AGP Executive Report

Currency & Jubilee Planning: The Central Bank of Eswatini will launch a limited-edition E10 commemorative coin for the 60th Independence celebrations in 2028, with the new coin co-circulating alongside the current E10 banknote and a design competition now open to the public. Public Finance & Inclusion: Government says it still needs to raise about E1.5bn this financial year as growth benefits appear uneven, with officials acknowledging income and wealth remain concentrated among a small group. Trade Policy: Business Eswatini helped secure a four-month delay on a proposed 24% levy on imported edible oils, pushing implementation to Jan 1, 2027. Digital Payments Watch: A Senate query highlights that mobile money customers cannot earn interest on funds held in trust accounts, raising questions about who benefits and the legal basis for the restriction. Water & Business Services: EWSC launched “Konkhe nga Water” to promote smarter water use and improve customer engagement through technology. International Relations & Risk: China urged citizens to leave Eswatini over security and gambling/scam risks, while Eswatini’s government rejected claims that the country is generally unsafe. Tech & Skills Pipeline: A youth animation empowerment programme is set for Manzini in late September, aiming to turn local creative talent into viable careers. Telecoms & Growth: MTN reported strong H1 performance driven by Ghana and Nigeria, with fintech Mobile Money activity continuing to expand. Regional Sports Economy: Nsingizini Hotspurs Ladies missed out on CAF Champions League qualifying prize money after a heavy exit, while Silver Strikers Ladies booked the next round with a 5-1 win.

China security advisory: China urged its citizens to evacuate Eswatini, citing “cyber fraud” and illegal gambling risks, as raids reportedly detained 40 Chinese nationals. Telecoms & fintech: MTN secured conditional approval in Nigeria to complete its IHS Towers buyout, with further regulators still to clear; the group also reported strong H1 growth led by Ghana and Nigeria and continued Mobile Money momentum. Water & utilities: EWSC launched the “Konkhe nga Water” campaign to push smarter water use and improve customer engagement through technology. Monetary culture: The Central Bank rolled out an E10 commemorative coin design competition with prizes in government investment instruments to encourage saving, investment and entrepreneurship. Trade policy: Business Eswatini helped win a four-month delay of a proposed 24% edible oil import levy to Jan 2027. Digital finance debate: A Senate query raised concerns that mobile money customers can’t benefit from interest earned on trust funds. Bilateral ties: PM Russell Dlamini met Taiwan President Lai Ching-te, reaffirming cooperation in health, education, skills, agriculture and digital transformation. King’s diplomacy: King Mswati III returned after SADC and Malaysia engagements, including talks on infrastructure and a proposed 250km roads push. Football economics: Nsingizini Hotspurs Ladies missed CAF Champions League qualifying prize money after a 5-1 loss, while Silver Strikers Ladies booked semi-final spots.

Taiwan Partnership: PM Russell Dlamini met Taiwan President Lai Ching-te in Taipei, reaffirming 50+ years of cooperation and pushing deeper ties in trade and investment, digital transformation, healthcare, education, agriculture, renewable energy and youth skills. Ethical AI & Food Security: In a keynote on behalf of King Mswati III, Dlamini urged AI governance that protects human interests, alongside renewed investment and technology transfer to strengthen Africa’s food security. Mobile Money Rules: A Senate query raised concerns that MoMo and e-Mali customers can’t benefit from interest earned on trust funds, with regulators restricting payouts and questions on who benefits. Public Finance Pressure: Government says it still needs about E1.5bn more this financial year to fund capital projects, even as officials admit GDP growth isn’t reaching ordinary households due to inequality. Edible Oil Levy Delayed: Business Eswatini secured a four-month deferment of the 24% edible oil import levy to Jan 1, 2027, giving firms time to adjust and allowing further consultations. Food Security Support: PM met the WFP to seek backing for national grain reserves and a stronger school feeding concept to reduce reliance on imports amid El Niño risks. Energy Supply Boost: Lower Maguduza hydropower is set to add 13.5MW in January, supporting Eswatini’s push for greater energy self-sufficiency. Labour & Health: NERCHA’s HIV Prevention Indaba reported some textile workers resort to sex for as little as E20 due to low pay, calling for better remuneration. Sports & Business Calendar Clash: The PLE is facing a CAF fixture clash after scheduling the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup during CAF Champions League/Confederation Cup preliminary rounds, with CAF priority rules in focus. Regional Diplomacy: King Mswati III returned after SADC and Malaysia visits, including election as Chairperson of the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

