AGP Executive Report

Standards for trade: Senate President Lindiwe Dlamini says proposed ESWASA law changes could help SMEs get certification and unlock bigger export markets, after ESWASA warned current rules don’t make compliance mandatory. Tax pressure on multinationals: Coca-Cola and the US IRS head to court in Florida over a roughly $20bn transfer-pricing tax bill, with the IRS saying underreported profits involved units including Eswatini. HIV drug access push: MSF urges governments to use legal tools to break Gilead’s monopoly on Lenacapavir to expand supply and cut prices ahead of a UN HIV/Aids summit. Diplomacy & controversy: King’s spokesperson Percy Simelane says Wicknell Chivayo’s Eswatini diplomatic status stands despite past criminal allegations, after the King granted him citizenship and a diplomatic passport. Revenue reality check: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg tells MPs the ERS E18bn domestic tax target is “unattainable” this year, blaming tougher global conditions. Connectivity cost spotlight: Eswatini is listed among the world’s most expensive fixed broadband markets, averaging $193.31/month. Regional business leadership: Shoprite Eswatini director Senator Sylvia Mthethwa elected vice president of Africa’s Most Influential Women.

Government Finance Pressure: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg told MPs Eswatini Revenue Service’s E18bn domestic tax target is now “unattainable,” citing tougher global conditions, including the Iran–Israel–US conflict, and said only “God’s grace” could change the outlook. Banking & Public Funds: MPs want government to explore using EswatiniBank to manage selected government payments and SACU receipts, while keeping the Central Bank of Eswatini’s role intact; the move follows calls for recapitalisation support for the bank. Health Sector Oversight: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini appointed a commission of inquiry into Eswatini Christian Medical University (EMCU) after allegations of financial and operational mismanagement, fraud and governance failures. Telecom & Community Health: MTN Eswatini invested E160,000 to refurbish Hospice at Home’s palliative care unit, including restoring its water system and adding beds. Business & Connectivity Costs: A global pricing survey ranks Eswatini among the world’s most expensive fixed broadband markets, highlighting how limited competition and infrastructure costs can hit consumers. Regional Business Spotlight: Shoprite Eswatini director Senator Sylvia Mthethwa was elected vice president of Africa’s Most Influential Women, boosting visibility for local enterprise leadership. Diplomacy & Trade Links: King Mswati III urged stronger Eswatini–Zambia cooperation on trade, culture and security, pointing to areas like mining, forestry and manufacturing. Controversy Watch: Reports say King Mswati III granted controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport, sparking debate across the region. Sports Development: Eswatini’s football coaching talent is gaining attention as Mandla Qhogi builds a Champions League pathway with Nsingizini Hotspurs. Internet & Consumer Impact: The “world’s most expensive fixed internet” ranking puts Eswatini at $193.31 per month, reinforcing pressure on telecom affordability.

Government Finance: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg told MPs Eswatini Revenue Service’s E18bn domestic tax target is “unattainable” this year, blaming tougher global conditions. Banking & Public Funds: MPs want government to explore using EswatiniBank to manage certain payments and SACU receipts, while keeping the Central Bank’s role intact; the bank is said to need about E300m recapitalisation. Higher Education Oversight: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini appointed a five-member commission of inquiry into Eswatini Christian Medical University (EMCU) over allegations of financial and operational misconduct. Business & Regulation: Minister of Commerce, Industry and Trade Manqoba Khumalo warned of consequences for businesses operating outside legal and trade standards after a crackdown that shut a Mbabane Chinese restaurant. Healthcare Support: MTN Eswatini invested E160,000 to refurbish Hospice at Home’s palliative care unit, including a restored water system and new beds. Regional Diplomacy & Trade: King Mswati III urged stronger Eswatini–Zambia cooperation on trade, culture and security, and called for harnessing regional partnerships for growth. Citizenship & Travel Privileges: Controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo says King Mswati III granted him Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport to ease travel and business. Cross-border Human Stories: Zimbabwe’s ambassador to Mozambique and Eswatini, Victor Matemadanda, died at 66; Zimbabwean officials have not disclosed the cause of death.

