AGP Executive Report

Textile jobs and wages: MP Masiphula Mamba urged the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade to ensure investors in Eswatini’s textile sector pay workers salaries that lift living standards, warning that many earn below the PAYE taxable threshold and leaving government with lost tax revenue. Poultry competition probe: Another MP, Masiphula Mamba, raised concerns about alleged monopoly practices in the poultry value chain, saying one operator is active across feed, chicks, eggs and broilers; the minister said competition issues fall under the Competition Commission. Healthcare affordability at The Luke Commission: Parliamentarians questioned high consultation fees at TLC despite a reported E50 million government subvention, with claims that patients are still being charged amounts ordinary Emaswati can’t afford. UNESWA reforms: The University of Eswatini’s Reforms Implementation Committee was launched, chaired by Prof Zodwa Motsa, tasked with restoring academic excellence, governance and financial sustainability. Entrepreneurship in agribusiness: Eli Khoza won Lubombo’s Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2026, taking home E10,000 and recognition for building a diversified cattle-and-crop agribusiness. Regional business links: Eswatini featured in a report on Acacia Africa’s first Accommodation Impact Report, highlighting measurable traveller impact across conservation and community projects, including Mlilwane Rest Camp in Eswatini. Banking cooperation: Egypt and Eswatini discussed expanding banking cooperation, including cash circulation know-how and steps toward joining the Pan-African Payment and Settlement System (PAPSS). SADC election observation: SADC announced an observer mission to Zambia’s 13 August 2026 general election, with long-term observers scheduled to run from late July to late August.

Passport & mobility: Kenya’s passport jumped five places in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, ranking strongest in East Africa and giving visa-free/on-arrival access to 69 destinations, while Uganda hit its best showing in a decade at 71st globally. Regional policy & trade: Egypt and Eswatini’s central bank governors met in Cairo to discuss banking cooperation, cash circulation know-how, and Eswatini’s potential move toward PAPSS for cheaper cross-border payments, plus a plan for a specialised pan-African gold bank. Public finance & governance: Namibia’s minister flagged a persistent trade deficit with South Africa and pushed for a South Africa–Namibia Business Council to unlock private capital and industrial partnerships. Health costs under scrutiny: South Africa’s Luke Commission lawmakers raised concerns about high consultation fees at The Luke Commission (TLC) despite a government subvention, questioning value for money. Consumer safety: Ford recalled certain 2026 Transit and Tourneo Custom vehicles in the region due to a possible transmission fault that can cause sudden loss of movement. Eswatini business spotlight: Eli Khoza won Lubombo EYA 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year, backing agribusiness growth with support from SEDCO and FNB Eswatini. Social impact & risk: WHO data put Eswatini among Africa’s suicide hotspots, with 40.5 deaths per 100,000. Energy & inflation watch: African central banks are expected to keep rates higher for longer as renewed US–Iran tensions threaten oil and fertiliser prices.

HIV Prevention Focus: A NERCHA survey says many young people in Eswatini still have unprotected sex despite access to condoms, with partner pressure and financial hardship flagged as key drivers, while stigma and weak parent-child communication continue to undermine prevention efforts. Education & Reform: UNESWA’s Reforms Implementation Committee has been launched, chaired by Prof Zodwa Motsa, tasked with restoring academic excellence, governance and financial sustainability. Sports & Incentives: Government has rewarded athletes and coaches with N$774,000 for medal-winning performances in Q1 2026, under a Cabinet-approved, merit-based national sport rewards policy. Tourism & Impact: Acacia Africa released its first Accommodation Impact Report, saying 72% of its portfolio delivers measurable traveller impact, with community connection the strongest pillar and examples including Mlilwane Rest Camp in Eswatini. Banking Cooperation: Egypt and Eswatini discussed expanding banking cooperation, including cash circulation know-how and steps toward joining PAPSS for cheaper cross-border payments. Agribusiness Spotlight: Eli Khoza won Lubombo EYA 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year (agribusiness), highlighting growing enterprise momentum in farming. Healthcare Cost Pressure: MPs raised concerns over high consultation fees at The Luke Commission (TLC) despite a reported E50 million government subvention. ENPF Governance: The ENPF board has been dissolved after months of disputes and failure to convene, with the minister citing the need to protect workers’ savings. Sugar Industry Strain: Eswatini Sugar says the sector is at rock bottom despite E8bn revenue, pointing to lower grower returns and weaker global prices. Trade & Mobility: South Africa’s DIRCO lists Eswatini among countries eligible for 30-day visa-free entry, supporting easier regional travel for business and tourism.

