AGP Executive Report

Mbabane City & Culture: The Municipal Council of Mbabane says it wants a true 24-hour “living city” as it launches the October International Theatre Festival, running Oct 1–3 at the Eswatini Theatre Club. Energy Education Diplomacy: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini bid farewell to three students heading to Azerbaijan on SOCAR scholarships—two for petroleum engineering and one for chemical engineering focused on oil and gas. Disability Inclusion & Budgeting: The Deputy Prime Minister’s Office urged ministries to turn Eswatini’s Costed National Disability Action Plan (2024–2028) into real budget lines, with communications officers tasked to drive implementation. Parliament Oversight: PM Russell Dlamini and senators toured the E52m Matsapha Waste Management Plant and the oxygen facility, flagging operational challenges for follow-up in Parliament. Judiciary: Reports say Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala has died after treatment in South Africa. Tax & Governance: Revenue Appeals Tribunal members were sworn in as it pledges independence, credibility and faster handling of rising tax appeals. Regional Security: Eswatini reaffirmed its commitment to peace and stability after assuming SADC’s Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation chairmanship. Migration Politics: A report highlights growing criticism of US “third-country” deportation arrangements, with Eswatini named among countries accepting deportees. Digital Economy Finance: Parliament is set to consider a World Bank-backed loan guarantee for EPTC’s Digital Eswatini Project.

Energy & Scholarships: Three Emaswati students have been sent to Azerbaijan on SOCAR-backed scholarships after King Mswati III’s May visit to Baku, with Prime Minister Russell Dlamini urging them to stay focused and represent Eswatini responsibly. Parliament Oversight: PM Russell Dlamini and senators toured the E52m Matsapha National Waste Management Plant and the Oxygen Plant, with lawmakers saying the on-the-ground checks will shape how they support government in Parliament. Digital Government Finance: Eswatini Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (EPTC) is seeking a US$26m (about E455m) World Bank loan for the Digital Eswatini Project, with a draft Loan Guarantee Bill tabled in Parliament. Tax Disputes: The Revenue Appeals Tribunal Eswatini says it will strengthen its independence, credibility and efficiency as tax appeals rise, following the swearing-in of new members in Mbabane. Migration & Rights Pressure: US deportee arrangements under “third-country” deals are drawing criticism, with calls for governments to publish full agreements after deportees are moved to African states including Eswatini. Public Safety: Police report a Manzini man allegedly lost over E118,000 after being tricked by a caller impersonating police. Trade & Compliance: Business Eswatini is pushing for practical, well-timed rollout of e-invoicing, warning success depends on integration, costs and clear guidance for businesses. Health Policy: A draft Tobacco Control Bill is set to tighten rules, with stakeholders calling for harsher penalties to deter offenders. Tourism Regulation: The Eswatini Tourism Authority says bed-levy compliance will be enforced more strictly, and grading will be required for establishments seeking government project consideration.

SAPS & TRC Simelane case: Former police minister Nathi Nhleko told the Khampepe Commission that SAPS refused to fund legal costs for retired Crime Intelligence members linked to the 1983 abduction, murder and disappearance of ANC courier Nokuthula Simelane, stalling the process. Anti-corruption & procurement: Senator Isaac Magagula warned that procurement violations are bleeding government coffers and urged they be covered under Eswatini’s proposed whistleblower protection framework. Parliament & central bank audit: MPs are set to move a motion to amend the Central Bank of Eswatini Order so the Office of the Auditor General can audit the CBE, balancing accountability with operational independence. SADC chairmanship prep: Foreign Affairs Minister Pholile Shakantu met SADC Secretariat officials as Eswatini begins a government-wide induction for its chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. Tourism regulation crackdown: The Eswatini Tourism Authority says bed-levy compliance will be enforced more strictly, with National Grading Programme participation required for establishments seeking government project consideration. Energy standards: Natural Resources and Energy Ministry has started consultations on draft regulations to curb substandard electrical and electronic products and improve safety and energy efficiency. Sports & culture: Eswatini’s chess federation makes history with a debut team at the FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities; meanwhile, 50 buses are being readied to transport maidens for the Shiselweni Reed Dance.

