A national consultation process to craft the foundational definition of Made in Eswatini® has concluded, capped by a strategic consultative tour led by Her Royal Highness Princess Sakhizwe.
A Peculiar People, the organisation driving the initiative, said the credibility of the definition depended on broad national ownership. It invited consumers, manufacturers, producers, retailers, policymakers, entrepreneurs, development partners, the media and the wider business community to contribute their views towards shaping what it truly means for a product or service to be Made in Eswatini®.
The public consultation began on 5 May 2026 and officially concluded on 25 June 2026, drawing participation from 312 stakeholders across all these groups. The organisation said the process generated thoughtful and constructive feedback, reflecting a strong national desire to build a credible, inclusive and trusted Made in Eswatini® ecosystem. 
After the consultation closed, Princess Sakhizwe embarked on a tour to gain a deeper understanding of the realities of local production. She visited Ngwenya Glass, Lemanti Manufacturers, Far East Textiles and Exipro, engaging directly with business leaders, manufacturers, entrepreneurs and employees. The visits offered first-hand insight into local production processes, supply chains, innovation, employment creation, skills development and the challenges facing businesses that contribute to the country’s productive economy.
According to A Peculiar People, the tour reaffirmed that the proposed definition must extend beyond simply identifying the geographical origin of a product. It should also recognise genuine local economic contribution by reflecting the value created through employment, skills development, manufacturing capability, ethical business practices, innovation, and a meaningful connection to Eswatini’s productive capacity.
Chairman Melusi Zox Dlamini said the consultation showed the definition must stand for authentic local value creation. “Our engagements across the country have reaffirmed that Made in Eswatini® must stand for genuine local economic contribution. It should recognise businesses that create jobs, invest in local skills, uphold ethical and sustainable business practices, and contribute meaningfully to Eswatini’s productive capacity. This is about creating a mark that consumers can trust and businesses can proudly earn.”
Dlamini said the definition would be designed to balance credibility with inclusivity. “From our perspective at A Peculiar People, the foundational definition should remain practical enough to recognise the diverse realities of manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, textile, hospitality, services, technology, crafts, food production and small enterprises. Our objective is to establish a definition that celebrates authentic local value creation and encourages continuous improvement.”
The organisation said stakeholders showed overwhelming support for a definition that goes beyond geographical origin. A comprehensive report analysing the findings and recommendations will be released to the public on 10 July 2026.
The final definition, which Princess Sakhizwe will soon officially launch, will draw clear distinctions between products that are fully made in Eswatini; products that are substantially transformed or value added in Eswatini; services and experiences primarily delivered from Eswatini; and products that are imported, repackaged or branded locally and therefore do not qualify.
Dlamini said these distinctions are fundamental to protecting the integrity of the national mark. “The Made in Eswatini® mark will only retain its value if consumers and businesses believe it is credible, transparent and consistently applied. Accreditation that is too loosely defined risks undermining the very businesses it is intended to celebrate. By establishing clear qualification categories, we will be protecting the integrity of the mark while ensuring that it fairly reflects the many ways businesses contribute to Eswatini’s economy.”
Reflecting on the process, Princess Sakhizwe expressed appreciation for the openness, patriotism and commitment shown by stakeholders throughout the Kingdom. “I have been deeply encouraged by the willingness of emaSwati to share their honest experiences, aspirations and constructive insights throughout this consultation process. The tour has also allowed me an even greater appreciation of the ingenuity, resilience, skills and dedication that define our people and drive our productive economy. It has also strengthened my conviction that the Made in Eswatini® definition must be a true reflection of the value created by our entreprenuers towards the local economy. I am confident that the Made in Eswatini® mark will become a symbol of trust and pride, one that inspires consumers to choose local with confidence, encourages producers to pursue sustainable business practices with integrity, and empowers future generations to create, innovate and invest in the Kingdom of Eswatini. Together, we have the opportunity to build a legacy that celebrates our talents, strengthens our economy and showcases the very best of Eswatini to the world.”
A Peculiar People thanked every individual, business, institution and organisation that took part in the consultation, and the companies that welcomed Her Royal Highness during the tour.