Retail Competition: Spar’s “convenience” model is being squeezed as South Africa’s on-demand grocery habits keep shifting toward Checkers Sixty60, Pick n Pay asap! and Woolies Dash—leaving Spar’s later Spar 2U launch looking too late. Tourism & Impact: Acacia Africa released its first Accommodation Impact Report, saying 72% of its properties deliver measurable traveller impact, with community links the strongest pillar (80% of properties). Education Reform: UNESWA’s Reforms Implementation Committee is now chaired by Prof Zodwa Motsa, tasked with restoring academic excellence, governance and financial sustainability. Health Costs: MPs raised concerns over high consultation fees at The Luke Commission (TLC) despite a reported E50m government subvention. Labour Pensions: Eswatini’s ENPF board has been dissolved after governance disputes and an impasse, with the minister citing the need to protect workers’ savings. Agribusiness Spotlight: Eli Khoza won Lubombo EYA 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year, highlighting agribusiness growth and support for women farmers. Regional Finance Links: Egypt and Eswatini discussed expanding banking cooperation, including cash circulation know-how and steps toward joining PAPSS for cross-border payments.

UNESWA Reform Push: Professor Zodwa Motsa has been appointed to chair UNESWA’s Reforms Implementation Committee, tasked with restoring academic excellence, governance and financial sustainability after a UNESWA task team and World Bank review. Health Costs Scrutiny: MPs raised concerns about high consultation fees at The Luke Commission (TLC) despite a reported E50m government subvention, questioning value for money and affordability for ordinary Emaswati. Central Banking & Trade: Egypt and Eswatini discussed expanding banking cooperation, including cash circulation know-how, Egypt’s PAPSS experience for cross-border payments, and a potential pan-African gold bank initiative. Monetary Policy Watch: African central banks are expected to keep rates higher for longer as inflation risks rise with renewed US-Iran tensions and higher oil and fertiliser prices. Regional Business & Jobs: Eswatini’s entrepreneur Eli Khoza won Lubombo EYA 2026, taking home E10,000 for her agribusiness growth. Tourism Safety Signal: Triland Tourism Partners urged travellers to stay confident in Mpumalanga, Eswatini and Mozambique after xenophobia-related fears sparked by a viral incident in Mozambique. Automotive Recall: Ford recalled certain 2026 Transit and Tourneo Custom vehicles over a transmission fault that could cause sudden loss of movement; free inspection and repair are offered. Visa Moves: Spain granted visa-free short stays to Eswatini and seven other African countries for up to 90 days within 180 days.

Trade & Diplomacy: Taiwan launched a new Diplomatic Allies Prosperity Economic and Trade Office to deepen public-private cooperation with its diplomatic allies, with hiring underway and carbon-credit and market participation support expected to follow. Finance & Payments: Egypt and Eswatini discussed expanding banking cooperation, including cash circulation know-how, Egypt’s PAPSS experience for cross-border payments, and a plan for a specialised pan-African gold bank. Monetary Policy Watch: African central banks are expected to keep rates higher for longer as renewed US-Iran tensions lift oil and fertiliser costs, feeding inflation and currency pressure. Public Spending & Health Costs: MPs raised concerns about high consultation fees at The Luke Commission despite a government subvention, questioning value for money for Emaswati patients. Social Security Governance: Eswatini dissolved the ENPF board after months of dysfunction and an impasse, aiming to protect workers’ retirement savings and restore the fund’s mandate. Agribusiness Spotlight: Woman farmer Eli Khoza won Lubombo EYA 2026, highlighting growing enterprise momentum in agribusiness. Regional Business Climate: COMESA began consultations on a harmonised regional AI strategy and regulation across 21 member states, linking digital inclusion to growth. Industry Pressure: Eswatini Sugar says the sector is at rock bottom despite E8bn revenue, citing weaker global prices and lower grower returns.