CAF Women’s Champions League Qualifier: Silver Strikers Ladies thrashed Nsingizini Hotspurs 5-1 in Gaborone to book a semi-final spot, with Grace Kakangula scoring early and Carlo/Mathyola adding two (plus a hat-trick) as the tie was effectively sealed before late consolation. Energy & infrastructure: Lower Maguduza Hydropower Project is set to add 13.5MW in January, boosting domestic generation and cutting reliance on imported power. Food security partnership: PM Russell Dlamini met the WFP to seek support for national grain reserves and a refreshed school feeding concept, aiming to reduce import dependence and strengthen resilience amid El Niño risks. Digital economy: Jenny Internet pledged E570,000 for free Wi‑Fi at the Eswatini International Trade Fair, backing connectivity for exhibitors and visitors. Business & jobs: Government is pushing “quality jobs that sustain households” after the 2025 Labour Force Survey showed unemployment easing and employment rising, while a World Bank report warns informality remains high globally. Governance & identity: Birth registration completeness rose to 61% and death registration to 62% in 2025, CSO data shows. Regional diplomacy: King Mswati III returned home after SADC and Malaysia engagements, including election as Chairperson of the SADC Organ Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation.

Energy & Infrastructure: Lower Maguduza Hydropower Project is set to add 13.5MW to Eswatini’s grid in January, boosting domestic generation and cutting reliance on imports. Power & Recognition: Two emaSwati professionals—Zizwe Vilane and Nosipho Simelane—earned nominations in a pan-African infrastructure “Top 100” list, with final results due in September. Digital Economy: MTN Group Fintech completed migration of MoMo to cloud-native infrastructure in Eswatini and other markets, aiming for faster transactions and easier integration for merchants and developers. Trade & Business Services: Jenny Internet injected E570,000 to provide free EITF Wi‑Fi, supporting exhibitors’ online transactions and customer engagement. Competition & Markets: Eswatini Competition Commission conditionally approved WINBM’s acquisition of AfriSam Eswatini, citing safeguards to limit market concentration in cement. Labour & Jobs: Government is doubling down on “quality jobs that sustain households” after the 2025 Labour Force Survey showed unemployment easing and employment rising, while the World Bank warns informality remains high globally. Food Security: With El Niño risks rising, government is urging irrigated commercial farms to set aside land for food production to cushion drought shocks. Sports & Business Culture: Silver Strikers Ladies must win their CAF/COSAFA qualifier to reach semis after a 3-0 loss to Sundowns; Manzini Wanderers face uncertainty over their Trade Fair Cup status after relegation was confirmed. Legal & Governance: ERS lost a bid to challenge a USA Distillers tax dispute after the High Court refused to condone a late review application.

Digital Commerce & Connectivity: Jenny Internet injected E570,000 to provide free Wi‑Fi at the Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF), aiming to help exhibitors and visitors stay connected for online transactions and promotions. Mobile Money Modernisation: MTN Group Fintech, with Ericsson, migrated MTN MoMo to a cloud-native platform in Eswatini (and other markets), cutting processing overhead and improving API response times to support faster, more reliable digital payments. Competition & Cement Market: The Eswatini Competition Commission conditionally approved WINBM’s acquisition of AfriSam Eswatini, citing potential dominance in blended cement but requiring safeguards to protect competition. Jobs & Labour Policy: The World Bank urged countries to expand “decent work” as Eswatini shifts focus to “quality jobs that sustain households,” citing improved employment figures from the 2025 Labour Force Survey. Food Security & Drought Risk: With El Niño signals strengthening, government is encouraging irrigated commercial farms to set aside portions for food production to cushion drought and reduce import reliance. Infrastructure Governance: Eswatini’s construction policy flags corruption risks and pushes a value-chain approach where maintenance and end-of-life planning are treated as part of the infrastructure cycle. Sports & Local Business: Silver Strikers Ladies face a must-win final group match after a 3-0 loss to Sundowns in the CAF Women’s Champions League/COSAFA qualifiers, while Manzini Wanderers’ Trade Fair Cup status hangs on Premier League documentation after relegation was confirmed.

