AGP Executive Report

Investment Push: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini met Acer founder Stan Shih in Taiwan, pitching Eswatini as a gateway for high-value manufacturing and assembly at the planned Phocweni industrial innovation park. Energy Drive: Dlamini also urged Taiwanese energy firms to invest as Eswatini targets 1,000MW+ of new generation, visiting renewable and storage projects in Tainan. Digital Growth: Oracle Innovate Lab Cohort 2 was launched in Mbabane, after the first cohort’s six entrepreneurs generated over E1m in combined revenue and improved investment readiness. CAF Football: Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs learned their CAF Champions League preliminary opponents—Zimbabwe’s Scottland FC—while Green Mamba will open the Confederation Cup against Angola’s CD 1º de Agosto. Local Culture & Events: Naledi Aphiwe headlines Ladies Thursday Night at Mdzimba View Shisanyama on August 27, with a women-focused line-up of local acts. Economy Watch: The IMF says Eswatini’s growth will slow in 2026 amid higher fuel costs, weaker demand, tighter financing and climate disruptions. Governance: EIMPA’s new principal was tasked with transforming the institute into a fully accredited national school of governance.

CAF Draw: Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs will face Zimbabwe champions Scottland FC in the CAF Champions League preliminary round, with the first leg set for 4–6 September and the return a week later, after a Cairo draw. CAF Confederation Cup: Green Mamba (Correctional Services) also learned their Confederation Cup opponents, starting away to Angola’s CD 1º de Agosto, after securing E360,000 in local sponsorship ahead of the campaign. Economy Watch: The IMF says Eswatini’s growth will slow in 2026 due to higher fuel costs, weaker global demand, tighter financing, weather disruptions and easing investment activity. Governance: Government has tasked the new EIMPA principal, Gcinaphi Dlamini, with transforming the institute into a fully accredited National School of Governance to modernise the public service. Digital Skills: A second Innovation Hub was launched at Macetjeni to expand digital skills and support youth and MSMEs in Lubombo. Regional Diplomacy: King Mswati III accepted an invitation to visit Tanzania, citing tourism and development lessons. Energy Context: South Africa’s electricity generation fell for the 13th straight year, a reminder of wider regional power pressures. Sports Development: FNB launched a Junior Golf Day for 30 young golfers ahead of the FNB Eswatini Challenge.

CAF Football Draws: Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs learned they’ll face Zimbabwe’s Scottland FC in the CAF Champions League preliminary round, while Green Mamba start their CAF Confederation Cup campaign against Angola’s CD 1º de Agosto after a major draw in Cairo. Regional Politics & Elections: A SADC Electoral Observation Mission has been launched ahead of Zambia’s 13 August polls, with Eswatini among participating states. Health & Regional Cooperation: The US reaffirmed support for stronger ECSA health systems in Manzini, as Eswatini called for deeper regional action to build resilient healthcare. Public Service Reform: Government tasked the new EIMPA principal with transforming the institute into a National School of Governance to modernise and speed up the public service. Economy & Energy: Work has begun on the E200m Nsoko Solar Power Plant, expected to create 80 construction jobs and cut reliance on imported electricity. Cybersecurity: INTERPOL reports Eswatini recorded just 0.2% of detected cyber vulnerabilities across Africa, though police warn it’s still a concern. Agriculture & Jobs: The DPM launched an Agriculture Sector Review and Agricultural Solutions Marketplace to drive investment, productivity and youth participation. Culture & Entertainment: Zola 7 marks a comeback with his new single “She Nailed It,” and MCO Jamrock announces an EP listening session in Mbabane.

Sports & Community Pride: Eswatini’s Andreas Simelane made history as the first Liswati to finish the Washie 100 Miler in South Africa, while Green Mamba got relief after striker Sabelo “Sikhali” Ndzinisa was discharged from hospital and will return to training once fully recovered. Infrastructure & Resettlement: Mpakeni Dam resettlement costs have jumped past E140 million, with 147 of 231 homesteads already relocated and completion targeted for 2028. Football (Continental): Nsingizini Hotspurs Ladies face a tough CAF Women’s Champions League/COSAFA qualifier draw, meeting Mamelodi Sundowns, Costa do Sol and Silver Strikers in Group B. Health & Safety: A transfer to DR Congo for midfielder Junior Magagula comes amid Ebola fears, though his agent says he is safe; meanwhile, UNAIDS reports major HIV progress and warns prevention is entering a new phase. Governance & Rights: The High Court ordered the immediate release of re-arrested Chinese nationals, ruling the second arrest violated protections against double jeopardy. Business & Tech: SBS Bank Eswatini launched its eMACH.ai Treasury platform to modernise treasury operations after its commercial banking conversion. Culture & Learning: Local author Nicky Ndwandwe launched a nationwide literacy initiative, turning her memoir into a reading and healing drive.

