BY PHESHEYA KUNENE – EDITOR
MANZINI – In a city better known for its commerce than its crops, the Manzini Farmers Market offered a vivid reminder that agriculture remains one of Eswatini’s most dynamic frontiers.
Organised by the National Agricultural Marketing Board (NAMBoard) in partnership with the Municipal Council of Manzini, the market drew a diverse mix of farmers, agro-processors, retailers, and value chain players, all converging with one goal, to connect, collaborate, and cultivate new opportunities.
The day unfolded like a celebration of Eswatini’s farming heartbeat. Tables overflowed with freshly harvested cabbages, vibrant tomatoes, jars of honey, and handcrafted condiments, while the air buzzed with the energy of negotiation and networking. From smallholder farmers testing new waters to commercial producers scouting new deals, everyone came seeking growth.
For many, this was more than a market, it was an open gateway to new business frontiers. Farmers exchanged contacts with retailers, explored supply partnerships, and gained insights into financial management, marketing strategies, and value chain development.
Honey farmer Bongani Zikalala of Lujilo Honey described the event as a great success, saying it gave producers like him the opportunity to market their products, meet new customers, learn from fellow farmers, and build strong business networks.
“Events like these are crucial for small agribusinesses,” he said. “They give us a platform to showcase our brands, get feedback from buyers, and connect with people who can help us expand.”
NAMBoard officials highlighted that the initiative forms part of a broader drive to link local farmers with structured markets, ensuring that Eswatini’s fresh produce finds its way from rural farms to urban shelves.
Through collaborative efforts, farmers also got the chance to learn about sustainable production, access to finance, and green farming practices that can boost resilience amid changing weather patterns.
The market’s success was evident in every handshake and smile. By midday, the stalls were bustling, conversations flowed, and new business relationships were already being formed.
The event was not just a display of produce, it was a testament to Eswatini’s growing culture of agricultural entrepreneurship.
In the words of one retailer attending the event, “This is where growth begins, not in the boardroom, but right here where farmers meet opportunity.”
As the sun dipped behind the city’s skyline, Manzini’s farmers packed up not just their unsold goods, but new ideas, new connections, and renewed confidence.
The message was clear, Eswatini’s agricultural future is not only in the soil, but also in the networks that nurture it.
