AGP Executive Report

US Visa Overhaul: The US will end routine visa processing at 25 African posts from August 1, including Mbabane (Eswatini) and Durban, shifting applicants to 20 regional hubs for immigrant and non-immigrant visas. Vehicle Safety: Toyota recalls 2,208 Urban Cruisers (including units exported to Eswatini) over a faulty fuel level indicator that may show more fuel than remains, with free dealer checks. Public Service Jobs: Government plans to fill 757 vacant posts this financial year, led by Education (280) and Commerce (200), while keeping wage-bill controls in mind. HIV Prevention Update: Lenacapavir roll-out data shared around AIDS 2026 shows just over half of Africa’s LEN users are in South Africa, with uptake boosted by dispelling confusion with vaccines. Hepatitis Drive: Eswatini expands hepatitis screening and vaccination awareness, reporting thousands tested and new positive cases identified for follow-up care. GBV Community Review: One Billion Rising Eswatini is reviewing three years of community strategies to end gender-based violence, focusing on what worked and what needs strengthening. Economy & Youth: The Prime Minister urges young people to become job creators, while ESHEC launches a national skills anticipation study to align training with future labour demand. Regional Sports: Eswatini says it is ready to host the 2026 SAIMSA Games (Sept 20–25) across multiple towns and venues.

Eswatini Football: FIFA has unveiled a Fast Forward funding proposal that could inject up to E334 million into the Eswatini Football Association, with bigger development grants planned for 2027–2038. HIV & Health: Eswatini joined World Hepatitis Day with expanded hepatitis screening and vaccination drives, reporting 26,422 tested for Hepatitis B and 1,240 positives, plus 455 screened for Hepatitis C. Women & Safety: One Billion Rising Eswatini is reviewing community strategies to end gender-based violence, aiming to strengthen grassroots-led prevention and improve how local successes feed into national plans. Local Economy & Jobs: Government is pushing preferential procurement to help Emaswati-owned MSMEs win more contracts tied to major projects and incentives. Sports: Eswatini’s track campaign at Glasgow ended with sprinters missing 200m semi-finals, while the Kingdom says it is ready to host the 2026 SAIMSA Games (Sept 20–25). Infrastructure: The Somhlolo National Stadium needs about E99 million to meet CAF standards, but rehabilitation is stalled over funding gaps.

SADC Summit Prep: eThekwini Municipality will spend R11.3 million to upgrade Durban’s ICC ahead of the 46th SADC Heads of State summit, including fixes to systems and facilities to meet hosting requirements. HIV Prevention Rollout: Lenacapavir injections are being rolled out across several African countries, with Eswatini among those sharing early data at AIDS 2026 in Rio—though supply constraints could slow targets. Women in Tech: Minister Savannah Maziya will keynote innovateHER Indaba 2026 in Mbabane on Sept 30, with a focus on innovation, digital inclusion and women’s entrepreneurship. Land Restoration Clarification: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini says a social-media push by some emaSwati in South Africa for land return is not acting for the Eswatini government. Immigration Case: 25 Chinese nationals re-arrested after release say they’re challenging detention, while government filings link the re-arrests to revoked passports. Sports & Culture: Eswatini’s Methodist Medley tops 20m YouTube views; EFA launches a paperless player registration platform; and Eswatini’s boxing campaign at Glasgow 2026 ends after Mukelo Dlamini’s elimination.

HIV Response Under Strain: AIDS 2026 in Rio opens with warnings that global HIV funding fell sharply in 2025, driven largely by US cuts, putting progress at risk and leaving targets unmet. Regional Visa Shock: The US will end routine visa processing at 25 African posts from 1 August, including Mbabane, sending applicants to regional hubs. Parliament Watch: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini defends “disruptive leadership” as key to delivering the ‘nkwe’ mandate, while the Chief Justice says political interference is fuelling corruption by undermining the Anti-Corruption Commission. Football Admin Upgrade: The Eswatini Football Association launches e-Sigwaca, a paperless player registration and transfer platform for the 2026/27 season. Health Data Rules: ESCCOM/EDPA begins validating draft guidelines for lawful processing of personal health data ahead of publication. Sports Setback: Eswatini’s boxing campaign ends at Glasgow 2026 after Mukelo Dlamini is eliminated. Business & Jobs: Sigwe Shoe factory nears completion, and FNB Eswatini expands SME funding up to E1.5 million.