CAF Women’s Champions League/COSAFA Qualifiers: Eswatini champions Nsingizini Hotspurs Ladies face a baptism of fire in Group B after being drawn against South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns Ladies, Mozambique’s Costa do Sol and Malawi’s Silver Strikers, with the tournament set for August 20–29 in Gaborone. Local Media & Copyright: Eswatini media houses and broadcasters have been warned to secure music licences as copyright enforcement tightens, with ESCASO urging creators to be fairly compensated. HIV Update: UNAIDS reports major progress in HIV prevention and treatment, highlighting new prevention medicines and continued gains in infection and death reductions. Sports (DR Congo move): Eswatini midfielder Junior Magagula has signed a three-year deal with Union Maniema in the DR Congo, with an agent dismissing Ebola fears around the transfer. Governance & Courts: A South African court ordered the reinstatement of the head of the Public Investment Corporation after a suspension sparked governance turmoil. Economy Watch: Eswatini’s debt is said to remain manageable, while a South Africa diesel hike is expected to raise costs locally.

Health Alert: UK travel health officials have updated malaria risk guidance, listing Eswatini among countries travellers should take extra precautions in after “UK deaths” linked to malaria. Economy & Trade: South Africa’s diesel price hike is expected to raise costs in Eswatini, with economists warning transport and logistics—driven by heavy reliance on imports—will feed into higher prices from around October. Public Finance: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg says Eswatini’s public debt remains manageable, putting the debt-to-GDP ratio at about 45% and arguing it stays below international risk thresholds. Diplomacy: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini and Taiwan President Lai Ching-te reaffirmed ties in Taipei, with Dlamini pushing deeper trade, investment and tech cooperation ahead of the Ketagalan Forum. Agribusiness: A macadamia processing plant in Matsapha is nearing commissioning, aiming to boost value addition and exports; meanwhile SAPEMP has moved into implementation targeting 19,600 smallholder households. Inclusion: Eswatini launched its first Disability Trolley Dash to spotlight barriers faced by persons with disabilities in retail shopping. Sports: Nsingizini Hotspurs Ladies face a tough CAF/COSAFA qualifier draw, including two-time champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

Human Trafficking Watch: Talitha Kum warns that modern trafficking is evolving fast, with online scams increasingly used to lure victims into cross-border exploitation and cyber-enabled criminality. Women’s Rights & Inequality: An Afrobarometer report says the urban-rural divide is widening gaps for African women in education, jobs, asset ownership and access to digital and financial tools. Football (CAF Women’s Qualifiers): Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs face a brutal Group B draw against Mamelodi Sundowns, Costa do Sol and Silver Strikers, while Nsingizini’s rivals in Group A include Herentals Queens, ZESCO Ndola Girls and hosts Gaborone United. Local Economy & Jobs: SAPEMP has moved into implementation, targeting about 19,600 smallholder households to boost production, market access and climate resilience, with job creation expected across value chains. Business Support: FNB Eswatini backs government efforts to grow SMEs, pledging deeper procurement and tailored support for entrepreneurs. Disability Inclusion: Eswatini held its first Disability Trolley Dash to spotlight barriers persons with disabilities face in retail shopping and push for better accessibility and customer service. Governance: Maseru City Council in Lesotho removes Mayor Relebohile Sechache after a no-confidence motion.

Eswatini–Taiwan Partnership: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has arrived in Taiwan to reaffirm Eswatini’s long-standing ties with the Republic of China and take part in the Ketagalan Forum, with talks expected to focus on peace, development, innovation and inclusive prosperity. Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue: The 10th Ketagalan Forum: 2026 Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue opens in Taipei with Eswatini’s PM among keynote speakers, alongside leaders from the US, Finland and Canada, as delegates discuss regional security, democratic resilience and responses to “gray-zone” coercion. Southern Africa Economy Watch: The African Development Bank projects Eswatini to grow by 4.6% in 2026, placing it among the region’s fastest performers and citing stronger agricultural output and relative macroeconomic stabilisation. Digital Media Regulation: Eswatini lawmakers are pressing the ICT ministry to explain how online media is being regulated, after concerns that unlicensed digital publishers compete on unequal terms with traditional outlets. Sports & CAF Draw: Eswatini clubs Green Mamba and Nsingizini are set to learn their CAF opponents after the preliminary round draws in Cairo, kicking off the 2026/27 continental campaign. Community Safety & Services: A new Nkosinathi suspension footbridge is set to end dangerous crocodile crossings, while a E450,000 WASH handover at Manyovu High School will improve clean water access for the school and surrounding community.