Anti-Corruption & Accountability: Senator Isaac Magagula says procurement violations are draining government coffers and should be explicitly covered in Eswatini’s proposed whistleblower protection framework, warning that without strong safeguards, people won’t report wrongdoing. Tourism Regulation Crackdown: The Eswatini Tourism Authority will tighten bed levy compliance and require participation in the National Grading Programme for establishments seeking government project consideration, after reporting low declaration and collection rates. Public Safety & Consumer Protection: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy has started consultations on draft regulations to curb substandard electrical and electronic products, aiming for safer markets and better energy efficiency. Human Rights & Civic Space: The EU backed human rights and civic space work in Eswatini during a workshop in Pigg’s Peak, stressing support for local voices and stronger rights-protection systems as the partnership marks 50 years. Regional Security Coordination: Foreign Affairs Minister Pholile Shakantu met SADC officials as Eswatini begins a government-wide induction for its SADC chairmanship of the Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. Governance Oversight Push: MPs are moving to amend the Central Bank of Eswatini Order to allow the Auditor General to audit the CBE, balancing operational independence with constitutional accountability.

Disability Sports Milestone: Eswatini will debut a five-member team at the 2026 FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities in Samarkand (Sept 9–18), backed by the Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council. Youth Innovation & Jobs: MTN Eswatini launched the 2026/27 PachiPanda Challenge (ages 18–35) to fund sustainable solutions for the green economy. Migration & Security: South Africa’s Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi condemned violence at Che Guevara and said immigration management stays with government; separate figures show 86,596 foreign nationals processed for deportation/repatriation (June 14–Aug 20). Deportees’ Rights in Eswatini: Government says US-deported third-country nationals are not prisoners and may move under supervision, including at major cultural events. Trade & Finance Push: The Eswatini Stock Exchange opened an SME capital window—raise E50,000 to E5m by offering 5% shares—while government backs turning Mavuso into a year-round trade hub. Independence Diplomacy: SADC and UK King Charles III sent congratulations to Eswatini on 58 years of independence. Local Governance Watch: EMCU council alleges committee chair Mbuso Simelane tried to divert E10m public funds. Sports & Culture: Moneni Pirates won the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup on penalties; parents are warned about vaping devices entering schools.

Migration Management Update: South Africa’s Inter-Ministerial Committee chair Mmamoloko Kubayi says authorities processed 86,596 foreign nationals for deportation and repatriation between 14 June and 20 August, with 4,200 intercepted trying to enter outside ports of entry from April to July—nearly 90,000 in total. Deportees’ Rights Clarified: Eswatini’s government says US “third-country” deportees are not prisoners and may move under supervision, after they were seen at the Umhlanga Reed Dance. Legal/Accountability Fight: Eswatini Medical Christian University council alleges committee chair Mbuso Simelane tried to divert E10m in public funds, citing a conflict of interest. Sports—CAF Pressure: Nsingizini Hotspurs coach Mandla Qhogi says Scottland’s job is “only half done” after a 1-0 first-leg loss in Harare, while Scottland coach Norman Mapeza warns the return leg is still tough. Finance & Inclusion: Eswatini’s Central Bank won international recognition at the AFI Global Financial Inclusion Awards, with awards for SME finance technical leadership and a fintech/digital services finalist. Public Safety: Parents are warned as vapes—often disguised as everyday items—are reportedly reaching schools. Independence Diplomacy: King Charles praised Eswatini’s environmental efforts and reaffirmed UK ties in his Independence Day message.

