AGP Executive Report

Childcare & food support: Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, Siphocosini MP Mduduzi Matsebula and Eswatini Mobile CEO Sydney Sichula served meals and distributed food packs to children at Mahlatsini Neighbourhood Care Point, highlighting the NCP’s growth from cooking under a tree in 2023 to a structured support centre for orphaned and vulnerable children. Monetary policy & inflation: The Central Bank of Eswatini says it is sticking to a cautious approach, keeping the discount rate at 6.75% and avoiding aggressive hikes as imported inflation pressures mount. Reserves boost: CBE reports gold reserves worth E195 million after acquiring 2,500 ounces in July 2025, with reserves monitored for external stability. ENPF governance dispute: Housing Minister Apollo Maphalala defends Inyatsi Construction CEO Derrick Shiba’s ENPF board appointment amid a seven-month impasse over nomination authority. Public health & water: Government launched 2026 Children’s Month with a push for universal WASH access, warning that unsafe water and poor sanitation undermine health and schooling. Regional trade & water security: Natural Resources Minister Prince Lonkhokhela says shared rivers are key to economic growth and climate resilience as INMACOM convenes Eswatini, South Africa and Mozambique. AI skills for tax staff: Eswatini Revenue Service signs an MoU with UNESWA to train 650 employees in AI literacy through the UNESWA AI Academy. Labour rights watch: ITUC’s 2026 Global Rights Index places Zimbabwe on a watch list and flags broader labour-rights concerns across the region. Climate risk warning: A new report says Eswatini cannot afford another E3.8bn climate disaster as El Niño signals for late 2026 rise.

Central Banking & Inflation: The Central Bank of Eswatini says it will stick to a cautious monetary stance, keeping the discount rate at 6.75% and avoiding aggressive hikes despite imported inflation pressures. Reserves & Risk Management: CBE also reports gold reserves worth about E195 million, with reserves averaging E11.5 billion in 2025 and standing at E8.8 billion (around two months’ import cover) as of May 29. ENPF Governance: Minister Apollo Maphalala defends the appointment of Inyatsi Construction CEO Derrick Shiba to the ENPF board, arguing the nomination followed the law amid a board deadlock. Water for Growth: Natural Resources Minister Prince Lonkhokhela says cooperation on shared rivers through INMACOM is now an economic necessity for energy, farming and climate resilience. AI Skills for Revenue Service: ERS signs an MoU with UNESWA to train 650 employees in AI literacy via the UNESWA AI Academy. Children’s Month & WASH: Government launches 2026 Children’s Month with a push for universal water, sanitation and hygiene access for every child. Public Sector Integrity: New EPTC managing director Thulani Fakudze is tasked with restoring integrity and financial sustainability at the state-owned telecoms firm. Copyright Funding Debate: ESWACOS launches a creativity and artist development fund under the CIDF, offering up to E5,000 per project, drawing mixed reactions from creatives. Tourism & Jobs: MTN Bushfire Festival traffic and economic impact are highlighted, with arrivals topping 26,000 and the event estimated to generate about E121 million annually.

ENPF Board Deadlock: Minister Apollo Maphalala defended Inyatsi Construction CEO Derrick Shiba’s nomination to the Eswatini National Provident Fund board, saying his ministry followed the law after duties shifted to Housing and Urban Development, keeping the seven-month impasse in focus. Water for Growth: Natural Resources and Energy Minister Prince Lonkhokhela told the INMACOM council that shared river cooperation across Eswatini, South Africa and Mozambique is now an economic and development necessity for energy, farming and resilience. Central Bank Reserves: The Central Bank of Eswatini says it now holds gold reserves worth E195 million, acquired to diversify holdings and strengthen reserve stability amid external risks. Food Prices Watch: Tiger Brands warned consumers may face higher prices as fuel, logistics and raw material costs squeeze manufacturers, with some cost pass-through expected in sensitive categories like mayonnaise. Digital Skills for Tax Administration: Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU with UNESWA to train 650 employees in AI literacy and capacity-building through the UNESWA AI Academy. Children’s Month—WASH Push: Government launched 2026 Children’s Month with renewed focus on universal water, sanitation and hygiene to protect children’s health and school attendance. EPTC Leadership Reset: New EPTC managing director Thulani Fakudze was tasked with restoring integrity, professionalism and financial sustainability at the state-owned telecoms firm. Creative Funding Debate: ESWACOS launched a Fund for Creativity and Artist Development under the CIDF, offering up to E5,000 per project, drawing mixed reactions from creatives. Tourism and Jobs Signal: MTN Bushfire Festival drove strong border arrivals, with officials estimating an annual economic impact of about E121 million. Regional Labour Rights: A global ITUC report flags Eswatini among the worst for workers’ rights and freedoms, adding pressure on labour protections and union safety.

