Following the overwhelming success of the inaugural Made in Eswatini Consumer Fair, held on 25 April 2025 in Mbabane, the organizers of the fair, A Peculiar People, have announced the upcoming launch of a dedicated online marketplace – www.madeineswatini.store – designed exclusively to showcase and sell certified Eswatini-made products.
The e-commerce platform, currently in development, represents a bold step forward in the ongoing mission to promote local products and amplify the visibility of homegrown brands.
In a presentation delivered by A Peculiar People Chairman, Melusi Zox Dlamini, the digital store was introduced as a major milestone in taking the “Buy Swati” movement online and making it accessible beyond physical events.
“This online store is a bold step toward empowering local producers, promoting quality Eswatini-made goods, and reaching customers far and wide,” said Dlamini.
To bring this digital vision to life, A Peculiar People has partnered with local technology companies Leap IT for site development and Leap Taxi App for fast and reliable delivery services.
This partnership promises a seamless shopping and delivery experience for consumers across the Kingdom, making it easier than ever to support local businesses from the convenience of home.
The A Peculiar People team has already engaged the Eswatini Standards Authority to guide compliance processes and approval mechanisms that safeguard the credibility of the Made in Eswatini logo, which was launched earlier this year by Her Royal Highness Princess Sakhizwe.
Adding to the excitement is the upcoming Made in Eswatini Consumer Choice Awards Ceremony, scheduled for 25 July 2025. The awards will culminate in the 2025 season, where consumers will vote for their favourite local brands.
Products excelling in quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction will be awarded the prestigious Symbol of Excellence badge – a mark that sets them apart in the marketplace. Voting opens on 4 June 2025, with a distinguished panel of adjudicators to be announced soon.
The initiative is part of a broader campaign to build a strong “Buy Local” culture across the Kingdom. Dlamini noted that this digital and event-driven strategy will ultimately bolster Eswatini’s economy by promoting entrepreneurship, creating jobs, and preserving the country’s rich cultural identity through commerce.
“We are committed to building a proudly Swati digital marketplace that celebrates innovation, authenticity, and national pride,” he said.