AGP Executive Report

AUSC Region 5 Sports: The AUSC Region 5 Youth Games torch arrived in Eswatini, adding regional excitement to the MTN Siyabhampisa 3×3 Basketball Series launch in Mbabane, with MTN calling it a symbol of unity and youth empowerment. Justice in the Courts: The long-awaited murder trial of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes and Tebello “Tibz” Motsoane gets underway at Durban High Court, with seven accused facing charges; brothers extradited from eSwatini are among those in the dock. Migration & Due Process: A Laotian man deported to Eswatini under the Trump “third-country” programme has been released after more than a year at Matsapha Correctional Complex, with his lawyer criticising the lack of notice or a chance to challenge the transfer. Digital Access: MTN Eswatini and Lubane SACCO launched a device loan scheme to help eligible members access smartphones alongside MTN data packages. Local Economy & Prices: Food prices stayed mostly stable in August–September, though onions and larger packs of beans rose. Business & Skills: The Eswatini National Youth Council recognised 89 young people for TVET Support Programme toolkit assistance to turn skills into income.

Immigration & Human Rights: A Laotian deported by the US to Eswatini in July 2025 was released from Matsapha maximum-security prison after more than a year, with his lawyer saying he was held without being charged and later sent on to Laos. Regional Diplomacy: King Mswati III used Lesotho’s 60th independence celebrations to reaffirm “sister monarchies” ties, while King Letsie III praised the bond between the two kingdoms. Politics & Trade: Eswatini’s Senate President Pastor Lindiwe Dlamini won a Global-South-EU leadership award in Brussels, calling for fairer trade partnerships and stronger parliamentary oversight. Economy & Business: Eswatini’s real GDP growth improved to 6.5% in Q2 2026, and Standard Bank says it is bringing back its Instant Money service as Unayo is wound down. Sports & Culture: The AUSC Region 5 torch arrived in Eswatini ahead of Maputo’s Games, while the October International Theatre Festival brings 150+ artists for masterclasses and performances.

Arts & Culture: Over 150 regional artists from South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana are in Eswatini for the October International Theatre Festival, running masterclasses and performances that link creativity with diplomacy. Economy: Eswatini’s real GDP growth strengthened in the first half of 2026, rising from 6.1% in Q1 to 6.5% in Q2, though the pace between quarters slowed. Business & Trade: Business Eswatini has rejected Maloma Colliery’s bid to rejoin, refunding more than E249,000 after membership subscription disputes. Governance & Crime: A Manzini court sentenced a 19-year-old to 12 years for the facata scam, after defrauding victims of about E12,086. Infrastructure & Services: Residents in Mbikwakhe say unsafe water is forcing them to use a muddy stream after a borehole pump failed. Tech & Inclusion: MTN and Lubane Cooperative launched a device-loan programme to help members access smartphones and mobile connectivity. Sports: Bongiwe “Smolly” Mahlalela was named Sportswoman of the Year at TUT’s awards, winning a sports scholarship of E128,000.

Zimbabwe Business & Politics: Wicknell Chivayo’s death in a helicopter crash has triggered fresh scrutiny of his wealth, with reports of a US$25m estate (about KSh3.24bn) now tied up in a Supreme Court divorce/asset dispute after his death. Finance & Consumer Services: Standard Bank Eswatini is bringing back its Instant Money service, while Unayo voucher plans are set to end on Nov 3, 2026. Local Governance & Elections: Seven candidates have been nominated for one vacant bucopho seat in Manzini by-elections; campaigning is set to start Oct 6 after vetting. Cybercrime & Justice: A 19-year-old facata scam suspect was sentenced in Manzini to 12 years for defrauding victims of E12,086 across multiple counts. Water & Health: Over 300 Mbikwakhe residents say they’ve been forced to use a muddy stream for months after a borehole pump failed and borehole water was declared unsafe. Sports & Culture: Eswatini’s fastest lady Bongiwe “Smolly” Mahlalela won Sportswoman of the Year at TUT awards; meanwhile, the October International Theatre Festival is underway with regional artists running masterclasses. Energy & Trade Links: Eswatini and Taiwan pledged deeper cooperation on energy security, trade and investment, including plans for a Strategic Fuel Reserve.

