AGP Executive Report

UK Immigration Tightens: The UK has updated visa rules, requiring entry clearance for travellers from Eswatini and 32 other African countries (including for some transits), warning airlines may refuse boarding if documents aren’t in order. UK Visa Lists: Separate UK updates also list 52 African countries needing visas for short visits under six months, while another guidance names 52 African nations on the “visa national” list. Spain Visa-Free Check: Spain says only eight African countries get visa-free entry for up to 90 days in 2026, including Eswatini. US Deportations to Eswatini: Amnesty International calls the latest US third-country deportation batch to Eswatini unlawful, saying the transfers are “cruel and racist,” as Eswatini says it will return deportees to their origin countries. Regional Migration Talk: King Misuzulu told Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa that shared history shouldn’t excuse ignoring South Africa’s immigration laws. Local Business & Services: Eswatini Mobile honoured staff in its Red Star Awards, and the Central Bank reports business borrowing rising, led by agriculture and construction. Community & Culture: EEMPA urged Kota Festival organisers to register and meet legal requirements before the October 24 event.

UK Visa Updates: The UK Home Office has restated that Nigerians and citizens of 52 African countries must get entry clearance before travelling or transiting for stays up to six months, warning travellers about possible delays and denied boarding. Spain Visa-Free List: Spain’s 2026 update shows only eight African countries qualify for visa-free entry for up to 90 days, including Eswatini, while most others need a Schengen visa. Eswatini-US Deportations: Amnesty International says a second Jamaican deportation to Eswatini raises due-process and transparency concerns, calling the third-country removals unlawful and “cruel and racist.” Local Business & Jobs: Eswatini Mobile honoured top staff in its Red Star Awards, with winners receiving trips to Cape Town and cash prizes. Digital Media: Eswatini Observer launched a podcast series supported by MTN Eswatini, aiming to reach wider audiences beyond traditional reporting. Tourism & Culture: EEMPA urged Kota Festival organisers to complete legal and regulatory steps before hosting the October event. Economy: The Central Bank of Eswatini reports business borrowing rising, led by agriculture and construction.

US Deportations to Eswatini: Amnesty International says the latest batch of 11 people flown from the US to Eswatini is “unlawful,” calling the Trump policy “cruel and racist” and urging Eswatini to stop facilitating third-country transfers; Eswatini says it plans to return deportees to their countries of origin. Business Credit Uptick: The Central Bank of Eswatini reports business borrowing from commercial banks rose 3.2% month-on-month and 9.8% year-on-year to E13.2bn, led by agriculture (+12.9%) and construction (+11.4%). Digital Media Move: Eswatini Observer launches a podcast series, with the first episode featuring National Arts and Culture Awards chairperson Thamsanqa KrTC Sibandze, supported by MTN Eswatini. Tax Compliance Spotlight: Eswatini Beverages wins top honours at the ERS Client Appreciation Awards, while SARS Commissioner Johnstone Makhubu praises compliant taxpayers. Community Health Event: Lidwala Insurance’s Lidwala Wellness Walk draws a record 17,000+ participants nationwide.

US Deportations Under Fire: Amnesty International says the latest batch of 11 people sent from the United States to Eswatini is “unlawful,” alleging cruel and racist anti-immigrant policies, as Eswatini says it will return deportees to their home countries and local sources put the group at mostly African nationals. Consular Diplomacy: A Bangladesh Consular Corps delegation met Eswatini’s Shama Obaed Islam, highlighting how honorary consuls can boost trade and investment links. Construction & Courts: Stefanutti Stocks was named Eswatini’s most tax-compliant large construction company at ERS awards, even as the Central Bank headquarters project remains tied up in High Court litigation. Public Health & Prevention: A feature discusses lenacapavir (LEN) as HIV prevention, noting the need for better public understanding—Eswatini is mentioned among early recipients. Regional Security: South Africa seized drugs worth three million rand along the Mozambique border, while also confiscating goods near the Eswatini border. Local Justice: An inquest into Anele Tembe’s death begins in Cape Town with six witnesses set to testify. Sports: FNB Eswatini and the Sunshine Tour announced a record E2.5m prize pool for the 2026 FNB Eswatini Challenge.

