AGP Executive Report

Madlanga Commission: The “Big Five” cartel probe has moved from whispers to faces, with the commission showing photos naming Katiso “KT” Molefe, Steve Motsumi, Ignatius Mothakathi, Andrew “Boy” Mthethwa (King Nyambose) and the late Jothan “Mswazi” Msibi, as the inquiry continues to link alleged organised crime to police, courts and politics. Agriculture & trade: Eswatini is among 23 countries hit by the Philippines’ temporary ban on importing FMD-susceptible animals and certain meat products after lab-confirmed outbreaks reported to WOAH. Energy policy: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy has opened stakeholder consultations on proposed Minimum Energy Performance Standards for appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners and lighting, with workshops scheduled across Hhohho, Manzini, Shiselweni and Lubombo. Weather risk: Eswatini braces for a very strong El Niño season from October 2026 to March 2027, with forecasters warning of warmer-than-normal conditions and a high chance of historic intensity. Football: Nsingizini Hotspurs’ CAF Champions League build-up is under pressure after coach Mandla Qhogi warned CAF could take charge of the league if domestic scheduling fails CAF requirements, ahead of their preliminary-round first leg against Scottland FC in Harare. Business & finance: Business Eswatini is pushing for a stronger private-sector role in shaping the country’s sovereign credit rating process, arguing ratings affect investment and the cost of capital. Consumer safety: Woolworths has recalled WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo sold in Eswatini and other countries due to a bacteria contamination concern.

El Niño Watch: Eswatini Meteorological Service warns of a very strong El Niño from Oct 2026 to Mar 2027, with a 90%+ chance of El Niño conditions and a high risk of historic drought impacts. Energy Policy: Government is inviting public input on Minimum Energy Performance Standards for appliances, while the PM says Eswatini aims to exceed 1,000MW of domestic power by 2030 and is opening the sector to Independent Power Producers with local ownership, jobs and skills. Fuel Prices: Petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin rise from midnight Thursday, citing tighter global supply and higher crude prices. Business & Credit: Business Eswatini pushes for a bigger private-sector role in sovereign credit rating processes as debt and investor confidence remain key concerns. Sports: Nsingizini Hotspurs face CAF Champions League action against Scottland FC, with warnings that domestic scheduling must meet CAF requirements; Green Mamba advance in the Trade Fair Cup. Public Health: Woolworths recalls WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo after bacteria is detected; consumers are urged to stop using and return for refunds. Youth & Community: ENYC launches a nationwide drive to strengthen youth representation across 59 Tinkhundla.

Energy & Investment: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini says Eswatini aims to exceed 1,000MW of domestic power by 2030, targeting universal access and opening the sector to Independent Power Producers as developers, investors and owners—not just contractors. He also urged “Africa First” energy ownership and partnerships that build jobs, skills and local companies. Power Prices: Motorists face higher fuel costs from Friday, with petrol up E1.30 and diesel and paraffin up E1.35 per litre. Financial Inclusion: Central Bank Governor Dr Phil Mnisi has been appointed AfPI Chairman, giving Eswatini a stronger voice on Africa’s financial inclusion agenda. Economy Watch: CSO reports GDP reached E96.6bn in 2025, growing 4.8%. Public Safety: Police seized 58 illegal firearms and 509 rounds of ammunition during the AU Firearm Surrender Amnesty period. Youth & Community: ENYC launches a drive to strengthen youth representation at grassroots level, training 489 youth leaders across 59 Tinkhundla. Sports: COSAFA moved the U-20 Africa Cup of Nations/COSAFA qualifier to Mozambique; Netball Eswatini budgets E200,000 for the Africa Netball Cup in Kenya. Consumer Alert: Woolworths recalls a clarifying shampoo batch after a bacterium was detected. Culture & Lifestyle: +268 MCC’s Inaugural Bikers Rally in Mbabane (Sept 18–20) gets a star-studded entertainment line-up.

Gospel & Culture: Eswatini Praise has drawn over 100 auditions within hours as Big Fish Productions opens a talent search for the next premier Gospel voice. Economy Watch: The CSO reports GDP hit E96.6bn in 2025, with real growth rising to 4.8% driven mainly by a stronger tertiary sector. Public Service: Government provisionally set aside E160m to handle appeals linked to the 2025 public service salary review, with processing still under way after the Umhlanga holiday extension effect. Security: Police seized 58 illegal firearms and 509 rounds of ammunition, arresting 87 people during the AU Firearm Surrender Amnesty Month period. Crime & Courts: Botswana seeks the provisional arrest of two nationals detained in Eswatini over alleged cellphone theft tied to an ATM bombing in Hhohho. Energy & Business: UNDP urged firms to protect profits by investing smarter, not just raising prices, while Eswatini and Namibia push ahead with rooftop solar application portals. Sports: Netball Eswatini budgets E200,000 for the men’s Africa Netball Cup in Kenya, and Nsingizini Hotspurs’ CAF tie tickets go on sale for the Harare clash.