Central Banking & Reserves: Eswatini’s Central Bank says it has boosted gold reserves to E195 million, buying 2,500 ounces in July 2025 to diversify and protect external stability; reserves averaged E11.5 billion in 2025, peaking at E15.5 billion in November, and stood at E8.8 billion by May 29 (about two months’ import cover). Food & Consumer Prices: Tiger Brands warns selected food prices may rise as fuel, logistics and raw material costs squeeze manufacturers, saying it can’t absorb all inflation and will pass some cost pressure in input-heavy categories like mayonnaise. Regional Trade & Integration: Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah reiterates SACU’s role as a key regional economic pillar, stressing the customs union’s need to adapt to new global arrangements while keeping goods moving across borders. Digital Skills for Government: Eswatini Revenue Service signs an MoU with UNESWA to train 650 employees in AI literacy through the UNESWA AI Academy, aiming to support responsible use and digital transformation. Public Health & Social Services: Government launches 2026 Children’s Month with a renewed push for universal WASH access, linking safe water, sanitation and hygiene to better health and school attendance. International Politics (Taiwan/China): Taiwan’s legislature unanimously condemns Beijing over alleged efforts to block President Lai’s Eswatini visit, citing pressure on third countries to withdraw flight clearances. Labour Rights Watch: A new ITUC Global Rights Index flags South Africa for rising attacks on workers and interference with collective labour rights, adding Eswatini to the worst-countries list. Tourism & Local Economy: MTN Bushfire Festival is credited with driving over 26,000 arrivals and an estimated E121 million annual economic impact across tourism, hospitality, retail and transport.

Central Banking & Reserves: The Central Bank of Eswatini says it now holds gold reserves worth E195 million, adding 2,500 ounces in July 2025 to diversify and protect the reserve position; it also notes gross official reserves averaged E11.5 billion in 2025 and stood at E8.8 billion as of May 29. Tax & Digital Skills: Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) signed an MoU with the University of Eswatini to train 650 ERS employees through an AI literacy programme, aimed at building practical, responsible AI capacity for the tax authority. Public Health & Child Welfare: Government launched 2026 Children’s Month, calling for universal access to water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) to protect children’s health and keep girls in school. State-Owned Enterprise Oversight: The new Managing Director of EPTC, Thulani Fakudze, was tasked with restoring integrity and financial sustainability, with the ICT minister warning against illegal or wasteful spending. Creative Economy: ESWACOS opened applications for a Fund for Creativity and Artist Development, offering up to E5,000 per project to help creators move from concept to completion. Regional Aviation & Trade: ESWACAA and SASO hosted an ICAO workshop on Aircraft/Pavement Classification Rating, stressing harmonised standards to support trade and connectivity. Copyright Funding Debate: Creatives are weighing the ESWACOS fund’s benefits against concerns about the grant size and production costs. Legal Proceedings: An alleged online gambling kingpin, Lyu Tao, withdrew his bail application as his trial approaches. China–Taiwan–Eswatini Tensions: Taiwan’s legislature unanimously condemned Beijing’s alleged efforts to block President Lai’s Eswatini visit, while China also accused Taiwan of “dollar diplomacy” tied to alleged funding claims.