Indo-Pacific Diplomacy: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini has departed for Taiwan to represent King Mswati III at the Ketagalan Forum: 2026 Indo-Pacific Security Dialogue, with talks expected with President Lai Ching-te and visits to major development projects. Local Development: A new Nkosinathi Suspension Footbridge is set to end dangerous crocodile river crossings for residents, while a E450,000 WASH handover at Manyovu High School will improve clean water access for the school and surrounding community. Public Safety & Governance: REPS says it will not spare anyone in the online gambling probe, and the police Sunday service in Matsapha urged churches to partner in tackling crime and GBV. Sports & CAF: Eswatini’s Green Mamba and Nsingizini Hotspurs will learn their CAF Champions League and Confederation Cup paths after the preliminary round draws in Cairo on Thursday. Economy & Food Security: Agriculture Minister Mandla Tshawuka called for more agro-processing investment to cut the E2.2bn annual spend on imported processed foods. Tax Reform: Eswatini Revenue Service is working with ATAF to build a high-net-worth individual taxation framework.

PIC Scrutiny in South Africa: President Cyril Ramaphosa moved to calm markets after turmoil at the Public Investment Corporation, saying there is “no crisis” despite governance questions and calls to fully implement the Mpati Commission reforms. King’s Housing Intervention: King Mswati III ordered government to buy the Ncangosini farm in Kontshingila and convert it to Swazi Nation Land to stop residents being evicted. Tax Reform Push: Eswatini Revenue Service is working with ATAF to build a high-net-worth individual taxation framework, aiming to improve identification, compliance and revenue mobilisation. Police Crackdown Message: The police commissioner said the online gambling investigation will not spare anyone, warning that rank and political influence won’t block arrests. FIFA Funding Deadline: Eswatini Football Association faces tight timelines to secure FIFA Forward 3.0 infrastructure funding before the 2026 cycle ends, with a lease issue flagged as a key hurdle. HIV Update: New UNAIDS-linked reporting at AIDS 2026 says global new HIV infections hit 1.2 million in 2025, while funding cuts raise fears of resurgence—though Eswatini is noted as still making progress. Luju Festival Economy & Culture: PM Russell Mmiso Dlamini urged support for local festivals as Luju continues to boost the creative economy, with Eswatini’s indigenous food and fashion taking centre stage.

Luju Festival Fashion & Culture: At the Luju Festival in Malkerns, designers from Eswatini, Lesotho, South Africa and Mozambique staged “Kwasukasukasukela” as a storytelling runway, leaving crowds craving more. Creative Economy Boost: Government has launched an E3.86m mobile stage to help creatives and regional festivals cut production costs and reach more audiences, while Standard Bank says Luju—now drawing visitors from across Africa—was built to grow the local art economy. Music Breakthrough: Nothando Hlophe’s “Methodist Medley” hit double-platinum status in South Africa after 10.28m streams, adding momentum to Eswatini’s gospel scene online. Agriculture Value Addition: Eswatini is appointing a new World Vegetable Center representative to strengthen vegetable research, post-harvest handling and value addition. Regional Security: King Mswati III says Eswatini’s SARPCCO chairmanship puts the country at the centre of efforts to fight transnational crime. Sports (Eswatini in the region): Hardrock FC’s Eswatini trio helped power a 3-0 win in Zimbabwe’s Castle Premiership, while Eswatini’s Commonwealth Games judo hopes were dashed as Lamulela Magagula lost to Unnati Sharma.

Commonwealth Games (Glasgow) — Eswatini’s Lamulela Magagula was beaten in the women’s -63kg judo Round of 16 by India’s Unnati Sharma, who later bounced back after a semifinal loss to win bronze, defeating South Africa’s Skye Knoester in the playoff. Parliament Finance — MPs’ “handshake” ex gratia payouts are set to rise sharply, with each MP now entitled to E996,000, and a projected E106.572m budget line by 2026 for these end-of-term payments. Sports Development — Government says it will recruit players from the diaspora to strengthen national teams, after concerns over performance and support for squads. Jobs & Investment — EIPA reports five projects moving into implementation, totalling E7.4bn and about 4,850 jobs, including solar and industrial developments. Health (Regional) — Eswatini will host more than 300 ECSA health delegates for a Best Practices Forum and directors’ meeting in Manzini from August 5–7. Food Security — A Food-for-Work programme has been funded with E42.789m to support 6,600 households across 15 priority Tinkhundla centres. Arts & Culture — ENCAC unveiled a mobile stage unit worth E3.86m to cut event costs and boost opportunities for creatives and small businesses. Police Recruitment — King Mswati III says a police recruitment drive is coming to strengthen the Royal Eswatini Police Service as the population grows.