Finance & Jobs: FNB Eswatini is extending a funding lifeline to SMEs, boosting access to business loans of up to E1.5 million after feedback from entrepreneur forums. Governance & Anti-Corruption: Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala says politicians, including the prime minister, must stay out of Anti-Corruption Commission operations, rejecting claims that courts are to blame for corruption. Health Policy: ESCCOM, acting as the Data Protection Authority, has begun validating draft guidelines for lawful processing of personal health data, with workshops running this week before publication. Mining & Investment: Government issued new coal, gold and quarry licences in the first quarter, aiming to spur mineral exploration and infrastructure-linked quarry supply. Sports & Community: Eswatini’s Commonwealth Games campaign continues as sprinters and boxers compete in Glasgow, while the PLE Charity Cup seeks a E2 million title sponsor to support clubs and vulnerable communities. Culture & Rights: A Cathedral Church of All Saints rector appointment dispute deepened after the Diocese rejected objections, while the Communist Party of Swaziland urged people to reject Umhlanga, alleging state control over women’s bodies.

Umhlanga Reed Dance Clash: The Communist Party of Swaziland urged people to reject the King’s August Umhlanga, saying it legitimises the monarchy and involves state control and inspection of young women’s bodies. HIV Funding Worry: New UNAIDS and KFF reports at AIDS 2026 warn global HIV response funding fell sharply in 2025, driven by reduced US support, raising fears of setbacks for treatment and prevention. Miss World SA Eligibility Debate: South Africa’s Miss World SA 2026 Romanda Hombir faced renewed nationality questions after online claims she was born in Swaziland and schooled in Mbabane. Education Rollout: Eswatini hit 63% coverage of compulsory Life Skills training for secondary school principals, with UNICEF and the Ministry pushing full nationwide implementation. Nuclear Law Steps Forward: Stakeholders reviewed the draft Nuclear, Safety and Radiation Act regulations, with government set to hire a consultant to finalise them. FMD Court Order: The High Court ordered the return of six cattle brought into Eswatini from FMD-affected Mpumalanga without proper permits. Football & Community: The revived PLE Charity Cup opened with a E2 million title sponsorship push, while Eswatini’s athletes continue Commonwealth Games medal hopes in Glasgow. Border Crackdown: Police arrested 25 foreign nationals at Mhlumeni Border Gate for alleged illegal border crossing without required documents.

Investment Climate: ICT Minister Savannah Maziya says some potential investors are being scared off by claims that ministers demand a “10 per cent” payment before business can start, urging government to create an enabling environment instead of becoming known as a “10 percenter.” Public Finance: A new report warns Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg’s borrowing-heavy approach is turning a fragile economy into a debt trap, with debt servicing crowding out long-term investment. Agriculture & Courts: Eswatini’s High Court ordered the repatriation of six cattle imported from South Africa after a foot-and-mouth disease compliance dispute. Labour & Wages: ATUSWA launched a campaign pushing for a minimum wage of E25 per hour and stronger protections for textile workers, including freedom of association. Financial Sector: FSRA says NBFI assets fell by E2bn after SBS was reclassified into a commercial bank—framed as a statistical shift, not sector collapse. Insurance: Lidwala Insurance overtook ESRIC to become the largest short-term insurer by gross written premiums. Sports & Funding: Netball Eswatini says it needs about E1m to send both national teams to the Africa Netball Cup in Kenya. Football: EFA president Peter “Samora” Simelane condemned violence ahead of the 2026 Charity Cup, now backed by a reported E1.5m sponsor. Consumer Safety: South Africa’s NCC notified a Ford recall affecting Ranger and Everest models exported to Eswatini, with free software updates at dealerships. Regional Trade Pressure: South Africa’s crackdown on illegal immigration is putting cross-border transport—especially the DRC route—under strain, threatening lucrative trade links.

Royal Family & Culture: South Africa’s King Misuzulu’s lobola for his fourth wife, Queen Sihle Mdluli, sparked a viral debate after activist Ntsiki Mazwai weighed in on an “ideal wife” list tied to the wedding. Regional Migration & Trade: South Africa’s immigration crackdown on foreign drivers is hitting cross-border transport, especially the DRC route, as industry warns lucrative trade could be disrupted. Missing Person (Liswati): A Liswati student, Temaswati Lenhle Vilakati, is confirmed to have travelled from Zambia into South Africa, but her whereabouts remain unknown as the search continues. Health & HIV: The International AIDS Conference opens in Rio next week, with South Africa’s plans for local production of the anti-HIV jab lenacapavir amid donor funding cuts in focus. Local Economy: Eswatini’s Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Act regulations are nearing Parliament, with sectors and commercial spaces expected to be reserved for locals. Business & Consumer Watch: Ford recalls certain Ranger and Everest models sold in South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini over transmission faults that could cause loss of drive. Culture Calendar: Umhlanga Reed Dance dates are officially set, with the main ceremony on Monday 31 August 2026.