Central Banking & Reserves: Eswatini’s central bank says it has bolstered gold reserves to about E195 million, aiming to diversify holdings and protect the economy amid global risks, while noting gross official reserves averaged E11.5 billion in 2025 and stood at E8.8 billion (about two months of import cover) as of May 29. Consumer Prices & Industry: Tiger Brands warns some food prices may rise as fuel, logistics and raw-material costs squeeze manufacturers, saying it can’t absorb all cost pressures indefinitely and may pass on increases in sensitive categories like mayonnaise. Tax, Trade & Finance Institutions: Afreximbank appoints Peter Adeshola Olowononi as director of regional operations for Southern Africa, covering Eswatini and 12 other countries, as the bank expands regional financing. Digital Skills & Revenue Administration: The Eswatini Revenue Service signs an MoU with the University of Eswatini to train 650 employees in AI literacy through the UNESWA AI Academy. Public Services & Children: Government launches Children’s Month with a push for universal water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) access for every child, linking poor WASH to disease and school absenteeism. State-Owned Enterprise Governance: A new managing director is tasked with restoring integrity and financial sustainability at EPTC, with the ICT minister urging strict adherence to the law and cost-cutting. Creative Economy Funding: ESWACOS opens applications for a creativity and artist development fund offering up to E5,000 per project, drawing mixed reactions from creatives over the size of support. Regional Cooperation: SADC renews the board of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Centre, keeping Eswatini’s Boy Ronald Mavuso on the team as the region targets illegal fishing. Labour Rights Spotlight: A global workers’ rights index flags Eswatini among countries with severe labour-rights concerns, alongside broader warnings about rising violence and repression of unions.

ERS AI Skills Push: The Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU with the University of Eswatini to train 650 ERS employees in AI literacy through the UNESWA AI Academy, aiming to build responsible, practical capacity for digital transformation. Children’s Month WASH Drive: Government launched 2026 Children’s Month with a clear call for universal water, sanitation and hygiene for every child, linking poor WASH to preventable disease, school absenteeism and barriers to girls’ education. EPTC Integrity Reset: The new managing director of Eswatini Posts and Telecommunications Corporation, Thulani Fakudze, was tasked with restoring integrity, professionalism and financial sustainability, with the ICT minister urging strict compliance and cost-cutting. Creative Funding Debate: ESWACOS opened applications for a Fund for Creativity and Artist Development under the Creative Industries Development Fund, offering grants up to E5,000, drawing mixed reactions over the size of support. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC renewed the board of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre, keeping Eswatini’s Boy Ronald Mavuso on the board as the region targets illegal fishing and better vessel governance. Diplomacy Tensions: Taiwan’s legislature condemned Beijing’s pressure that led to the cancellation of President Lai’s Eswatini visit, while separate reports allege China is accusing Taiwan of “dollar diplomacy” tied to Eswatini funding. Tourism and Border Traffic: MTN Bushfire Festival continues to boost arrivals, with official figures citing 26,774 arrivals over two days and Ngwenya Border Post recording the highest traffic. SOE Tax Compliance Push: Finance minister Neal Rijkenberg urged state-owned enterprises to lead by example in paying taxes as a six-month salary review exercise gets underway.

