SACU Summit Focus: Southern African Customs Union leaders wrapped up the 9th Summit in Cape Town, with President Cyril Ramaphosa urging member states to strengthen regional integration as no country can prosper alone amid shifting trade, technology and supply chains. Eswatini at SACU: Eswatini’s delegation attended alongside King Mswati III, and SACU Executive Secretary Dumsani Masilela was mandated to drive reforms under the “re-imagined SACU Agenda,” including extending the strategic plan and pushing industrialisation through regional value chains. Fiscal Pressure: Eswatini is projected to be among Africa’s top 10 governments spending more than it collects in 2026, with a projected deficit and rising debt burden flagged by the World Bank. Diplomacy Tension: A Taiwan visit by Eswatini’s president has drawn sharp criticism from China, renewing concerns about sovereignty and the One-China policy. Fuel Relief Hopes: Eswatini’s energy minister hinted fuel prices may drop after easing Middle East tensions, while stressing the need for a strategic oil reserve. Public Backlash: Wicknell Chivayo’s Eswatini diplomatic passport and citizenship sparked outrage, as critics question why the controversial businessman received royal honours. Regional Business: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Southern Africa Director of Regional Operations, overseeing operations across 13 countries including Eswatini. Local Health Impact: MTN Eswatini invested E2.2m in the 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, expanding healthcare access and blood donation support in remote communities.