AGP Executive Report

SADC Summit Watch: South Africa is set to host the 46th SADC Heads of State and Government summit in Durban on Aug 17, with President Ramaphosa taking over the SADC chair for 2026/27 as leaders push industrialisation, infrastructure, food security and regional integration. Cyber & Crime: Eswatini is flagged as having just 0.2% of Africa’s detected cyber vulnerabilities, but police warn the low share still signals risk given the country’s size; meanwhile, courts and police continue cracking down on illegal gambling and immigration offences, including a High Court order releasing re-arrested Chinese nationals. Competition Commission Legal Battle: Swazipharm Wholesalers and Kareem Ashraff score a second win as the Competition Commission board dismisses the secretariat’s bid to overturn an earlier merger ruling. Energy Jobs: Government launches the E200m Nsoko Solar Power Plant, targeting 80 construction jobs and 10 permanent roles while feeding the grid under a 25-year power deal. Regional Football: CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers in Gaborone see Nsingizini Hotspurs drawn against Mamelodi Sundowns, Costa do Sol and Silver Strikers; CAF Champions League preliminary draw also gets underway in Cairo. Health & Rights: UNAIDS reports major HIV progress, while Talitha Kum says its anti-trafficking network expanded across 113 countries—plus community leaders warn 2030 AIDS/TB goals won’t land without real people-led funding and power. Local Governance & Justice: A Mbabane lawyer faces a fraud case after E1.5m allegedly went missing from a deceased estate, as officials point to irregular transactions. Tech & Media: IP experts urge entrepreneurs and media houses to protect ideas and secure music licences as copyright enforcement tightens.

Eswatini Copyright Crackdown: Media houses and broadcasters have been warned to secure explicit music licences as the country tightens enforcement of intellectual property rules, with ESCASO urging creators to be paid fairly and journalists to educate the public. Human Trafficking Watch: Talitha Kum says its sister-led anti-trafficking network reached 1.21 million people in 2025 and expanded into Eswatini, warning that online scams and modern slavery are evolving fast. DRC Health Fears for Junior Magagula: Eswatini midfielder Junior Magagula’s transfer to AS Maniema Union comes amid Ebola concerns in the DRC, but his agent says he is safe and the move is manageable. Women’s Football Draw: Nsingizini Hotspurs Ladies face Mamelodi Sundowns, Costa do Sol and Silver Strikers in CAF Women’s Champions League/COSAFA qualifiers in Gaborone, while Silver Strikers also land in the same tough Group B. Debt Reassurance: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg says Eswatini’s public debt remains sustainable, putting the debt-to-GDP ratio at about 45%. Regional Economic Pressure: Economists warn South Africa’s diesel hike could raise costs in Eswatini, given heavy reliance on imports. Eswatini-Taiwan Diplomacy: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te reaffirmed cooperation with Eswatini after meeting PM Russell Dlamini, highlighting energy, public health, digital transformation and industry ties.

Eswatini-Taiwan Diplomacy: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini met Taiwan President Lai Ching-te in Taipei, reaffirming long-standing ties and pushing deeper cooperation on trade, investment, digital transformation, healthcare, education, agriculture, renewable energy and youth empowerment. Indo-Pacific Security & Governance: At the 10th Ketagalan Forum, King Mswati III (via Dlamini) said democracy and peace can’t be exported, while Lai urged democracies to resist China’s transnational repression. Public Finance: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg told the nation Eswatini’s public debt remains manageable, citing a debt-to-GDP ratio around 45% and stressing investor confidence. Economy & Jobs: Government-backed projects are moving ahead: SAPEMP shifts into implementation targeting about 19,600 smallholder households (E851m) and Jeroma Manufacturing in Matsanjeni has created 310 jobs with plans to reach 400. Agriculture Exports: A macadamia processing plant in Matsapha is nearing commissioning, aiming to boost value addition and export earnings. Sports (Women’s Football): Nsingizini Hotspurs face a tough CAF/COSAFA qualifier draw in Group B against Mamelodi Sundowns, Costa do Sol and Silver Strikers, while COSAFA qualifiers also set Gaborone United Ladies vs ZESCO Ndola Girls, Herentals Queens and LDF in Group A. Social Inclusion: Eswatini launched its first Disability Trolley Dash to spotlight barriers in retail shopping and push for better accessibility and customer support.