US-Eswatini Deportations Under Fire: Amnesty International says 11 more people were deported from the U.S. to Eswatini under a third-country deal, calling the transfers unlawful and “cruel and racist,” while Eswatini says it will return deportees to their countries of origin and protect their rights during temporary stays. Cross-Border Crime Crackdown: INTERPOL’s Operation First Light 2026 reports 5,811 arrests and about $293m in illicit assets intercepted across 97 countries, including an Eswatini-linked bust of illegal online gambling, money laundering and impersonation scams. Tax and Business Recognition: Eswatini Beverages was named the top compliant taxpayer at the ERS Client Appreciation Awards, as SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu praised the value of taxpayer compliance. Community and Sports: Lidwala Insurance’s Wellness Walk drew a record 17,000 participants, and the FNB Eswatini Challenge unveiled a record E2.5m prize pool. Water Preparedness: Government says it’s accelerating Hawane Dam capacity plans ahead of possible El Niño dry spells. Local Governance: MPs asked for urgent review of staffing and welfare for officers in Eswatini’s embassies and high commissions. Lifestyle/Branding: The Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival in Eswatini strengthens ties with Mozambique’s creative sector.

US Third-Country Deportations: Eswatini has accepted another 11 people deported from the United States under the controversial third-country arrangement, bringing the total to 30, with the latest group expected to be housed at Matsapha Maximum Security Prison; Human Rights Pushback: Amnesty International says the transfers are unlawful and “cruel and racist,” warning of arbitrary detention and due-process concerns, while Eswatini insists it will return deportees to their countries of origin and protect their rights during their stay; INTERPOL Fraud Crackdown: INTERPOL’s Operation First Light 2026 swept 97 countries, arresting 5,811 suspects and intercepting about $293 million, identifying 142,000+ victims and blocking 31,014 bank accounts, including an Eswatini bust of 82 people tied to illegal online gambling and impersonation scams; Local Justice: The High Court granted bail to five Filipino nationals facing 45 charges after a Crown failure to show they would abscond or interfere with witnesses; Public Finance: MPs backed VAT Amendment Regulations to remove VAT on donated goods entering Eswatini, aiming to ease burdens on donors and development partners; Water Planning: Government says it is accelerating water infrastructure upgrades, including raising Hawane Dam, to prepare for possible El Niño dry spells.

US Deportations Under Fire: Amnesty International says the latest batch of 11 people sent from the United States to Eswatini is “unlawful,” calling the wider third-country deportation scheme “cruel and racist,” while Eswatini says deportees will be returned and that their rights will be protected during temporary detention at Matsapha Maximum Security Prison. Global Fraud Crackdown: INTERPOL’s Operation First Light 2026 wrapped up with 5,811 arrests and about $293 million seized across 97 countries, and Eswatini police featured in the sweep after arresting 82 people tied to illegal online gambling, money laundering and impersonation scams. Local Crime in Court: A Manzini case alleges a kombi driver and his brother were duped out of E8,550 after being promised prince-related driving jobs, with the accused facing theft-by-false-pretences counts. Sports & Community: FNB Eswatini and the Sunshine Tour announced a record E2.5m prize pool for the 2026 FNB Eswatini Challenge, while girls in Lomahasha completed a coding boot camp aimed at boosting women’s participation in ICT. Public Services & Planning: MPs backed VAT changes to exempt donated goods from tax, and the Natural Resources ministry says it’s accelerating water plans including raising Hawane Dam ahead of possible El Niño dry spells. Health & Safety: A family in Ndlalambi says a grave was dug up and the coffin and remains were stolen, reopening trauma after years since the burial.

US Deportations Under Fire: Amnesty International says Eswatini’s latest intake of 11 people deported from the United States is unlawful, calling Trump’s third-country removals “cruel and racist.” The rights group says Eswatini must stop facilitating the transfers, while Eswatini says it will return deportees to their countries of origin and that the latest arrivals are mostly from African nations, expected to be held at Matsapha Maximum Security Prison. Anti-Fraud Crackdown: INTERPOL’s Operation First Light 2026 wrapped up across 97 countries with 5,811 arrests and about $293 million seized; in Eswatini, police arrested 82 people, dismantled an online gambling and impersonation scam network, and seized 240 devices including a replica Brazilian police station. Parliament & Policy: MPs backed changes to VAT rules to remove tax on donated goods entering Eswatini, aiming to make donor support easier. Water Planning: Government says it is accelerating plans to raise Hawane Dam capacity ahead of possible El Niño dry spells. Sports & Culture: FNB Eswatini Challenge launches with a record E2.5m prize pool, while Luju Festival strengthens creative ties with Mozambique ahead of its August dates. Court Case: ESPPRA asks the High Court to dismiss a Consumer Forum challenge to the Central Bank headquarters contract, alleging abuse of court process.