Energy & Industry: PM Russell Mmiso Dlamini urged Eswatini and the region to shift from dependency to ownership, calling for energy partnerships that create jobs, transfer skills and build local companies. Solar & Power Systems: Eswatini and Namibia opened rooftop solar embedded-generation application portals, aiming to cut red tape and speed up approvals for households and businesses. Trade Fair & Services: At EITF 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs handled 297 services in one day, showing strong public demand for passports and civil registration. Business & Finance: Government challenged financiers to rethink MSME lending so funding matches real business needs, not just paperwork. Sports: Netball Eswatini budgeted E200 000 to send the men’s team to the Africa Netball Cup in Kenya; meanwhile, football remains tense after Wanderers’ Trade Fair Cup match was abandoned amid a dispute over league status and late responses. Public Safety: Police and the National Maize Corporation launched an investigation into suspected maize smuggling after two white-maize consignments were intercepted at Ngwenya Border Gate. Media & Culture: ESCCOM handed operating licences to Sakha Live FM and Icon Connect Radio, expanding free-to-air commercial radio options.

Aviation & Jobs: RENAC honoured 21 employees with long-service awards and recognised one retiree, Captain Robert Dlamini, in its inaugural ceremony. Regional Politics: Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa pledged deeper cooperation with Zambia after President Hichilema’s second-term inauguration, while Kenya’s Ruto urged Zambians to keep election rivalry from breaking national unity. Energy Transition: Eswatini and Namibia opened rooftop solar application portals, with Eswatini’s ESERA platform covering embedded generation up to 2MW and Namibia’s ECB portal covering installations up to 500kW. Business & Finance: Government urged financiers to rethink MSME lending so funding matches small business realities, and Commerce Minister Khumalo called for a connected enterprise ecosystem linking training, finance, markets and standards. Public Service Integrity: A Home Affairs official was found guilty over an illegal ID case linked to South African crime figure Vusi “Cat” Matlala. Crime & Food Security: Police and the National Maize Corporation launched an investigation after intercepting suspected maize smuggling consignments at Ngwenya Border Gate. Broadcasting: ESCCOM handed operating licences to Sakha Live FM and Icon Connect Radio, expanding commercial radio competition. Sports & Culture: Eswatini’s 8Bet Trade Fair Cup kicked off amid fan excitement, while Green Mamba prepare for CAF Confederation Cup action against 1º de Agosto.

UN Rights Push: Ahead of UNGA81, a SHE & Rights session warned that “family, values, culture and sovereignty” narratives are being used to dilute women’s and girls’ rights, stressing the AU must close the gap between knowing and acting. Regional Diplomacy: Eswatini’s Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla left for Zambia to attend President-elect Hakainde Hichilema’s swearing-in, as Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan and other regional leaders arrived in Lusaka. Umhlanga & GBV: At Ludzidzini, Phakel’umthakathi urged men to back the monarchy’s role in protecting the girl child and called for practical action against gender-based violence. Trade Fair Momentum: The Eswatini Stock Exchange will host a Trade Fair seminar on how capital markets can unlock business growth, while the King challenged Eswatini to think beyond E1 trillion. Sports & Community: Green Mamba prepare for CAF Confederation Cup action vs 1º de Agosto, and Swallows set up a Mbabane derby after winning the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup clash. Cyber & Safety: Hungry Lion customer credentials were reportedly exposed for months, and South Africa’s NCC announced a Ford Ranger airbag recall affecting vehicles exported to Eswatini.

Regional Diplomacy: Eswatini’s Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla has arrived in Lusaka to attend the inauguration of Zambia’s President-elect Hakainde Hichilema, joining other regional leaders including Tanzania’s Samia Suluhu Hassan, Botswana’s Duma Boko and Namibia’s Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah. Trade & Investment: Shoprite has agreed to acquire South Africa’s coffee chain Vida e Caffè, a deal expected to strengthen its quick-service restaurant push across the region, with Vida already operating in Eswatini among other countries. Public Safety: South Africa’s National Consumer Commission has announced a Ford Ranger double-cab recall affecting 2,275 vehicles, with some units exported to Eswatini; owners are urged to get inspections and repairs at no cost. Culture & Tourism: Umhlanga Reed Dance festivities continue at Ludzidzini, while the tourism ministry says the Reed Dance is driving rising visitor numbers and tourism revenue reaching E1 billion. Economy & Planning: King Mswati III challenged Eswatini to think bigger, aiming for a future economy that produces more locally and supplies other African markets, as the 58th Trade Fair opens.