Anti-Trafficking Warning: Talitha Kum says modern human trafficking is evolving fast, with online scams and cyber-enabled exploitation becoming a top alarm, as the group’s 2025 report estimates 50 million people trapped in modern slavery and highlights how conflict, displacement and inequality deepen vulnerability. Local Justice & Rights: Eswatini’s first Disability Trolley Dash at Mashayitafula Pick & Pay spotlights barriers in retail access and calls for better communication and customer support for persons with disabilities. Economic Policy in Focus: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini pushes deeper Eswatini–Taiwan ties on trade, investment and skills during the Ketagalan Forum, while government also presents a national climate plan to Cabinet and Senators, linking emissions cuts and adaptation to youth unemployment, poverty and climate shocks. Implementation on the Ground: SAPEMP has moved into implementation, targeting about 19,600 smallholder households with market access and climate resilience support. Sports & Regional Competition: Nsingizini Hotspurs learn a tough CAF Women’s Champions League/COSAFA Qualifier route, drawn in Group B against Mamelodi Sundowns, Costa do Sol and Silver Strikers. Governance Watch: Maseru City Council in Lesotho ousts Mayor Relebohile Sechache after a no-confidence motion, triggering new leadership at the capital authority.

US Deportations Scrutiny: A report says the US has been sending people to “third countries” in Africa, including Eswatini, even when they had protection in the US—raising non-refoulement and due-process concerns. Taiwan-Eswatini Security Diplomacy: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini arrived in Taiwan for the 10th Ketagalan Forum, promising deeper trade, investment and technology cooperation and highlighting Indo-Pacific security dialogue. Online Media Regulation: Eswatini’s government is being pressed in Parliament to explain how it will regulate online media platforms and close an uneven playing field with traditional broadcasters. Chinese Nationals’ Detention Challenge: Eleven Chinese nationals have gone to the High Court seeking release from Sidwashini while awaiting deportation, arguing detention is unlawful and asking for repatriation timelines. Economy Watch: The AfDB projects Eswatini will grow about 4.6% in 2026, ranking among Southern Africa’s stronger performers. Agriculture Jobs Push: The agriculture minister calls for more agro-processing to cut imports and keep more money in the local economy. Community Infrastructure: A new Nkosinathi suspension footbridge project aims to end dangerous crocodile crossings to reach schools and clinics.

Indo-Pacific Diplomacy: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini has reaffirmed Eswatini’s long-standing partnership with Taiwan and is in Taipei for the Ketagalan Forum, where he will deliver the opening keynote and hold high-level talks with President Lai Ching-te. Regional Security: King Mswati III marked Eswatini’s assumption of SARPCCO chairmanship, saying it puts the Kingdom at the centre of Southern Africa’s fight against transnational crime. Public Safety & Policing: REPS says it will not spare anyone in the online gambling probe, warning that political influence will not stop arrests. Local Governance & Land: King intervened to stop eviction threats at Ncangosini by directing government to buy the farm and convert it into Swazi Nation Land for residents. Community Infrastructure: A new Nkosinathi suspension footbridge is launched to end dangerous crocodile crossings, while Manyovu High School received an E450,000 WASH handover for reliable water. Economy & Tax: Eswatini Revenue Service begins targeted work on high-net-worth individual taxation with ATAF support. Agriculture & Jobs: The agriculture ministry calls for more agro-processing investment to cut E2.2bn in imported processed foods and retain value locally. Sports & Football: Eswatini’s CAF club campaigns begin with draws in Cairo, with Green Mamba and Nsingizini representing the Kingdom.