Citizenship & Travel Privileges: King Mswati III has granted controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo Eswatini citizenship and issued him a diplomatic passport after a private audience at the Royal Palace, with Chivayo saying it will ease travel and support infrastructure investment. Parliament & Banking: MPs want government to explore using EswatiniBank to manage selected public funds (including international subscriptions, supplier payments and SACU receipts) as part of a recapitalisation push, while protecting the Central Bank of Eswatini’s role. University Governance: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini has appointed a five-member commission of inquiry to investigate allegations of maladministration and financial misconduct at Eswatini Christian Medical University (EMCU). Public Finance Pressure: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg says government faces a E4.5bn funding gap and is seeking additional borrowing to meet outstanding supplier bills. Migration & Compliance: Government is intensifying inspections after a Mbabane Chinese restaurant was shut down over alleged non-compliance, including complaints about high-alcohol sales. Regional Business Spotlight: Shoprite Eswatini director Senator Sylvia Mthethwa was elected vice president of Africa’s Most Influential Women.

Citizenship & Travel Privileges: Eswatini’s King Mswati III granted controversial Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport after a private audience at the Royal Palace, with Chivayo saying it will ease travel and support infrastructure investment. Banking & Public Finance: MPs want government to explore using EswatiniBank to manage selected public funds (including SACU receipts and supplier payments) as part of a recapitalisation push, after the bank said it needs about E300 million to stabilise. Higher Education Oversight: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini appointed a five-member commission of inquiry into the Eswatini Christian Medical University (EMCU) to probe allegations of maladministration, financial and operational misconduct, and governance failures. Debt Recovery: FINCORP says locals abroad and former civil servants owe it millions in unpaid loans, tied to E39 million in debts it struggles to recover. Healthcare Support: MTN Eswatini invested E160,000 in its Y’ello Care campaign to refurbish Hospice at Home’s palliative care unit, including beds and a restored water system. Compliance Crackdown: The commerce ministry warned businesses operating outside legal and trade standards will face consequences after a Chinese restaurant was shut down in Mbabane over alleged non-compliance.

Diplomacy & Business Access: King Mswati III granted Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport after a private palace audience, with Chivayo saying the move will ease travel and support infrastructure investment. Public Finance Pressure: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg says government faces a E4.5bn funding gap and is seeking additional borrowing, including approaches to the World Bank and the Johannesburg Stock Exchange. Governance in Health: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini appointed a five-member commission of inquiry to investigate the Eswatini Christian Medical University (EMCU) over alleged financial and operational misconduct. Local Compliance Crackdown: The Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade warned businesses operating outside legal and trade standards will face consequences as inspections intensify, following the closure of a Mbabane Chinese restaurant. FDI & Jobs: Eswatini Quantum Works (Pty) Ltd will build a E600m factory at Nokwane under the Special Economic Zone, creating about 200 jobs producing aluminium and copper cables for export. Healthcare Impact: MTN Eswatini invested E160,000 in its 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign to refurbish Hospice at Home’s palliative care unit, including a restored water system and new beds.

FINCORP Debt Recovery: FINCORP says some locals abroad and former civil servants owe it millions of Emalangeni in unpaid loans, part of a wider E39m it can’t recover, blaming weak salary-deduction enforcement as borrowers allegedly keep taking salaries while abroad and then default. Education Value for Money: Botho University received a “value for money” thumbs-up from Minister Maele after a tour of labs and programmes, with government sponsorship of 2,500+ students cited as a reason to tighten return-on-investment checks. Healthcare Oversight: PM Russell Dlamini has appointed a five-member commission of inquiry to investigate Eswatini Christian Medical University (EMCU) over alleged financial and operational maladministration, with the probe set to sit at EMCU for four weeks. Foreign Investment Jobs: Eswatini Quantum Works (Pty) Ltd is set to invest over E600m in a Nokwane factory under the SEZ, targeting about 200 jobs producing aluminium and copper cables for export. Government Financing Pressure: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg says a funding gap means government may need an additional E4.5bn loan to meet obligations while pursuing more budget support via the World Bank and the JSE. Trade & Compliance Crackdown: Commerce minister Manqoba Khumalo warns businesses operating outside legal and trade standards will face consequences as inspections intensify, following the closure of a Mbabane Chinese restaurant over alleged high-alcohol sales to young people. Regional Diplomacy: King Mswati III urged stronger Eswatini–Zambia cooperation on trade, culture and security, pushing for AfCFTA-linked growth and deeper SADC/AU partnerships. Citizenship & Business Facilitation: Sir Wicknell Chivayo says King Mswati III granted him Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport to support travel and infrastructure investment discussions.