Infrastructure Policy: Eswatini’s National Construction Industry Policy 2025–2031 flags inadequate maintenance as a growing risk to roads and public buildings, pushing a “whole-life” infrastructure cycle that links planning, construction, operation, maintenance, renovation and end-of-life management. Tax Dispute: The Eswatini Revenue Service has lost a bid to challenge a USA Distillers tax matter worth about E77m after the High Court refused to condone a late review application, meaning ERS’s review can’t proceed on that basis. Power & Energy: EEC has opened an opportunity to add a third 10MW unit at Maguga Hydropower Station, seeking EPC contractors and financing to close a funding gap. Nuclear Interest: Eswatini told the US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit it will only consider nuclear after building national capability first, alongside renewables, storage and regional power trade. Sports & Business: Manzini Wanderers face uncertainty over their 8Bet Trade Fair Cup spot after relegation was confirmed at the PLE AGM, while E200k kits were handed to 16 teams. Digital Finance: Ericsson and MTN Group Fintech completed cloud-native migration of MTN MoMo in Eswatini and other markets, aiming for faster performance and scale for Ambition 2030. Governance & Integrity: Two Home Affairs cleaners were dismissed for soliciting money for birth and marriage certificates, as anti-corruption pressure continues.

Energy & Infrastructure: EEC has launched a tender to add a third 10MW unit at the Maguga Hydropower Station, seeking EPC contractors and investors to close a financing gap that has delayed expansion. Nuclear Policy Watch: Eswatini says it will “build nuclear capability before infrastructure,” raising nuclear as one option alongside renewables, storage and regional power trade at the US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit. Digital Finance: Ericsson and MTN Group Fintech completed the cloud-native migration of MTN MoMo in Eswatini (and other markets), aiming for faster performance and a stronger base for Ambition 2030. Competition & Trade: The Eswatini Competition Commission conditionally approved WINBM’s planned acquisition of 100% of AfriSam Eswatini, with safeguards to protect competition in the cement market. Governance & Compliance: The Bhunu Mall project faces potential jail time for statutory non-compliance, with reporting that the project manager may not meet engineering registration requirements. Public Sector Integrity: Two Ministry of Home Affairs cleaners were dismissed after admitting they solicited money for birth and marriage certificates. Corruption Probe: A forensic investigation is set to follow allegations of missing E2.5m from the Lutsango LwakaNgwane Multi-purpose Cooperative. Regional Health & Agriculture: South Africa says foot-and-mouth disease is under control and has provided 50,000 vaccine doses to Namibia, Eswatini and Lesotho. Aviation Inclusion: ESWACAA launched a Gender Equality Friday initiative to boost women’s participation in aviation roles. Business & Media: Icon Connect received a new radio licence, while Sakha Live FM was awarded a Free-to-Air Commercial Radio broadcasting licence. Sports & Community: Moneni Pirates partnered with a South African marketing agency to strengthen branding and merchandising; Eswatini’s Silver Ladies also opened their CAF Women’s Champions League COSAFA qualifier with a comeback win. Immigration & Human Rights: Coverage continues on US third-country deportation arrangements, including Eswatini’s inclusion among African destinations.

