AGP Executive Report

US Deportations to Eswatini: Eswatini says two more Latin American third-country nationals have arrived after being deported from the United States under a bilateral deal, bringing the total to more than 30 since last year, with rights groups continuing to question detention and treatment. China-Taiwan Diplomatic Pressure: China has told its citizens to leave Eswatini, citing “extremely high” security risks linked to cyber fraud and illegal online gambling; Eswatini has rejected the advisory as unsupported. Cybersecurity Push: Government says cybersecurity must be built into digital services from the start as it expands mobile access to public services, stressing protection of personal data. Transport Permits Warning: Widows in the transport sector are being warned not to hand over operating permits to boyfriends, after concerns that men take control and leave families without income. Education Fees Standardisation: An education review committee recommends a standardised public-school secondary fee, while flagging delays in government fund disbursement. Local Crackdown on Traders: In Nhlangano, authorities inspected 94 businesses and charged 37 operators over expired food, unlabelled stock, unlicensed trading and immigration breaches. Umhlanga Reed Dance: Princess Sakhizwe led thousands to Mpisi Farm for the reed-cutting, with Imbali maidens urged to preserve culture and values. Football Transfers & Youth Development: Moneni Pirates place national goalkeeper Qiniso Nyawo on the transfer list; Asante Kotoko sign Congolese defender Aristote Tamuzi, while Spain’s Tomeu Perello Palou is set to lead Eswatini youth football at COSSASA.

US Deportations: Eswatini says two more Latin American migrants deported from the United States arrived on Thursday, bringing the total accepted under a $5.1m deal to more than 30 since last year, with the government saying they are only temporarily in-country pending return. Skills for Jobs: Deputy Defence Minister Brig-Gen (Rtd) Levi Mayihlome urged Tonganyika Trust graduates in Umzingwane to turn training in hairdressing, catering and detergents into small businesses and local livelihoods. China-Taiwan Pressure: China has issued a travel advisory urging its citizens to leave Eswatini, citing “extremely high” risks linked to telecom fraud and online gambling; Eswatini rejected the claims as unsupported and said it will not be destabilised over its sovereignty. Culture & Sports: Umhlanga Reed Dance 2026 continues at Ludzidzini with Swati maidens in colourful celebrations, while Eswatini darts youth and CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA qualifiers bring more regional action. Economy & Currency: The Central Bank announced a limited-edition E10 commemorative coin for the 60th Independence celebrations in 2028, to co-circulate with the current E10 banknote.

China–Taiwan Tensions: China has urged its citizens to leave Eswatini, citing “extremely high security risks” linked to cyber fraud and online gambling, while Eswatini says the claims are unsupported and stresses respect for sovereignty. Government Response: Acting Spokesperson Thabile Mdluli says the recent law-enforcement operation targeted individuals under investigation and does not mean Chinese or other foreign nationals are unsafe. Currency Update: The Central Bank of Eswatini will introduce a limited-edition E10 commemorative coin for the 60th Independence celebrations in 2028, co-circulating with the current E10 banknote. Culture & IP: “IP Runway: The Business of Fashion, Furniture and Arts” showcased Eswatini creativity alongside intellectual property protection, linking designers to commercial opportunities. Youth Skills: A Youth Animation Empowerment Programme has launched to help young creatives turn animation skills into careers, with activities planned in Manzini later in September. Sports: Nsingizini Hotspurs Ladies were eliminated from the CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA qualifier after a 5-1 loss to Silver Strikers, missing the finals prize. Weekend Watch: The Swazi Rally returns this weekend at Riders Ranch, Sidvokodvo, with international FMX, drag racing, stunts, music and camping.

China advisory and Eswatini response: China has ordered its citizens to evacuate Eswatini, warning of “extremely high” security risks tied to cyber fraud and illegal gambling, and urging relocation to South Africa; Local government pushback: Eswatini’s government says the advisory is unsupported by facts and clarifies that a recent law-enforcement operation targeted suspected cyber-related criminal activity involving foreign nationals, not a general threat to all Chinese or other residents. Court update: In Johannesburg, the murder trial of Tiffany Meek (charged over the death of her son Jayden-Lee) was postponed again to 14 September after an in-loco inspection at the Swazi Place apartment complex; Sports: Nsingizini Hotspurs Ladies crashed out of CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA qualifying after a 5-1 loss to Malawi’s Silver Strikers, missing a promised US$150,000 (about E2.3m) spot in the finals. Regional leadership: King Mswati III says SADC structures will handle efforts to resolve Madagascar’s political crisis as Eswatini leads the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. Development and services: The government opened a workshop to operationalise Eswatini’s National Research Council, and EWSC launched “Konkhe nga Water” to promote smarter water use. Business/tech: MTN reports strong first-half growth, with service revenue up 17.5% driven by Ghana and Nigeria, and continued Mobile Money momentum.