Commonwealth Games (Glasgow): Eswatini’s Lamulela Magagula was outclassed by India’s Unnati Sharma in the women’s -63kg judo Round of 16, as Sharma later bounced back from a semifinal loss to win bronze, while Eswatini’s medal hopes again fell short. Local Sports: Hardrock FC closed in on Scottland FC in the Castle Lager PSL after beating Manica Diamonds 3-0, with Washington Navaya scoring twice and Eswatini international Thubelihle Mavuso adding another. Public Safety: King Mswati III announced a forthcoming Royal Eswatini Police Service recruitment drive to strengthen staffing as the population grows and officers retire. Health & Regional Cooperation: Government says it will host over 300 ECSA health experts in Manzini for a Best Practices Forum and directors’ meeting from August 5–7. Food Security: A E42.789m Food-for-Work/Assets programme will support 6,600 households (about 33,000 beneficiaries) across 15 Tinkhundla centres, backed by Taiwan and World Vision. Creative Economy: ENCAC unveiled an E3.86m mobile stage unit to cut production costs and boost opportunities for artists and festivals. HIV Funding Watch: UNAIDS warns that cuts to HIV prevention funding could spark a resurgence, despite recent declines in new infections and deaths.

Police & Public Safety: King Mswati III announced REPS will recruit more officers to meet growing demand and replace retirees, while PM Russell Dlamini said the force remains a pillar of peace and national confidence during 23rd Police Day celebrations. Women in Security: Tshidi Mdluli made history as only the second woman to interpret for the King at a major national event, following Tandzile Maziya’s earlier breakthrough in Correctional Services. US Travel Update: The US Embassy in Mbabane will stop routine visa applications, directing applicants to book appointments and apply via the US Consulate General in Johannesburg. Health & Aid: UNAIDS warned HIV prevention funding cuts could spark a resurgence, even as countries including Eswatini report major reductions since 2010. Anti-Trafficking Push: PM Dlamini urged stronger vigilance as traffickers increasingly use AI, social media and fake job offers to trap victims. Local Economy & Jobs: Government opened Eswatini’s first Ingelo Incubation production facility to help MSMEs meet standards and access formal retail markets. Agriculture Trade: EU welcomed Eswatini’s progress in containing FMD, raising hopes for renewed beef export access. Sports & Culture: Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival returns as a two-day celebration of Nguni foodways, fashion and music.

HIV Funding Crisis: UNAIDS warns that a 23% drop in global HIV prevention funding in 2025 could spark a resurgence, even as countries including Eswatini report major gains since 2010. Anti-Trafficking Push: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini says traffickers are using AI, fake job offers and social media scams to trap victims, urging stronger vigilance ahead of World Day Against Trafficking. Refugee Travel Documents: Eswatini issued 77 machine-readable refugee passports in the 2026/27 first quarter, enabling recognised refugees to travel for business, study and leisure. Health System Scrutiny: Former Luke Commission staff petitioned Parliament alleging expired drugs were distributed and asking for investigations into health inspections and possible misuse of funds. Beef Export Hope: The EU says Eswatini’s progress in containing FMD is encouraging, raising hopes for the return of beef exports to Europe and Norway. Local Business Boost: Government opened the first Ingelo Incubation production facility to help MSMEs meet standards and access formal retail markets. PIC Governance Reform (Regional): South Africa’s Cabinet appointed Seiso Mohai to chair the Public Investment Corporation, spotlighting Mpati Commission reforms and governance concerns. Motoring Recall: Toyota South Africa recalls Urban Cruisers over a faulty fuel gauge that may fail to warn drivers in time, with some units exported to Eswatini.

PIC shake-up: South Africa’s Cabinet moved fast to stabilise the Public Investment Corporation, appointing Deputy Minister Seiso Mohai as chair and naming eight non-executive directors after a wave of resignations and governance turmoil. Financial stability watch: Eswatini’s central bank governor said SADC banks remain sound and well-capitalised, but warned regulators must stay vigilant amid economic and exchange-rate pressures. Immigration pressure on Eswatini: Home Affairs says only 36 asylum seekers have reached Malindza, as MPs question Eswatini’s readiness for possible deportation-linked inflows from South Africa. Water project funding: Government asked the AfDB to waive two loan conditions to unlock Phase 1B of the Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Programme, after delays. Health & nutrition: Eswatini is validating a new National Food and Nutrition Policy and Nutrition Bill to tackle a “triple burden” of malnutrition, including rising obesity among women. Arts support: ENCAC procured a mobile stage unit to help creatives host regional events at lower costs. Transport safety: Toyota recalled Urban Cruisers sold in 2025 (including units exported to Eswatini) over a faulty fuel gauge that could leave drivers running out of petrol.