Energy & Investment: EEC has launched a tender to add a 10MW hydropower unit at Maguga, seeking EPC contractors and investors to close a financing gap that has stalled expansion. Nuclear Policy Watch: Eswatini told the US-Africa Nuclear Energy Summit it will only consider nuclear after building national nuclear capability first, alongside renewables, storage and regional power trade. Digital Finance: Ericsson and MTN Group Fintech completed the Mobile Money “MoMo Evolved Migration” in Eswatini and other markets, moving to cloud-native infrastructure to speed up API responses and support Ambition 2030. Competition & Trade: The Eswatini Competition Commission conditionally approved WINBM’s acquisition of 100% of AfriSam Eswatini, adding safeguards to protect competition in the cement market. Governance & Compliance: The Bhunu Mall collapse case escalates as project team members face potential jail time over alleged statutory non-compliance, including whether the project manager was properly qualified/registered. Corruption Crackdown: Two Home Affairs cleaners were dismissed after admitting they solicited money for birth and marriage certificates. Sports & Business: 8Bet Trade Fair Cup teams received E200,000 in kits, while Moneni Pirates partnered with a South African marketing agency to strengthen branding and merchandising. Regional Migration Politics: Coverage continues on South Africa and wider SADC migration tensions, alongside US third-country deportation deals that include Eswatini.

Charity & Business Leadership: Indonesian Consul General Kareem Ashraff marked his 72nd birthday in Mbabane by supporting nearly 2,000 children and community causes, with Deputy PM Thulisile Dladla and Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg among attendees. Public Service Corruption Crackdown: Two Ministry of Home Affairs cleaners were dismissed after admitting they solicited money for birth and marriage certificates, with the Civil Service Commission citing E2,370 involved. Local Football as Commerce: E200,000 8Bet Trade Fair Cup kits were handed to 16 Premier League teams, with organisers framing jerseys as club identity and a business opportunity. Aviation & Workforce Planning: Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority launched a Gender Equality Friday initiative to boost women’s participation in aviation, citing under-representation in engineering and air traffic control. Digital Finance Modernisation: Ericsson and MTN Group Fintech completed cloud-native Mobile Money migration across markets including Eswatini, aiming for faster performance and support for Ambition 2030. Competition & Cement Market: Eswatini Competition Commission conditionally approved WINBM’s acquisition of AfriSam Eswatini, adding safeguards due to overlap in blended cement supply. Fraud & Online Gambling Enforcement: Eswatini police detailed how an Eswatini-based syndicate used fake “confidentiality” contracts and bogus police identities to trap Brazilian victims, while two Chinese online gambling kingpins were fined E77,000. Co-op Governance Alarm: Members moved to launch a forensic probe into alleged disappearance of about E2.5m from the Lutsango LwakaNgwane Multi-purpose Cooperative. Broadcasting Growth: ESCCOM awarded Sakha Live FM a Free-to-Air Commercial Radio licence, promising a new urban, commercial mix aimed at youth opportunities. Regional Politics & Migration Backdrop: Coverage around SADC leadership and third-country deportations continues to spotlight migration tensions across the region, including Eswatini’s mention among receiving countries.

Corruption Crackdown: Two Ministry of Home Affairs cleaners were dismissed after admitting they solicited money from the public to facilitate birth and marriage certificates, with the Civil Service Commission citing absenteeism and improper payments. Sports & Business: Eswatini’s 8Bet Trade Fair Cup teams received E200,000 worth of kits at a ceremony in Manzini, with organisers framing the tournament as both football and business. Digital Crime: Police say an Eswatini-based syndicate ran an online gambling scam using fake police identities and “confidentiality” contracts that forced victims to report every three hours. Mobile Money Modernisation: Ericsson and MTN Group Fintech completed a cloud-native migration of MTN MoMo across Eswatini and other markets, aiming for faster performance and support for Ambition 2030. Aviation Inclusion: ESWACAA launched a Gender Equality Friday initiative to boost women’s participation in aviation, citing major under-representation in technical and leadership roles. Construction Accountability: Engineers raised concerns after the Bhunu Mall collapse, while Identity Clothing management has not responded to requests for comment. Regional Trade/Industry: The Eswatini Competition Commission conditionally approved Singapore firm WINBM’s acquisition of AfriSam Eswatini, citing safeguards to protect competition in cement blending. Deportations Watch: Liberia began receiving U.S. deportees under a deal for up to 1,200 people, with Eswatini listed among African countries that have accepted third-country deportees.