Courtroom Update: Tiffany Meek’s murder trial in Johannesburg High Court was postponed to 14 September after judges conducted an in-loco inspection at the Swazi Place apartment complex in Fleurhof, with photos to be compiled into a record for court. Justice & Sentencing: A High Court judge urged magistrates to avoid emotional sentencing and to base decisions on the law and evidence, warning against letting an accused person’s background unfairly shape outcomes. Women’s Football: Nsingizini Hotspurs Ladies crashed out of the CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA Qualifier after a 5-1 loss to Malawi’s Silver Strikers, missing out on the US$150,000 (about E2.3m) finals bounty; Silver Strikers booked the semi-final spot, with Carolyn Mathyola’s hat-trick putting her in the Golden Boot race. Health & Families: The National Nutrition Council urged mothers to prioritise exclusive breastfeeding for the first six months, saying it strengthens immunity and protects babies from common illnesses. Education & Culture: The Ministry of Education and Training set up a Joint Governing Committee to oversee the Schools Cultural Villages (Culture Hubs) initiative, aiming to preserve culture and expand it to more schools. Politics & Diplomacy: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini met Taiwan President Lai Ching-te in Taipei to deepen cooperation on health, education, agriculture, renewable energy and skills, while China told its citizens to leave Eswatini, citing security risks. Economy & Policy: Business Eswatini won a four-month deferral of the 24% edible oil import levy to 1 January 2027, giving businesses more time to prepare. Regional Leadership: King Mswati III returned home after SADC and Malaysia engagements, including Eswatini’s election to chair the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

Research & Innovation: Namibia has pledged continued support to help Eswatini operationalise its National Research Council and strengthen its national research, science, technology and innovation system. Regional Diplomacy: King Mswati III returned home after attending the SADC Summit in South Africa, where he was elected Chairperson of the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, and after an official visit to Malaysia. Women’s Football: Silver Strikers Ladies thrashed Nsingizini Hotspurs 5-1 to reach the CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA Qualifier semi-finals, while Nsingizini’s campaign ended in defeat. CAF Draws: CAF unveiled the 2027 U-23 AFCON qualifiers draw, with Malawi drawn to play Eswatini in the first round. Health & Identity: Birth registration completeness rose to 61% and death registration to 62% in 2025, CSO reports. HIV Prevention: PrEP initiations climbed to 11,359 in Q1 2026, up over 37% year-on-year, as Eswatini reports progress in reducing HIV-related deaths. Food Security: PM Russell Mmiso Dlamini met WFP to seek support for national grain reserves and to strengthen school feeding. Culture: Imbali arrived at Ludzidzini for the start of Umhlanga Reed Dance preparations.

Energy Update: Lower Maguduza Hydropower Project is set to add 13.5MW to Eswatini’s grid in January, boosting local generation and cutting reliance on imported power. Recognition in Infrastructure: Two emaSwati professionals—Zizwe Vilane and Nosipho Simelane—have been nominated among Africa’s Top 100 Most Influential Africans in Infrastructure. Justice & GBV Response: Nearly 40 magistrates met to strengthen how the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act is implemented, with World Vision supporting the Judiciary. Sports—Football: Manzini Wanderers’ proposed status swap with Red Rhinos was rejected by the Premier League of Eswatini, keeping the focus on sporting merit and league rules. Sports—Women’s CAF Qualifiers: Silver Strikers Ladies are still in the hunt after a 3-0 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns; they must beat Nsingizini Hotspurs to reach the semis. Legal Pressure on Government: Re-arrested Chinese nationals are demanding E208 million from the government after immigration convictions and detention disputes. Food Security: PM Russell Mmiso Dlamini asked the WFP to help build national grain reserves and strengthen school feeding, amid El Niño concerns.

Food Security Push: PM Russell Dlamini asked the World Food Programme to help Eswatini set up national grain reserves and strengthen school feeding, as El Niño risks loom. Digital Boost: Jenny Internet pledged E570,000 to provide free Wi‑Fi at the Eswatini International Trade Fair, backing exhibitors’ online sales and customer reach. Labour & Jobs: Government is shifting focus to “quality jobs that sustain households” after the 2025 Labour Force Survey showed unemployment easing and more people entering work, even as the World Bank warns informality stays high globally. Sports—Women’s Football: Silver Strikers Ladies were beaten 3-0 by Mamelodi Sundowns in the CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA qualifiers and must win their final group match to advance; Nsingizini Hotspurs Ladies also crashed out after a 3-1 loss to Costa do Sol. Justice & Safety: Magistrates met to strengthen implementation of the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act, while a woman was arrested over alleged repeated rape of a 15-year-old boy. Health Tech (Taiwan): A TaiwanICDF team visited RFM Hospital and Buhleni to review NCD prevention and demonstrated AI-assisted eye screening for faster detection. Education: Schools will close during Umhlanga Reed Dance week, with tests and deadlines rescheduled.

CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA Qualifier: Silver Strikers Ladies launched their 2026 campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Mozambique’s Costa do Sol, setting up a key next test against Mamelodi Sundowns and a final group clash with eSwatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs. Eswatini Infrastructure: Eswatini is moving beyond “build, forget” with a new construction policy that pushes a full infrastructure life-cycle, including long-term maintenance and renovation. Energy & Power: EEC has opened a tender for an additional 10MW hydropower unit at Maguga, seeking EPC contractors and financing partners to close a funding gap. Nuclear Energy Watch: Eswatini says it will seriously consider nuclear power, but only after building national nuclear capability first. Tax Dispute: The Eswatini Revenue Service has lost a bid to proceed with a late review in its E77m tax case against USA Distillers. Public Safety & Crime: Police arrested a woman at Bram Fischer International Airport after 232 stones of suspected crack cocaine were found hidden in a hairdresser’s doll head. Education: Senate figures show 6.85% secondary school dropouts last year, with pregnancy cited as a leading reason. Governance: Parliament is set for a retreat after concerns about threats and intimidation against MPs.

King’s Diplomacy: King Mswati III congratulated Zambia’s President Hakainde Hichilema on re-election, pledging stronger Eswatini–Zambia ties. US Deportations Fallout: The US has begun sending deportees to Liberia under a third-country deal for up to 1,200 people, with reports raising questions about secrecy, compensation, and migrants being diverted to other countries; Eswatini is among African states previously named in similar arrangements. Sports (Women’s Football): Mamelodi Sundowns crushed Nsingizini Hotspurs 8-0 in the CAF Women’s Champions League–COSAFA qualifier, while Silver Strikers Ladies opened with a 2-1 comeback win over Costa do Sol and face Sundowns next. Road Racing: UEDF Athletics Club dominated Eswatini road races, sweeping multiple podium spots at the Nhlangano Half Marathon. Education & Culture: Schools have been ordered to close during Umhlanga Reed Dance week, with lessons and deadlines paused. Energy & Power: EEC is seeking bids for a new 10MW hydropower unit at Maguga, and Eswatini says it will seriously consider nuclear energy after building national capability first. Justice & Accountability: Parliament is set for a retreat after allegations of threats against MPs, and the Bhunu Mall project team faces possible jail time over compliance concerns.

Umhlanga Reed Dance Disruption: The Ministry of Education ordered all public and private schools to close during Umhlanga week, with tests and deadlines to be rescheduled. Parliament Under Pressure: Parliament will hold a retreat after Umhlanga amid reports of threats and intimidation of MPs over comments made in debates. Bhunu Mall Accountability: A Manzini court says the Bhunu Mall project team could face jail time if laws were breached, citing strict rules on who may work on construction sites. Energy Expansion: EEC has launched a tender to add a 10MW unit at Maguga Hydropower Station, aiming to unlock financing and engineering opportunities. Nuclear Energy Interest: Eswatini says it is considering nuclear power after attending the US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit, stressing “capability” before building infrastructure. Sports—CAF Women’s Qualifiers: Nsingizini Hotspurs Ladies were hammered 8-0 by Mamelodi Sundowns, while Silver Strikers Ladies began with a 2-1 comeback win over Costa do Sol. Corruption Crackdown: Two Home Affairs cleaners were dismissed for soliciting money for birth and marriage certificates. Fraud and Gambling Scams: Police court papers describe an Eswatini-based syndicate using fake “confidentiality” agreements and bogus police identities to trap Brazilian victims; two Chinese kingpins were fined E77k.

U.S.-Liberia Deportations: The first flight of 20 deportees arrived in Liberia under a third-country deal that could take in up to 1,200 people, with reports now saying Washington paid Liberia $5 million—sparking fresh legal and humanitarian questions. Eswatini Deportation Link: Reuters also reports allegations that some deportees were diverted to Equatorial Guinea after landing in Liberia, raising concerns about rights and access to help. Umhlanga School Closure: Eswatini’s education ministry ordered all schools to close during Umhlanga Reed Dance week, with tests and deadlines to be rescheduled. Home Affairs Corruption Crackdown: Two Home Affairs cleaners were dismissed after admitting they solicited money for birth and marriage certificates. Sports (CAF Women’s Qualifiers): Mamelodi Sundowns thrashed eSwatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs 8-0, while Silver Strikers Ladies began their campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Costa do Sol. Local Football Business: 8Bet Trade Fair Cup teams received E200,000 kits support, as the league pushes branding and professionalism. Fraud & Gambling: Eswatini police detailed how an Eswatini-based syndicate used fake “confidentiality” contracts and pressure to trap Brazilian victims; two Chinese kingpins were fined E77,000 in related online gambling cases.

