AGP Executive Report

SADC Summit Update: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa took over the SADC chair in Durban, with Zambia set to host the 47th summit and assume the incoming chair role. Regional Integration & Trade: Leaders backed a SADC Tourism UNIVISA and pushed an industrialisation drive centred on critical minerals, infrastructure and agriculture, while King Mswati III urged full inclusion of landlocked states in the North–South Economic Corridor via feeder links like the Ngwenya–Oshoek border gateway. Migration Tensions: Anti-migrant protests by March and March are set to continue around the summit, with renewed calls for stricter controls on undocumented foreign nationals. Drug Bust at Border: Mpumalanga police arrested a suspect and seized a Volvo truck with 49 bags of suspected dagga (about 630kg) worth over R4 million at Oshoek Port of Entry from Eswatini. Local Transport Costs: Public transport operators want minimum bus fares raised to E15 for trips up to 8km, citing higher operating costs and vehicle depreciation. Education Win: An Eswatini student, Vuyelwa Karabo Simelane of UNESWA, won the 2026 SADC tertiary essay competition, taking home US$2,000.

Drug Enforcement: Police in Mpumalanga arrested a suspect after intercepting a truck at Oshoek Port of Entry carrying 49 bags of suspected dagga worth over R4 million, totalling about 630kg, with the vehicle linked to an Eswatini-registered logistics firm. Local Housing: Nkaba MP Hope Shiba says he will move a motion to urgently halt evictions and demolitions of about 1,000 homes built on farms, and push for clarity on farm ownership and access to basic services. Public Health & Accountability: SWADNU is calling for a thorough, multi-sector probe into The Luke Commission (TLC), citing allegations about how staff and patients were managed and asking for strong recommendations to fix safety and policy problems. Sports (CAF): Green Mamba have released two senior midfielders ahead of a CAF Confederation Cup tie, while Nsingizini Hotspurs’ COSAFA qualifier route is set to be clearer after organisers scrapped the best-runner-up method. Economy & Trade: Eswatini’s merchandise trade deficit widened to E1.05bn in the first four months of 2026/27 as imports kept rising faster than exports. SADC Watch: As SADC leaders meet in Durban, migration and regional security top the agenda, with the anti-migrant March and March movement planning protests on the summit’s final day.

SADC Summit in Durban: Leaders meet for the 46th Ordinary SADC Summit under the theme of resilient, inclusive industrialisation, with security and trade also high on the agenda. Regional Politics & Security: The SADC Organ Troika meeting ahead of the summit focused on crises in the DRC, Madagascar and Mozambique, with Malawi’s Enock Kanzingeni Chihana backing incoming Eswatini leadership of the Organ. Migration Tensions: Anti-migrant “March and March” plans a march and picket on the summit’s final day, demanding stricter visa controls and action against employers hiring undocumented workers. Eswatini Governance: ESCCOM says an investigation found about E17 million allegedly diverted into a finance manager’s personal accounts through invoice bank-detail changes and alleged misuse of an ESCCOM card. Local Economy: Eswatini’s merchandise trade deficit widened to E1.05bn in the first four months of 2026/27 as imports outpaced exports. Jobs & Procurement: Government plans to enforce 80% local content in construction materials for public projects. HIV Prevention Push: More than 1,200 emaSwati called for community involvement in shaping HIV prevention, with women making up 61.1% of participants. Sports & Culture: Eswatini’s National Youth Games athletics wrapped with Seychelles and Lesotho picking up medals; Eswatini also celebrates a VAR appointment for Letticia Viana at the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final.

HIV Response Momentum: More than 1,200 emaSwati called for a stronger community role in shaping HIV prevention, with women making up 61.1% of participants in the Manzini findings—pushing the “Ngive Nami” message that people want a say in how programmes are designed and delivered. Energy Security Pressure: UNDP urged Eswatini to use renewable energy to strengthen energy security and resilience, warning that sustainability must translate into real economic change. Street Reintegration Plan: Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla says her office will assess people living on the streets for family reintegration, and where there’s no support, work with chiefs and communities to find homes. Fuel Subsidy Watch: Government revealed it spent E147m in June to cushion fuel prices after the Strait of Hormuz closure, with reserves enough for under six months. Sports Spotlight: Eswatini’s Letticia Viana has been appointed to the VAR team for the Women’s Africa Cup of Nations final in Morocco, while Austin Bautista won the FNB Eswatini Challenge at Ezulweni. Governance & Accountability: PM Russell Mmiso Dlamini says government is within rights to investigate The Luke Commission after serious allegations, and senators have raised concerns about politicians’ silence.