Banking & Trade Links: Egypt and Eswatini’s central bank governors met in Cairo to discuss deeper banking cooperation, including cash circulation know-how, Egypt’s banknote printing capacity, Eswatini’s planned move toward PAPSS for cross-border payments, and a joint push for a pan-African gold bank. Professional Development: ESAMI launched its Eswatini alumni chapter, with Industrial Court Judge Lungile Msimango urging professionals to treat lifelong learning as essential for leadership and competitiveness. Consumer Safety: South Africa’s National Consumer Commission flagged a Ford recall affecting some 2026 Transit and Tourneo Custom vehicles (including exports to Eswatini), warning of a possible transmission fault that could cause sudden loss of vehicle movement; owners should get free inspections and repairs. Public Finance & Pensions: Eswatini dissolved the ENPF board after months of governance disputes and an impasse, citing the need to protect workers’ retirement savings and restore the fund’s mandate. Investment Pipeline: Through EIPA, five projects moved into implementation, totaling about E7.4bn in investments and an estimated 4,850 jobs, as government pushes economic transformation. Regional Mobility: Spain expanded visa-free entry for short stays (up to 90 days) to citizens of eight African countries including Eswatini, easing travel for tourism and business. Social Impact: WHO data highlighted Eswatini among SADC suicide hotspots, with the country’s rate cited at 40.5 deaths per 100,000.

Eswatini Politics & Trade: Philani Maswati Organisation chairman Lutfo Dlamini has denied claims that he “caused an influx of Asians” during his time as Minister of Enterprise and Employment, saying no Asian shop owner existed in his Ndzingeni constituency while he was MP or minister and noting that a parliamentary select committee investigated the issue. Public Finance & Social Protection: The Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) board has been dissolved with immediate effect after months of governance disputes and failure to convene, with Labour and Social Security Minister Phila Buthelezi citing an impasse and the need to protect workers’ retirement savings. Health & Procurement Oversight: Fresh questions have been raised about Funduzi Forensic Services after its explanation to Parliament over a missing lead investigator appeared inconsistent with publicly available details about South Africa’s Madlanga Commission. Investment & Jobs: Through the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority (EIPA), five projects moved into implementation, bringing E7.4bn in investment and an estimated 4,850 jobs, according to a parliamentary performance report. Regional Mobility: Russia has published its 2026 unified e-visa list, with Eswatini among the few African countries eligible for short stays. Consumer Safety: South Africa’s National Consumer Commission has flagged a Ford recall affecting certain 2026 Transit and Tourneo Custom models exported to Eswatini, urging owners to get free inspections and repairs. Social Issues: WHO data shows Eswatini among Africa’s higher suicide-rate countries, underscoring a regional mental-health crisis. Deportation & Welfare: Eswatini’s third-country deportees from the US are reported to receive monthly E500 allowances, a point raised in Parliament amid safety concerns. Business & Economy: Eswatini’s trade links with South Africa remain lopsided, with Namibia-South Africa figures highlighting how industrial gaps drive deficits—an angle relevant to regional commerce planning.

ENPF Governance Crisis: Eswatini’s National Provident Fund board has been dissolved with immediate effect after months of disputes and failure to convene, with Labour Minister Phila Buthelezi citing an impasse and the need to protect workers’ retirement savings. US Third-Country Deportation Fallout: Eswatini MPs and officials are drawing scrutiny over the US third-country deportation arrangement, including reports that deportees receive E500 monthly allowances and occasional supervised town visits. Investment Pipeline: Through the Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority, five projects moved from planning to implementation, bringing E7.4bn in investment and an estimated 4,850 jobs, as government pushes industrialisation and regulatory reforms. Regional Trade & Policy Links: King Mswati III called for stronger African cooperation after receiving new Ghana and Angola envoys, urging implementation of existing agreements and deeper business ties. Disability Inclusion Funding: UNESCO-backed support helped Eswatini strengthen disability governance and operationalise a National Disability Plan of Action, with CRPD-compliant budgeting and mainstreaming across priority sectors. Vehicle Safety Recall: The National Consumer Commission issued a recall for certain 2026 Ford Transit/Transit Custom/Tourneo Custom models exported to Eswatini due to a transmission defect that can cause sudden loss of movement.

ENPF Crisis: Eswatini’s National Provident Fund board has been dissolved with immediate effect after months of dysfunction and an impasse, with the Labour minister citing the need to protect workers’ retirement savings. Public Finance for Better Outcomes: Southern African policy analysts meeting in Johannesburg are pushing cost-benefit analysis to help governments stretch limited budgets and get more value from every dollar. Health Supply Chain Scrutiny: Fresh questions have surfaced over forensic firm Funduzi Forensic Services after its Parliament briefing on an Eswatini health-facility medicines recall appeared inconsistent with publicly available details from South Africa’s Madlanga Commission. Trade & Investment Signals: Eswatini’s investment pipeline is strengthening, with five projects moving into implementation worth E7.4bn and about 4,850 jobs, while regional trade dynamics remain a focus. Vehicle Safety: The National Consumer Commission issued another Ford recall affecting certain 2026 Transit and Tourneo Custom models exported to Eswatini, urging free inspection and repair. Sugar Earnings: Eswatini Sugar reported E8bn revenue for 2025/26, showing resilience despite squeezed global prices and higher costs. Regional Business Links: Jamaica expanded visa-free access to several African countries including Eswatini, a move expected to support tourism and business ties.