Regional Diplomacy: King Mswati III urged Eswatini and Zambia to deepen cooperation on trade, culture and security, pointing to opportunities in mining, forestry and manufacturing and calling for stronger cross-border commerce. Immigration Enforcement: Eswatini’s deportation pipeline is in focus as South Africa prepares transit visas for the first group of 84 convicted foreign nationals, while in Mpumalanga the Hawks’ brothel clampdown led to the arrest of two Swazi sisters and the removal of four minors. Business & Compliance: Government says it will intensify inspections in eateries after a Mbabane Chinese restaurant was shut for alleged non-compliance, including complaints about high-alcohol sales to young people. Healthcare & CSR: MTN Eswatini invested E160,000 in Hospice at Home, refurbishing a palliative care unit and improving patient facilities. Public Finance: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg warned of a E4.5bn funding gap and said government is seeking additional borrowing to meet obligations. Industrial Investment: Eswatini Quantum Works (Turkmenistan) is set to build a E600m factory at Nokwane under the SEZ, targeting about 200 jobs producing aluminium and copper cables for export. Trade & Agriculture: Eswatini is preparing to re-open meat exports after the FMD decline phase, with pathways including “free with vaccination certification” and applications for WOAH assessment.

Government enforcement: Commerce minister Manqoba Khumalo says inspections will intensify nationwide, with consequences for businesses operating outside legal and trade standards, after a Mbabane Chinese restaurant was shut over complaints about allegedly high-alcohol sales. Public finance pressure: Finance minister Neal Rijkenberg warns government faces a E4.5bn funding gap and is seeking additional borrowing, including possible loans via the World Bank and the JSE, to keep paying suppliers. Healthcare support: MTN Eswatini invested E160,000 to refurbish Hospice at Home’s palliative care unit, including a restored water system and six new beds. Industrial investment: Eswatini Quantum Works (Turkmenistan) is set to build a E600m factory at the RSTP in Nokwane under the SEZ programme, targeting about 200 jobs producing aluminium and copper cables for export. Food security & trade: Eswatini’s FMD status is in a declining phase, with officials saying meat exports could resume within six months after WOAH assessment for “free with vaccination” pathways. Regional business risk: Congolese investors linked to Mbabane Swallows were detained at King Mswati III International Airport over alleged documentation irregularities. Tourism momentum: Simunye Fest organisers say the festival will run Oct 23–25 with 12 experience zones, aiming to draw 5,000+ attendees and boost local enterprise.

Sugar Industry Rescue: Tongaat Hulett has reached a deal to avoid liquidation, with IDC converting R2.5bn debt to equity and extending funding, aiming to protect about 250,000 grower and supplier jobs across the region, including Eswatini’s cane-linked value chain. FDI Push in Eswatini: Eswatini Quantum Works (Turkmenistan) is set to invest over E600m at the Royal Science and Technology Park in Nokwane under the SEZ programme, targeting about 200 jobs producing aluminium and copper cables for export markets. Trade and Health Risk: Eswatini’s sugar sector is also under pressure from rising sugary-beverage levies and import competition, while regional foot-and-mouth disease developments could affect meat export timelines. Immigration and Security: Congolese investors linked to Mbabane Swallows were detained at King Mswati III International Airport over alleged documentation irregularities, highlighting friction at the border for cross-border business. Digital Fraud Watch: TransUnion data shows suspected digital fraud remains lower in Namibia and the region than the global average, but scam tactics are shifting toward high-trust methods. Regional Infrastructure: Mozambique’s CFM is moving ahead with a $160m second phase to double the Ressano Garcia railway line, a key corridor that also links to Eswatini.