HIV Prevention Push: More than 1,200 emaSwati called for a stronger community role in shaping HIV prevention, with women making up 61.1% of 1,284 participants in the Manzini Indaba study; researchers also flagged about 4,220 new infections in 2024, up from roughly 4,000, threatening the 2030 zero-target. Energy Security: UNDP urged Eswatini to scale renewable energy to reduce risks and build resilience, while fuel-cushion funding is under pressure after government spent E147m in June to keep prices low, leaving under six months at current rates. Housing for Street Dwellers: Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla says her office will assess people living on the streets for family reintegration, and where there’s no support, work with chiefs to allocate homes. Governance & Accountability: PM Russell Mmiso Dlamini says government is within rights to investigate The Luke Commission amid serious allegations, as senators warn politicians’ silence is worrying. Sports & Culture: Eswatini’s Austin Bautista won the FNB Eswatini Challenge (E396,250), and the National Youth Games athletics medal table is led by Manzini Region after day one. Legal/Business: Swaziland Milling is facing a High Court claim over E745k security debt, and unions warn Eskom restructuring could raise electricity costs for Eswatini.

National Youth Games: Eswatini has taken the early lead in the athletics medal table at the inaugural National Youth Games in Lobamba, with Manzini Region topping the board after day one. HIV Prevention: A new NERCHA-linked impact update shows about 4,220 new HIV infections in 2024, up from roughly 4,000, raising alarms for the 2030 “zero new infections” goal. Fuel Costs: Government says the fuel “cushion” fund is running low, with about E860 million left—enough for under six months—after spending E147 million in June to keep prices down. Youth Safety Online: Parents are worried about a growing “school uniform” photo trend online, saying it could expose identifiable pupils to predators. Sports & Talent: The National Games are officially launched, and Eswatini plans to use them to shape teams for the Region V Youth Games in Mozambique. Local Sports: Mbabane Swallows face a player crisis ahead of 2026/27 as key signings and free-agent clearances reshape their squad.

Royal Palace Visit: Zimbabwean tycoon Wicknell Chivayo met King Mswati III for dinner at the Royal Palace, praising the monarch’s vision for Eswatini’s economic development. HIV Update: Eswatini recorded about 4,220 new HIV infections in 2024, up from roughly 4,000, putting the 2030 “zero new infections” goal under pressure. Youth Safety Online: Parents are alarmed by an “Eswatini School Uniform Challenge” trend where pupils post uniform photos online, fearing it could expose children to predators. School Drug Scare: A teacher warned of a new “Bluetooth” practice where pupils inject each other’s blood after taking drugs, raising HIV transmission fears. Fuel Subsidy Pressure: Government says the fuel “cushion” fund has about E860 million left, which could last under six months at current spending rates. National Games Kickoff: The inaugural Eswatini National Games were officially launched in Kwaluseni, bringing together 325 athletes and 101 officials from three nations. Finance Watch: The Central Bank says it will soon roll out retail bonds to widen trusted investment options for locals. Sports Transfers: CAF-bound Green Mamba signed midfielder Nhlanhla Ngwenya as registration deadlines near.

National Youth Games prep: Eswatini will use its inaugural National Youth Games as a build-up for the Region V Youth Games in Mozambique, with eight sports codes lined up including athletics, basketball, boxing, tennis, taekwondo, swimming, volleyball and football. Financial inclusion push: Central Bank of Eswatini Governor Dr Phil Mnisi says retail bonds are set to be rolled out soon, aiming to give more locals trusted investment options and broaden participation in domestic markets. Local economy boost: EWADE reports that the under-construction Mpakeni Dam has already injected about E739.2m into Eswatini-owned businesses, with nearly 200 local contractors and suppliers benefiting. Cold snap hits farmers: Freezing conditions in Hawane killed cattle, with smallholder losses reported at over E60,000 and emergency support moving vulnerable residents to safety. Sports—CAF and hockey: Green Mamba strengthened ahead of CAF competition with the signing of former Mbabane Swallows midfielder Nhlanhla Ngwenya, while Eswatini’s young hockey players are in Zimbabwe for the Junior Hockey Series. Governance spotlight: Senate debates raised questions over police conduct and links to illegal online gambling, with the PM asked to investigate and clarify legal processes for foreign nationals.