ENPF Governance Crisis: Eswatini’s National Provident Fund board has been dissolved with immediate effect after months of disputes and failure to meet, with the Labour minister citing an impasse and the need to protect workers’ retirement savings. Regional Trade Signals: Namibia reported total trade with South Africa of about N$86bn in 2025, with imports from South Africa (N$57.84bn) far outpacing exports—highlighting the industrial imbalance and the push for a business council. Visa Access Watch: Russia published its 2026 unified e-visa list, with Eswatini among the few African countries eligible; separately, Spain expanded visa-free entry for eight African nations including Eswatini (up to 90 days), while South Africa remains excluded. Public Policy & Inclusion: UNESCO backed Eswatini’s first costed National Disability Plan of Action, supporting disability governance and CRPD-compliant budgeting. Health & Safety: WHO data flagged Eswatini among Africa’s higher suicide-rate countries, while South Africa’s consumer regulator issued Ford Transit/Tourneo recalls affecting vehicles exported to Eswatini. Migration & Consular Updates: Jamaica says two deported nationals in Eswatini declined offers to return home for now, with consular support continuing. Investment Pipeline: Through EIPA, five projects moved into implementation, totaling E7.4bn in investment and about 4,850 jobs.

Women in Wine: Southern Africa’s wine boom is being held back by women’s exclusion from ownership and leadership, even as the sector supports jobs and rural livelihoods. Retail Court Ruling: South Africa’s Gauteng High Court ordered Spar to vacate a Midrand shopping centre, clearing the way for Shoprite’s takeover and intensifying grocery competition for prime locations. Eswatini Deportation Costs: Eswatini’s third-country deportees from the US receive monthly E500 allowances, with MPs questioning the total E5.1m deal and safety risks. Visa News for Eswatini: Spain’s 2026 visa-free list for ordinary passport holders includes Eswatini for short stays up to 90 days, boosting tourism and business travel. COMESA AI Push: COMESA has started national consultations across 21 member states to shape a harmonised regional AI strategy and regulatory framework. Local Investment Pipeline: Through EIPA, five projects moved into implementation, bringing E7.4bn in investments and an estimated 4,850 jobs. Sugar Performance: Eswatini Sugar reported E8bn revenue in 2025/26, showing resilience despite global price pressure. Disability Inclusion: UNESCO-backed support helped Eswatini launch and cost its first National Disability Plan to accelerate disability inclusion. Vehicle Recall: Ford Transit and Tourneo Custom models face a transmission recall affecting vehicles exported to Eswatini. Youth Skills & Jobs: A cellphone repair training programme is set to expand into community iHubs, aiming to create income paths for unemployed youth. Public Health Warning: WHO data flags southern Africa, including Eswatini, as a suicide hotspot.

Suicide & Public Health: WHO data shows Southern Africa’s crisis is worsening, with Lesotho topping Africa at ~87.5 deaths per 100,000 and Eswatini close behind at 40.5, alongside Zimbabwe, South Africa and Mozambique in the highest-rate group. Vehicle Safety: Eswatini’s National Consumer Commission has issued a Ford recall for certain 2026 Transit, Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom models over a transmission fault that can cause sudden loss of movement; owners are urged to get free inspection and repair at authorised dealerships. Jamaican Deportees in Eswatini: Eswatini-based third-country deportees from the US have declined Jamaica’s offer to return home, with Jamaica’s foreign affairs ministry saying two men contacted consular officials and both said they do not wish to return at this time. Regional AI Policy: COMESA has started consultations across 21 member states to build a harmonised regional AI strategy, regulatory framework and digital inclusion action plan, with Eswatini included in the rollout. Investment Pipeline: Through EIPA, five projects moved into implementation, bringing E7.4bn in investments and an estimated 4,850 jobs, as reported in the Commerce ministry’s quarterly performance. Disability Inclusion: UNESCO support helped Eswatini launch and cost its first National Disability Plan of Action, strengthening disability governance and mainstreaming across priority sectors. Trade & Mobility: Spain’s 2026 visa-free short-stay list includes Eswatini (up to 90 days), and Mozambique and India also published 2026 e-visa/visa-free eligibility lists that cover Eswatini travellers.