Cybercrime & Justice: A 19-year-old Manzini man, Ngwane Park’s Ngwane Park man, was jailed for 12 years (with an option of a E24,000 fine) after pleading guilty to eight counts linked to the Facata scam, defrauding at least four victims of a combined E12,086 during Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Water Safety: Over 300 Mbikwakhe residents in Kwaluseni are drinking from a muddy stream after a borehole pump failed and borehole water was declared unsafe, forcing people to wade and collect water in shallow pools. Digital Connectivity: MTN Eswatini launched MTN Hybrid Direct Internet Access to help businesses stay online during fibre cuts, power outages and upstream disruptions. Local Economy: Eswatini’s GDP grew 6.5% in Q2 2026, with primary, secondary and tertiary sectors all expanding year-on-year. Governance & Services: MPs passed the EPTC loan Bill, with management saying there are currently no plans to retrench staff. Sports & Culture: The Imbube Marathon is set for its biggest field yet (8,136 registered), while the October International Theatre Festival continues to train young performers and push for better funding. Regional/Global Watch: A U.S. senator warned that China’s pressure on countries restricting Taiwanese presidential flights could endanger international travellers.

Zimbabwe wealth questions: Kenyan media personality Lynn Ngugi says Wicknell Chivayo’s “sudden” rise and lavish spending “doesn’t add up,” while Zimbabwe continues to investigate his fatal helicopter crash that killed him and his wife. Economy watch: Eswatini’s real GDP grew 6.5% in Q2 2026, with primary, secondary and tertiary sectors expanding year-on-year. Energy & farming: EWADE has paused new farmer intake into the Hamba Ubuye Revolving Fund for 2026/27 as the maize push scales up. Transport & food costs: South Africa’s higher transport costs, tied to fuel prices, weighed on regional agricultural exports including wheat to Eswatini. Business connectivity: MTN Eswatini launched MTN Hybrid Direct Internet Access to help businesses stay online during fibre cuts and other upstream disruptions. Local governance & services: Ezulwini Municipality reported revenue up to E69.5m and a E41m surplus, alongside infrastructure progress. Sports & culture: Imbube Marathon registrations topped 8,000; October International Theatre Festival opened in Mbabane with training and workshops.

HIV & Women’s Rights: SA activist Nozibele Mayaba says sisterhood is key to restoring women harmed by stigma, pointing to Mary Magdalene as a model of gospel restoration. Economy: Eswatini’s real GDP grew 6.5% in Q2 2026, with primary, secondary and tertiary sectors all expanding, though quarter-on-quarter growth eased to 0.7%. Diplomacy & Energy: Eswatini and Taiwan pledge deeper ties for the next 58 years, including a Strategic Fuel Reserve due in 2028 and a Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park. Agriculture & Food Security: Eswatini welcomes its first resident FAO representative, a step aimed at tackling food insecurity and malnutrition. ICT & Business Continuity: MTN Eswatini launches Hybrid Direct Internet Access to protect firms from upstream fibre cuts, outages and infrastructure disruptions. Education & Skills: MPs want Sebenta National Institute qualifications recognised and made portable, with concerns over credibility and stigma. Governance & Courts: A Home Affairs civil registrar accused of corruption is told not to cover her face in court. Sports & Culture: Eswatini theatre festival training continues, while chess rankings show CM Mbongeni Mabuza now tops locally after Olympiad gains.

FAO in Eswatini: Eswatini officially welcomed its first locally based FAO representative in Mbabane, with credentials received by Foreign Affairs Minister Pholile Shakantu—fulfilling a King Mswati III commitment to strengthen food security and tackle malnutrition. AU Seed Summit: Preparations for the regional African Union Seed Summit are gaining momentum, with 984 delegates already registered for the Oct 5–7 event and 20 ministers confirmed. Fuel and cost pressure: Motorists face a fresh fuel hike as petrol, diesel and paraffin rise by E3.43 per litre from midnight Oct 1, after international oil price jumps and supply disruptions. Cybersecurity push: ESCCOM was designated the national cybersecurity agency, tasked with regulating, coordinating and responding to cyber incidents as mobile broadband use keeps growing. Sports and community: Former Kaizer Chiefs striker Absalom “Scara” Thindwa donated soccer equipment to top schools in Eswatini’s development programme. Regional ties: Taiwan’s National Day celebrations in Ezulwini highlighted continued cooperation, including the Taiwan Medical Mission now based at Manzini Government Hospital.

Fuel Shock: Eswatini motorists face a fresh E3.43 per litre jump from midnight Thursday, with petrol (ULP 95) rising to E29.40, diesel to E32.25 and paraffin to E25.16, as global oil prices and shipping disruptions keep costs high. Government Relief: The state says it has already spent over E613m from the Strategic Oil Reserve Fund since February to cushion consumers from international fuel hikes. Cyber & Scams: ESCCOM has been designated Eswatini’s national cybersecurity agency, tasked with regulating and coordinating cyber work and warning journalists to stay alert as digital dependence grows. Women & Innovation: Minister Savannah Maziya urged women to stop letting fear of public opinion block dreams, business growth and career decisions at the InnovationHer Indaba. Sports & Youth: The Genesis Ekucaleni creative arts festival opens the October International Theatre Festival, while cycling teen Sivuyile Gulwako earns a podium finish for Eswatini at the MTN Khemani Road Classic. Regional Spotlight: King Mswati III returned home after addressing UNGA 81, calling for stronger multilateral cooperation and Africa’s push for permanent UN Security Council representation. Zimbabwe Tragedy: Wicknell Chivayo and his wife Lucy Muteke were killed in a helicopter crash near Marondera; Eswatini-linked football circles and mourners across the region are paying tribute.