FDI Push for Eswatini Jobs: Eswatini Quantum Works (Pty) Ltd will invest over E600 million at the Royal Science and Technology Park in Nokwane to build a factory producing aluminium and copper cables for export, with about 200 jobs (150 skilled, 50 unskilled) expected in the initial phase. Regional Trade & Border Friction: South Africa’s SARS is ending a long-standing SACU vehicle exemption for BELN countries, requiring foreign-registered vehicles to make temporary import declarations when entering SA—an operational shift that could affect thousands of Eswatini commuters and workers. Digital Fraud Watch: TransUnion reports suspected digital fraud remains relatively low in Namibia (and by extension the region), but scams are increasingly “high-trust” and still cause meaningful losses—relevant for Eswatini’s payments and consumer protection conversations. Labour Rights Pressure in SA: The 2026 Global Rights Index flags South Africa among countries where attacks on workers are increasing, raising risks for cross-border business and labour stability. Sports & Community Momentum: Eswatini Mobile Cares and the Manzini Municipal Council ran a community clean-up, while Eswatini’s football ecosystem continues to draw attention amid regional investment and match-day stories. Innovation for Founders: The Oracle Innovate Lab returns for a second cohort in Eswatini, with applications open and a start date of August 1.

Health & Consumer Safety: Eswatini’s Ministry of Health has warned the public against rising use of ashwagandha, saying social-media claims that it “numbs” stress are not proven and could reduce people’s ability to respond to real danger. Agribusiness & Trade: With foot-and-mouth disease in a declining phase, Eswatini’s agriculture minister says meat exports could restart within six months, with pathways that include “free with vaccination” and “free without vaccination” certification, plus applications for World Organisation for Animal Health assessment. Regional Connectivity & Logistics: Mozambique’s CFM has launched the second phase of doubling the Ressano Garcia railway line, a $160m project aimed at boosting capacity and easing pressure on road transport—an issue that also matters for Eswatini-linked corridors. Entrepreneurship & Skills: The Oracle Innovate Lab returns for a second cohort to back Eswatini founders, with applications open and a start date of August 1. Governance & Integrity: Police report the arrest of an Eswatini immigration officer and two South African counterparts over an alleged E100 bribe to unlawfully stamp passports at Ngwenya Border Post. Public Sector Finance: Eswatini’s Auditor General flags slow absorption of Global Fund grants under the NERCHA HIV/TB project, raising concerns about delayed implementation. Community & Corporate Citizenship: Eswatini Mobile Cares and the Manzini Municipal Council joined a city clean-up drive, pushing shared responsibility for public health and cleaner spaces.

U.S.-Eswatini Immigration Deal Under Scrutiny: A complaint to the African Commission says five U.S.-bound immigrants sent to Eswatini under a Trump-era swap were unaware of their destination and have been held in maximum-security detention with limited ability to challenge it. Entrepreneurship & Innovation: Oracle Innovate Lab returns for a second cohort in Eswatini, offering six months of mentorship and masterclasses for early-stage founders; applications are open with the cohort starting 1 August. Rail & Trade Infrastructure: Mozambique’s CFM launches the second phase to double the Ressano Garcia railway line, budgeted at $160m, aiming to cut logistics costs and boost capacity after flood-related losses. Public Service Delivery: Eswatini Housing Board rolls out a real-time customer feedback platform using Net Promoter Score to improve service delivery. Local Business & Community: Eswatini Mobile and the Manzini Municipal Council join a community clean-up to push shared responsibility for cleaner public spaces. Governance & Economy: Auditor-General flags slow grant absorption in Eswatini’s health sector, warning that Global Fund funds risk not being utilised as intended. Regional Business Climate: South Africa’s SACU trade meetings are set for Cape Town, bringing together member states to discuss customs and cross-border trade. Corruption at Borders: An Eswatini immigration officer and two South African counterparts are arrested over an alleged E100 bribe linked to unlawful passport stamping at Ngwenya. Creative Sector Push: NACA appoints KrTC Sibandze as chair, shifting the awards focus from recognition to artist development with more categories for 2026.

