AGP Executive Report

Regional Cooperation: Foreign Affairs Minister Pholile Shakantu called for coordinated action at a COMESA meeting in Harare, warning that supply-chain disruption, rising fuel and shipping costs are adding to pressure on households and businesses. Electricity and Economy: Eswatini’s power-sector risks could reach 13.9% of GDP under severe stress by 2031/32, the IMF warns. The country imports nearly 80% of its electricity, while higher oil prices and a weaker lilangeni are also clouding the economic outlook. Young Sihlangu: Eswatini’s U-15 team opens its historic FIFA World Cup campaign against the Dominican Republic on Saturday in Baku. Health Readiness: A Health Ministry assessment puts the country 52% ready for a potential Ebola outbreak, highlighting gaps as well as areas of preparedness. Football Abroad: Five Eswatini internationals are in Zimbabwe’s title race, with Hardrock FC needing wins in its final three matches to secure the championship.

Economic Pressures: Eswatini’s economy grew 6.1% year-on-year in the first quarter, but rising oil prices, a weaker Lilangeni and a widening trade deficit are clouding the outlook. An IMF study warns electricity-sector risks could expose government to costs of up to 13.9% of GDP under severe stress by 2031/32. Governance: Former senator Walter Bennett says EPTC’s pension deficit has ballooned from about E8 million to E400 million because earlier Cabinets failed to act. He also offered to share information on alleged corruption at the ICT Ministry, if senators guarantee it will be protected and acted on. Public Health: Eswatini is 52% prepared for a potential Ebola outbreak, according to a Ministry of Health assessment; officials are using a simulation exercise to identify and address gaps. Sport: Young Sihlangu are set to make their historic U-15 World Cup debut against the Dominican Republic, while the national rugby side has named 29 players for the BOLESWA Tri-Nations Cup, which kicks off in Mbabane on Saturday.

Incwala Plot Case: The Supreme Court rejected businessman Zweli Dlamini’s bail appeal, citing the serious charges and risk he could flee to South Africa. His trial is set for November. Fire Services: King Mswati III called for better equipment for the national fire and rescue service, while government pledged further investment in its capacity. Child Protection: The Deputy Prime Minister’s office arranged a place of safety and medical care for a four-month-old allegedly stabbed by her mother. Community Health: MTN Eswatini won the group’s top 2026 Y’ello Care award for health initiatives, including expanding The Luke Commission’s medical drone network to Musi Clinic. Maritime Regulation: Eswatini is developing a system to control vessel registrations under its flag and prevent unauthorised use. Sports Governance: Athletics Eswatini president Zakhele Dlamini will oversee reforms and fresh elections at Athletics South Africa, following concerns raised by World Athletics and the African athletics body.

Fire and Rescue: King Mswati III has urged government to equip Eswatini’s fire and emergency service with more vehicles and firefighting gear, while Prime Minister Russell Dlamini pledged continued investment in the service. Healthcare: Digital systems now connect 250 health facilities, as the Health Ministry seeks to reduce medicine stock-outs, expired drugs and poor patient records. Public Service: Home Affairs official Nonhlanhla Malambe has been dismissed over the fraudulent issuance of national documents to South African businessman Vusimuzi “Cat” Matlala. Courts: The Supreme Court rejected businessman Zweli Dlamini’s bail appeal in a case involving an alleged plot to destabilise the Incwala ceremony. Community Health: MTN Eswatini won the group’s 2026 Y’ello Care award for its healthcare initiatives, including expanding The Luke Commission’s medical drone network. Regional Role: Eswatini athletics chief Zakhele Dlamini will oversee constitutional reforms and elections at Athletics South Africa. Remembering Machel: South Africa and Mozambique marked 40 years since Samora Machel died in a plane crash near the Eswatini border; his daughter called for the site to be preserved as a symbol of African unity.

