AGP Executive Report

Taiwan Tensions Spill Into Eswatini: New commentary says Lai Ching-te’s “diplomatic” manoeuvres using eSwatini have backfired, with China again warning against any challenge to the one-China principle and calling the effort a bid to destabilise the Taiwan Strait. US Deportation Deal Fallout: Eswatini remains at the centre of a wider Trump-era “third-country” deportation push, with Reuters reporting the kingdom volunteered quickly after private talks, and 19 migrants so far detained near Mbabane. Tax Compliance Push: Government is considering incentives to boost adherence to TaxCore electronic invoicing, including prizes for shops that issue receipts with the required codes. Sports & Culture: Mbabane Swallows players reportedly face months of unpaid salaries, while ENCAC has launched nine-month interim arts committees to formalise national arts associations. Regional Watch: Nigeria says its Deep Blue maritime programme has delivered zero piracy in territorial waters for four years.

Deportation Deal Fallout: Eswatini moved fast to host Trump’s “third-country” deportees despite legal doubts, with Reuters reporting Prime Minister Russell Dlamini met the US charge d’affaires in mid-February and King Mswati III agreed to take up to 160—19 so far detained near Mbabane. Mining Push: In Baku, King Mswati III backed new cooperation with Azerbaijan’s AzerGold, signing an MoU on mining development, geological data-sharing, and joint projects. Service Delivery Focus: The King also toured SOCAR’s Baku Higher Oil School and highlighted “one-roof” style public services after earlier visits to Rwanda’s Irembo model. Arts & Culture: ENCAC launched nine-month interim committees to formalise national arts associations, aiming for registration and elections by January 2027. Sports: Zimbabwe will host the Region 5 Table Tennis Championships in July, with Eswatini among expected teams. Regional Trade Tension: Coverage also flags SACU strain as Botswana keeps using frequent agricultural import bans, raising costs and disrupting partners.

Deportations Deal Moves Fast: Eswatini quickly volunteered to host Trump’s deported “third-country” migrants despite legality doubts, with Prime Minister Russell Dlamini meeting the US charge d’affaires in mid-February and King Mswati III agreeing soon after; 19 people are already detained near Mbabane under a plan that could take up to 160. Mining Cooperation: Azerbaijan and Eswatini signed a mining Memorandum of Understanding to boost geological exploration, technical collaboration and investment links between AzerGold and Eswatini’s Natural Resources ministry. Royal Service Push: King Mswati III is in Azerbaijan promoting faster, tech-enabled service delivery after visiting SOCAR’s Baku Higher Oil School and urging practical, people-centred solutions at the World Urban Forum. Sports Spotlight: Bulawayo is set to host the Queens International Pool Tournament (May 23–26) with players from 12 countries and expanded categories after overwhelming demand.

Royal Diplomacy & Investment: King Mswati III met AzerGold chairman Zakir Ibrahimov in Baku, discussing mineral exploration, mine development and value addition, with a push for technology transfer, local skills and high environmental standards. Service Delivery Push: The king was also praised for appointing a “hardworking” Deputy Prime Minister after house and Neighbourhood Care Point handovers across several tinkhundla, as government continues to spotlight faster, people-centred services. Justice & Safety: A retired police officer was killed by a love rival in Hlatikulu, while in court a pupil facing rape charges secured E50,000 bail. Health & Governance: Deputy Director of Health Services Rejoice Nkambule has died, and the High Court barred a Shiselweni RA from interfering in the KaGasa–KaLiba chieftaincy dispute. Regional Watch: Sierra Leone received the first group of US-deported migrants under a third-country deal, with more expected. Arts & Culture: The US Embassy named four Freedom250 recipients, funding local theatre, dance and multimedia projects.