Independence Day Diplomacy: King Charles III praised Eswatini’s environmental efforts in a message to King Mswati III, reaffirming UK-Eswatini ties and Commonwealth links. Regional Security Watch: SADC’s Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation is set to review Zambia’s post-election crisis after receiving an observer mission report, with King Mswati III expected to convene member states. Local Governance & Trade: Mbabane City Council won best exhibitor and most innovative exhibitor at the Eswatini International Trade Fair, as government backed plans to upgrade Mavuso into a permanent trade and investment hub. Public Finance Signals: Central Bank data shows private sector credit rose slightly to E23.8bn in July, but business lending dipped while household borrowing grew. Social Welfare Enforcement: Eswatini’s DPM’s office says it is targeting child neglect, with authorities warning parents that neglect reports will be handled through the law. Culture & Theatre: The October International Theatre Festival (OITF) returns to Mbabane from Oct 1–3, aiming to revive Eswatini’s theatre scene with productions, murals, schools events and workshops. Sports (CAF): Nsingizini Hotspurs coach Mandla Qhogi stayed optimistic after a 1-0 first-leg loss to Scottland FC, while Scottland’s Norman Mapeza said the job is “only half done” ahead of the return leg.

Independence Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev sent King Mswati III a Independence Day message, saying “favorable conditions” have been created for stronger Azerbaijan–Eswatini ties after the King’s WUF13 visit to Baku. Regional Security: SADC’s politics, defence and security troika—chaired by King Mswati III—will move to address Zambia’s post-election crisis after receiving an observer mission preliminary report, with allegations of vote manipulation and a deadly raid during the count. Anti-Money Laundering: Eswatini secured four upgrades in FATF-style assessments, leaving only eight recommendations below compliant levels, as the country works to avoid greylisting. Local Governance & Trade: Mbabane City Council won top exhibitor and innovation awards at the Eswatini International Trade Fair, as government backed plans to turn Mavuso into a permanent trade and investment hub. Public Services Pressure: Government projects worth about E600m are stalled due to slow cash flow, leaving contractors and communities waiting on schools, roads, water and livestock dipping tanks. Social Welfare: Mercy Mission is urgently seeking public and business support after donor losses threaten its Orphan 7 and Imam Development Program across 14 countries.

Trade Fair & Local Governance: Mbabane Municipal Council was named the most innovative and best exhibitor at the Eswatini International Trade Fair, with government backing for plans to upgrade Mavuso into a permanent, year-round trade and investment hub. Public Finance & Service Delivery: Government projects worth about E600 million have stalled due to slow cash flow, leaving contractors unpaid and communities waiting on schools, roads, water works and livestock dipping tanks. Anti-Money Laundering: Eswatini secured four upgrades in its FATF-style money-laundering assessment, bringing it to satisfactory levels on 32 of 40 standards and reducing the risk of greylisting. Justice & Immigration Enforcement: The High Court granted release to 25 Chinese nationals after an earlier order, following arrests tied to alleged illegal online gambling and immigration-related charges. Social Welfare: The DPM’s office says it is ramping up awareness after court cases involving mothers charged with child neglect for leaving infants unattended. Regional Security: SADC Troika is set to consider Zambia’s post-election crisis after receiving a preliminary observer report. Diplomacy: UAE leaders sent Independence Day congratulations to King Mswati III, while Azerbaijan’s Ilham Aliyev also wrote to the King citing “favorable conditions” for stronger ties.

SADC Security Watch: SADC’s Troika is set to move on Zambia’s post-election crisis after receiving a preliminary observer report, with allegations of vote manipulation and a military raid that left opposition figure Mutotwe Kafwaya dead. Independence Diplomacy: UAE leaders sent congratulations to King Mswati III on Independence Day, while Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev also wrote to the King citing “favorable conditions” to deepen bilateral ties after a May visit. Public Finance Pressure: Government projects worth about E600 million are stalled due to slow cash flow, leaving contractors and workers unpaid and delaying schools, roads, water works and livestock dipping tanks. Justice Update: The High Court granted leave for 25 Chinese nationals to execute an earlier release order after immigration and gambling-related arrests tied to raids in Mbabane. Anti-Money Laundering: Eswatini secured four upgrades in its FATF-style money-laundering assessment, leaving only eight recommendations below compliant levels. Social Welfare: The DPM’s office says it is stepping up awareness after court cases involving mothers charged for child neglect linked to leaving babies while socialising. Regional Health Controls: Uganda barred mourners from eastern DRC from attending the burial of Tooro King Oyo, citing Ebola-related restrictions. Capital Markets Push: The Eswatini Stock Exchange unveiled “Kwakhanya 2030” to reposition the bourse as a driver of wealth creation and business growth.

