AGP Executive Report

Scholarships for energy skills: Three Emaswati students have been selected for SOCAR-funded studies in Azerbaijan after King Mswati III’s May visit to Baku, with Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini urging them to stay focused and represent Eswatini responsibly abroad. Digital government finance: Eswatini Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (EPTC) is seeking a US$26m (about E455m) World Bank-backed loan to fund the Digital Eswatini Project, with government set to guarantee repayment. Tax dispute focus: The Revenue Appeals Tribunal Eswatini says it will strengthen its independence, credibility and efficiency as tax appeals rise. Road safety recall: Isuzu has recalled 2,586 D-Max bakkies across several countries, including eSwatini, over a potential brake pedal fault. Public health lawmaking: Stakeholders are pushing for tougher penalties in the proposed Tobacco and Related Products Bill to better deter offenders. Migration controls: Parliament and stakeholders discussed an Immigration Bill aimed at preventing foreign nationals from entering without a valid purpose. Business digitisation: Business Eswatini and the Revenue Service are engaging on practical rollout issues for e-invoicing. Sports & culture: The Eswatini Comedy Festival returns for its 3rd edition on Sept 25, while the Shiselweni Reed Dance logistics plan includes 50 buses to transport maidens. Scam warning: Police report a man allegedly lost over E118,000 after a caller impersonated police and tricked him into banking steps.

Justice & Accountability: Former police minister Nathi Nhleko told the Khampepe Commission that SAPS refused to fund legal costs for retired Crime Intelligence members in the 1983 abduction/murder case of ANC courier Nokuthula Simelane, stalling the prosecution. Culture & Community: A fleet of 50 prepaid buses, plus trucks and water tankers, has been lined up to transport maidens for the Shiselweni Reed Dance. Finance & Payments: Standard Bank Eswatini says it will decommission the Unayo wallet by Dec 31, 2026, pointing to the shift toward integrated digital banking after the Eswatini Payment Switch. Sports: Eswatini U-20 open CAF U-20 COSAFA qualifying against Angola on Sept 19 in Maputo; and chess history was made as liSwati CM Simphiwe Dlamini became the first local winner of the Eswatini International Chess Open. Tourism Regulation: The Eswatini Tourism Authority warns informal “bed levy” rentals will face stricter enforcement, with grading now required for establishments seeking government project consideration. Business & Safety: Isuzu has recalled thousands of RG19 D-Max bakkies in the region over a possible loose brake pedal pivot pin.

SADC Chairmanship Prep: Foreign Affairs Minister Pholile Shakantu met SADC Secretariat officials as Eswatini rolls out a government-wide induction for its Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation (Sept 8–10). Tourism & Rights: EU backs human rights and civic space work in Eswatini during a workshop marking 50 years of EU–Eswatini partnership, while the Tourism Authority tightens bed-levy enforcement and says grading will be required for establishments seeking government project consideration. Energy & Consumer Safety: Draft regulations aim to curb substandard electrical products and improve energy efficiency; meanwhile, Isuzu D-Max RG19 bakkies exported to eSwatini are recalled over a possible loose brake pedal pivot pin. Economy & Tax Tech: CBE reports gross reserves rising to E10.4bn in August and private credit growth, and retail/wholesale firms step up for the e-invoicing pilot with the ERS. Sports & Culture: Green Mamba face a tough CAF Confederation Cup second leg in Angola without three key players; Eswatini also debuts at the FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities in Uzbekistan, and the Eswatini Praise talent search has drawn 100+ auditions.

Vehicle Safety Recall: Isuzu has recalled over 2,500 2026 D-Max bakkies in Eswatini and other countries after a brake pedal pivot pin issue could reduce braking performance; owners are urged to visit dealerships for free inspection and replacement. Disability Sports: Eswatini will debut at the FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities in Samarkand (Sept 9–18) with a five-member team backed by the Eswatini Sport and Recreation Council. Youth Innovation: MTN Eswatini launched the 2026/27 PachiPanda Challenge for ages 18–35, calling for sustainable solutions for the green economy. Migration Update: South Africa’s inter-ministerial committee says violence at Che Guevara is being investigated under the government’s five-point migration plan, while deported third-country nationals sent to Eswatini are said to be allowed to move under supervision. Local Business & Finance: The Eswatini Stock Exchange opened an SME capital window, letting SMEs raise E50,000–E5m by offering 5% shares to the public, and UNDP urged firms to adopt tech and resource-efficient growth. Trade & Culture: Government backs turning Mavuso Trade Hub into a year-round commercial centre, and the October International Theatre Festival aims to revive Eswatini’s theatre scene. Sports: Nsingizini Hotspurs host Scottland in the CAF Champions League return leg after a 1-0 first-leg loss, while Moneni Pirates ended an 11-year trophy drought by winning the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup on penalties.

