AGP Executive Report

Cash Security & Transport: Fidelity Services says no attacks have been recorded on its newly deployed purpose-engineered cash-in-transit vehicles, reporting 2025 CIT robberies in South Africa down 13% year-on-year and sharper declines in successful vehicle attacks and cross-pavement robberies. Education Finance: University of Eswatini (UNESWA) is hiring an external debt collector to recover about E100m in long-outstanding debts after internal recovery efforts became too costly and difficult. Energy & Public Finance: Eswatini signed a $300m deal with Taiwan for the Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve, a major energy-security move that’s drawing tough questions amid poverty, unemployment and allegations of elite enrichment. Competition & Business Rules: The Eswatini Competition Commission flagged growing interest in exclusive supply agreements, warning firms to understand when such deals can harm competition and consumers. Mobile & Retail Engagement: Eswatini Mobile is running vendor and customer engagement visits, while separate coverage highlights broader regional retail activity including Pick n Pay’s store expansion plans. Digital Payments: PayPal’s expansion of PYUSD to more markets including Eswatini is expected to ease cross-border payments for MSMEs and e-commerce traders. Public Safety: Police warned of a new Google Meet-based bank scam tactic targeting victims with fake “FNB” calls.

Civil Service Cost Pressure: Kenya’s Salaries and Remuneration Commission is pushing a shift from “how much” to “how well” government workers perform, launching a three-day National Productivity and Performance Conference in Nairobi (June 17–19) with President William Ruto expected to chair. Energy & Finance Watch: Eswatini’s $300m deal with Taiwan to build the Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve is back in focus as critics question affordability amid poverty and unemployment. Diplomacy Under Scrutiny: Taiwan says it’s still assessing whether to recruit Eswatini workers, while Germany-Taiwan ties and China’s objections continue to ripple through the region. Competition & Compliance: Eswatini’s Competition Commission is warning businesses about exclusive supply agreements and their potential to block market access. Public Safety: Senators in Eswatini challenged proposed steep corporate fines under the Critical Infrastructure Protection Bill. Business Pulse: Eswatini Mobile is running vendor-and-customer engagements, while MTN Bushfire Festival preparations are in full swing.

Taiwan–Eswatini Scrutiny: Taiwan says it’s still assessing whether to recruit Eswatini workers, while a WDA delegation visits three vocational training centres to map skills needs for a planned Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park. Mobile Sector Pulse: Eswatini Mobile is running vendor-and-customer ground visits in Pigg’s Peak and Manzini, with vendors pointing to improved No Frills bundles and customers praising the return of a free 1GB reward. Competition Watch: The Eswatini Competition Commission is flagging growing interest in exclusive supply agreements, reminding businesses these deals can be pro- or anti-competitive depending on how they’re used. Policy Pressure: Senators challenged an E5m fine in the Critical Infrastructure Protection Bill as too high, questioning affordability and whether penalties could push people into prison. HIV Prevention Demand: Lenacapavir PrEP is rolling out in Eswatini after a pilot, but demand is outpacing supply across parts of Africa. Regional Context: EU urges Eswatini to stick to multilateralism as global order faces conflict and economic coercion.

Aesthetics crackdown spotlight: South Africa’s fast-growing, largely unregulated beauty “underground” is under fresh scrutiny after reports of studios marketing invasive procedures via social media without clear proof of qualifications, product sourcing, or emergency safety protocols—raising alarms about a regulatory blind spot that could spread across the region. Immigration pressure in focus: South Africa is rejecting a “Trump wall” style approach, instead pushing neighbours to share border responsibility as anti-immigrant protests and tensions spill into regional diplomacy. Eswatini health demand outstrips supply: Eswatini’s rollout of the twice-yearly HIV prevention injection (lenacapavir) is seeing uptake faster than available stocks, with expansion underway after a pilot phase. UN funding implementation strain: Eswatini’s Economic Planning minister says up to 50% of some UN funds are being returned due to implementation delays and weak execution structures. Cyber scam warning: Police warn of a new Google Meet voice-call fraud tactic impersonating banks to trick victims into sharing card details. Regional trade & investment: Azerbaijan and Eswatini are advancing mining and investment cooperation, with an Eswatini investment conference planned for July. Local business: Pick n Pay signals seven new store openings as it continues its turnaround.