Local Business & Industry: JAC Motors has expanded its T-Series in South Africa with two new T9 2.0L CTi Black Edition 4x4 models (Hunter and Super Lux), priced from R549,900 to R689,900, adding a rugged blacked-out look and upgraded interior. Sports (Eswatini in the spotlight): Eswatini’s chess breakthrough continues as 18-year-old Santiago “Santi” De Nobrega becomes the kingdom’s first-ever FIDE Master at the Chess Olympiad in Samarkand. Football (regional qualifiers): Pitso Mosimane warns Bafana Bafana not to underestimate Eritrea’s Ali Sulieman ahead of their AFCON qualifier in Cairo, with Eswatini previously in Eritrea’s qualifying path. Governance & Services: Eswatini is moving to overhaul immigration laws, fast-tracking the Immigration Bill 2025 to replace the 1982 Act and tackle border delays and enforcement gaps. Tax & Tourism Compliance: ERS and the Eswatini Tourism Authority sign an MoU to tighten bed levy compliance and share information for enforcement. Community & Culture: The October International Theatre Festival kicks off in Mbabane with cross-border mentorship and workshops, while Inyatsi Schools’ arts competition champions take the stage. Public Finance Reminder: Standard Bank urges customers to withdraw any remaining Unayo funds before the mobile service is discontinued.

AFCON Focus: Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane says Eritrea’s Ali Sulieman is the key threat ahead of Wednesday’s 2027 AFCON qualifier in Cairo, warning the “Red Sea Camels” can punish teams with pace, set-pieces and penalties. U-23 Football: Eswatini’s Under-23 men edged Malawi 1-0 in the first leg, with Vilakati Sibonelo scoring in the 73rd minute; Malawi must now win big in the return match. Local Sports & Development: Eswatini’s LiSwati coach Bongiswa Dlamini completed a CAF B coaching course in Zimbabwe after spending about E23,000, boosting pathways for coaching roles in the top tiers. Banking & Consumer Alert: Standard Bank Eswatini urged Unayo users to withdraw funds as the mobile service is being decommissioned, with updates promised before closure. Governance & Integrity: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini urged leaders to prioritise integrity and the national interest over personal gain. Economy & Climate: AfDB says growth rebounded in 2025 but remains fragile, while disaster officials told farmers to keep cultivating despite predicted super El Niño. Tech & Women in Work: InnovateHER Indaba puts AI, cybersecurity and entrepreneurship in the spotlight for women at the Royal Swazi Convention Centre. US Deportations: The US Supreme Court lifted limits on “third-country” deportations, a move that has already sent people including to Eswatini and is set for further arguments in December.

US Deportations: The US Supreme Court has cleared the Trump administration to resume “third-country” deportations with limited notice, temporarily overturning a lower-court block; the move affects thousands sent to places including Eswatini, while the court hears arguments in December. Human Rights Watch: UN experts warn the scheme is triggering a “cascade” of rights abuses, including risks of torture and enforced disappearance, as transfer deals expand across dozens of countries. AFCON U-23: Malawi edged Eswatini 1–0 in the first leg at Bingu Stadium, with Eswatini scoring late; the return leg is set for 6 October. Local Football Development: LiSwati coach Bongiswa Dlamini completed a CAF B coaching course in Zimbabwe after Eswatini lacked an educator, strengthening coaching pathways. Infrastructure & Economy: Matsapha Town Council borrowed E31.7m from Standard Bank to rehabilitate 3.2km of industrial roads. Trade Capacity: EU and ITC support equips 17 local trainers with market intelligence tools to boost exports. Tourism: The Royal Swazi Hotel reopening is “in sight” after Tibiyo TakaNgwane said due diligence is underway. Education & Safety: ESCCOM urges parents to monitor children’s cellphone use as online child traffickers increasingly use social media.