Royal Health Watch: A newly surfaced video of King Mswati III at a formal ceremony has sparked fresh concern after he appeared noticeably slimmer than usual, with no official health update from the palace. Gender-Based Violence: South African traditional healer Nkosikhona “Phakel’umthakathi” Ndabandaba urged men to take responsibility for protecting girls and women from GBV during the 2026 Reed Dance at Ludzidzini. Reed Dance & Culture: Thousands of maidens gathered at Ludzidzini for Umhlanga, with the event again highlighting Swazi cultural traditions and the monarch’s role in selecting a new wife. AU Conflict Warning: Eswatini’s leadership urged the African Union to act faster on conflict warnings, saying delays between “knowing and acting” cost lives. Transport Safety: South Africa’s National Consumer Commission announced a recall of 2,275 Ford Ranger Double Cabs (including some exported to Eswatini) over a side-airbag defect that could injure occupants; repairs are set to be free. Sports—CAF: Nsingizini Hotspurs face Scottland FC in a CAF Champions League tie, while Eswatini’s junior Magagula scored twice for Maniema Union in the DRC. Regional Football: Malawi’s U-23 coach Bob Mpinganjira was appointed after a club suspension, with Eswatini listed as an early qualifier opponent. Taiwan Ties: TaiwanPlus reports Taiwan plans about US$31 million for an industrial park in Eswatini, pending lawmakers’ approval.

Trade & Investment: Taiwan is set to fund an Eswatini Industrial Park with a proposed NT$1 billion (about US$31.6m), aiming to attract Taiwanese firms, create jobs and deepen diplomatic ties. Trade Fair Pressure: King Mswati III says the EITF’s Mavuso venue is now too small as exhibitor numbers surge, with some businesses still in temporary tents—pushing for urgent expansion. Public Service Finance: The Public Service Pension Fund is using the EITF to boost pension education and retirement planning awareness. Health & Safety: The National Consumer Commission has issued a recall for 2,275 Ford Ranger Double Cab vehicles exported to Eswatini, warning of a side-curtain airbag defect that could increase injury risk. Regional Politics: Eswatini urges the AU to act faster on conflict warnings, saying delays between “knowing and acting” cost lives. Immigration: Reports say the US expanded “third-country” deportation flights, including arrivals in Eswatini. Culture & Society: Umhlanga reed delivery drew thousands of virgin maidens to Ludzidzini, with the ceremony again tied to royal tradition.

Umhlanga Reed Dance: Thousands of virgin maidens gathered at Ludzidzini to deliver reeds to the Queen Mother and royal household, with the ceremony again tied to Swazi tradition and the King’s selection of a new wife if he wishes. Royal Health Scrutiny: A recent ceremony video showing King Mswati III looking noticeably thinner sparked online health concerns, with no official palace update. Military Discipline & Food Claims: A Swazi Army recruit was fired after allegedly stealing just R40 and a loaf of bread, amid allegations of food shortages and questions about fairness in the academy. Trade Fair Pressure: King Mswati III says the EITF has outgrown the Mavuso venue, with some exhibitors forced into temporary tents, calling for urgent expansion. EITF Business & Jobs: Taiwan has proposed NT$1 billion for an industrial park in Eswatini, while PSPF is using the EITF to push pension education to the public. Sports & Local Football: The 8Bet Trade Fair Cup kicks off amid uncertainty over Green Mamba’s fixture, as Wanderers’ bid to acquire Red Rhinos’ status could affect match-ups. Regional Climate Warning: El Niño-linked forecasts point to hotter, drier conditions and below-normal rainfall risk across Southern Africa, including Eswatini. Deportations: US “third country” deportation flights reportedly expanded, with Eswatini among destinations in the latest internal documents.

Trade Fair Expansion: King Mswati III says the 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair has outgrown the Mavuso venue, with some exhibitors pushed into temporary marquees, and urges urgent expansion of facilities. Trade Fair Cup Kick-off: The 8Bet Trade Fair Cup starts today at Mavuso Sports Centre with a revamped prize structure, while Mbabane Swallows threaten to boycott over new rules allowing amateur players. HIV Prevention Focus: NERCHA is urged to intensify its campaign as new infections and risky behaviour among young people raise fears of backsliding, including concerns over declining condom use. Green Economy at EITF: EITF goes green with prizes like electric scooters and eco-tourism packages tied to its sustainability theme. Climate Warning: An El Niño advisory flags a drier, hotter 2026/27 summer, pushing calls for irrigation, conservation and drought-ready farming. Taiwan Investment: Taiwan proposes NT$1 billion for an industrial park in Eswatini to support jobs and industrial upgrading. Sports & Culture: Imbali marches continue during Umhlanga, while Eswatini’s Ngwenya Mountain Trail Challenge crowns new winners and supports Cheshire Homes.