ASCON Expansion: The African Supply Chain Confederation welcomed four new member bodies ahead of its 2026 conference in Livingstone, Zambia (23–25 Sept), with Eswatini among the founding bloc and sponsors backing skills and innovation. Financial Inclusion Win: The Central Bank of Eswatini (CBE) earned international recognition at the AFI Global Financial Inclusion Awards, with Deputy Director Gcina Nxumalo taking a Technical Leadership Award and Linda Dlamini named a finalist. Health & Safety Alert: Parents are being warned to watch for discreet vaping devices that can look like everyday items and are reportedly making their way into schools. Deportation Clarification: Government says US deportees living in Eswatini are not prisoners and may move around under supervision, after they were seen at the Umhlanga Reed Dance. Independence Celebrations: King Charles III sent congratulations to King Mswati III and the people of Eswatini, praising the UK–Eswatini partnership and Commonwealth ties. Sports Spotlight: Moneni Pirates ended an 11-year trophy drought by beating Mbabane Highlanders on penalties to win the Trade Fair Cup, while Nsingizini Hotspurs lost 1-0 to Scottland in the CAF Champions League first leg. Security Update: Police found explosives hidden in Peak Timbers forest, with investigations pointing to possible links to illegal mining.

Independence Day Diplomacy: King Charles III praised Eswatini’s environmental efforts in his Independence Day message to King Mswati III, reaffirming UK-Eswatini ties and Commonwealth support. Theatre Revival: Eswatini’s October International Theatre Festival (OITF) is set to run 1–3 October, aiming to revive local theatre with productions, murals, school events, workshops and a street festival. Sports—CAF Champions League: Nsingizini Hotspurs coach Mandla Qhogi stayed upbeat after a 1-0 first-leg loss to Zimbabwe’s Scottland FC, despite an early red card; Scottland coach Norman Mapeza said the job is “only half done.” Local Economy: Private sector credit in Eswatini rose to E23.8bn in July, but business lending dipped while households drove most of the growth. Women & Inequality: Afrobarometer reports the urban-rural divide is widening gaps for African women in education, jobs, assets and digital access. Culture & Creativity: OITF’s push comes as Eswatini also hosts international creative projects, including a theatre tour stop for Peponi in the region.

Independence Day Diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev sent King Mswati III warm Independence Day congratulations, saying “favorable conditions” are helping strengthen Azerbaijan–Eswatini ties after the King’s WUF13 visit. CAF Champions League (Eswatini): Scottland FC edged Nsingizini Hotspurs 1-0 in the first leg; coach Norman Mapeza says the job is “only half done” ahead of the return in Eswatini, while Nsingizini’s Mandla Qhogi blamed sleepless preparation after church services near their camp. Football Discipline: Scottland benefactor Wicknell Chivayo criticised Knowledge Musona for allegedly snubbing a handshake after being substituted, as Musona’s hamstring injury keeps him out. Money Laundering Watch: Eswatini secured four upgrades in FATF-style assessments, leaving only eight recommendations below compliant levels and strengthening its fight against greylisting. Trade Fair Win: Mbabane City Council was named best exhibitor and most innovative at the Eswatini International Trade Fair, as government pushed for a permanent Mavuso trade hub. Africa Map Vote: Eswatini backed the UN “Correct the Map” resolution to address Mercator’s distorted view of Africa’s size. Child Protection: The DPM’s office says it’s scaling up awareness after cases of child neglect, including mothers facing jail for leaving babies unattended.

Independence Day Diplomacy: UAE leaders sent congratulations to King Mswati III and Prime Minister Russell Dlamini, marking Eswatini’s national holiday. Regional Security: SADC’s politics, defence and security troika is set to consider Zambia’s post-election crisis after receiving an initial observer report, with opposition leader Brian Mundubile still jailed. Money-Laundering Update: Eswatini secured four upgrades in FATF-style assessments, leaving only eight standards below “compliant” levels and strengthening its fight against greylisting. Trade Fair Momentum: Mbabane City Council won best exhibitor at the Eswatini International Trade Fair, while government backed plans to turn Mavuso into a permanent trade and investment hub. Sports—CAF Focus: Nsingizini Hotspurs and Scottland FC clash in the CAF Champions League preliminary round amid squad and discipline headlines, including Knowledge Musona’s omission after a substitution incident. Justice & Enforcement: The High Court ordered release of re-arrested Chinese nationals after earlier judgments tied to immigration and related charges. Economy & Delivery: Government projects worth about E600m are stalled due to slow cash flow, affecting schools, roads, water and livestock dipping tanks.