Creative Industries Finance: ESWACOS has opened applications for its Fund for Creativity and Artist Development under the Creative Industries Development Fund, offering grants of up to E5,000 per project for music, film, literature and other copyright-linked work; creatives are split—some welcome the push to move ideas from concept to completion, while others question whether the amounts are enough to cover real production costs, with applications closing June 30 and results due July 17. UN Development Push: The UN launched the UNSDCF 2026–2030 in Eswatini, targeting upper-middle income progress and SDGs with an estimated E51.84bn investment, prioritising human capital, private sector jobs, climate resilience and inclusive governance, and positioning MSMEs as key economic drivers. Regional Trade & Connectivity: ICAO and ESWACAA/SASO held a regional workshop on aircraft and pavement classification standards (ACR/PCR), stressing that modern air infrastructure underpins trade and economic growth across Southern Africa. Labour Rights Watch: The 2026 Global Rights Index flags Eswatini among the worst for workers’ rights and freedoms, while also noting rising violence and shrinking access to justice and union rights across many countries. Diplomacy & Taiwan Tensions: China renewed pressure on Taiwan’s ties with Eswatini, accusing Taipei of “dollar diplomacy” and alleging large funding flows tied to recent visits. Border & Mobility Costs: South Africa’s new SARS traveller declaration requirement for foreign-registered vehicles took effect June 1, including for eSwatini motorists, with online or app-based declarations encouraged to reduce delays. SOE Tax Discipline: Eswatini’s Finance Minister urged state-owned enterprises to lead by example on tax compliance as a six-month salary review exercise gets underway at the Eswatini Revenue Service. Tourism Spillover: MTN Bushfire Festival traffic boosted arrivals at key border posts and airports, with the event estimated to generate about E121m annually across tourism and services.

UN Development Push: The UN launched its UNSDCF 2026–2030 with government and private partners, targeting upper-middle income progress and SDGs, with an estimated E51.84bn investment and a focus on human capital, private-sector jobs, climate resilience and inclusive governance—positioning MSMEs as key growth engines. China–Taiwan Tensions With Eswatini: China imposed a one-year travel ban on four New Zealand MPs after their Taiwan visit, while Beijing also accused Taiwan of “dollar diplomacy” tied to alleged funding to Eswatini, escalating the diplomatic fight around the kingdom’s Taiwan ties. Workers’ Rights Spotlight: The ITUC’s 2026 Global Rights Index flagged Eswatini among countries with weak labour-rights guarantees, alongside rising violence against workers in several nations. Tourism and Borders: Eswatini’s MTN Bushfire Festival drove 26,774 arrivals in two days, with Ngwenya Border Post handling 12,517, underlining the event’s E121m annual economic impact. Local Creative Funding: ESWACOS opened applications for a Fund for Creativity and Artist Development, offering up to E5,000 per project to help creators produce and market new copyright works. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara to chair the regional fisheries monitoring centre board, aiming to curb illegal fishing and reduce reliance on donor funding.

Online Gambling Case: Alleged Mbabane online gambling kingpin Lyu Tao has withdrawn his bail bid as his money-laundering, illegal gambling and immigration-related trial is expected to start within two weeks; he and 84 co-accused face charges tied to alleged unlawful acquisition of E200,000 and E508,000. Gender & Sport: ZOC is hosting the ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, bringing together 10 Southern African NOCs including Eswatini to push women’s leadership, safe sport, safeguarding, financing and digital safety. Creative Economy: ESWACOS has opened applications for a Fund for Creativity and Artist Development under its Creative Industries Development Fund, offering up to E5,000 per project for creators and rights holders to record, publish, market and distribute new copyright works. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC has reappointed Stanley Ndara as chair of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre board in Maputo, aiming to curb illegal fishing and reduce donor reliance. Cross-Border Trade & Compliance: South Africa’s SARS now requires travellers in foreign-registered vehicles—including from eSwatini—to declare vehicle details before crossing, with online options to speed processing. Labour Rights Watch: The ITUC Global Rights Index flags Eswatini among countries with “no guarantee of rights,” alongside other states added to the worst list for workers’ rights. Aviation Infrastructure: ESWACAA and SASO ran an ICAO workshop on Aircraft Classification Rating/Pavement Classification Rating standards, stressing modern air infrastructure for trade and economic growth.