Cross-Border Human Impact: An Eswatini long-distance bus driver, Themba Ncongwane, died while transporting deported Malawian nationals from South Africa, highlighting the deadly risks around regional deportations and returns. Financial Integrity & Oversight: South Africa’s Public Investment Corporation (PIC) is under renewed scrutiny after leadership and governance questions, with President Ramaphosa insisting there is no “crisis” despite turmoil and resignations. Digital Finance Regulation: The South African Reserve Bank proposes strict rules for cross-border crypto transactions, including authorisation and reporting requirements for crypto service providers. Migration & Social Security: SADC is urged to fix social security gaps as displaced migrants lose access to pensions and unemployment benefits they contributed to in South Africa. Local Governance Relief: King Mswati III intervened to stop eviction threats at Ncangosini by directing government to buy the farm and convert it into Swazi Nation Land. Tax Reform Focus: Eswatini Revenue Service moves to build a high-net-worth taxation framework with technical support from ATAF, aiming to improve compliance and revenue mobilisation. Policing & Gambling Crackdown: Police Commissioner Vusi Masango says the online gambling investigation will not spare anyone, regardless of rank or political influence. Payments Security Push: CBE Governor Phil Mnisi warns residents to avoid large cash withdrawals and use traceable electronic payments. Regional Security Leadership: King Mswati III marks Eswatini’s chairing of SARPCCO as a key step in coordinated action against transnational crime. HIV Funding Alarm: AIDS 2026 reports warn global HIV funding fell sharply in 2025, with new infections rising and Eswatini still making progress toward 2030 targets. Sports & Diplomacy: PM Russell Dlamini is set to deliver a keynote at Taiwan’s Ketagalan Forum, while Eswatini’s football plans include recruiting diaspora players to strengthen national teams.

Media & Cost Barriers: Eswatini’s bid to expand local TV is being squeezed by a steep E150,000 licence fee plus a 1.5% annual turnover Universal Access Fund levy, with ESCCOM also failing to award any community TV licences in its first major round. Parliament Pay: MPs’ “handshake” ex gratia payouts are set to balloon, with each MP now entitled to about E996,000—raising the 2026 budget pressure for government. Security & Crime: King Mswati III says Eswatini’s new SARPCCO chair role puts the country at the centre of regional efforts against transnational crime, stressing intelligence sharing and joint operations. Police Recruitment: The King announced a forthcoming police recruitment drive to keep force numbers balanced as the population grows. Sports Policy: Government plans to recruit diaspora players to strengthen national teams, following MPs’ concerns over performance and support. Regional Economy Watch: An AfDB report flags Eswatini as relatively stable fiscally, but warns South Africa’s slowdown could still bite. Food Security Deal: Government, Taiwan and World Vision launch a E42.789m Food-for-Work programme for 6,600 households across 15 Tinkhundla centres. Creative Economy Push: ENCAC unveiled an E3.86m mobile stage unit to professionalise arts and cut event production costs.

Creative Economy & Culture: PM Russell Mmiso Dlamini urged emaSwati to turn out for national festivals like the Standard Bank Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival, saying events such as Luju, Umhlanga, Incwala and Emaganu showcase identity while supporting livelihoods and the economy. Media Policy: A proposed ESCCOM fee regime is being criticised for effectively blocking new TV and radio licences, with a high E150,000 licence fee and a 1.5% annual turnover Universal Access Fund contribution cited as major barriers. Public Finance & Governance: Parliament’s “handshake” ex-gratia payouts for MPs are set to rise sharply, with reporting showing each MP’s end-of-term allowance now near E996,000, raising questions about the growing cost to the state. Security & Regional Cooperation: King Mswati III said Eswatini’s SARPCCO chairmanship places the kingdom at the centre of regional efforts against transnational crime, while also announcing a police recruitment drive to strengthen REPS. Health & Food Security: Government, with Taiwan and World Vision, launched a E42.789m Food-for-Work programme delivering rice and support to 6,600 households across 15 Tinkhundla centres. Sports & Youth: Government plans to recruit diaspora players to strengthen national teams, and a separate report notes EIPA’s E7.4bn investment pipeline creating about 4,850 jobs. HIV Funding Warning: UNAIDS warned that global HIV prevention funding cuts could trigger a resurgence, even as progress remains fragile.