SADC Politics & Security: SADC’s Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation Troika is set to review Zambia’s post-election crisis after receiving a preliminary report from its election observer mission, with allegations of vote manipulation and a deadly military raid during the vote count still at the centre. Independence Day Diplomacy: UAE leaders sent congratulations to King Mswati III on Eswatini’s Independence Day, while Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev also wrote to the King saying “favorable conditions” exist to deepen Azerbaijan–Eswatini ties. Money-Laundering Watch: Eswatini improved its standing in FATF safeguards after securing four upgrades, moving to satisfactory ratings on 32 of 40 standards and leaving only eight below compliant levels. Child Protection: The Deputy Prime Minister’s Office says it is scaling up awareness after cases of child neglect reached the courts, warning parents that neglect reports will be handled through the law. Local Governance & Services: Government projects worth about E600m have reportedly stalled due to slow cash flow, leaving contractors and workers waiting and affecting schools, roads, water and livestock dipping tanks. Football (CAF): Nsingizini Hotspurs face Scottland FC in the CAF Champions League preliminary round, with coach Mandla Qhogi citing disrupted preparations but expecting tactical adjustments for Harare’s bigger pitch.

CAF Football: Eswatini’s Green Mamba beat Angola’s 1º de Agosto 2-0 in the first leg of the CAF Confederation Cup qualifying round, with an own goal (54’) and a late strike (85’); the return is next Saturday in Luanda. Discipline in Sports: Scotland FC backer Wicknell Chivayo hit out at Knowledge Musona after a substitution incident went viral, warning players against disrespecting the technical team ahead of their CAF Champions League opener versus Nsingizini Hotspurs in Harare. Royal & Community News: Uganda’s Tooro Kingdom mourns the death of King Oyo Rukidi IV, but mourners from eastern DRC are barred from attending the burial due to Ebola-related travel restrictions. Climate & Water: King Mswati III announced Eswatini’s Paris-aligned NDC 3.0 plan to cut 2.24 million tonnes of emissions by 2035 and urged faster investment to secure clean water for all by 2030. Energy Efficiency: Stakeholders are invited to comment on proposed Minimum Energy Performance Standards for appliances, with workshops scheduled across Eswatini from 8–11 September. Health & Trade: The Philippines temporarily banned FMD-susceptible animal imports and related products from 23 countries including Eswatini.

El Niño Watch: Eswatini is bracing for a very strong El Niño season from October 2026 to March 2027, with above-normal heat and eastern areas possibly hitting over 40°C, while rainfall is expected to be uneven (more in the Highveld, less in the Lowveld). Energy Policy: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy has launched stakeholder consultations on proposed Minimum Energy Performance Standards for appliances like fridges, air conditioners and lighting, with workshops across Hhohho, Manzini, Shiselweni and Lubombo. Football (CAF): Nsingizini Hotspurs face Scottland FC in the CAF Champions League preliminary round first leg in Harare on Sunday, and coach Mandla Qhogi warns Eswatini clubs to align domestic fixtures with CAF rules or risk CAF taking over the league. Sports (Local Cup): Moneni Pirates booked a semi-final spot in the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup after beating Celtics, while Green Mamba thrashed Red Rhinos 3-0 in another last-16 clash. Governance & Business: Business Eswatini is pushing for a bigger private-sector role in Eswatini’s sovereign credit rating process, saying ratings affect investment and the cost of capital. Public Health: Woolworths/Eswatini-linked recall: WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo (batch/SKU 6009233284823) is being pulled due to a bacteria found in wet manufacturing environments.

Madlanga Commission: The “Big Five” cartel probe moved from names to faces, with photos shown to the inquiry identifying five alleged leaders, including Katiso “KT” Molefe and Steve Motsumi, as the commission stresses nothing is a final guilt verdict. Immigration Activism: South African activist Phakelumthakathi Ndabandaba says he will meet QwaQwa residents in Phuthaditjhaba on 5 September to plan a 23 September march over undocumented foreign nationals. Livestock & Food Safety: Eswatini is among countries hit by the Philippines’ temporary FMD-related meat and animal import bans, while Woolworths recalls a WBeauty shampoo batch sold across Eswatini and other countries. Weather Watch: Eswatini braces for a potentially historic El Niño season, with forecasts warning of hotter-than-normal conditions and possible eastern highs above 40°C. Energy Efficiency Consultations: MNRE invites stakeholders to comment on proposed Minimum Energy Performance Standards for appliances like fridges, air conditioners and lighting. Football: Nsingizini Hotspurs face CAF Champions League duties in Zimbabwe as domestic scheduling risks league disruption if CAF requirements aren’t met.

