AGP Executive Report

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.

Aviation & Work Recognition: RENAC honoured 21 employees with long-service awards and recognised one retiring pilot, Captain Robert Dlamini, for decades of aviation leadership. Football Governance: The Premier League of Eswatini apologised after abandoning the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup Last 16 match between Green Mamba and Red Rhinos, saying Red Rhinos failed to show up; the matter goes before the F.A. Disciplinary Committee on 2 September. Energy Transition: ESERA opened an online rooftop solar application portal for embedded generation up to 2MW, aiming to cut red tape and boost participation in the green economy. Broadcasting Jobs: ESCCOM issued free-to-air commercial radio licences to SakhaLive FM and Icon Connect Radio, expected to bring more content diversity and create roles across the media value chain. Public Service at EITF: Home Affairs handled 297 service activities at the Eswatini International Trade Fair, including passport processing and late birth registrations. Corruption Crackdown: A Civil Service Commission ruling found a Home Affairs official guilty of unlawfully issuing an Eswatini ID linked to “Cat” Matlala, raising questions about broader document fraud. Security & Trade: Police and the National Maize Corporation launched an investigation after intercepting two trucks suspected of smuggling white maize through Ngwenya Border Gate. Sports Funding Debate: Namibia’s Mwiya urged a rethink of sport financing models, pushing for diversified, sustainable funding beyond government handouts.

Regional Diplomacy: Eswatini’s Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla arrived in Zambia to attend President-elect Hakainde Hichilema’s inauguration, as Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan and other heads of state also touched down in Lusaka. Women’s Rights & UNGA81: Ahead of the 81st UN General Assembly, a SHE & Rights session warned that “family, values, culture, religion and sovereignty” narratives are being used to dilute women’s and girls’ rights, stressing implementation and accountability. Sports & Community: Eswatini’s 8Bet Trade Fair Cup action continues with Mbabane Swallows setting up a derby after beating Rangers, while Green Mamba prepare for a CAF Confederation Cup preliminary clash against Angola’s 1º de Agosto. Culture & Tourism: Umhlanga reed delivery drew thousands at Ludzidzini, and the Reed Dance is credited with lifting tourism revenue to E1 billion. Business & Safety: MTN’s Pan-African Media Innovation Programme welcomed its first cohort including Eswatini participants; meanwhile South Africa’s NCC announced a Ford Ranger airbag recall that also covers vehicles exported to Eswatini. US Deportations: Reports say the US is expanding “third country” deportations, including flights that have dropped detainees in Eswatini.

Regional Diplomacy: Eswatini’s Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla arrived in Lusaka to attend the inauguration of Zambia’s President-elect Hakainde Hichilema, joining other regional leaders including Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan and Botswana’s Duma Boko. Trade & Investment: Shoprite says it has bought South Africa’s Vida e Caffè (Vida) to expand in coffee and quick-service restaurants, with Vida’s footprint including Eswatini. Safety Recall: South Africa’s National Consumer Commission announced a Ford Ranger Double Cab recall affecting 2,275 vehicles (including 7 exported to Eswatini), after concerns that side curtain airbags may interact with B-pillar trim and fail to deploy properly. Culture & Community: Umhlanga reed delivery at Ludzidzini drew thousands of maidens, while Phakel’umthakathi Ndabandaba urged men to back the King’s role in protecting the girl child and fighting GBV. Economy & Energy: Eskom is eyeing renewed industrial demand and electricity exports, including potential return of Mozambique’s Mozal smelter. Tourism: Reed Dance tourism is credited with lifting international visitor numbers and revenue to E1 billion. Sports: Mbabane Swallows set up a derby after beating Rangers 4-1 in the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup.

Royal Health Watch: A newly surfaced video of King Mswati III at a formal ceremony has sparked fresh online concern after viewers said he looked noticeably thinner than usual. Gender-Based Violence Call: At the Umhlanga Reed Dance at Ludzidzini, South African traditional healer Nkosikhona “Phakel’umthakathi” Ndabandaba urged men to take responsibility for protecting girls and women from GBV. Regional Sports: Nsingizini Hotspurs face Scottland FC in a CAF Champions League tie, with Scottland announcing gate charges and noting the National Sports Stadium’s CAF readiness. Road Safety Recall: South Africa’s National Consumer Commission says 2,275 Ford Ranger Double Cabs (including some exported to Eswatini) are under recall over a side-curtain airbag/B-pillar trim defect that could cause injury; repairs are free. Deportations: Reports say the US has expanded “third-country” deportations, including flights sending people to Eswatini. Education Funding Pressure: Eswatini teachers’ union SNAT warns that despite more attention to education financing, chronic underinvestment and teacher shortages still undermine quality schooling. Umhlanga Culture: Thousands of maidens gathered at Ludzidzini for the Reed Dance, reinforcing Swazi cultural traditions around chastity and respect.