Police Recruitment & Public Order: King Mswati III announced a new Royal Eswatini Police Service recruitment drive, saying the force must grow with the population and replace officers retiring, while the PM reiterated that REPS remains a pillar of peace and national confidence. Parliamentary Scrutiny of Sports Funds: Mayiwane MP Sicelo ‘Khungankhosi’ Dlamini accused Sports Minister Bongani Nzima of diverting E5m meant for Ntfonjeni Sports Centre to a project at Sandleni, raising questions ahead of portfolio reporting. US Visa Processing Changes: The US Embassy in Mbabane will stop routine visa applications, directing applicants to book appointments and apply via the US Consulate General in Johannesburg. Food Security Partnership: Government, with Taiwan and World Vision, launched an E42.789m Food-for-Work programme for 6,600 households (about 33,000 beneficiaries) across 15 Tinkhundla centres. Health & Regional Cooperation: Eswatini will host 300+ ECSA health delegates for a Best Practices Forum and directors’ meeting on health security, innovation and sustainability. HIV Funding Warning: UNAIDS warned that cuts to HIV prevention funding could trigger a resurgence, even as infections and deaths remain low. Creative Economy Boost: ENCAC unveiled an E3.86m mobile stage unit to help artists and festivals cut costs and expand opportunities. Refugee Travel Documents: Eswatini issued dozens of machine-readable travel documents to recognised refugees to support international study, business and leisure. Commonwealth Games Blow: Eswatini’s Lamulela Magagula was beaten by India’s Unnati Sharma in the women’s -63kg judo, dashing hopes of ending a 20-year medal drought.

Police Recruitment Push: King Mswati III announced a new Royal Eswatini Police Service recruitment drive at the 23rd Police Day celebrations, saying a growing population and retirements require more officers to keep policing effective and professional. Leadership on Security: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini echoed that REPS remains a pillar of peace and national confidence, praising its rule-of-law role as the country marks the King’s 40 years on the throne. Women Break Barriers: REPS officer Tshidi Mdluli made history as only the second woman to interpret for the King at a major national event, highlighting expanding roles for women in security services. US Visa Services Shift: The US Embassy in Mbabane will stop routine visa applications, directing applicants to schedule and apply via the US Consulate General in Johannesburg. HIV Funding Alarm: UNAIDS warned that sharp cuts to HIV prevention and community services could trigger a resurgence, even as infections and AIDS deaths remain at record lows. Parliament Watch on Health: Former Luke Commission (TLC) staff petitioned Parliament alleging expired medical drugs were distributed and asked for health and funding investigations. Anti-Trafficking Warning: PM Dlamini urged stronger vigilance as traffickers increasingly use AI, social media and fake job offers to trap victims.

HIV Funding Alarm: UNAIDS warns that a 23% drop in global HIV prevention aid in 2025 could spark a resurgence, even as countries including Eswatini report major gains since 2010. Refugee Protection: Eswatini issued 77 machine-readable travel documents to recognised refugees, letting them travel for business, study and leisure under the Refugees Act. Parliament vs TLC: Former Luke Commission staff petitioned Parliament alleging expired drugs were dispensed and that health inspections and government subventions may have been mishandled. Human Trafficking Watch: PM Dlamini urged stronger vigilance as traffickers increasingly use AI, social media and fake job offers to trap victims. PIC Governance Shake-up (Regional): South Africa appointed Seiso Mohai to chair the Public Investment Corporation board, as Mpati Commission reforms and politicisation concerns return to the spotlight. Banking Costs Pressure: CBE Governor Phil Mnisi says “drastic action” is underway to cut banking and financial service costs, amid calls for fee reviews. Jobs & Water Security: AfDB asked to waive conditions for MNWAP Phase 1B, while Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma/Mpakeni Dam work has created 1,004 local jobs. Arts & Culture: ENCAC procured a mobile stage to help regional festivals and lower costs for creatives.

PIC Governance Shake-up: South Africa’s Public Investment Corporation (PIC) has a new board after weeks of turmoil, with Deputy Minister Seiso Mohai appointed chair as Cabinet moves to restore stability at the R3.6-trillion asset manager. Local Governance & Jobs: Eswatini’s Mpakeni Dam project has reached 51% completion and created 1,004 local jobs, with recruitment continuing as Phase II expands. Water Infrastructure Funding: Government has asked the African Development Bank to waive two loan conditions to unlock Phase 1B of the Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma Water Augmentation Programme, after months of delays. Health Sector Governance: EswatiniMed shareholders voted to restart the nomination process for two Governing Board members after the recent AGM procedure was found not to fully meet constitutional requirements. Labour & Accountability: Former Luke Commission (TLC) employees have petitioned Parliament over alleged unfair labour practices, contract handling issues, and unpaid benefits. Arts Procurement: ENCAC has procured a mobile stage unit to help regional festivals and lower costs for creatives. Immigration Pressure: Eswatini says only 36 asylum seekers have been received at Malindza, as MPs question readiness for possible deportation-driven influxes. Youth Inspiration: A former Vulamasango learner returned from Taiwan to motivate pupils to pursue education and bigger goals. Regional Economy: Central Bank of Eswatini says SADC banks remain sound but warns supervision must stay vigilant amid economic pressures.