El Niño Watch: Eswatini Meteorological Service warns of a very strong El Niño from Oct 2026 to Mar 2027, with a 90% chance of El Niño conditions and eastern areas potentially hitting above 40°C at peak. Energy Policy: Government is consulting the public on Minimum Energy Performance Standards for appliances like fridges, air conditioners and lighting, with workshops across Hhohho, Manzini, Shiselweni and Lubombo. Business & Ratings: Business Eswatini pushes for a bigger private-sector role in sovereign credit rating talks, saying ratings affect investment and the cost of capital. Football (CAF): Nsingizini Hotspurs’ coach Mandla Qhogi warns CAF could take charge of the league if domestic fixtures don’t align with continental demands; meanwhile Scottland FC begin their CAF Champions League tie against Nsingizini on Sunday. Sports & Culture: King Mswati III summons Imbali for the final Umhlanga segments, with reed registration and chastity displays scheduled for mid-September. Public Health: Woolworths recalls WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo after bacteria linked to wet manufacturing environments was found; consumers are urged to stop using and get refunds.

Energy & Investment: PM Russell Dlamini says Eswatini wants to exceed 1,000MW of domestic power by 2030 and has opened the sector to Independent Power Producers as developers, investors and owners—not just contractors—while calling for “Africa First” energy ownership and partnerships that build local jobs, skills and companies. Powering Profit: EU officials warn rising energy costs are squeezing MSMEs and could undo past development gains unless businesses invest smarter and manage energy better. Energy Prices: Fuel prices rise from Sept 4—petrol up E1.30/l, diesel and paraffin up E1.35/l—citing global supply constraints. Governance & Economy: CSO reports GDP grew 4.8% in 2025 to E96.6bn, led by the tertiary sector; government provisionally set aside E160m for public service salary review appeals. Security: Police seized 58 illegal firearms and 509 rounds of ammo during the AU Firearm Surrender Amnesty period. Youth & Sports: ENYC launches a grassroots drive to train 489 youth leaders; Netball Eswatini budgets E200,000 for men’s Africa Netball Cup qualifiers in Kenya. Business & Society: EIPA says it targets investors who comply with laws and build local careers; Woolworths recalls a clarifying shampoo sold in South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini.

Economy Update: Eswatini’s GDP hit E96.6bn in 2025, with 4.8% real growth, driven mainly by a stronger services sector. Public Service Pay: Government has provisionally set aside E160m to handle 2025 salary review appeals, with processing still under way after the August 31 deadline. Security: Police seized 58 illegal firearms and 509 rounds of ammunition over the past year, arresting 87 people during the period. Energy & Investment: UNDP urged businesses to invest smarter—not just raise prices—while Eswatini pushes energy partnerships that create jobs, skills, and local companies. Digital & Media: MTN’s Pan-African Media Innovation Programme welcomed its first cohort of 42 from 10 countries, and ESCCOM granted two new commercial radio licences. Sports & Culture: Netball Eswatini budgeted E200,000 for the Africa Netball Cup; the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup quarterfinals are set for a packed night; and Eswatini Praise drew 100+ gospel auditions in hours.

Deportations in the spotlight: Miami detainees say the US sent them to West Africa under “third-country” deportation plans, with claims of restraints and night-time transfers after Liberia refused to accept them. Energy for jobs: Eswatini’s PM Russell Mmiso Dlamini urged African ownership in energy, while Eswatini called for investor models that create local companies, skills and employment—not just infrastructure. Investment gatekeeping: EIPA says it is targeting “responsible” investors who comply with labour laws and build local leadership, warning against quick-profit operators that bypass rules. Energy transition goes digital: Eswatini and Namibia opened rooftop solar embedded-generation application portals to speed approvals and improve transparency. Health funding squeeze: Malawi is among countries facing major US health financing cuts to 2030, raising co-financing and alignment concerns. Sport and culture: Netball Eswatini budgeted E200,000 for the Africa Netball Cup; football drama hit the Trade Fair Cup after Red Rhinos failed to show, while CAF Champions League tickets for Nsingizini Hotspurs vs Scottland go on sale at US$5. Tech and youth: Eswatini Mobile launched “Siyabangena More ngeli Million” (E1m in prizes) and the ICT ministry ran digital skills workshops at Mavuso Trade Centre. Governance and integrity: Home Affairs handled 297 services at EITF in one day, and a Home Affairs official was found guilty in the “Cat” Matlala ID saga.