CBE & Savings: Central Bank of Eswatini Governor Dr Phil Mnisi says the CBE will soon roll out retail bonds, aiming to give more people trusted investment options and broaden participation in local financial markets. Electricity Costs & Compliance: The Eswatini Electricity Company warns owners of grid-connected solar systems to register with the Phehla Sikwati campaign or face a E15,500 penalty, citing safety and regulatory concerns. Water & Local Business: EWADE reports that the under-construction Mpakeni Dam has already injected about E739.2m into Eswatini-owned companies, supporting nearly 200 local contractors and suppliers. Politics & Police Accountability: Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini’s serious claims against police officers have prompted the Prime Minister to respond that “there is no smoke without fire,” with calls for investigations into alleged links to illegal online gambling. Weather & Livelihoods: A freezing cold snap in Hawane killed cattle, with smallholder farmers reporting losses of over E60,000 and emergency moves for vulnerable residents. Regional Trade Talks: India and SACU signed terms of reference to start negotiations on a preferential trade agreement, with Eswatini included in the bloc. Football & CAF: Green Mamba’s Green Mamba have signed former Mbabane Swallows midfielder Nhlanhla Ngwenya ahead of CAF registration deadlines, boosting their continental campaign. Culture & Community: Organisers of the Umhlangano Cultural Festival say the event will also tackle child marriages, school dropouts, gender-based violence and environmental conservation.

SADC Summit in Durban: South Africa will host the 46th SADC Heads of State and Government Summit on Aug 17, kicking off its chairship and pushing regional integration and industrialisation under a theme focused on resilient, sustainable, inclusive growth. Police accountability: Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini told the PM of serious allegations against Royal Eswatini Police Service officers linked to civil suits costing government E15 million, with the PM urging investigations and no interference with police work. Cold snap hits farmers: Freezing conditions in Hawane killed cattle, with smallholder farmers reporting losses of over E60,000 after temperatures dropped to around 4°C. Electricity rules and costs: EEC warned solar owners to register with Phehla Sikwati or face a E15,500 penalty, while the energy minister says EEC can legally apply for tariff reviews every two years. Trade talks with India: India and SACU signed terms of reference to start negotiations on a preferential trade agreement, covering areas like goods, customs and SPS measures, with talks expected to begin soon and aim for completion within a year. Regional business spotlight: Eswatini’s EITF is set to draw over 70,000 attendees from Aug 28 to Sept 6, with a green economy theme. Sports & CAF: Nsingizini Hotspurs Ladies received an E40,000 Orchard Insurance boost ahead of CAF Women’s Champions League qualifiers in Gaborone.

Electricity & Tariffs: Natural Resources and Energy Minister Prince Lonkhokhela says EEC is within its rights to apply for electricity tariff adjustments every two years, with another application expected before year-end, as the utility reports losses of E231.1m and ongoing EEC financial strain. Food & Trade Policy: NAMBoard will enforce a 24% levy on imported edible oils from September 1, tightening compliance to protect local production. Climate Watch: Eswatini faces elevated drought risk after an El Niño advisory, with authorities urged to monitor rainfall and prepare across water, agriculture, health and energy. Youth & Leadership: More than 80 student leaders were urged to take campus lessons into communities and workplaces, while UNESWA’s VC also pushed early retirement planning. Regional Economy: India and SACU signed Terms of Reference to restart talks on a Preferential Trade Agreement, aiming to conclude negotiations within a year. Governance & Services: Government performance rose to 48% in 2025/26, with HMCS, Health and the PM’s Office among top performers. Sports: Scottland submitted Harare’s National Sports Stadium as a CAF Champions League venue option for Nsingizini Hotspurs, while Eswatini’s PLE named Nqobile Simelane as Brand and Marketing Manager.

CAF Champions League Venue Race: Scottland submitted Harare’s National Sports Stadium as its main ground for Nsingizini Hotspurs, but hosting hinges on CAF deadlines and the stadium’s long closure since 2020. Trade & Jobs: India and SACU signed Terms of Reference to start Preferential Trade Agreement talks, aiming to conclude within a year and targeting tariff relief for goods like cars, pharmaceuticals and machinery. Electricity Pressure: Eswatini Electricity Company says it’s E231.1m in the red and expects to file for another tariff review for 2027, while ESERA has already flagged a past 13.61% hike and warns of further applications. Cold-Weather Response: Government relocated 114 street children and vulnerable people to temporary shelters as a severe cold front hit, with food and warm clothing provided. Public Service Accountability: Government ordered probes into allegations against The Luke Commission after former employees raised concerns on labour, governance and clinical practices. Culture & Sports: ECOFEST released its first comedian lineup; and the FNB Eswatini Golf Challenge tees off with up to 138 players chasing a E2.5m prize pool.