Mobile Money Modernisation: Ericsson and MTN Group Fintech have migrated MTN MoMo in Eswatini and other markets to a cloud-native platform, aiming for faster performance and a stronger base for “Ambition 2030.” Aviation & Jobs: ESWACAA launched a Gender Equality Friday initiative to boost women’s participation in aviation, citing major under-representation in technical and leadership roles. HIV Prevention Funding Push: Parliament and NERCHA deepened collaboration on HIV prevention, focusing on drivers of new infections and community-led solutions. Co-op Probe: Members of the Lutsango LwakaNgwane Multi-purpose Cooperative say about E2.5m has vanished, with a forensic investigation proposed after alleged mismanagement. Construction Accountability: Engineers reviewing the Bhunu Mall collapse say there may have been shortcomings in the work, including concerns about the project manager’s qualifications and statutory compliance. Competition Watch: The Eswatini Competition Commission conditionally approved WINBM’s acquisition of AfriSam Eswatini, with safeguards to protect competition in cement blending. Banking Milestone: SBS Bank Eswatini will hold its first AGM on September 4 after its conversion to a commercial bank. Health Levy Motion: MPs passed a motion to create a fund funded by levies to target TB, HIV/AIDS and cancer. Roads & Infrastructure Finance: Probase and Exim Bank assured King Mswati III that about 250km of roads will be tarred at an estimated E1.6bn. Broadcasting Growth: ESCCOM licensed Icon Connect and Sakha Live FM, expanding Eswatini’s radio market with new commercial stations. Regional Politics & Integration: A week of SADC leadership changes is framed against rising migration and security tensions, with calls for clearer geopolitical strategy. Sports Business: Nsingizini Hotspurs face fixture clashes between the PLE and CAF calendar as they balance domestic and continental commitments.

Co-op Probe: Members of the Swaziland Lutsango LwakaNgwane Multi-purpose Cooperative in Manzini say about E2.5m has “vanished,” with a forensic investigation proposed after claims of mismanagement and the cooperative reportedly having no money in its account. Aviation Leadership: RENAC board and CEO Captain President Qiniso Dhlamini’s terms end on August 31, with the minister citing major milestones including the revival of Eswatini Air. Construction Compliance & Safety: Investigators and engineers raised concerns after the Bhunu Mall collapse, including claims the project manager was not properly qualified/registered, while Identity Clothing management has not responded to requests for comment. Competition Watch: The Eswatini Competition Commission conditionally approved Singapore-based WINBM’s plan to acquire 100% of AfriSam Eswatini, imposing safeguards over cement market overlap. Media & Local Content: ESCCOM licensed Icon Connect and Sakha Live FM for commercial radio, both pitching more youth-focused programming and lifestyle content. Health Funding Push: MPs passed a motion to create a health fund financed by levies (including a possible communications levy) targeting TB, HIV/AIDS and cancer. Banking Milestone: SBS Bank Eswatini will hold its inaugural AGM on September 4 after its conversion to a commercial bank. Infrastructure Finance: Probase and Exim Bank assured King Mswati III that about 250km of roads will be tarred at an estimated E1.6bn, with local jobs included. Regional Business Ties: The King invited Malaysia’s SMH Rail to invest in Eswatini to build a Southern Africa base. Sports & Business Calendar: Nsingizini Hotspurs flagged fixture clashes between the PLE and CAF schedules as they juggle domestic and continental commitments.

Bhunu Mall Tragedy: Engineers investigating the Bhunu Mall collapse say preliminary checks point to possible contractor shortcomings, after a concrete structure reportedly detached and fell onto the Identity Clothing shop, trapping employee Tiyandza Millenia Masilela; her family says Identity failed to communicate during the ordeal. Tax Modernisation: Eswatini Revenue Service is positioned as the engine of a new fiscal discipline push, with the 2026/27 Budget projecting E31.42bn revenue and E18.09bn from taxes, as government moves to strengthen compliance, enforcement and digital administration. Public Health Funding: MPs have passed a motion to create a health fund financed through levies (including a proposed communication levy) to target TB, HIV/AIDS and cancer, after donor technical assistance for health programmes was discontinued. Infrastructure & Jobs: Probase and Exim Bank are set to tar about 250km of untarred roads at an estimated E1.6bn, with local maintenance jobs built into the plan. Governance & Banking: SBS Bank Eswatini will hold its first AGM on September 4 after converting from Swaziland Building Society, marking its shift to a shareholder-owned commercial bank. Regional Business & Security: King Mswati III assumed chairmanship of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, as SADC backs industrialisation, infrastructure and a regional tourism visa. Sports & Business Calendar: Nsingizini Hotspurs say the Premier League calendar can’t align with CAF schedules, complicating their Trade Fair Cup and Champions League commitments. Controversial Tech Deal: A South Africa Madlanga Commission hearing alleges a plan to sell cellphone surveillance “grabber” technology to Eswatini, involving alleged intermediaries and links to SAPS structures. Climate Risk: NDRMA warns El Niño odds have risen to more than 90% for a very strong event, urging stronger preparedness.