Taiwan–Eswatini Funding Row: China accused Taiwan of “dollar diplomacy” after reports that Taipei provided NT$25 billion (about US$795m) linked to Lai Ching-te’s recent visit to Eswatini, alleging money would benefit the king and royal family and accusing “greed and graft.” Creative Industries Push: ESWACOS opened applications for a Fund for Creativity and Artist Development under its Creative Industries Development Fund, offering up to E5,000 per project for music, books, videos, marketing and digital distribution. Aviation Standards for Trade: ESWACAA and SASO ran an ICAO workshop on Aircraft Classification Rating/Pavement Classification Rating (ACR/PCR) with 12 African countries, stressing modern air infrastructure as a driver of connectivity and economic growth. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara as chair of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre board, aiming to cut illegal fishing and reduce reliance on donor funding. Cross-Border Customs Changes: South Africa’s SARS introduced a mandatory traveller declaration for foreign-registered vehicles from 1 June, requiring vehicle and passport details via online portals or apps to speed border processing. SOE Tax Compliance: Eswatini’s Finance Minister urged state-owned enterprises to lead by example in paying taxes as a six-month salary review exercise gets underway at ERS headquarters. Digital Safety in Africa: TikTok reported millions of proactive removals for guideline violations across Sub-Saharan Africa and highlighted deeper regional engagement, including media literacy and election preparedness dialogues. SADC Tourism Integration: Justice ministers in Victoria Falls are set to discuss the Draft Agreement establishing a SADC Tourism UNIVISA to simplify transit and tourism stays across member states.

SADC Fisheries Oversight: Stanley Ndara has been reappointed chair of the SADC Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre board, as ministers push to cut illegal fishing through tools like a regional register of fishing vessels. Cross-Border Trade & Compliance: South Africa’s SARS has rolled out a mandatory traveller declaration system for foreign-registered vehicles, including Eswatini, requiring vehicle and passport details via online portals or apps to speed border processing. SOE Tax Push: Eswatini’s Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg urged state-owned enterprises to lead by example on tax payments during a six-month salary review exercise for SOEs at ERS headquarters. Local Creative Funding: ESWACOS opened an application call for its creative industries development fund, offering grants up to E5,000 for new copyright works across music, publishing, videos and promotion. Climate Adaptation Finance: A new $30m initiative approved for Southern Africa will fund locally led climate adaptation in Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe, with support reaching community groups and local enterprises. Regional Diplomacy: Somalia and Eswatini pledged stronger ties after talks in Seoul focused on expanding cooperation and development partnerships. Labour Rights Watch: The ITUC Global Rights Index placed Eswatini among countries with the lowest labour-rights guarantees, while also flagging worsening worker protections globally. Tourism Integration: Justice ministers in Victoria Falls are set to discuss the SADC Tourism UNIVISA draft, aiming for a unified visa for transit and tourism stays across participating member states. Business & Tech at Home: FNB Eswatini used the MTN Bushfire Festival to drive digital banking and cashless payments, backing ATMs and swipe campaigns to boost adoption.

Creative Economy Funding: ESWACOS has opened an application call for its creative industries development fund, offering grants of up to E5,000 per project for new copyright works, including music, books, videos, promotion and digital distribution, with eligibility tied to being an ESWACOS member in good standing. Border & Customs Compliance: South Africa’s new SARS traveller declaration rule for foreign-registered vehicles takes effect from 1 June 2026, requiring travellers (including eSwatini motorists) to declare vehicle details online or via apps/QR codes and carry supporting documents to avoid delays or enforcement. SOE Tax Push: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg urged state-owned enterprises to lead by example on tax compliance as ERS begins a six-month salary review exercise for SOEs. Climate Finance: A $30m programme approved for 2027–2032 will fund locally led climate adaptation in Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe, with money channelled to community groups, cooperatives, women’s associations and local enterprises. Labour Rights Watch: The ITUC Global Rights Index flags worsening worker-rights conditions globally and again places Eswatini in the lowest category, alongside countries newly added to the “worst” list. ENPF Governance Dispute: A legal opinion challenges the minister’s defence of ENPF board chair appointment, with the board effectively paralysed after employer and employee representatives suspended participation. Regional Fisheries: SADC ministers reappointed fisheries monitoring chair Stanley Ndara for a second term and urged member states to clear outstanding contributions. Tourism Integration: Justice ministers in Victoria Falls are set to discuss the proposed SADC Tourism UNIVISA aimed at easing transit and tourism travel across participating states. King’s Investment Outreach: King Mswati III returned from Azerbaijan and the UAE, with discussions focused on SDG-aligned investment in infrastructure, housing, health, education and skills, and the UAE signing a visa waiver with Eswatini. Digital Banking Boost: FNB Eswatini used the MTN Bushfire Festival to push cashless payments, deploying ATMs and speedpoint devices and backing activations to drive digital banking adoption.