FIDE Chess Olympiad: Eswatini’s final Open and Women teams for the 46th FIDE Chess Olympiad have been confirmed, with the Open led by CM Mbongeni Mabuza and the Women’s top spot held by Woman CM Sinqobile Dlamini; the event runs in Samarkand from September 15 with 11 rounds of classical chess. Electricity Costs: The Eswatini Electricity Company says it will apply for a 2027 tariff review in October, with any change only decided after ESERA’s regulator process—EEC warns it’s too early to state the size of any increase. Labour Probe at Luke Commission: Government has engaged regulators and investigators to examine serious allegations by former employees against The Luke Commission, including labour law breaches, unlawful termination claims, discrimination, and issues around contracts and working hours. ENPF Board Update: The Minister of Labour says the Eswatini National Provident Fund will be fully constituted by end of September as a new board is vetted after concerns raised in Senate. Cold Weather Alert: Authorities warn of very cold conditions this week, with temperatures dropping to around 4°C in the capital and freezing rain risks, urging fire safety and care for vulnerable people. Youth & Agriculture Push: EYEOP targets 30,000 young people (including at least 15,000 young women) with skills and jobs support, while EWADE hands over E300,000 in digital tools to strengthen farm monitoring under SAPEMP. Tourism Calendar in Mozambique: Eswatini launched its events calendar in Mozambique to boost regional arrivals, highlighting major local events ahead of peak season.

Bilateral Diplomacy: Kuwait and Eswatini officials met in Kuwait to review ties and explore deeper cooperation across key areas. Youth & Jobs: Government’s EYEOP will put E432m behind 30,000 youth opportunities, with at least 50% for young women and 5% for young people with disabilities. Agriculture Digitisation: EWADE handed over E300,000 in tablets and laptops to boost farm monitoring and real-time data collection under SAPEMP. Climate Finance Push: Eswatini is studying Namibia’s Environmental Investment Fund model as it moves to transform its own environment fund into a bigger financing vehicle. Regional Tourism: Mozambique and Eswatini agreed to work together to improve cross-border travel and grow regional tourism. Trade Facilitation: SACU is expanding its AEO pilot to Namibia, Botswana and South Africa, building on the first phase that included Eswatini. Public Safety (Cold Spell): The DPM urged municipalities to shelter street dwellers and protect vulnerable people as temperatures drop to around 4°C, with freezing rain and strong winds expected. Environment & Health: EEA warned that open waste burning is worsening disaster risks, including by fueling wildfires and releasing harmful pollutants. Sports (Football): Eswatini will learn COSAFA U-20 group opponents on Aug 12 as the race to the 2027 U-20 AFCON qualifier begins. Arts & Culture: Shiselweni NACA Regional Festival drew thousands, with nominees performing ahead of winners and mentorship support.

Regional Tourism Push: Mozambique and Eswatini agreed to work together to boost cross-border travel, with Mozambique stressing integrated tourism-and-investment and Eswatini launching its events calendar in Maputo to position the kingdom as a regional hub. Cold Weather Safety: Eswatini braces for a severe cold spell, with forecasts of temperatures as low as 4°C and freezing rain in western areas; the DPM urged municipalities to shelter street dwellers and urged families to check on elderly people and persons with disabilities. Trade & Customs: SACU is expanding its AEO pilot to Namibia, Botswana and South Africa, starting 18 August, while India and a SACU group are set to sign terms of reference on August 12 to begin talks on a preferential trade agreement. Export Growth Plan: The EU and ITC are backing a three-year Eswatini export roadmap to help businesses turn opportunities into sustained international sales. Data Protection Warning: ESCCOM says most reported personal data breaches come from the financial sector, highlighting weak controls and mishandling of customer information. Sports & Culture: Ace Julz wowed in Botswana; Eswatini’s “Tiger” Dlamini helped Hardrock reach the Munhumutapa Cup last 16; and local artists keep scoring wins at Basadi in Music Awards.

Deportation Dispute: Airlines have flagged 36 foreign nationals tied to an alleged illegal online gambling syndicate, creating a new hurdle for Eswatini’s departure plans after a High Court exit order was appealed. Elections Integrity: The EBC has warned voters against being swayed by food parcels distributed around political activities, urging independent choices in the by-election. Agriculture & Jobs: A World Bank-linked Agriculture Sector Review says Eswatini must shift from fragmented spending to market-focused investment that strengthens value chains and smallholder support. Public Services Upgrade: Eswatini libraries are training staff in AI and digital tools to improve cataloguing, information retrieval and user services. Health & Recovery: The first medical detox and rehabilitation centre, City of Refuge, has opened in Eswatini to support people with substance abuse through 21–28 day programmes. Regional Wildlife Talks: Eswatini joined discussions on Mozambique’s proposed selective wildlife culling in conservation areas shared across borders. Women’s Leadership & Culture: Basadi in Music Awards in South Africa saw Eswatini’s Nothando Hlophe win Song of the Year and Nomzamo “Zamo” Dlamini take Make-up Artist of the Year. Sports: Eswatini midfielder Neliswa “Tiger” Dlamini helped Zimbabwe’s Hardrock FC reach the Munhumutapa Cup Last 16.