Umhlanga Culture: Thousands of maidens continued the 2026 Reed Dance with a major Imbali return march from Mpisi Farm to Mafutseni, keeping songs and discipline alive as the ceremony moves through its programme. Trade Fair Green Push: The 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair is offering green-economy prizes, including electric scooters and eco-tourism packages, replacing the old “Win a Car” idea with sustainability-themed rewards. Sports Spotlight: DAZN secured LaLiga EA Sports broadcast rights across Sub-Saharan Africa for three seasons, bringing all 380 matches per season to fans in Eswatini’s region. Football Results: Silver Strikers Ladies were knocked out in the second half to lose 0-4 to Gaborone United Ladies in the CAF Women’s Champions League/COSAFA qualifier bronze play-off. Public Service Reform: A SADC public service meeting in Ezulwini stressed that reform must deliver real consequences and citizen benefits, not just declarations. Immigration Pressure: Eswatini received another batch of U.S. deportees under a third-country deal, drawing criticism from rights groups.

Deportation Delays: Eswatini’s Home Affairs says the removal of three detained foreign nationals has been slowed by a depleted deportation budget, blaming the “Gambling Chinese” influx for consuming funds. US Deportations: Two more Latin American migrants arrived in Eswatini after US “third-country” deportations under a deal now facing rights-group backlash. Gambling Crackdown Expands: Police say the illegal online gambling probe has widened into an international fraud and organised crime investigation, with hundreds of devices under forensic review and INTERPOL support. Drug Case: ANTF in Maharashtra arrested three alleged mephedrone suppliers, including an Eswatini citizen, after a months-long probe. Mining Shock: Green Chert Mine has stopped operations near Nkomazi, leaving dozens of workers without income and raising questions over the project’s future. Umhlanga Culture: Thousands of Imbali marched in song and dance during the Umhlanga reed-cutting and return programme, with leaders urging cultural preservation. Sports & Entertainment: Silver Strikers Ladies face Gaborone United for CAF/COSAFA bronze; DAZN secured LaLiga EA SPORTS rights across Sub-Saharan Africa through 2029.

US Deportations to Eswatini: Eswatini says two more Latin American “third-country nationals” have arrived after being deported from the United States under a $5.1m bilateral deal, bringing the total to more than 30 since last year, with rights groups again questioning whether some people are being detained despite already serving sentences. China–Eswatini Tensions: China has told its citizens to leave Eswatini, citing “extremely high” security risks linked to cyber fraud and illegal online gambling, while Eswatini rejects the warning and points to ongoing enforcement. Illegal Gambling Probe: Eswatini’s illegal online gambling crackdown has widened into an organised crime and international fraud investigation, with hundreds of devices under forensic examination and alleged links to senior politicians and officials. Public Service Push: Eswatini’s Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla urged SADC public service commissions to move from talk to action—root out corruption and deliver measurable citizen benefits. Sports & Culture: Mbali Dlamini heads to Tanzania for an ICC female coaches programme; Umhlanga reed-cutting continues with Princess Sakhizwe praising turnout and urging cultural preservation; and Eswatini’s youth football development gets a boost as a Spanish FIFA Talent Development Scheme coach leads at COSSASA in Bulawayo.

US deportations: Eswatini says two more Latin American men have arrived after being deported from the United States under a bilateral deal, bringing the total to more than 30 since last year, with rights groups continuing to challenge the $5.1m agreement over claims of detention despite US sentences served. China-Taiwan tensions: China has urged its citizens to leave Eswatini, citing “extremely high” security risks linked to cyber fraud and illegal online gambling, while Eswatini rejects the warning as unsupported. Digital governance: Government says cybersecurity must be built into digital services from the start as it rolls out mobile access to public services. Education costs: An education review committee recommends standardising public secondary school fees, while excluding boarding fees. Local enforcement: Mbabane targets business retention with a new 2026–2030 economic development strategy, and Nhlangano authorities report a crackdown that inspected 94 businesses and charged 37 traders. Transport sector: Widows in public transport are warned not to hand over operating permits to boyfriends, after concerns men allegedly take control and leave families without income. Sports: Moneni Pirates place Sihlangu goalkeeper Qiniso Nyawo on the transfer list; and Umhlanga reed-cutting continues with Princess Sakhizwe leading thousands.