Workers’ Rights Watch: The ITUC’s 2026 Global Rights Index added Argentina and Panama to the world’s 10 worst for labour rights, while reporting worsening repression and shrinking civic space across many countries; Regional Fisheries: SADC ministers reappointed Stanley Ndara to chair the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre, backing continued action against illegal fishing and calling for member states to clear outstanding contributions; Eswatini Energy & Poverty Debate: A World Bank-linked look at Eswatini’s USD 300m Taiwan-backed Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve questions whether a large fuel stockpile can be afforded amid high unemployment and deep poverty; Border & Trade Compliance: South Africa’s new traveller declaration system starts today via SARS’s Traveller Management System, requiring foreign-registered vehicles (including from Eswatini) to be declared with vehicle and travel details; Crime & Cross-Border Drugs: Limpopo police seized 130 bags of dagga worth about R11m near Hoedspruit, with preliminary indications the consignment originated in Eswatini; Digital Finance Push: FNB Eswatini used the MTN Bushfire Festival to drive cashless payments, deploying ATMs and speedpoint devices and backing onsite digital banking activations.

Workers’ Rights Watch: The ITUC’s 2026 Global Rights Index says labour protections are worsening worldwide, with 72% of 151 countries denying workers access to justice and the right to strike violated in 87%; Eswatini is listed among the worst, alongside Argentina and Panama. Drug Bust: Limpopo police say three suspects will appear in court after a R11m dagga haul—130 bags—was seized near Hoedspruit; investigators believe the consignment originated in Eswatini. Energy & Poverty Debate: A World Bank-linked look at Eswatini’s unemployment and poverty frames the new Taiwan-backed Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve as a high-stakes energy bet. Regional Travel Push: SADC justice ministers meet in Victoria Falls with the SADC Tourism UNIVISA on the agenda, aiming for a unified visa for transit and tourism stays. Digital Banking & Tourism: FNB Eswatini used the MTN Bushfire Festival to drive cashless payments, while the prime minister urged the festival to double its economic impact by 2027. Governance & Finance: The National Assembly resumes after recess, as MPs continue oversight and engagements; meanwhile, the ENPF board crisis continues to draw legal scrutiny. Border Compliance: South Africa’s mandatory traveller declaration system starts today for travellers and vehicles, with ERS urging pre-submission to avoid delays. Business & Trade: Reports also highlight investor interest in Eswatini from Azerbaijan and the UAE, and a major Turkmen plan to produce IDs and biometric passports locally.

China zero-tariff push: China has started duty-free access for 53 African countries, a move welcomed across the region but one that will only translate into real gains if exporters can meet standards and build capacity. ENPF governance crisis: A confidential legal opinion challenges Labour Minister Phila Buthelezi’s defence of the appointment of Inyatsi Construction CEO Derrick Shiba as ENPF board chair, with employer and employee reps boycotting board work and leaving the fund effectively paralysed. Eswatini-Taiwan trade politics: Taiwan says it’s deepening ties with allies after Lai’s delayed Eswatini trip, while critics call the strategy a costly “diplomatic” dead end; a separate poll shows public support for Lai’s foreign policy. Cross-border travel deal: The UAE and Eswatini finalised a mutual visa waiver agreement aimed at boosting people-to-people links and business travel. Local business & jobs: IDCE declared a E14.5m dividend and highlighted turnaround lending; ESWACOS says first royalty distributions are expected in 2026/27. Security & enforcement: Police seized R11m worth of dagga in Limpopo, with the consignment reportedly originating from Eswatini. Tourism boost: PM Dlamini urged MTN Bushfire to double its economic injection, while border traffic surged ahead of the festival.