MTN Bushfire invites experienced vendors specialising high quality food, craft and experiential services to apply for the opportunity to trade at the 19th edition of the MTN Bushfire international festival of music and the arts, taking place at House on Fire in Eswatini’s scenic Malkerns Valley from 29 – 31 May, 2026.
In 2025, MTN Bushfire traders generated E10.3 million in sales. This is your chance to be part of the festival’s impact in supporting Eswatini’s creative economy while showcasing your products to the festival’s multicultural audience of over 23,000 from 55 countries.
The trader application process is facilitated online through the official application form. Please note that applications submitted by other means will not be considered. Aspiring festival traders are strongly encouraged to read thoroughly through the Food, Craft and Lifestyle & Service Provider Info Packs provided on the website before filling in their applications for detailed guidance on the festival’s selection criteria and mandatory quality and sustainability standards.
Trader applications close 28th January, 2026 and final selections will be made by the 27th February, 2026.
Due to the volume of applications received, only successful candidates will be contacted. If you haven’t received a response by the end of February, please consider your application unsuccessful for this year.
Shortlisted candidates will be requested to present their products and stall ideas, as well as attend a compulsory in-person Trader Workshop at House On Fire.
Winner of “Best Responsible Event” at the WTM Africa Responsible Tourism Awards in 2017 and powered by the festival’s #GREENYOURFIRE environmental sustainability mandate, MTN Bushfire promotes socially and environmentally sustainable policies and practices throughout the product value chain, in collaboration with packaging and recycling partners. As such, all festival traders are required to use bio-degradable packaging.
Aspiring traders are expected to demonstrate their experience, high quality products and alignment with MTN Bushfire’s socially and environmentally conscious philosophy, with preference given to products that are sourced and produced locally, and use eco-friendly packaging.
The festival’s trader policies are inclusive, small business focused while promoting ethical and fair trade.
We look forward to receiving your application, and to see how you can #BRINGYOURFIRE in 2026! For any queries relating to trading at the festival please email [email protected]
MTN Bushfire welcomes applications for the following trader environments:
- Food and/or Beverage Vendor: The festival welcomes seasoned vendors with authentic quality cuisine. This includes ready-to-eat fresh produce, gourmet street food and artisanal beverages.
- Craft Vendor: company or artisan producing original crafts of high quality that positively contribute to the environment and their communities.
- KidZone: The children oriented KidZone welcomes vendors looking to provide exciting and engaging entertainment and food for children up to the age of 16.
- Lifestyle and Services: Applicants looking to enhance the festival experience for festival guests, e.g., fitness, yoga, face-painting etc.
Applicants will be assessed on the basis of quality and uniqueness, creativity, experience, considered professional setup as well as quality of customer service.
Traders are reminded that MTN Bushfire is a 100% cashless environment, using the NFC chips on festival wristbands for transactions. Training on the Cashless system will be provided.