Government Finance Crunch: About E600m in approved Eswatini projects has stalled due to slow cash flow, leaving contractors and workers unpaid and delaying schools, roads, water infrastructure and livestock dipping tanks. Trade Fair Push: Eswatini Railways (ESR) used the 58th EITF to showcase a joint regional rail logistics push with Mozambique’s CFM and South Africa’s Transnet Freight Rail and Transnet Engineering. High Court Immigration Ruling: The High Court granted 25 Chinese nationals leave to execute an earlier order for release after arrests tied to alleged illegal online gambling and immigration-related charges. King’s Golf Cup Funding: King Mswati III challenged the King’s Cup Golf committee to raise E10m in sponsorship, aiming to lift the winner’s purse to E5m. Climate and Water Priorities: The King announced a Paris-compliant NDC 3.0 plan to cut 2.24m tonnes of emissions by 2035 and urged accelerated investment for clean water for all by 2030. El Niño Warning: Eswatini Meteorological Services warns of a very strong El Niño season (Oct 2026–Mar 2027), with eastern temperatures potentially exceeding 40°C. Private Sector on Ratings: Business Eswatini wants a bigger role in sovereign credit rating processes, saying ratings affect business investment and borrowing costs.

Weather & Disaster Readiness: Eswatini is bracing for a very strong El Niño season from October 2026 to March 2027, with a 90%+ chance of El Niño conditions and forecasts pointing to hotter days (east possibly above 40°C) and a drier, high-risk drought outlook. Energy Policy: Government says it wants to exceed 1,000MW of domestic electricity generation by 2030, pushing hydropower, biomass cogeneration, clean coal and solar with storage, while opening the sector to independent power producers on an ownership-focused model. Sovereign Credit & Business Climate: Business Eswatini is urging wider private-sector input into the sovereign credit rating process, warning that ratings affect investment and the cost of capital. Local Governance & Youth: The Eswatini National Youth Council launches a nationwide drive to strengthen youth representation at grassroots level, training 489 youth leaders across 59 Tinkhundla. Immigration Activism: South African activist “Phakelumthakthi” Ndabandaba says he will meet QwaQwa residents in Phuthaditjhaba and help plan a 23 September march over undocumented foreign nationals. Regional Football: Nsingizini Hotspurs coach Mandla Qhogi warns that failing to align domestic fixtures with CAF requirements could lead to CAF taking charge of the league. Public Safety: Police report seizing 58 illegal firearms and 509 rounds of ammunition. Economy & Trade: Officials and business leaders at the Eswatini International Trade Fair push MSMEs to move from survival to growth, productivity and competitiveness, with emphasis on value addition and green production.

El Niño Watch: Eswatini is bracing for a potentially historic El Niño season (Oct 2026–Mar 2027), with forecasts pointing to above-normal temperatures and eastern areas possibly exceeding 40°C, plus rainfall patterns that could still bring drought stress. Energy & Investment: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini says Eswatini aims to exceed 1,000MW of domestic power by 2030 and has opened the sector to Independent Power Producers—pushing for partnerships that deliver local ownership, jobs, skills, and industrial capacity. Local Economy & Credit: Business Eswatini is urging stronger private-sector input into the sovereign credit rating process, warning that ratings affect investment confidence and the cost of capital. Youth Representation: The Eswatini National Youth Council launches a nationwide drive to train 489 youth leaders across 59 Tinkhundla to strengthen grassroots participation and ensure youth concerns reach decision-makers. Governance & Culture: The King summons Imbali for the final segment of the Umhlanga Ceremony, setting out the next steps for reed registration and the main displays. Regional Politics: Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla returns from Zambia carrying King Mswati III’s message of peace and prosperity after President Hakainde Hichilema’s inauguration. Cross-border Tensions: South African activist Phakelumthakathi Ndabandaba says he “hates nobody” and denies forcing Emaswati out, after appearing at the Mbabane bus rank and during Umhlanga events. Football & CAF: Nsingizini Hotspurs coach Mandla Qhogi warns that poor domestic scheduling could put Eswatini’s league at risk if CAF takes control. Crime Inquiry Context: In South Africa’s Madlanga Commission, “Big Five” cartel photos reportedly put faces to names linked to alleged criminal networks reaching into police, courts and politics.