US Deportees Update: Eswatini has accepted a fourth group of 11 people deported from the United States under a bilateral third-country nationals arrangement, bringing the total to 29; the government says the group is “predominantly from African countries,” will stay temporarily, and will have their rights protected while they are housed at Matsapha Maximum Security Prison. VAT Relief for Donors: MPs backed changes to VAT rules to remove tax on donated goods entering the country, saying it will help development partners and donors support sectors like education—while warning against abuse of the exemption. Water Security Planning: Natural Resources and Energy says it is accelerating water infrastructure work, including raising Hawane Dam capacity, to prepare for possible El Niño dry spells. Anti-Fraud Crackdown: INTERPOL’s Operation First Light 2026 reports 5,811 arrests and $293m seized across 97 countries; in Eswatini, police arrested 82 and dismantled an online gambling and impersonation scam network. Public Service Welfare: MPs have asked the Public Service Minister to urgently review staffing, working conditions and welfare for officers in Eswatini’s embassies and high commissions. Court Fight Over Tender: The Public Procurement regulator (ESPPRA) asked the High Court to dismiss the Consumer Forum’s urgent challenge to the Central Bank headquarters contract, calling it an abuse of court process.

US Deportations to Eswatini: Eswatini has accepted a fourth batch of people deported from the United States under a third-country nationals deal, with 11 arrivals this week. Acting spokesperson Thabile Mdluli says the group is “predominantly from African countries” and will be held temporarily with rights protected, with officials expecting them to be housed at Matsapha Maximum Security Prison. Global Fraud Crackdown: INTERPOL’s Operation First Light 2026 (97 countries) arrested 5,811 people and seized about $293m linked to social engineering scams, including romance and impersonation fraud; Eswatini police arrested 82 and dismantled an illegal online gambling and impersonation network. Court Fight Over CBE Project: The Eswatini Consumer Forum’s challenge to the Central Bank of Eswatini’s E2.79bn headquarters project faces allegations it can’t be found at its stated address, with a contractor claiming it exists “only on paper.” Beauty Pageant Prep: ENCAC says preparations for Miss Eswatini are underway, with an interim committee expected soon and plans to position Eswatini for Miss Universe 2026. Youth Skills Boost: Inyatsi Group’s EswatiniMobile-funded internship gives 10 UNESWA students a three-month, fully paid placement across group businesses.

Gender Justice: Eswatini’s Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla questioned “where did women go wrong” as she pushed for ratifying the AU convention to end violence against women and girls, amid fresh reports including the alleged rape and murder of four women and the discovery of a murdered teacher. Public Health: Eswatini was praised by the Global Fund for progress in strengthening health systems and tackling HIV, TB and malaria, with officials highlighting domestic financing and early rollout of Lenacapavir. Deportations: Eleven more people deported from the United States arrived in Eswatini under Trump’s “third-country” scheme, with claims of legal protections being targeted and detainees held without charge. Finance: EswatiniBank reported a sharp jump in loan impairments to E45.6m, citing job losses, supplier payment delays, climate shocks and wider economic pressures. Sports: The Eswatini Football Association set the 2026/27 transfer window to open July 27 and close October 2, with a hard late-registration cut-off of October 23. Football & Community Safety: A separate report on missing Mfabantfu teen girls renewed calls for vigilance as police and community members search.

US Deportations: Eleven more migrants deported from the United States arrived in Eswatini under Trump’s “third-country” plan, bringing the total to 19 sent since July 2025; some are held in high-security prison without charge, and a lawyer says at least two may have protections that should bar deportation. Migration Diplomacy: Traditional leaders plan to meet Zimbabwe’s President Emmerson Mnangagwa to discuss rising migration tensions and xenophobia, pushing for a united SADC response. Finance Watch: EswatiniBank reports loan impairments jumping to E45.6m, with credit impairments rising to 8.6% as job losses, supplier payment delays, and sector shocks weigh on borrowers. Public Accounts: Eswatini Railways says it spent about E2.1m on cattle for rituals tied to exhumations and admits possible governance conflicts around board appointments. Sports: The Eswatini Football Association sets the 2026/27 transfer window for July 27 to October 2, with a hard late-registration cut-off of October 23. Tech Partnership: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini met ITU’s secretary-general to deepen Eswatini’s digital development partnership. Regional Appointments: Nigeria’s Femi Fani-Kayode received Letters of Credence as High Commissioner to South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini.