US Deportations Ripple: Sierra Leone received the first plane of nine migrants expelled from the US under Trump’s crackdown, with authorities saying up to 300 deportees a year will be accepted from ECOWAS states, housed in hotels for short stays before people return home. Regional Health Funding Push: African MPs meeting in Cape Town pledged to cut reliance on donors in the fight against TB by boosting domestic financing for health. Royal Tech and Services: King Mswati III visited SOCAR’s Baku Higher Oil School and also highlighted “one-roof” service delivery models, saying Eswatini can benefit from exchange programmes. Diplomacy in Motion: Eswatini’s PM met Qatar’s acting charge d’affaires to discuss cooperation ties. Justice and Courts: A rape case pupil was granted E50,000 bail, while a Shiselweni chieftaincy dispute saw a regional administrator barred from interfering. Local Crime Shock: A decomposed body was found hidden under a boyfriend’s bed in KwaZulu-Natal, with an Eswatini national arrested.

High Court Clampdown: Shiselweni’s Regional Administrator Themba Nhlanganiso Masuku has been barred from interfering in the KaGasa–KaLiba chieftaincy dispute, with the court also stopping any meetings, ceremonies or construction tied to the contested authority and ordering REPS to enforce compliance while the matter runs to the King/SNC Standing Committee. Health & Community: Deputy Director of Health Services Rejoice Nkambule has died after treatment at Ezulwini Private Hospital, while police are also seeking a missing 17-year-old girl, Thubelihle Ndlovu, last seen on 4 May. Economy & Daily Life: Businesses say rising oil and transport costs are squeezing them as inflation edges up to 2%, and unemployment pressures remain severe. Sports & Culture: Mbabane Highlanders ended their derby curse with a 1-0 win over Mbabane Swallows, and King Mswati III used the UN World Urban Forum in Baku to push for housing that puts people first.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Bafana Bafana have been drawn into Group D with co-hosts Kenya, plus Guinea and Eritrea, with qualifying running from 21 September to March next year—meaning South Africa likely need to finish above Guinea while Eritrea, fresh off a 4-1 pre-qualifying win over Swaziland, could still spring surprises. Eswatini Courts: The “CAT Matlala” identity document case hit a snag as an amended charge sheet forced a postponement, pushing the trial to July 6. Health: Deputy Director of Health Services Rejoice Nkambule has died after treatment at Ezulwini Private Hospital. Business & Cost Pressure: Businesses say rising fuel and transport costs, plus global shocks, are squeezing margins as inflation sits at 2%. Energy Security: King Mswati III says Eswatini is building a Strategic Oil Reserve for about two months and is seeking partners, including Azerbaijan’s SOCAR. Football (Local): Mbabane Highlanders broke their derby curse with a 1-0 win over Mbabane Swallows, ending a long winless run. Sports (Regional): Eswatini’s Peter Simelane is listed among COSAFA executive members after the 2026 elections.

World Urban Forum Spotlight: King Mswati III is in Baku for WUF13, where leaders’ statements and media attention keep rolling—while Eswatini’s housing and urban pressures stay front and centre, with Minister Appolo Maphalala blaming rural-to-urban migration for shrinking access and swelling informal settlements. Energy Security Move: In the same Azerbaijan talks, the King pushed for investment into Eswatini’s planned Strategic Oil Reserve—aimed at storing about two months of fuel—with SOCAR and other firms invited, and a longer-term refinery floated. Regional Football Governance: Eswatini’s Peter Simelane landed a COSAFA executive role as Zimbabwe’s Zifa boss Nqobile Magwizi was elected to the Cosafa exco, alongside new leadership for the region. Taiwan Health Row: Eswatini Health Minister Mduduzi Matsebula again backed Taiwan’s inclusion in the World Health Assembly, as China renewed its rejection—sparking fresh online backlash. Missing Person Alert: Police are searching for 17-year-old Thubelihle Ndlovu, last seen May 4 on her way to KaBoyce High School. Sports Moment: Mbabane Highlanders’ Shauwn “MaMkhize” Mkhize celebrated after the club finally ended its derby curse with a 1-0 win over Mbabane Swallows.