Chess: Team Eswatini returned from the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad in Uzbekistan with no medals, after mixed results in both the Open and Women’s sections. Entertainment & Culture: Gems of Africa partnered with Lush Hair Eswatini, naming Sergy and Stella Jacobs as brand ambassadors, while Swazi Boy marked its 20th anniversary with a house-music tribute and gala celebrations. Sports: Eswatini’s Letticia Viana wrapped up a FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup run in Poland with eight officiating assignments, and Siphelelisiwe Nsibandze/Hlobisile Ndlovu won bronze in the CAVB Zone VI Beach Volleyball Tour in Mozambique. Governance & Rights: MPs challenged the EEC over controversial pole relocation fees, and land-law delays are being blamed for pushing some citizens toward lawlessness. Tourism & Trade: The Mlawula Campfire Festival drew 1,200 attendees, and the EU/ITC trained 17 local trainers to help exporters use market intelligence. Public Safety: Police are probing housebreaking cases in Manzini and Mbabane, and Matsapha is pushing for CCTV cameras in the next budget.

Health & Community: Eswatini marks International Literacy Day with officials saying the country is at about a 90% literacy rate, while admitting early-grade reading and maths gaps remain. Public Safety: ESCCOM warns parents to monitor children’s cellphone use as online child traffickers increasingly lure minors through social media. Local Governance & Crime Prevention: Matsapha residents push for CCTV cameras in the town’s 2027/28 budget talks amid concerns about rising crime. Housing & Urban Planning: The Minister for Housing and Urban Development says the upcoming Eswatini Urban Forum will shift from planning to execution, focusing on financing, smart solutions, resilient infrastructure and housing for all. Economy & Jobs: The AfDB commends Eswatini-backed projects like LUSIP II and the Mpakeni Dam, while PM Russell Dlamini urges AfDB procurement to open more opportunities for local firms and youth. Sports: Malawi U-23 host Eswatini in a crucial AFCON qualifier at Bingu Stadium. Business & Finance: The CBE extends technical support to EswatiniBank for another 12 months as it implements its turnaround plan. Justice & Accountability: Police investigate separate housebreaking cases in Manzini and Mbabane involving cash and property worth over E84,000.

Eswatini Football: Bandile “Mliba” Shongwe returned to scoring for Clube Ferroviário de Maputo, netting his fifth goal in Mozambique as the club beat Ferroviário de Gaza 2-0, with the forward battling injuries but still pushing for silverware. Netball Spotlight: South Africa’s coach Shiko Mokaila praised Eswatini’s netball stars after the Proteas edged the kingdom 49-45 in the Africa Netball Cup final, with Eswatini also picking up individual honours including MVP Ndukwe Masangane and Best Mid-Court Player Thembinkosi “Lorch” Matsebula. Banking & Regulation: The Central Bank of Eswatini extended technical support to EswatiniBank for another 12 months and seconded CBE COO Mfan’fikile Dlamini to help implement the turnaround plan. Court & Governance: eBet director Willem Delport was interdicted from moving funds from the company’s FNB Eswatini account amid allegations of unauthorised transfers totalling E6m. Public Safety & Crime: Police say Interpol has been engaged after a suspected third-party gateway into the Royal Science and Technology Park’s access to the National Data Centre during a cyber incident. Health & Social Issues: A suicide prevention campaign heard calls to tackle youth challenges, while new figures show 4,478 teenage pregnancy cases reported from January to date. Weather: A cold front is set to bring a sharp temperature drop nationwide, with Mbabane expected to fall to around 11°C. Sports & Culture: Eswatini’s beach volleyball pair Siphelelisiwe Nsibandze/Hlobisile Ndlovu won bronze at the Zone VI tour in Maputo, and Asihlabelele Choral Society marked 50 years of choral excellence at SANU.

IMF & Cameroon’s reality check: An IMF praise visit to Cameroon is framed as routine economic surveillance, but the report highlights the gap between “feel good” growth claims and everyday pain like power cuts, water shortages, unsafe roads and rising food prices. Regional trade push: Botswana was commended for advancing COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area goals, including harmonising policies and cutting non-tariff barriers—Eswatini named among key supporters. Skills for the future: UNESWA’s AI Academy is using AI to teach AI, with plans for AI-generated explainer videos to guide learners step-by-step. Cost of borrowing rises: The Central Bank of Eswatini lifted its discount rate to 7.00%, expected to push up prime lending rates. Local business access: PM Russell Mmiso Dlamini urged the AfDB to expand procurement opportunities for qualified local firms and young people on major projects. Sports spotlight: Eswatini’s netball stars won individual honours at the Africa Netball Cup, while the men’s team missed gold to South Africa; in football, Manzini Wanderers open their NFD campaign against Stumbo XI. Governance & accountability: A commission of inquiry has been set up into The Luke Commission Hospital, and RSTP governance failures are blamed for disruptions to government digital systems. Court updates: Tsakane Matlala was granted R20,000 bail in a fraud case, while “Cat” Matlala remains in custody. Entertainment shock: The 2FIVE10 concert disappointed fans after headliners Vusi Nova and Ndu Browns failed to show up.