Clothing & Labour Pressure: Eswatini-linked readers are watching South Africa’s KZN clothing sector reel after raids exposed “sweatshop” conditions, while factory owners warn the industry is being hammered and only a few owners face charges despite hundreds of arrests. Immigration Fallout: The same sector says immigrant workers are now fleeing xenophobic violence, with closures feared if migrants “suddenly disappear,” raising fears for jobs and cross-border supply chains. Missing Teens in Mfabantfu: A mother in Mfabantfu says her two 16-year-old daughters vanished after stepping out to fetch laundry; police and community searches are ongoing. US Deportation Deals: Reports say the US is using cash incentives and visa threats to push deportations to non-home countries, with at least one case involving Eswatini. Diplomacy: Eswatini’s digital partnership with the ITU continues after talks with the Prime Minister, while Nigeria’s Femi Fani-Kayode received Letters of Credence covering South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini. Public Service Tensions: Unions in Eswatini say government is not ready to implement the Performance Management System and want the process paused.

Crane Census Call: The Endangered Wildlife Trust and the International Crane Foundation are urging South Africans to join a four-day national Crane Census in July, using modern tech to track Blue, Wattled and Grey Crowned cranes and guide conservation decisions. Viral Culture Moment: Influencer Bianca Coster’s traditional eSwatini wedding has gone viral on TikTok, drawing praise for its modern-traditional style and vibrant cultural performances. Regional Trade Shock: Eswatini Business warns South Africa’s March and March protests could hit cross-border trade and jobs, with border queues and uncertainty already affecting workers returning home. Digital Partnership: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini met ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin to deepen support for Eswatini’s digital transformation and NICI policy work. Diplomacy Update: Former Nigerian aviation minister Femi Fani-Kayode received Letters of Credence as Nigeria’s High Commissioner to South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini, with next steps to present credentials in Pretoria. Public Finance Probe: Eswatini Railways fuel-theft investigations point to major commercial operators buying stolen diesel, as reforms target long-running syndicates and weak fuel controls. Luju Festival Boost: The Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival is positioning culture as an economic engine, with last year’s event generating E2.5m for small businesses and this year expanding to two days.

Railway Fuel Theft Crackdown: Eswatini Railways says fuel theft investigations uncovered a network of major diesel buyers and points to weak fuel management systems flagged by the auditor general, as ESR moves to tighten accountability. Public Service Dispute: Public sector unions insist government is “not ready” to implement the Performance Management System, calling for PMS to be suspended until unresolved worker welfare and performance issues are addressed. Higher Education Safety: Eswatini steps up efforts against sexual harassment and gender-based violence in universities, citing research that students are far more likely to face assault than non-students. Sexual Harassment Prevention: A Dialogue on Violence Prevention in Higher Education under the Litsemba Rising initiative brought government, universities, civil society and media together to push safer learning environments. Trade and Jobs Shock: Business Eswatini warns South Africa’s March and March protests could hit cross-border trade and employment, with border queues and fears of worker returns already affecting the local labour market. Culture with Cash Impact: The Standard Bank Luju Festival was launched, with last year’s edition generating E2.5m for SMEs and this year expanding to a two-day event. Local Talent Abroad: Singer Nothando Hlophe and DJ !Sooks made their Durban July debut, representing Eswatini on a major regional stage. Regional Health Watch: A SADC TB progress report says gains are plateauing amid funding cuts and crises, putting 2030 elimination targets at risk.

Cross-border Trade Pressure: Eswatini’s business lobby says South Africa’s recent protests could hit trade and jobs, warning that any large return of workers may strain Eswatini’s labour market. Public Service Dispute: Public sector unions insist government is not ready to implement the Performance Management System, calling for unresolved welfare and productivity issues to be addressed first. Court Update: Alithea says it no longer wants to proceed with its application against FNBB, after earlier steps to preserve disputed bank records. Diplomacy & Trade: Eswatini’s commerce minister met Taiwan’s foreign affairs leadership in Taipei, highlighting cooperation on investment, jobs and social development. Health Watch: A SADC TB report warns progress is plateauing and funding cuts could derail 2030 elimination goals. Safety & Accountability: Calls are growing for mandatory background checks on religious leaders after a pastor accused of rape and murder was arrested. Culture & Economy: The Luju Festival was launched with expectations of more tourism and SME support, building on last year’s E2.5m boost. Sports Spotlight: Eswatini artists Nothando Hlophe and !Sooks made a debut at Durban July, representing the kingdom on a major South African stage. Crime Update: Three brothers charged with murder in Eswatini over the death of their mother’s boyfriend remain in custody pending further court action.