World Urban Forum Diplomacy: King Mswati III and President William Ruto are in Baku, Azerbaijan, for WUF13, where Ruto urged reform of the global financial system so African countries can access affordable concessional housing finance instead of paying “up to five times more” for credit. Energy Investment Push: In the same WUF13 setting, Mswati invited Azerbaijan’s SOCAR and mining firms to invest in Eswatini’s fuel plans, including a strategic oil reserve targeted for completion by 2028. Housing Pressure at Home: Eswatini’s Housing Minister Appolo Maphalala told delegates that rural-urban migration is driving informal settlements and straining services. Public Accountability in the Region: Namibia will host a SADC public accounts workshop in Swakopmund (18–23 May) with about 100 delegates, including Eswatini, to strengthen scrutiny of government spending. Local Alerts: Police are searching for missing 17-year-old Thubelihle Ndlovu, last seen on 4 May on her way to KaBoyce High School. Jobs and Skills: Business Eswatini links unemployment to slow growth, outdated qualifications, and a mismatch between training and job creation. Sports & Culture: Eswatini Beverages’ Sibebe Premium Lager is named an official FIFA World Cup 2026 beer sponsor, while an Austrian-funded programme backs women creatives through the Eswatini Theatre Club.

COSAFA Football Power Shift: Namibia’s Robert Shimooshili has been elected to the COSAFA executive committee for 2026–2029, while Botswana’s Tariq Babitseng takes over as COSAFA president unopposed; Eswatini’s Peter Simelane also makes the elected list, and Zambia’s Brenda Kunda keeps the reserved women’s seat. Royal Diplomacy: King Mswati III met Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev in Baku on the sidelines of the UN World Urban Forum, with talks touching energy and mining cooperation. World Cup Buzz: Cape Verde’s Roberto Lopes got a surprise send-off from his community ahead of FIFA World Cup 2026 after helping the team qualify by beating Eswatini. Local Sports Spotlight: Hardrock’s Neliswa Dlamini scored a standout strike as the club moved to the top of Zimbabwe’s Castle Lager Premier Soccer League. Business Watch: Simbisa plans 17 new outlets in Q4 2026 as it battles cost pressure on consumers. Community & Culture: Government set aside E20m for storm response and recovery, while Eswatini Beverages’ Sibebe Premium Lager was named an official FIFA World Cup 2026 beer sponsor.

Royal Diplomacy in Motion: President Ilham Aliyev met King Mswati III’s delegation in Azerbaijan, with both sides discussing UN World Urban Forum participation and potential cooperation in energy and mining. Regional Football Leadership: Botswana’s Tariq Babitseng was elected COSAFA president unopposed, with Eswatini’s Peter Simelane named to the executive. Business Watch: Simbisa says it will push ahead with 17 new stores in Q4 2026 despite squeezed household spending. Sports Spotlight: Hardrock are back at the PSL summit after a standout win over Bulawayo Chiefs, powered by Eswatini international Neliswa Dlamini’s strike. Geopolitics & Taiwan: A Tory MP arrived in Taipei despite China’s warning, while China again hit back at Taiwan’s diplomatic moves, including Lai’s Eswatini visit. Migration Pressure: Sierra Leone agreed to take US “third-country deportees,” with the first flight due May 20. Eswatini Industry: The country commissioned a E750m metal foundry at Sidvokodvo, targeting 500+ jobs and scrap-to-export value chains.

Deportation Deal Escalates: Sierra Leone has agreed to take in hundreds of West Africans deported by the US under a “third-country” arrangement, with the first flight due May 20 carrying 25 people from Senegal, Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria, and a cap of 300 per year—while rights groups warn deportees may be sent to places with weak protections. Eswatini Diplomacy Under Scrutiny: China has renewed its One-China push, pointing to Taiwan President Lai’s visit to Eswatini as part of efforts to expand Taiwan’s international presence, as Beijing criticises foreign media and officials’ engagements. Cost of Living Pressure: Households across the region are buckling under rising electricity, fuel and transport costs, with fears of more food price hikes. Local Industry Boost: Eswatini commissioned a E750m metal foundry in Sidvokodvo, aiming to process scrap and create 500+ jobs. Culture & Sport: Sibebe Premium Lager was named an official beer sponsor of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the MTN Bushfire Festival spotlights an Afro-house and choral fusion at House on Fire.

