Bushfire Festival Economy Push: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini urged MTN Bushfire to double its economic injection for next year, after last year’s E121.2 million impact, setting expectations of at least E242 million as the country targets two million visitors. Border Traffic & Tourism Flow: Ngwenya Border Post saw heavy queues and packed mini-buses as thousands streamed in for the 2026 MTN Bushfire Festival, with officials and police managing the surge. Youth Creativity Spotlight: Over 600 pupils from 42 schools showcased youth talent at the EU Bushfire Schools Festival at House on Fire, led by cultural expert Allington Ndlovu, with performances built around “Art in Action: Future in the Making.” UAE–Eswatini Visa Deal: The UAE and Eswatini finalised a mutual visa waiver agreement to streamline travel, boost people-to-people links, and support business and diplomatic exchanges. Copyright & Creative Economy: ESWACOS says the first distribution of royalties is expected in the 2026/27 financial year, after licensing and music tariff frameworks were approved and licensing began in January. Education Discipline: The Teaching Service Commission fired a teacher accused of chasing a headteacher with a knife at St Philomena Primary School in 2023. Regional Media Freedom Watch: Afrobarometer reports perceived freedom of speech is declining across Africa, with Eswatini among the lowest at 18%. Taiwan Diplomacy Debate: Commentary and polling continue to frame Taiwan’s outreach to Eswatini as politically driven, while Taiwan’s Mainland Affairs Council survey shows strong support for cross-strait peace and stability.