Fraud Crackdown: INTERPOL says a major global operation netted 5,811 arrests across 97 countries, but only about 15% of assessed cases were actually settled, with thousands of suspects still at large—Eswatini police reportedly dismantled a scam crew that used fake Brazilian police-station setups to trick victims into “safe keeping” payments. Cross-Border Migration Pressure: South Africa’s anti-foreigner clampdowns are disrupting transport and trade, with calls for relief for foreign drivers on lucrative routes like the DRC, while Zimbabweans say they’re still travelling legally despite unrest. Eswatini Economy & Jobs: Government is moving toward Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Act regulations that could reserve selected sectors and commercial spaces for locals, and an MP warns textile investors to pay workers decent salaries that improve living standards and boost tax revenue. Regional Politics & Health: SADC announced an observer mission to Zambia’s 13 August 2026 election, and health experts flag slow progress on a regional pooled procurement system meant to end medicine shortages. Culture Calendar: Umhlanga Reed Dance dates are set, with Day 7 on 31 August 2026.

Cross-border pressure on trade: South Africa’s crackdown on illegal immigration is hitting cross-border transporters hard, especially on the DRC route, as foreign drivers are targeted and the industry asks Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber for a moratorium. Missing student update: The family of Liswati student Temaswati Lenhle Vilakati says she travelled from Zambia into South Africa, but her whereabouts remain unknown as the search continues. Regional security fears: A South Africa June 30 military mobilization is raising alarm across SADC over possible displacement and humanitarian strain in neighbouring countries including Eswatini. Afreximbank leadership: Peter Adeshola Olowononi has been appointed Afreximbank regional director for Southern Africa, with a renewed push for industrialisation and value addition. Eswatini culture dates: Umhlanga Reed Dance main day is set for Monday 31 August 2026, with a public holiday and royal participation. Local economy rules: Government says Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Act regulations are nearing Parliament, aiming to reserve selected sectors and commercial spaces for locally-owned businesses.

Missing Persons: The family of Liswati student Temaswati Lenhle Vilakati says she travelled from Zambia into South Africa after her study permit details were used to trace her passport number, but her whereabouts are still unknown; the family has reported the matter to REPS, though police say the missing person report has not yet been officially documented. Immigration & Trade: South Africa’s crackdown on illegal immigration is putting cross-border transport at risk, with foreign drivers on the DRC route facing enforcement pressure amid rising anti-foreigner sentiment that threatens regional commerce. Regional Security: Analysts warn South Africa’s June 30 military mobilization could trigger displacement and strain humanitarian systems across SADC, including Eswatini and neighbours. Finance & Development: Afreximbank has appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Regional Director for Southern Africa, pushing a five-year agenda focused on industrialization, beneficiation and stronger intra-African trade. Public Health: Eswatini’s HIV Prevention Indaba spotlighted the lived experience of one of the country’s first openly HIV-positive advocates, Vusi Matsebula, as the region prepares for the International AIDS Conference in Rio. Local Economy: Government is moving toward Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Act regulations that will reserve selected sectors and commercial spaces for locally-owned businesses.

HIV Response: Eswatini’s Vusi Matsebula broke his silence on learning he was HIV-positive in 1992, sharing how fear later turned into purpose during the HIV Prevention Indaba Findings launch. Regional Health & Governance: SADC flagged a “medical procurement paradox” as drug shortages persist despite billions spent, pointing to slow progress on the pooled procurement system. Elections Watch: Malawi Electoral Commission chair Justice Annabel Mtalimanja will lead the SADC Electoral Commissions Forum observer mission to Zambia’s 13 August 2026 general election, with teams from eSwatini and other member states. Local Economy & Jobs: Parliament heard calls to ensure textile investors pay workers reasonable salaries that lift living standards and improve tax contributions. Business Regulation: Government is moving toward Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Act rules that reserve selected sectors and commercial spaces for locally-owned businesses. Consumer Safety: Ford is recalling certain Ranger and Everest models in SA, Botswana, Lesotho and eSwatini over a 10R80 transmission fault that could cause loss of drive. Mobility & Migration: MTN warned that rising anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa could harm investment and cross-border movement of skilled workers. International Spotlight: The 2026 International AIDS Conference opens in Rio de Janeiro next week, with South Africa’s Deputy Health Minister among scheduled speakers.

