AGP Executive Report

Taiwan Ties: King Mswati III pledged in Taipei to keep backing Taiwan’s participation in global forums. The visit also focused on cooperation in health, education, technology and infrastructure. Regional Football: Eight Eswatini administrators won COSAFA committee roles for the next four years. Deportation Concerns: Human Rights Watch says US transfers of migrants to African countries violate international law. Eswatini says three deportees from Yemen, Belize and Laos have voluntarily left for home. Jobs and Costs: Eswatini’s unemployment rate reached 34.2% in 2025, the highest in comparable World Bank estimates, while some transport operators have raised fares by 38.46%. Airport Plans: ESWACAA is targeting E12 billion in investment and 20,000 jobs by 2037 through a proposed airport economic hub. Media Concerns: An MP says 52 staff who testified about problems at EBIS and Eswatini TV faced threats and intimidation.

Deportee Deal: South Africa’s Border Management Authority has rejected claims that US deportees in Eswatini are crossing into South Africa illegally, saying border controls are secure. Eswatini says three people from Yemen, Belize and Laos left voluntarily; the Laotian man had been detained for more than 14 months before travelling home via Johannesburg. Human Rights Watch says the wider US policy of sending migrants to countries where they have no ties violates international law, and reports arbitrary detention and ill-treatment in Eswatini. Airport Plans: Eswatini-owned Datamatics will collect data for a strategy to develop King Mswati III International Airport into a regional aviation hub, targeting E12 billion in investment and up to 20,000 jobs. UNDP is also backing a University Innovation Pod to help local businesses develop and produce goods for air cargo. Regional Ties: King Mswati III praised Lesotho’s resilience and national unity at its 60th independence celebrations, highlighting the importance of peace and cooperation in Southern Africa.

Deportee Claims: South Africa’s Border Management Authority has denied reports that US deportees in Eswatini crossed into South Africa illegally, saying its border posts are secured. Eswatini says three nationals from Yemen, Belize and Laos voluntarily returned home between September and October. Seed Investment: At the African Union Seed Summit in Ezulwini, King Mswati III urged investors to bring capital, technology and skills to the sector. Prime Minister Russell Dlamini called for food-security discussions to deliver practical action, while Agriculture Minister Mandla Tshawuka highlighted technology as a way to create jobs for young people. Cameroonian Delegate Dies: A delegate attending the EUMETSAT Africa forum in Matsapha died after collapsing and being taken to hospital. Government is working with the family and Cameroonian authorities to repatriate his remains. Youth Mental Health: A Health Ministry official told a workshop that one in four pupils surveyed had attempted suicide more than once, underscoring calls for stronger support through schools and football clubs. Sihlangu Progress: Eswatini’s Under-23 side advanced past Malawi on a 2-1 aggregate score and will face Algeria in the next qualifying round.

Food Security: At the AU Seed Summit in Ezulwini, Prime Minister Russell Dlamini urged African leaders to turn food-security commitments into action. Agriculture Minister Mandla Tshawuka said technology and innovation could make farming a viable business for young people, while the AU called for stronger seed investment and national follow-through. Youth Mental Health: Health officials told a Mbabane workshop that one in four pupils surveyed had attempted suicide more than once, and urged the football association to provide wellness support. Public Safety: Mbabane Municipality, police and environmental officers raided nearly 12 scrap yards in a crackdown on copper theft and illegal trading. Deportee Returns: Government says three US-deported nationals from Yemen, Belize and Laos voluntarily returned home; it has denied claims that deportees were secretly released into South Africa. University Strain: UNESWA alumni are being urged to help address the university’s financial pressures and deteriorating infrastructure. U-23 Football: Eswatini advanced past Malawi on aggregate and now face Algeria in the next qualifying round.

Regional Ties: Eswatini and Lesotho plan to deepen trade and cultural cooperation, with progress to be reviewed annually, King Mswati III says. Public Finances: The IMF warns rising borrowing costs are outpacing economic growth, while losses at the Eswatini Electricity Company could force government support and put pressure on taxpayers. Local Industry: Eswatini’s leather sector could raise the value of hides and skins from E78.7 million to E943.8 million through local processing, but the country lacks a commercial tannery. Education: National examinations have started smoothly, with 80,062 candidates registered across the country’s assessment programmes. Weather Forecasting: A new network of 56 satellite reception stations is operating across Africa; forecasters meeting in Eswatini will assess how faster updates and lightning data can strengthen early warnings. Football: Eswatini’s Under-23s advanced past Malawi on aggregate and will face Algeria in the next round of AFCON qualifiers.