Third-Country Deportations: The first 20 people deported from the US under Liberia’s deal arrived at Roberts International Airport, with reports that some were Cubans and that a disputed transfer may have sent some onward to Equatorial Guinea instead of leaving them in Liberia. Sports (CAF Women’s Qualifiers): Mamelodi Sundowns crushed Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs Ladies 8-0 in the CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA qualifier, while Silver Strikers Ladies began their campaign with a 2-1 comeback win over Costa do Sol. Education & Culture: Schools have been ordered to close during Umhlanga Reed Dance week, with tests and deadlines to be rescheduled. Anti-Corruption: Two Ministry of Home Affairs cleaners were dismissed after admitting they solicited money for birth and marriage certificates. Local Football Business: E200,000 kits were presented to 8Bet Trade Fair Cup teams, as the Premier League pushes club identity and commercial growth. Land & Safety: The Land Management Board is moving toward stronger enforcement against homes built on hills and mountains, with demolitions possible.

Deportation Fallout: A Cuban deported by US ICE to Liberia says he was taken to a hotel in Equatorial Guinea without documents or legal help, after authorities refused to accept him in Monrovia. Online Fraud & Gambling: Eswatini police court papers describe an Eswatini-based syndicate trapping Brazilian victims with fake “confidentiality” contracts and forced check-ins every three hours; meanwhile two Chinese kingpins in an illegal online gambling case were fined a total of E77k. Aviation & Inclusion: ESWACAA launched a Gender Equality Friday push to boost women’s participation in aviation, citing major under-representation in technical and leadership roles. Health & HIV Response: Parliament and NERCHA strengthened collaboration on HIV prevention after community-focused findings on drivers of new infections. Sports & Regional Pride: Silver Strikers Ladies began the CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA qualifier with a 2-1 comeback win in Botswana. Tech & Finance: Ericsson and MTN Group Fintech completed migrating MTN MoMo to a cloud-native platform in Eswatini and other markets. Co-op Probe: Members demanded answers after alleged disappearance of about E2.5m from the Lutsango LwakaNgwane Multi-purpose Cooperative, with a forensic investigation proposed.

SADC Geopolitics: Durban’s SADC summit set economic priorities, but analysts say leaders still lack a clear regional security and geopolitical strategy on how to turn critical minerals and infrastructure plans into real integration. Co-op Fraud Probe: Members of the Lutsango LwakaNgwane Multi-purpose Cooperative say about E2.5m has “vanished,” pushing for a forensic investigation after management and committee members were linked to mismanagement. Aviation Leadership Change: RENAC’s board and CEO Captain Qiniso Dhlamini’s tenures end August 31, with the airline’s revival and VVIP operations cited among key achievements. Bhunu Mall Compliance Shock: Engineers investigating the Bhunu Mall collapse say the project manager may not be properly qualified/registered, raising statutory compliance questions after the tragedy killed an employee. Broadcasting Boost: ESCCOM has licensed Sakha Live FM for free-to-air commercial radio, aiming to bring a new, youth-focused voice to Eswatini’s airwaves. Third-Country Deportations: Eswatini facilitated the voluntary repatriation of two US-deported nationals, as scrutiny grows around the Trump-era third-country policy. Sports & Culture: Motocross and enduro champs run this weekend; locally, Sibu Manzini and Bholoja drop the “Memeta” EP.

Third-Country Deportations: Eswatini repatriated two nationals deported from the US—one Mauritanian and one from the DRC—after they requested voluntary return, as Washington’s third-country policy faces growing legal scrutiny. Regional Migration Watch: Liberia began receiving the first group of 20 deportees under a deal to accept up to 1,200 over a year, with authorities saying arrivals can seek asylum or leave and will be treated as “guests.” Public Safety & Accountability: Engineers inspecting the Bhunu Mall collapse say there may have been construction shortcomings, while the victim’s family alleges Identity Clothing failed to communicate after the tragedy. Health Workforce: Government officials visited rural clinics to assess healthcare workers’ conditions ahead of new sector-specific allowances. Sports & Events: Nsingizini Hotspurs face fixture clashes between the PLE and CAF schedules, while Silver Strikers Ladies have arrived in Botswana for the COSAFA Women’s Champions League qualifier. Infrastructure & Jobs: Probase and Exim Bank assured King Mswati of about 250km of road tarring worth around E1.6bn, with local maintenance and temporary construction employment.