PIC governance shake-up: South Africa’s Cabinet moved fast to stabilise the Public Investment Corporation (PIC) after resignations and governance turmoil, appointing Deputy Minister Seiso Mohai as chair and naming eight non-executive directors, with the PIC acting CEO saying the priority is restoring oversight and public trust. Local governance and jobs: Eswatini’s Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade says the E50m Lituba development in Mbabane is on track, targeting completion in October 2026 and creating about 550 jobs, while urging tinkhundla to help identify land for industrial use. Health and nutrition policy: Government opened validation of the National Food and Nutrition Policy 2026–2035 and a Nutrition Bill, citing a triple burden—rising obesity and anaemia alongside undernutrition—and warning of major economic costs from child undernutrition. Anti-trafficking network growth: Talitha Kum, a nun-led anti-trafficking network, reported reaching 1.21 million people in 2025 and expanding into Malawi, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini. Justice system pressure: CANGO called for stronger harmony between the judiciary and executive, warning that court backlogs, appointment opacity and prolonged acting roles are eroding confidence. El Niño preparedness: Agriculture Minister Mandla Tshawuka told MPs the country is monitoring forecasts and preparing support measures, with projections now closer to the 2018 El Niño pattern.

PIC Overhaul: Eswatini-linked readers will note the wider Southern Africa governance shake-up as South Africa’s Cabinet appoints Seiso Mohai as the new Public Investment Corporation (PIC) chair, replacing David Masondo after a rapid wave of resignations and governance pressure around the R3.7-trillion pensions giant. Public Service Hiring: Government says it will fill 757 vacant posts this financial year, with Education and Training taking the biggest share, while stressing wage-bill controls and forecasting tools. Regional Science Ties: Eswatini and Uganda move to deepen cooperation in science, technology and industrial development, including electric mobility and manufacturing links. Local Justice & Accountability: A Manzini municipal manager, Simphiwe Charles Malaza, is granted E50,000 bail over an alleged E3.7m salary theft case. Immigration Watch: Jamaica says it has sought answers from the US over deportations of Jamaicans to Eswatini under a third-country programme. Women, Safety & GBV: One Billion Rising Eswatini launches a review of community strategies to end gender-based violence, aiming to strengthen grassroots-to-national impact. Economy & Jobs: The Prime Minister urges youth to become job creators, while ESHEC presents a National Skills Anticipation Study ahead of the Career Expo. Sports & Hosting: Eswatini declares readiness to host the 2026 SAIMSA Games, with competitions across multiple municipalities.

Deportation Diplomacy: The US has been negotiating with Uruguay for months on receiving deported migrants, with Montevideo confirming talks but no final deal yet. Anti-Trafficking Push: Talitha Kum says its network reached 1.21 million people in 2025, up 29.6%, as online scams drive new trafficking patterns. Tourism Shifts: Stats SA reports South Africa’s June 2026 tourism near a decade high, but arrivals from Nigeria and Ghana fell while Mozambique boosted SADC visitor numbers. Eswatini GBV Review: One Billion Rising Eswatini is reviewing community strategies from the past three years, aiming to strengthen grassroots prevention and improve how local wins feed into national GBV plans. Bank Charges Probe: Eswatini’s Finance Ministry is set to push the Central Bank to compare commercial bank fees after Parliament flagged inconsistent and higher-than-neighbour charges. Customary Marriage Ruling: Eswatini’s High Court declared the “out of community of property” treatment for customary marriages unconstitutional and void. Immigration Court Case: A Manzini magistrate ordered continued detention of 40 Chinese nationals as repatriation talks with China continue. Sports & Hosting: Eswatini says it’s ready to host the 2026 SAIMSA Games (Sept 20–25), while sprinters exit Glasgow with pride and no medal yet. Football Funding: FIFA unveiled a proposal that could inject up to E334m into Eswatini football via development and infrastructure support. HIV Funding Alarm: AIDS 2026 opens with warnings that global HIV response funding plunged in 2025 due to US cuts, risking resurgence.