Forensic Probe After Crash: Zimbabwe says the wreckage of helicopter crash that killed tycoon Wicknell Chivayo and four others has been moved to Harare for forensic examination, with international aviation experts to help determine what caused the accident. Regional Football: Eswatini’s U-23 side edged Malawi 2-1 on aggregate after a 1-1 draw, setting up a make-or-break 90 minutes against Algeria in the next AFCON qualifier round. Health & Rights: A WHO audit report says children in South Africa are dying in pain due to poor palliative care, with shortages and refusals to administer morphine highlighted. Trade & Disease: The EU suspended imports of Namibian beef after foot-and-mouth disease, a move that could disrupt jobs and exports across southern Africa, including countries affected by the outbreak. Local Governance & Economy: Eswatini’s Central Bank raised E1.877bn through government bonds, while proposed Citizens Economic Empowerment rules would reserve half of procurement for citizen-owned firms and set an E8m turnover threshold for retail participation. Education & Policy: Education leaders at PACTED 2026 in Eswatini urged “pedagogy before AI,” warning technology must not replace the human core of teaching.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: South Africa’s Operation Vala Umgodi arrested 22 suspected illegal miners in Mpumalanga over the weekend, including 13 in Sabie (12 Mozambicans and one from Eswatini) and nine in Mashobodo, with charges ranging from illegal mining to immigration violations. National Dialogue: Mozambique’s Inclusive National Dialogue has moved to consolidating proposals after diaspora public hearings, with 10 working groups now handling inputs from citizens abroad. Education & Teachers: Eswatini’s Education Minister Owen Nxumalo urged Africa to use PACTED 2026 to turn teacher commitments into real national reforms, as delegates gathered for the pan-African conference. Citizen Economic Empowerment: MPs scrutinised draft Citizens Economic Empowerment Regulations, including a proposed 50% government procurement set-aside for citizen-owned firms and rules that could reserve retail below E8m while requiring citizen-majority joint ventures above it. Health System Pressure: A damning report says children are dying in pain due to poor palliative care, highlighting gaps in access to pain relief. International Diplomacy: Eswatini reaffirmed its stance supporting Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international organisations as its new ambassador presented credentials in Taipei. Sports: Eswatini’s Under-23s host Malawi in a crucial AFCON qualifier second leg, carrying a 1-0 advantage.

Durban Court Trial: The long-awaited murder trial of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and chef Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane has started in the Durban High Court, with seven men pleading not guilty and the State expected to call about 45 witnesses; two accused were extradited from Eswatini after delays and a “blackout” over witness identities. Eswatini–Taiwan Ties: Ambassador Vulindlela Kunene has begun his tenure in Taiwan, reaffirming cooperation in health, education, skills and investment, while Eswatini continues pushing for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international bodies. Citizen Economic Empowerment: MPs are scrutinising regulations to implement the Citizen Economic Empowerment Act, including proposals that could restrict foreign business operations on Swazi Nation Land. Energy & Sugar: UN Resident Coordinator George Wachira says sugar’s 107MW bagasse power could anchor an energy economy that reduces blackouts and imports. AU Seed Summit: Delegates are arriving for the AU Extraordinary Seed Summit in Ezulwini, with calls for climate-ready seed varieties and stronger seed markets. Migration Deal Scrutiny: A Laotian deportee held in Eswatini under the US third-country programme has been released after more than a year, renewing due-process concerns. Local Life: ESWASA represented Eswatini at ISO’s annual meeting in Paris, while police delivered safety lessons to Mother Touch Primary pupils.

AUSC Region 5 Youth Games: MTN Siyabhampisa 3×3 Basketball Series launched in Mbabane with the Region 5 torch, spotlighting youth empowerment and regional unity ahead of the December Games in Maputo. Court Justice: The long-awaited AKA and Tibz murder trial finally starts at Durban High Court, with seven accused facing charges over the 10 February 2023 Florida Road killings; brothers extradited from eSwatini are among those in the dock. Migration Deal Fallout: A Laotian man deported to Eswatini under Trump’s third-country policy after serving his US sentence was released from Matsapha prison and left for Johannesburg en route to Laos, renewing due-process concerns. Economy & Prices: Food prices stayed mostly stable in August–September, though onions and some beans rose; meanwhile, foreign contractors took 55% of Eswatini’s registered construction value in 2025/26, raising fears local firms may miss high-value work. Local Leadership & Sports: PM urged the Methodist Church to help drive economic transformation; Mbabane Swallows added three Nsingizini Hotspurs players on a season loan.