Retail Turnaround: Pick n Pay says it’s moving from store closures and “reset” conversions into selective growth, targeting seven new openings in South Africa this year after improving fresh categories and supply-chain support. HIV Prevention Pressure: Demand for lenacapavir PrEP is outstripping supply in parts of Africa, with Eswatini’s rollout expanding beyond pilot sites but still limited by stock availability. Scam Alert: Police warn of a new Google Meet voice-call fraud where scammers impersonate banks (including FNB) to trick victims into sharing card details. UN Funding Wobble: Economic Planning Minister Dr Tambo Gina says up to 50% of some UN resources are being returned due to implementation delays and oversized collaborating structures. Cross-Border Migration: South Africa is tightening cooperation with neighbours, using joint border action plans with Lesotho, Mozambique and Eswatini to curb undocumented migration. Digital Payments Boost: PayPal’s expansion into more markets, including Eswatini, is framed as a new route for MSMEs to reach international buyers. Labour Protection: Government says it’s engaging South Africa over alleged exploitation of Emaswati workers by labour brokers.

UN Funding Scrutiny: Minister Dr Tambo Gina says Eswatini is returning up to 50% of UN resources because of weak implementation, delays, and oversized collaborating structures that don’t translate into delivery. Cybercrime Warning: Police warn scammers are using Google Meet voice calls to impersonate banks like FNB Mbabane and trick victims into sharing card details. Migration Pressure in the Region: South Africa is stepping up talks with neighbours to curb undocumented migration, with joint border action plans involving Lesotho, Mozambique and Eswatini. Maritime Security Push (Nigeria): Nigeria plans to expand its Deep Blue Project to vulnerable corridors including Bakassi, building on reported gains against piracy and sea crime. Tax Compliance Drive: Government is considering incentives to boost adherence to TaxCore electronic invoicing, aiming to tighten VAT remittances and improve real-time reporting. Deportation Deal Fallout: Reports say 19 US deportees are detained in Eswatini, with some already released, as lawyers challenge the legality of the arrangement.

Regional Diplomacy: SADC foreign ministers meeting at Kruger National Park pledged tighter cooperation, policy alignment and a unified global voice as climate shocks and conflict-driven trade disruptions push up food and fuel prices. Health Security: ECSA Health Community is stepping up joint Ebola preparedness at key borders after cases spread from DRC into Uganda, with cross-border surveillance and emergency response drills. Migration Pressure: Eswatini remains in the spotlight for hosting US deportees under a third-country arrangement, with detainees’ accounts raising concerns about conditions and legality. Labour Protection: Government says it is engaging South Africa over alleged exploitation of Emaswati workers, including claims of trafficking-like practices by labour brokers. Tax Compliance Push: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg says incentives may be used to boost adherence to TaxCore electronic invoicing, aiming to close VAT remittance gaps. Trade & Investment: Azerbaijan and Eswatini are advancing cooperation, including mining talks and an invitation for Azerbaijan to join Eswatini’s July investment conference. Business & Culture: Smartphone imports are surging in one report, while a local cook-off marked Africa Month with a E5,000 prize.

