Regional Trade & Finance: Eswatini and South Africa reaffirmed cooperation in higher education, science, innovation and ICT, with plans for the SADC University of Technology to boost regional skills and tech development. Digital Payments & Inclusion: MTN MoMo API technology is being pushed to help developers build apps that take payments, process transactions and open new revenue streams, with healthcare flagged as a key early beneficiary. Banking Promotions: EswatiniBank’s Transact Nomakuphi draw rewarded five customers with a total of E10,000 for using digital banking channels. Monetary Policy: The Central Bank of Eswatini kept a cautious stance amid imported inflation, maintaining the discount rate at 6.75% and resisting rate hikes to protect households. Governance & Parastatals: Parliament is set to probe the ENPF board deadlock after MPs said only the CEO remains, with ministers defending the disputed board appointment process. Cross-Border Security & Health: IOM’s “HIV Knows No Borders” programme is working with mobile communities around Beitbridge to improve HIV testing, sexual health and child protection. Trade Rules of Origin: WCO and EU support is training customs officials and origin experts across multiple countries, aiming to make preferential trade agreements work in practice. Money Laundering Focus: SADC urged stronger collaboration to safeguard regional financial systems, noting only a few members—including Eswatini—have signed the AML/CFT agreement. Legal & Business Risk: A High Court dismissed a Standard Bank summary judgment bid in a dispute over alleged losses tied to an Old Mutual insurance policy document.