US Deportations & Due Process: A Laotian man deported by the US to Eswatini under the third-country removals programme was released after more than a year in the Matsapha maximum-security prison, with his lawyer saying he was never charged and only later told he would be sent onward to Laos. Regional Royal Ties: King Mswati III used Lesotho’s 60th independence celebrations to reaffirm “sister monarchies” friendship, while King Letsie III praised the enduring bond between the two kingdoms. Diplomacy & Trade: Eswatini’s Senate President Pastor Lindiwe Dlamini won a Global-South-EU leadership award in Brussels, calling for fairer trade partnerships and stronger parliamentary oversight. Economy Watch: Eswatini’s real GDP growth strengthened in the first half of 2026, rising from 6.1% in Q1 to 6.5% in Q2. Local Governance & Finance: Bunye Betfu Savings and Credit Co-op’s board was removed after an audit found E19.6m unaccounted for, with an investigation launched by regulators. Community & Services: Over 300 Mbikwakhe residents have been forced to use unsafe stream water since a borehole pump failed, after tap water was declared unsafe. Sports & Culture: The AUSC Region 5 Youth Games torch arrived in Eswatini, and the October International Theatre Festival opened with regional artists running masterclasses and performances.

Arts & Culture: Over 150 regional artists from South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana are in Eswatini for the October International Theatre Festival, running masterclasses and performances that organisers link to diplomacy and skills exchange. Economy Watch: Eswatini’s real GDP growth strengthened in the first half of 2026, rising from 6.1% in Q1 to 6.5% in Q2, though the pace between quarters eased. Business & Finance: Business Eswatini has rejected Maloma Colliery’s bid to rejoin, refunding more than E249 000 after concerns over outstanding subscriptions. Co-operatives & Governance: Bunye Betfu Savings and Credit Co-operative is in crisis after an audit found E19.6m unaccounted for, with the board removed pending investigation. Public Services: Mbikwakhe residents are drinking from a muddy stream after a borehole pump failed and water was declared unsafe, affecting 300+ households and thousands of people. Regional & International: A US senator warned that China-backed restrictions on Taiwanese presidential flights could endanger international travellers, with Eswatini linked through delayed airspace clearances. Sports: St Mark’s alumni raised E40 000 in under 10 minutes for school restoration, while Eswatini’s fastest lady Bongiwe “Smolly” Mahlalela won Sportswoman of the Year at TUT awards.

Zimbabwe crash shock: Controversial tycoon Wicknell Chivayo, 43, and his wife were killed in a helicopter crash near Harare, with leaders including Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa and Kenya’s Ruto expressing grief; his death has reignited debate over his wealth and political ties. Estate questions: Chivayo’s reported US$25m estate has triggered public disbelief and a legal scramble, after a Supreme Court divorce/asset appeal linked to his ex-wife was removed from the court roll. Local finance & recovery: Eswatini’s Central Bank says it has funded legal, forensic and asset-tracing work to recover losses tied to Ecsponent investors, including investigations into assets allegedly moved to South Africa. Money transfer update: Standard Bank Eswatini is bringing back its Instant Money service as it winds down Unayo, with customers already receiving SMS notifications. Sports spotlight: Eswatini’s fastest lady Bongiwe “Smolly” Mahlalela won Sportswoman of the Year at the TUT Sports Awards, taking home an E128,000 scholarship. Politics at home: Seven candidates have been nominated for a vacant bucopho seat in Manzini by-elections, with campaigning set to start after vetting on Oct 6. Regional arts: More than 150 artists from Southern Africa arrived for the October International Theatre Festival, running masterclasses and performances in Mbabane.

