Africa-Press – Eswatini. The Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) 2025 will feature vibrant cultural and contemporary dance competitions, celebrating heritage while promoting the Kingdom’s creative economy.
This transpired on August 25, 2025 when Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima announced this year’s sponsorship for the Trade Fair 2025 Culture Competition from Mula Sport, where an amount of E150 000 was allocated to the culture competition, while E50 000 was allocated to the dance competition.
Speaking at the official launch held at the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture in Mbabane, the Chief Executive Officer of the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA) Sibani Mngomezulu highlighted the importance of culture in driving identity, unity, and business opportunities.
The EITF 2025, scheduled to begin on 29 August and run until 8 September, will be held under the theme “Digital Transformation 2.0: Creating Business Networks.” Alongside exhibitions from business and industry, the fair will provide a platform for Eswatini’s cultural expressions, attracting visitors from across the country.
The CEO emphasised that the cultural and contemporary dance competitions are far more than entertainment. “They are a celebration of identity, a way of connecting generations, and a showcase of the richness of Eswatini’s traditions,” he said. “EIPA is proud to support this expression of who we are as a nation.”
One of the highlights will be the Wafa Wafa Contemporary Dance Competition, set to take place from 1–7 September 2025 at the Mavuso Trade Centre. The competition, designed to promote inclusivity, will provide a platform for young talents and businesses in the creative sector. “Our vision is to mainstream creative industries into economic activity,” the CEO explained. “This competition is an important step in recognising culture and creativity as contributors to national development.”
The event is being hosted in partnership with the Eswatini National Arts and Culture Council (ENCAC), the Ministry of Sports, Arts and Culture, and key stakeholders in the creative space. Sponsorship support has also been confirmed, with Mula Sport contributing E50 000 and the Kunotsa Foundation also coming on board.
EIPA has pledged to provide facilities at the Mavuso Trade Centre, along with technical and marketing support to ensure the success of the competitions. The Authority also intends to extend visibility to other performing arts, including local musicians and entertainers, as part of its broader efforts to integrate culture with trade and investment promotion.
Concluding his remarks, the CEO thanked partners and stakeholders for their collaboration and urged the public to attend in large numbers. “We look forward to a successful and vibrant competition. By supporting these events, we are helping to grow Eswatini’s creative economy,” he said.
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