Global Finance Watch: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg says Eswatini’s crackdown on illegal online gambling by foreign nationals should help protect the kingdom’s international ratings, arguing greylisting/blacklisting happens when financial crime becomes “embedded” and enforcement is weak. Labour Migration: Government is engaging South African authorities to strengthen protections for Emaswati workers after allegations of exploitation and trafficking by labour brokers in mining, forestry, agriculture and domestic work. Diplomacy & Values: The EU urged Eswatini to uphold multilateralism amid conflict and economic coercion, framing Europe’s security as shared security. Social Media Fallout: MaMkhize distanced herself from a fake Facebook profile using her name after xenophobic posts sparked backlash, warning she will pursue legal action. Sports & Culture: Nedbank Eswatini’s Africa Month cook-off crowned TTPN Pot Rockets with E5,000 for a three-course meal built only on local ingredients. Education Costs: ECESWA launched a 2026–2031 plan to cushion pupils from steep exam-fee hikes by diversifying revenue.

Trade & Investment Push: Azerbaijan’s AZPROMO met Eswatini’s EIPA in Baku, pitching business links and inviting Eswatini to its July investment conference, while also discussing products and future cooperation. Migration Deal Fallout: Nineteen deportees from the US are being held in a prison south of Mbabane, with two already released; lawyers are challenging the US arrangement as conditions and legality questions grow. Exam Fees Pressure: ECESWA says it will cushion pupils from steep exam-fee hikes under a 2026–2031 strategic plan, aiming to modernise assessment and add alternative revenue. Tax Compliance Incentives: Government is considering prizes to encourage adherence to TaxCore electronic invoicing, as ERS moves to close VAT remittance gaps. Arts Sector Organising: ENCAC has launched nine-month interim committees to register and formalise national arts associations ahead of longer-term elections. Regional Context: Eswatini’s role in wider US “third-country” deportation efforts continues to draw scrutiny across Africa.

US Deportation Fallout: A U.S. federal judge dismissed the human-smuggling case against Kilmar Abrego Garcia, citing “presumptive vindictiveness,” casting fresh doubt on parts of the Trump administration’s deportation push. Regional Migration Pressure: Sierra Leone received nine deportees from the U.S., with officials saying the group will be housed in a hotel and returned home within two weeks, under an ECOWAS-linked arrangement. Eswatini in the spotlight: Reuters reports Eswatini volunteered early to host “third-country” migrants after private talks, even as legality questions linger. Trade & compliance: Eswatini is weighing incentives to improve TaxCore electronic invoicing adherence, aiming to close VAT remittance gaps. Blue economy momentum: Nigeria says its Deep Blue Project has delivered four years of zero piracy in territorial waters and plans expansion to corridors including Bakassi.

US-Africa Migration Deals: Eswatini was among the first African countries to volunteer to host Trump’s “third-country” deportees, despite doubts over legality—Reuters reports Prime Minister Russell Dlamini met the US charge d’affaires in mid-February last year, then King Mswati III quickly agreed; so far 19 migrants have been detained near Mbabane under a deal that could take up to 160. Tax Compliance Push: Government is considering incentives to boost adherence to the TaxCore Electronic Invoicing programme, with special-coded receipts aimed at tightening VAT remittance and closing gaps. Green Economy Trade Drive: Eswatini is steering the 2026 Eswatini International Trade Fair toward green economy opportunities, pushing ESG-focused exhibitors and practical areas like recycling, upcycling and green finance. Mining Cooperation: Azerbaijan and Eswatini signed an MoU to deepen mining-sector collaboration, including geological data sharing and joint project exploration.

SACU Trade Pressure: Botswana’s frequent bans on South African fruits and vegetables are being challenged as protectionism that undermines Southern African Customs Union free trade, raising costs for Botswana consumers and disrupting regional farmers and businesses. Eswatini-US Migration Deal: Eswatini moved quickly to host Trump’s deported third-country migrants despite legality doubts, with 19 detained so far and the arrangement framed as a bid to keep the US partner satisfied. Mining Cooperation: Azerbaijan and Eswatini signed a mining MoU, with AzerGold and Eswatini’s Natural Resources ministry set to share geological data and explore joint projects. Arts Sector Push: ENCAC launched nine-month interim committees to register and formalise national arts associations. Business & Costs: Eswatini firms are bracing for higher costs as Middle East tensions rattle fuel markets, even as inflation sits around 2%. Sports & Culture: Zimbabwe will host the Region 5 table tennis champs, while Eswatini’s US Embassy-backed Freedom250 arts grants fund four local creative projects.