Rule-of-law Pressure: Taiwan’s UN message warns the rules-based order is under strain as authoritarian states challenge UN Charter principles, with the Indo-Pacific facing grey-zone pressure. Weather & Food Security: Eswatini braces for a potentially historic El Niño season (Oct 2026–Mar 2027), with forecasts pointing to above-normal heat and drought risk. Energy & Local Ownership: PM Russell Dlamini says Eswatini aims to exceed 1,000MW by 2030 and has opened the electricity sector to IPPs as developers/owners, not just contractors, while fuel prices rise. Private Sector & Ratings: Business Eswatini pushes for a stronger private-sector role in sovereign credit rating processes, linking fiscal credibility to business investment and the cost of capital. Governance & Pay: Government provisionally sets aside E160m for appeals tied to the 2025 public service salary review. Youth Representation: ENYC launches a nationwide drive to train 489 youth leaders across 59 Tinkhundla to strengthen grassroots voices. Regional Diplomacy: DPM Thulisile Dladla returns from Zambia carrying King Mswati III’s message of peace and prosperity for President Hichilema’s second term.

Energy & Investment Push: PM Russell Dlamini says Eswatini aims to exceed 1,000MW of domestic power by 2030, targeting hydropower, biomass cogeneration, clean coal and utility-scale solar with storage, while opening the sector to IPPs as developers, investors and owners—not just contractors. Local Ownership Agenda: Dlamini also urged an “Africa First” shift toward African ownership of capital, technology and enterprises, arguing sovereignty must include the capacity to feed, power and finance economies. Energy Costs Bite MSMEs: EU Chargé d’Affaires José Becerra warned rising energy costs are undermining development gains and urged smarter partnerships to protect small businesses. Fuel Price Update: Motorists face higher prices from Friday: petrol up E1.30/litre, diesel and illuminating paraffin up E1.35/litre, blamed on global supply constraints and crude price rises. Governance & Pay: Government provisionally set aside E160m for appeals linked to the 2025 public service salary review, with processing still underway after the August 31 deadline. Security: Police seized 58 illegal firearms and 509 rounds of ammunition, arresting 87 people, as September’s AU Firearm Surrender Amnesty Month begins. Youth & Community: ENYC launched a drive to strengthen grassroots youth representation, training 489 youth leaders across 59 Tinkhundla.

Energy & Cost of Living: Fuel prices are set to rise from Friday, with petrol up by E1.30/litre, diesel by E1.35 and illuminating paraffin by E1.35, blamed on tighter global supply and higher crude prices. Energy Ownership & Investment: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini says Eswatini is opening its energy sector to investors, but wants developers and IPPs to participate as owners—pushing “Africa First” local control, jobs and skills. Business Competitiveness: UNDP warns firms not to just raise prices; they should cut inefficiencies and invest smarter, including energy management and properly designed renewables. MSME Finance & Growth: Commerce Minister Manqoba Khumalo urged MSMEs to move from survival to growth, calling for financing models that match real business needs and connect firms to markets. Agriculture for Trade: Agriculture officials say Eswatini must shift to green production and high-value crops, moving up the value chain through agro-processing. Youth Representation: ENYC launches a rollout to train 489 youth leaders across 59 Tinkhundla to strengthen grassroots voices. Public Service Pay Appeals: Government provisionally set aside E160m for appeals linked to the 2025 public service salary review. Security: Police seized 58 illegal firearms and 509 rounds of ammunition, urging surrender during the AU amnesty month. Media & Jobs: ESCCOM granted two free-to-air commercial radio licences, expected to expand content and create jobs across the broadcasting value chain. Economy Snapshot: CSO reports GDP at E96.6bn in 2025 with real growth of 4.8%, driven mainly by the tertiary sector. Sports & Governance: Football authorities face fresh backlash after Manzini Wanderers’ disputed bid to return to the top flight and a cancelled Trade Fair Cup tie.