Roads & Jobs: King Mswati III was told Probase tarring will extend to about 250km of untarred roads across Eswatini’s four regions, costing around E1.6bn, with 60 more locals hired for maintenance over 15 years and about 2,000 temporary jobs during construction. Banking Transition: SBS Bank Eswatini will hold its first AGM on 4 September 2026 after converting from Swaziland Building Society, with shareholders to consider conversion updates, board changes and audited results. Health Financing: MPs passed a motion calling for a new health fund financed through levies (including a possible communications levy) to target TB, HIV/AIDS and cancer within 90 days. Construction Oversight: Engineers investigating the Bhunu Mall collapse flagged possible shortcomings in renovation work by J & E Construction, after a concrete structure reportedly detached and fell, killing one employee and injuring four others. Sports & Sponsorship: Nsingizini Hotspurs face fixture clashes between the PLE and CAF calendar, while Silver Strikers Ladies head to Botswana for the CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA qualifiers and secured a one-year water sponsorship deal with Malawi Catering Services. Royal Education Support: The King backed emaSwati students in Malaysia with US$1,000 each (about E16,000), urging them to return with high-level skills to drive Eswatini’s First-World goal. Environment & Aviation: Eswatini Air joined IATA CO2 Connect to voluntarily report emissions and support efforts to cut green air gases. Climate Risk: NDRMA warned El Niño odds have risen to more than 90% for a very strong event, urging stronger national preparedness.

CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA Qualifier: Silver Strikers Ladies have arrived in Gaborone, Botswana, for their first match on Friday against Mozambique’s Costa do Sol, with the team drawn in Group B alongside South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns and eSwatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs; games will be streamed on CAF TV, FIFA+ and COSAFA channels. Crime & Governance: The Madlanga Commission heard WhatsApp messages alleging suspended SAPS Sergeant Fannie Nkosi helped push a plan to buy “grabber” cellphone surveillance tech via a Czech supplier, using SAPS stamps and force details, with links to late taxi boss Jothan Msibi and alleged attempts to sell the devices to eSwatini. Migration & Regional Politics: Liberia agreed to accept up to 1,200 third-country deportees from the US over a year, with the first 20 expected Thursday, insisting the arrangement is “humanitarian” and that deportees will be treated as “guests.” Banking & Finance: The Central Bank of Eswatini posted a E40.8m profit for the year to March 31, 2026, but reported a E266.6m total comprehensive loss after revaluation losses. Energy & Environment: Eswatini Air joined IATA CO2 Connect to voluntarily report passenger carbon emissions using standardised fuel-burn data. Housing & Social Support: DPM Thulisile Dladla handed over six houses to vulnerable families in Mpolonjeni, Nkilongo and Lubulini constituencies. Economic Policy: PM Russell Dlamini urged a shift from budget support to “productive” borrowing aligned to job creation and sustainable returns, as OPEC Fund talks focus on expanded agricultural support. Climate Risk: NDRMA warned of a very strong El Niño, with NOAA now putting the chance above 90%, calling for stronger preparedness. Unemployment & IP: A copyright-focused discussion argues that stronger intellectual property systems could help turn Eswatini’s creativity into sustainable livelihoods as unemployment remains high. Sports & Culture: Mbabane Highlanders face Kaizer Chiefs on Friday in a behind-closed-doors pre-season match, while Mhlume Country Club hosts a Princess Frozen Musical Experience and evening live music on August 22.