BY: SIBUSISIWE NDZIMANDZE | JOURNALIST
MBABANE — Lactalis Eswatini has committed E60,000 towards the 2026 Made in Eswatini Consumer Fair, reinforcing private sector backing for local enterprise as HRH Princess Sakhizwe called on emaSwati to actively choose and support locally produced goods.
The sponsorship was unveiled during the official venue tour held at Pink Lotus on 16 April 2026, where organisers and stakeholders gathered to preview preparations for the national showcase scheduled for 1 May 2026.
The event was graced by HRH Princess Sakhizwe, the Honourable Minister of Housing and Urban Development Appolo Maphalala, His Worship the Mayor of Mbabane Thulani Mkhonto, and Mbabane City Council Chief Executive Officer Gciniwe Fakudze, alongside business leaders and stakeholders.
Delivering the keynote address, Princess Sakhizwe positioned the partnership as part of a broader national effort to build economic confidence around local products and local enterprise.
“To our new partners, Eswatini Wire and Lactalis, thank you for your generous sponsorship. You have invested in the economic confidence of our nation and I urge us all to return the favour and choose local,” she said.
She went further to call on consumers to support Lactalis products as part of strengthening domestic industries and reinforcing the value of buying local.
“Let us choose Lactalis for all our dairy needs,” she said.
Lactalis Eswatini, part of the global Lactalis Group, is one of the world’s leading dairy companies, producing a wide range of milk, yoghurt and related dairy products under brands such as Parmalat. In Eswatini, the company has positioned itself as a major player in the dairy space, supplying products that are widely consumed across the country while contributing to local value addition and employment.
Speaking during the engagement, the company said its continued partnership under the Proudly Eswatini initiative reflects a firm commitment to supporting local production, strengthening communities and investing in the country’s growth.
“This milestone is more than just a continuation, it is a reaffirmation of our shared belief in the power of local, the strength of community, and the importance of investing in what’s ours,” the company said.
Lactalis also highlighted the strength of its local product range, pointing to offerings such as Emasi Eselwa, Lubhalaza, Cabana juices, a variety of fruit and double cream yoghurts, as well as Parmalat Aloe Vera and Moringa yoghurts, which are already available nationwide.
The company further revealed that it is preparing to unveil another signature product during this year’s Consumer Fair, signalling continued investment in innovation and local manufacturing.
The Made in Eswatini Consumer Fair, led by A Peculiar People, continues to position itself as a major platform for showcasing local brands and expanding visibility for products manufactured within the Kingdom. Beyond the event itself, organisers are also pushing a wider “Choose Local” campaign aimed at embedding a stronger buy-local culture among consumers.
Princess Sakhizwe said such initiatives are not only timely, but necessary, as they help build awareness around the affordability, quality and economic value of locally made products.
She also praised the broader vision behind the fair, noting that it has grown into the largest platform for locally produced goods in the country and has the potential to expand beyond Mbabane to other towns across the Kingdom.
As momentum builds towards the 1 May showcase, Lactalis’ E60,000 sponsorship stands as both a commercial commitment and a public endorsement of Eswatini-made enterprise.
The message from the event was clear: supporting local is no longer just a patriotic gesture. It is increasingly being positioned as an economic choice capable of strengthening industries, building confidence in local brands and driving a more resilient national economy.