Court & Migration: A Western Cape High Court dismissed a Zimbabwean man’s bid to extend his time to challenge a Home Affairs ban after he was declared a prohibited person, with the case tied to his long-ago visitor-visa stay and alleged immigration missteps. Patent & Health Innovation: PATAM and TWN filed a third-party observation at ARIPO challenging a Gilead patent application on broad HIV compounds, arguing earlier disclosures and prior scientific groundwork raise novelty and inventive-step concerns across ARIPO contracting states including Eswatini. Public Sector Delivery: Eswatini’s Housing Board launched a real-time customer feedback platform using Net Promoter Score to improve service delivery and let customers shape responses through web, SMS, social media and in-office tablets. Governance & Accountability: The Auditor General flagged slow absorption of Global Fund health grants, citing delays in implementing an HIV/TB project under NERCHA and a large remaining grant balance. Business & Community: Eswatini Mobile and the Municipal Council of Manzini joined a Manzini clean-up drive, while Eswatini Mobile also commended its sales team during quarterly refresher training. Regional Trade & Industry: SACU meetings are set to run in Cape Town from 18–26 June, bringing together heads of state, ministers and officials to discuss customs and ways to strengthen regional trade, including participation from Eswatini. Corruption at Borders: A local immigration officer and two South African counterparts were arrested over an alleged E100 bribe to unlawfully stamp passports at the Ngwenya Border Post.

NACA Leadership Shift: KrTC Sibandze has been unveiled as the new National Arts and Culture Awards (NACA) chairperson, with the awards expanding categories from 45 to 55 under the theme “From Recognition to Development,” aiming to raise standards and build artists’ careers beyond trophies. Community & Cleanliness Push: Eswatini Mobile Cares and the Municipal Council of Manzini teamed up for a city clean-up, with health and municipal officials joining residents and businesses to clear litter and improve public spaces. Eswatini Health Funding Watch: The Auditor General warns that slow grant absorption in the health sector is hurting service delivery, pointing to delayed Global Fund implementation for the SWZ-C-NERCHA HIV/TB project. Housing Feedback Upgrade: The Eswatini Housing Board (EHB) launched a real-time customer feedback platform using Net Promoter Score (NPS), rolling it out via website, SMS, email links, social media and reception tablets. Sales Team Boost: Eswatini Mobile leadership commended its sales force during quarterly refresher training, stressing customer-first service as a key pillar of growth. Cross-Border Corruption Case: A local immigration officer and two South African counterparts were arrested over an alleged E100 bribe linked to unlawful passport stamping at Ngwenya Border Post. Regional Trade Agenda: South Africa’s CTICC2 will host major SACU meetings next week, bringing together member states including Eswatini to discuss customs and ways to strengthen regional trade. Parliamentary Pressure: MPs are increasingly questioning Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini’s leadership, with motions and budget-related disputes adding to the scrutiny.

SACU Cashflow & Public Pay: Eswatini expects E11.7bn in 2026/27 SACU revenue, with about E2.9bn due in Q2 and roughly E850m earmarked to settle the 85% balance of civil servants’ salary adjustments, while an economist warns the country risks “rock bottom” if fundamentals don’t improve and suggests borrowing should unlock productive capacity rather than plug gaps. Health Grants Under Scrutiny: The Auditor General says slow absorption of Global Fund support to the SWZ-C-NERCHA HIV/TB project is hurting delivery, with grant balances still sitting at over E61m as the health sector remains under strain. Corruption at Borders: A local immigration officer and two South African counterparts were arrested for allegedly taking an E100 bribe to unlawfully stamp Zimbabwean passports at Ngwenya Border Post, underscoring anti-corruption pressure at ports of entry. Housing Board Gets Real-Time Feedback: The Eswatini Housing Board launched an NPS-based platform to capture customer feedback across email, SMS, website, social media and reception tablets to improve service delivery. Digital & Business Growth: Google expanded “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Eswatini, alongside other African markets, while MTN’s AI push targets R30bn value creation over five years—signals of how telecoms are betting on efficiency and new services. Trade & Policy Focus: South Africa’s CTICC2 hosts major SACU meetings later this month, a reminder that regional customs and trade decisions will shape Eswatini’s business environment. Fraud Warning from Court: An ERS employee testified about a WhatsApp “facata” scam that led to a loan of over E340,000 and withdrawals of E267,500, highlighting the growing sophistication of financial fraud.