Deportation deal fallout: Eswatini moved fast to host US deported third-country migrants, despite legal doubts—19 have already been detained near Mbabane, after Prime Minister Russell Dlamini met US diplomats and King Mswati III approved the arrangement. Mining diplomacy: Azerbaijan’s AzerGold signed a mining cooperation MoU with Eswatini, covering exploration, lab testing and possible joint projects—while the AzerGold chairman met the King in Baku. Green trade push: Government launched EITF 2026 with a green-economy theme, urging exhibitors to build ESG-linked opportunities in recycling, upcycling and green finance. Service delivery spotlight: King Mswati III highlighted “one-roof” tech-enabled government services after visiting Azerbaijan’s streamlined public service model. Business pressure: Rising fuel and transport costs are squeezing firms as inflation stays near target, but geopolitics keeps uncertainty high. Regional health funding: African MPs backed more domestic financing to cut donor reliance in the TB fight.

King’s Baku push for mining and service delivery: His Majesty King Mswati III met AzerGold chairman Zakir Ibrahimov in Baku, discussing mineral exploration, mine development and value addition, with a focus on mapping resources, technology transfer, local skills and high environmental standards. The same trip also highlights the king’s drive for faster, “one-roof” government services after visits to service-centre models in Rwanda and now Azerbaijan. US deportation ripple hits West Africa: Sierra Leone received nine migrants deported from the US under third-country arrangements, with authorities saying the country can accept up to 300 ECOWAS citizens per year. TB funding pressure: African MPs meeting in Cape Town backed more domestic financing to cut reliance on donors in the fight against tuberculosis. Fuel shock planning: Eswatini’s strategic oil reserve plans are back in focus as Middle East tensions keep fuel and fertiliser risks in the spotlight. Arts and jobs: The US Embassy announced four Freedom250 recipients in Eswatini, while Business Eswatini warned that rising costs and uncertainty are already squeezing businesses.

US Migration Crackdown: Sierra Leone has started receiving migrants deported from the United States, with the first plane bringing nine people to Freetown and authorities saying the country will accept up to 300 deportees a year from ECOWAS states. Regional Health Funding Push: African MPs meeting in Cape Town pledged to cut reliance on donor money for TB by boosting domestic financing for programmes. Eswatini Service Delivery & Diplomacy: King Mswati III highlighted fast, tech-enabled “one-roof” government services after visiting facilities abroad, while also using the World Urban Forum in Baku to press for people-centred housing and to invite Azerbaijan’s SOCAR and mining firms to invest in Eswatini’s strategic oil reserve. Inflation Pressure in the Region: South Africa is signalling possible rate hikes as the Iran-linked war shock keeps inflation risks alive. Local Business & Culture: The US Embassy backed four Eswatini creatives under America 250, and government launched EITF 2026 with a green-economy theme.

Taiwan Tensions: Fresh coverage keeps spotlighting Lai Ching-te’s two-year record, with criticism tied to cross-strait friction and falling public approval—while the “airspace” angle shows how geopolitics is now playing out in routes, not just speeches. Diplomacy Under Pressure: Canada’s Michael Chong is set to meet Taiwan’s Lai despite warnings from Beijing, underscoring how political visits are becoming flashpoints. Eswatini at the Centre: Eswatini’s role in Taiwan’s shrinking global space remains a key thread, with older reporting noting Lai’s Eswatini trip after overflight hurdles. Urban Housing Push: King Mswati III used WUF13 in Baku to argue housing must put people first, warning that resilient cities protect the vulnerable. Energy Security: Eswatini is building a strategic oil reserve (about two months) and courting SOCAR and others to invest, as Middle East tensions rattle fuel markets. Local Business Watch: Inflation is still within target, but businesses say rising oil and transport costs are squeezing margins and raising uncertainty.