Zimbabwe Tycoon Estate Fight: Wicknell Chivayo’s reported US$25m (R400m) estate has triggered shock and a legal scramble after his death, with a Supreme Court divorce appeal removed from the roll and public questions about how his “billionaire” lifestyle matched the figure. Central Bank Recovery Effort: The Central Bank of Eswatini says it has funded forensic and asset-tracing work to recover Ecsponent investor losses, with investigations focused on assets allegedly moved to South Africa and possible further costs of E6m–E8m. Digital Access & Business Continuity: MTN and Lubane launched a SACCO device-loan partnership to help members access smartphones and data, while MTN also unveiled Hybrid Direct Internet Access to protect firms from outages caused by upstream network disruptions. Public Health & Water Crisis: Over 300 Mbikwakhe residents say unsafe stream water is their only option after a borehole pump failed and tap water was declared unsafe. Education & Skills Recognition: MPs urged proper recognition and portability of Sebenta National Institute qualifications, including addressing stigma and ensuring competency testing. Local Economy: Eswatini’s real GDP grew 6.5% in Q2, and Ezulwini Municipality reported revenue up to E69.5m with a E41m surplus. Sports & Culture: Imbube Marathon registrations topped 8 000, while the October International Theatre Festival opened with calls for artists to unite and keep funding as the main hurdle.

Zimbabwe crash scrutiny: Kenyan media personality Lynn Ngugi has questioned how late Zimbabwean tycoon Wicknell Chivayo amassed his vast wealth, pointing to his lavish public lifestyle and political access, while Zimbabwe continues investigating the helicopter crash that killed him and his wife. Eswatini economy: The Central Statistical Office reports Eswatini GDP grew 6.5% in Q2 2026, with primary, secondary and tertiary sectors expanding. Agriculture support pause: EWADE has paused new farmer intake into the Hamba Ubuye Revolving Fund for 2026/27 as the programme scales maize production. Food security push: Eswatini welcomed its first locally based FAO representative, marking a step toward stronger climate-resilient agriculture. Regional cooperation: Eswatini and Taiwan pledged deeper ties for the next 58 years, including a Strategic Fuel Reserve and an industrial innovation park. Local governance & services: Ezulwini Municipality reported revenue rising to E69.5m with a E41m surplus, alongside infrastructure gains. Sports & culture: Imbube Marathon registrations topped 8 000; MPs passed the EPTC loan Bill with assurances of no retrenchments. Tech for business: MTN launched Hybrid Direct Internet Access to reduce downtime from upstream network disruptions.

HIV & Women’s Health: SA activist Nozibele Mayaba says sisterhood is key to reversing stigma affecting women, pointing to restoration through Jesus and Mary Magdalene. Economy: Eswatini’s real GDP grew 6.5% in Q2 2026, with primary, secondary and tertiary sectors all expanding year-on-year. Diplomacy & Food Security: Eswatini welcomed its first locally based FAO representative, strengthening plans to tackle food insecurity and malnutrition. International Partnerships: Eswatini and Taiwan pledged deeper cooperation for the next 58 years, including a Strategic Fuel Reserve and an industrial innovation park. Parliament & Jobs: MPs passed the EPTC loan Bill, with management assuring no retrenchments—though concerns remain for workers already issued retrenchment letters. Governance & Courts: A Home Affairs civil registrar accused of corruption was told not to cover her face in court. Business & Connectivity: MTN launched Hybrid Direct Internet Access to protect firms from internet disruptions caused by upstream network failures. Culture & Youth: The October International Theatre Festival continues, with experts training young performers; producers say funding is the biggest hurdle. Regional Spotlight: Zimbabwe’s Wicknell Chivayo and his wife died in a helicopter crash; investigations are ongoing.

Zimbabwe Crash Shock: Zimbabwean tycoon Wicknell Chivayo and his wife Lucy Muteke were confirmed dead after a helicopter crash near Marondera, with six people on board and no survivors reported; officials say investigations continue. Regional Human Rights & Migration: The US Supreme Court cleared the way for Trump to resume third-country deportations, a move critics say risks further rights abuses for noncitizens. Eswatini Food Security: Eswatini officially welcomed its first locally based FAO representative in Mbabane, marking a major step toward tackling food insecurity and malnutrition. AU Seed Summit Prep: Over 900 delegates have registered for Eswatini’s upcoming African Union Seed Summit, with ministers already confirmed. Fuel Cost Pressure: Eswatini fuel prices are set to rise by E3.43 per litre from Friday, as government cushioning faces mounting under-recovery. Health & Society: Eswatini clinicians warn that modern dating (umjolo) is driving mental health stress, alongside money and relationship strain. Business & Tech: MTN Eswatini urged firms to use AI for practical value, not adoption for its own sake.