trade among business communities in Eswatini and international guests, spotlighting the diverse range of goods and services that the kingdom offers.
“We also play a vital role in boosting the business of vendors offering various items and services such as food, beverages, face painting, toys, balloon art, and photography. These vendors are integral to both the entertainment and catering aspects of the Trade Fair. Both vendors and exhibitors stand to benefit greatly from the business opportunities that the 10-day event provides. We’re pleased to note a significant increase in vendor participation this year.”
All applications need to be done using the Trade Fair App or they will not be considered valid.
Applications opened on the 14th of May 2024 and will close on the 10th of June 2024. The payment deadline for all vendors and exhibitors is the 30th of June 2024.
Only exhibitors and vendors who have paid in full by 30 June 2024 will be allowed access to sell and exhibit at the Trade Fair. The payment deadline of 30 June 2024 was set to give an allowance to those companies and individuals who need approvals for the payment of invoices or those who need time to raise the funds required to secure a space at the Trade Fair.
Exhibitors and vendors can go through the application process and receive both quotations and invoices through the Trade Fair App.
To download the App, visit the Google Play Store and search EITF or use the following link to access the platform https://bit.ly/eitfweb. The browser option will also work for non-android operating system users or those who cannot download the App onto their phones. Once the App is downloaded, users can register and sign, into the App, select an exhibition space size, select a hall, get a quotation, and pay for their desired space.
The system will automatically generate quotations and invoices for the user’s financial records and will also save quotations for users who need to get approval and pay later. The payment options available on the platform are Direct Payments (EFT), Momo, VISA, and MasterCard. All Proof of Payment for Direct Payments should be sent to eitfpayments@sipa.org.sz.
A basic guide to how to use the App is as follows: Those who need more information can also visit the Eswatini International Trade Fair on X, LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram pages for more information. A summarized version of the application process on the App is as follows:
1. Download the App by visiting the Google Play Store or visiting https://bit.ly/eitfweb in your browser.
2. Register as a user by selecting register and completing the form.
3. Sign in by selecting the “sign-in” button on your screen and entering your chosen username and password.
4. Select sign in and wait for a one-time pin which will be sent to the number you entered during registration.
5. To apply for an exhibition, stand, or vendor stall, select the exhibitor’s icon at the bottom left of your screen.
6. Select ‘Apply’.
7. Select ‘New Application’.
8. Follow the prompts from steps 1 to 5