OACPS Implementation Push: Ministers opened the 121st OACPS Council of Ministers in Brussels, focusing on rolling out Malabo Summit decisions, including the Samoa Agreement, plus governance and financial sustainability. Diplomacy & Trade Links: King Mswati III urged stronger African cooperation after receiving credentials from Ghana’s and Angola’s new envoys, stressing implementation of existing agreements and deeper business ties. US Deportation Costs Under Scrutiny: Eswatini’s third-country deportees from the US are reported to receive E500 monthly allowances, with MPs questioning the total E5.1m arrangement and safety concerns. Disability Inclusion Funding: UNESCO-backed support helped Eswatini launch its first costed National Disability Plan, building coordination, CRPD-compliant budgeting, and mainstreaming across key ministries. Regional Mobility Update: Spain added Eswatini to a visa-free short-stay list for up to 90 days in 180, alongside several other African countries. Local Skills for Jobs: A cellphone repair training programme launched at Vulamasango School is set to expand into community iHubs, aiming to boost digital skills and entrepreneurship for out-of-school youth. Invasive Species Watch: Reports warn Australia’s redclaw crayfish could reach Botswana’s Okavango Delta within about 10 years, with knock-on risks for fisheries and ecosystems. SACU Leadership Shift: Botswana took over SACU chairmanship for the next 12 months, moving from South Africa’s tenure. Sugar Revenue Resilience: Eswatini Sugar reported E8bn revenue in 2025/26 despite global price pressure, citing improved sales and production performance. GMO Border Controls: Eswatini-linked regional biosafety updates highlight tighter clearance expectations for approved GM products at ports of entry.

Visa access for Eswatini travellers: Spain’s 2026 entry update grants visa-free short stays (up to 90 days in any 180-day period) to ordinary passport holders from eight African countries, including Eswatini, for tourism and business—while many other African nations still need a Schengen visa. Regional trade & governance: Botswana takes over SACU chairmanship for 12 months from 15 July 2026, with its president and finance minister stepping into top roles across the Summit, Council and Commission. Local business & jobs: Eswatini Mobile marks nine years in telecoms with a final grand draw on 1 August, giving nine customers E10,000 each (E90,000 total). Skills for youth: A cellphone repair training programme launched at Vulamasango School is set to expand into community iHubs, linking technical repair skills with entrepreneurship for unemployed and out-of-school youth. Food sector resilience: Eswatini Sugar reports E8bn revenue for 2025/26 despite global price pressure, citing higher sales and improved operations. Consumer safety: Ford recalls certain 2026 Transit/Transit Custom/Tourneo Custom models sold in South Africa and exported to Eswatini due to a transmission fault that can cause sudden loss of movement; repairs are free at authorised dealers. Digital inclusion & cyber: African central bank leaders back a push for financial inclusion that delivers measurable impact, alongside stronger cross-border cybersecurity. AI ethics in culture: Zimbabwe’s Nhimbe Trust wins UNESCO backing for “Fearless Frontiers,” training young journalists on AI ethics and defending artistic freedom across Southern Africa.

Green Industry: Taiwan’s WILEYTEX launched “ecoloration” cotton dyeing, cutting water use by up to 90% and energy/carbon by 80%, with commercial validation in Eswatini and claims of up to 8x higher throughput. Skills & Jobs: Government-backed cellphone repair training at Vulamasango School is set to expand into community iHubs, aiming to build practical ICT skills and entrepreneurship for rural youth and unemployed/out-of-school learners. Telecom Rewards: Eswatini Mobile marks nine years in the market with a grand draw on 1 August, giving away E90,000 in cash to nine customers. Travel & Trade Links: Spain added Eswatini to a visa-free list for ordinary passport holders for short stays (up to 90 days in 180), alongside seven other African countries; South Africa also retains visa-free access for Eswatini citizens in 2026. Public Finance Integrity: Swazipharm director Kareem Ashraff accuses the Auditor General of abusing powers over forensic reports, raising procedural fairness concerns at the Public Accounts Committee. Broadcasting Market: IconConnect says its proposed commercial radio licence could broaden local radio content, pending ESCCOM public consultation. Fraud Risk: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg warns of AI-generated scam videos using his image/voice to push fake investment schemes. Regional Security & Infrastructure: Transnet plans more guards and drones to curb theft on the central rail corridor ahead of opening to private operators.