MBABANE – The 2025 edition of the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup has officially been launched with a renewed focus on sport as a driver of commerce and youth development, backed by a record E2.5 million sponsorship.
The launch took place at Hilton Garden Inn in Mbabane, where Minister of Sports, Culture and Youth Affairs Bongani Nzima was joined by Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo. The tournament will run alongside the Eswatini International Trade Fair under the theme “Digital Transformation 2.0: Creating Business Networks.”
Minister Nzima welcomed 8Bet’s increased financial backing—up from E2 million last year—and called for a peaceful tournament that celebrates the spirit of local football. He thanked the betting firm for its ongoing investment in the sport.
Minister Khumalo described the partnership between 8Bet, the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA), and the Premier League of Eswatini (PLE) as a strategic step toward linking football with economic growth. He said the tournament is not just a competition, but a business platform drawing thousands to engage with commerce during the Trade Fair.
“Football attracts people. People attract business. And business builds economies,” said Khumalo.
He noted that sport-linked services were helping to create new revenue streams for small businesses, including transport providers, accommodation venues, restaurants, digital vendors and informal traders—particularly during major events like the Trade Fair.
The Minister encouraged local entrepreneurs to make the most of the economic activity surrounding the tournament. He also reaffirmed his ministry’s willingness to work closely with the Ministry of Sports on building a business case for sport as a catalyst for job creation and economic participation.
He described football as more than a game, calling it a powerful tool for tourism, youth empowerment and national pride.
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