HIV Response: Eswatini-linked youth and first openly HIV-positive advocate stories feed into the HIV Prevention Indaba, where findings point to unprotected sex driven by partner pressure and money stress, plus stigma and weak parent-child communication. Local Economy & Empowerment: Government says Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Act regulations are nearing Cabinet and Parliament, aiming to reserve selected sectors, commercial areas and procurement opportunities for locally-owned businesses. Business & Competition: MPs are pushing the Commerce ministry to investigate alleged monopoly practices in Eswatini’s poultry industry, warning one operator’s control across feed, chicks, eggs and broilers could squeeze out Emaswati competitors. Regional Health Governance: SADC is still struggling to roll out pooled procurement for medicines, despite years of plans to cut shortages through shared buying power. SADC Elections: Malawi’s MEC chair Justice Annabel Mtalimanja will lead SADC observer efforts for Zambia’s 13 August general election, with a mission period running 5–16 August. International Mobility: South Africa’s visa-free list for select African countries (including Eswatini) covers up to 30 days, while passport rankings show Nigeria among Africa’s weakest. Sports & Culture: Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games kick off 23 July with Eswatini among 74 participating nations.

Energy & Land Rights: South Africa’s shift from coal to solar and wind is expanding fast into rural areas, but researchers warn communal land and traditional ownership must be protected so renewables don’t repeat past dispossession. Parliament Watch: An Eswatini MP has urged the Ministry of Commerce to ensure textile investors pay workers decent salaries, saying many earn below the PAYE threshold. Competition Concerns: The same MP raised alarms over alleged monopoly practices in Eswatini’s poultry sector, calling for action if one operator dominates feed, chicks, eggs and broilers. Regional Elections: SADC has announced an observer mission to Zambia’s 13 August 2026 general election, with Malawi’s MEC chair Justice Annabel Mtalimanja leading the ECF-SADC observer team that includes Eswatini. Health & Youth: NERCHA reports young people in Eswatini still engage in unprotected sex despite condom access, citing partner pressure, financial hardship and stigma. Public Service: PSPF is encouraging members to undergo genetic profiling to help settle inheritance and paternity disputes after death. Sports & Culture: Commonwealth Games Glasgow 2026 opens 23 July, with Eswatini among the 74 participating nations.

HIV Response: Eswatini’s HIV Prevention Indaba heard moving testimony from one of the country’s first openly HIV-positive advocates, Vusi Matsebula, recalling how he learned his status in 1992 and turned fear into purpose as leaders push prevention efforts. Youth & Prevention: A NERCHA survey presented at the same forum warns that young people are still having unprotected sex despite condom access, citing partner pressure, financial hardship, and stigma, with calls for better parent-child communication. Governance & Reform: The newly formed University of Eswatini (UNESWA) Reforms Implementation Committee will be chaired by Prof Zodwa Motsa, tasked with restoring academic excellence, governance and financial sustainability. Public Health Costs: MPs raised concern over high consultation fees at The Luke Commission (TLC) despite a E50 million government subvention, questioning value for money and affordability for ordinary Emaswati. Justice & Pensions: PSPF is encouraging members to undergo genetic profiling to help resolve inheritance and paternity disputes, including after a member has died. Regional Cooperation: Eswatini is among the electoral bodies sending officials to lead SADC’s observer mission to Zambia’s 2026 general election. Sports & Development: Eswatini’s EFA appointed Spanish coach Tomeu Perello Palou as Talent Coach to strengthen grassroots pathways and long-term national team structures.

UNESWA Reforms: Professor Zodwa Motsa will chair the University of Eswatini Reforms Implementation Committee, tasked with rolling out recommendations from the UNESWA Task Team and World Bank review to restore academic excellence, governance and financial sustainability. Public Service Pensions Fund: PSPF is encouraging members to take genetic profile testing so DNA profiles can be stored and used to settle inheritance and paternity disputes after a member dies. Sports & Youth: Eswatini’s athletes and coaches received N$774,000 in government rewards for medal-winning performances in the first quarter of 2026, while MPs also urged the Deputy Prime Minister to leave behind lasting policies for the next generation. Health & HIV Prevention: A NERCHA survey presented at the National HIV Prevention Indaba says young people in Eswatini still engage in unprotected sex despite access to condoms, driven by partner pressure, financial hardship and gaps in parental guidance. Governance & Services: Parliamentarians raised concerns over high consultation fees at The Luke Commission (TLC) despite a government subvention of E50 million. Regional Links: Eswatini and Egypt discussed expanding banking cooperation, including Egypt’s experience with PAPSS and plans for a pan-African gold bank. Travel & Mobility: South Africa’s official visa exemption list includes Swaziland/Eswatini for visa-free entry for up to 30 days.