MTN Bushfire Festival: Sibu Manzini is set to bring a live Afro-house and choral fusion with the Vulamasango Choir at House on Fire in Malkerns Valley, aiming to move Eswatini forward without losing its voice. Deportations Watch: Sierra Leone says it will take in hundreds of West Africans deported by the U.S., with the first flight due May 20—another test of how “third-country” removals play out across Africa, including past cases involving Eswatini. Cost of Living Pressure: Households are buckling under higher electricity, fuel and transport costs, with retailers warning prices of basics could rise again. Health Policy Debate: South Africa’s HPV push is vaccinating girls, but new arguments are growing that boys should be included too. Eswatini Industry & Jobs: Government commissioned a E750m metal foundry at Sidvokodvo, targeting 500+ jobs and scrap-to-export industrialisation. Diplomacy: Eswatini hosted the Africa–EU Parliamentary Assembly, with lawmakers backing stronger parliamentary diplomacy and peacebuilding.

Stats Benchmarking: Uganda’s UBOS boss Dr Chris Mukiza praised President Museveni for backing statistical independence, as a delegation from Eswatini’s Central Statistics Office visits for benchmarking ahead of the 2027 National Population and Housing Census. Trade & Diplomacy: China’s expanded zero-tariff access to many African countries is framed as a boost for Africa’s negotiating power—though Eswatini is flagged as an exception tied to its Taiwan relationship. Storm Recovery: Government has set aside E20m for response and recovery after January storms, citing damage to homes, schools and health facilities across multiple regions. Parliament on the Move: Eswatini’s hosting of the Africa–EU Parliamentary Assembly and OACPS meeting is being credited for strengthening the country’s role as a diplomacy hub. Health Watch: Lenacapavir HIV prevention injections are in short supply in parts of Africa, with demand already outpacing early rollout in Eswatini. Sports: Namibia finished fourth at the Africa Region 5 Golf Championship in Eswatini.

Electricity Earnings: South Africa is forecast to earn about R18.8 billion from electricity exports to eight neighbours, including Eswatini, for the year ending 31 March 2026. Storm Recovery: Government has set aside E20 million for response and recovery after January storms, affecting 4,176 households and damaging schools and health facilities. Diplomacy Boost: Eswatini’s successful hosting of the Africa–EU Parliamentary Assembly and OACPS Africa Region meeting underlined its growing role as a regional diplomacy hub. Women in Parliament: Senator Dr Linda Nxumalo was elected Chairperson of the SADC Women’s Caucus for the next three years. Health & Payments: EswatiniMed moves toward board stability with two executive nominees; and DeltaPay secured a full Mobile Money Provider licence to expand trusted payments. Industry Jobs: Eswatini commissioned a E750 million metal foundry in Sidvokodvo, targeting 500+ jobs and value-added exports.

Taiwan Tensions: China has renewed its One-China warning, blasting Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s recent visit to Eswatini and even raising concerns about Nigerian journalists engaging Taipei-linked institutions—signalling Beijing will keep pushing back on any Taiwan diplomacy. Digital Identity Push: Africa Digital ID Hackathon 2026 crowned Senegal’s TrustSeal, spotlighting practical identity tools for everyday problems and the growing local digital identity ecosystem. Fuel Pressure: Eswatini’s government is cutting fuel allocations by 40% across ministries, with ministries told to prioritise essentials—while some sectors report even steeper cuts. Health Watch: Lenacapavir HIV prevention injections are in short supply in parts of Africa, and Eswatini’s rollout is already feeling the demand. Governance & Services: EswatiniMed shareholders back two board nominees as the company moves to stabilise governance, while DeltaPay secures a full licence to expand mobile money payments and disbursements.