Mbabane – The chairman of A Peculiar People, Melusi Zox Dlamini, paid a courtesy visit to the Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade this week to present a report on the 2nd Edition of the Made in Eswatini Consumer Fair, which was held on 1 May 2026 along Dr Sishayi Road in Mbabane.
One of the talking points of the meeting was the minister’s own stroke of luck at the fair. He walked away as one of the winners of a trip to Zanzibar after participating in a raffle draw hosted by Leap Taxi App, a proud sponsor and exhibitor at the event. The minister admitted it was the first time in his life winning a prized competition.
The minister pledged the ministry’s support towards the growth of the Made in Eswatini ecosystem and congratulated A Peculiar People for delivering what he described as a business event of national significance. 
Dlamini, who was joined at the meeting by Leap Taxi App director Vusani Matsebula, also presented the Made in Eswatini e-commerce platform, which is set to launch soon. The meeting further explored ongoing consultations with industry captains, manufacturers, entrepreneurs and business leaders aimed at developing a foundational and inclusive definition of “Made in Eswatini” that will help shape the standards, identity and economic positioning of local production and innovation.
A Peculiar People also shared that it is currently mobilising resources for a national “Choose Local” multimedia campaign. The campaign seeks to raise public awareness around the affordability, quality and true economic value of locally made products and services, while strengthening consumer confidence in emaSwati brands.
Leap Taxi App has partnered with the Made in Eswatini Consumer Fair from 2026 to 2028. The platform positions itself as a proudly African innovation built around convenience, safety, accessibility and local economic participation through smart mobility services.
The 2026 fair drew more than 300 exhibitors and 2,500 consumers, turning Dr Sishayi Road into a bustling marketplace that celebrated local excellence, entrepreneurship, culture, food, music and innovation.
Among the key highlights presented to the minister, the SUB stall became the first exhibitor to completely sell out, while more than 60% of merchants reported selling out of their products before the event closed. Exhibitors also reported unprecedented visibility, networking opportunities and consumer engagement throughout the day.
Dlamini expressed appreciation to the minister for attending the fair and championing local enterprise. He also acknowledged the City of Mbabane for serving as the anchor host of the fair, recognising the city’s continued commitment to supporting local commerce and community driven economic initiatives, as well as all partners and sponsors who continue to contribute resources to the Made in Eswatini ecosystem.
During the meeting, Matsebula also took the opportunity to wish Dlamini a happy birthday and present the proposed Zanzibar itinerary to the minister.so took the opportunity to wish Dlamini a happy birthday and present the proposed Zanzibar itinerary to the minister.