Health Services: Eswatini has connected 250 health facilities to digital systems aimed at improving medicine stocks, patient records and accountability. Football: The coaches’ association is drafting rules to prevent foreign coaches with inadequate qualifications from working in the country, amid claims clubs use unlicensed coaches under other job titles. Sex Offenders Register: Civil society has welcomed the government’s move to recruit a registrar, eight years after the law provided for the register. Regional Energy: Eswatini will host the 2027 SADC Sustainable Energy Week in Ezulwini, with awards for clean-energy projects and innovation. Education: UNESWA expects 1,518 graduates at its 44th graduation ceremony on Saturday. Jobs: King Mswati III said Taiwan is considering a programme that could offer about 1,000 emaSwati jobs annually.

Government and TCNs: Eswatini is exploring alternative accommodation for the 31 third-country nationals it has received under its US agreement. They are currently housed at Matsapha Correctional Centre, which government says provides secure temporary accommodation, not imprisonment. Political Fallout: A leaked audio recording appears to capture a plan to discredit Prime Minister Russell Dlamini amid allegations about The Luke Commission. The commission of inquiry into the health institution’s operations is on hold pending court proceedings; TLC disputes the allegations. Health Concerns: Community members allege a Vuvulane clinic guard had a 10-litre container of medication and was treating residents without authorisation. The claims have raised concerns over patient safety. Investment: ESWACAA is inviting investors to explore agro-processing, pharmaceuticals, logistics, renewable energy and waste management at a proposed special economic zone near King Mswati III International Airport. Football: Eswatini’s Kwakhe Thwala and Junior Magagula are close to CAF group-stage places after Scottland FC won 2-0 and AS Maniema Union 4-1 in their first legs. Courts: A society member is seeking jail time for former magistrate Dumisani Magagula and another man, accusing them of defying court orders in a dispute over Ekuphumleni Society funds.

Football Governance: Eswatini clubs are reportedly using “rented” coaches to bypass licensing rules, while CAF coaching courses have been stalled locally since 2017. Jobs and Taiwan Ties: King Mswati III says Taiwan is considering opportunities for about 1,000 emaSwati workers a year and annual support for homes for vulnerable people. Child Protection: Government is moving to appoint a registrar for the sex-offender database, eight years after the law requiring it took effect. Cost of Living: The IMF warns that rising fuel, transport and fertiliser costs could deepen pressure on Eswatini households as inflation climbs across the region. Police Accountability: The High Court ordered government and the police commissioner to pay E380,000 to a man unlawfully arrested and tortured in custody. Youth Sport: Eswatini’s Under-15 team is heading to Azerbaijan for the inaugural FIFA World Cup and Festival, which begins on October 24.

Taiwan Partnership: King Mswati III says Taiwan is considering training and employing about 1,000 emaSwati a year and funding homes for vulnerable people. He returned from a nine-day visit focused on jobs, healthcare, education and investment. Youth Sport: Eswatini’s Under-15 football team leaves Monday for the inaugural FIFA World Cup and Festival in Azerbaijan, running October 24–30. Protecting Women and Children: Government is moving to appoint a registrar for the National Register for Sex Offenders, eight years after the law requiring it took effect. Cost of Living: The IMF warns higher fuel, transport and fertiliser costs could add to household pressures across the region. Healthcare: MTN Eswatini won the group’s 2026 Y’ello Care award after extending a medical drone service that cut medicine delivery to a remote clinic from up to four hours to 30 minutes. Education: A proposed qualifications law would give unaccredited colleges two years to meet standards or face closure. Police Accountability: The High Court ordered government and the police commissioner to pay E380,000 to a man tortured in custody.

Healthcare: MTN Eswatini won the Group’s 2026 Y’ello Care award for extending its medical drone network with the Luke Commission, cutting medicine deliveries to a remote clinic from up to four hours to 30 minutes. Taiwan Partnership: Eswatini and Taiwan are expanding AI-supported healthcare and medical training, with more than 3,100 patients screened for diabetic eye complications since 2025. Police Accountability: The High Court ordered government and the police commissioner to pay E380,000 to a man unlawfully detained and tortured in custody, condemning the use of a plastic bag to suffocate him. Somhlolo Stadium: Sports Minister Bongani Nzima says new stands in the stadium’s “no man’s land” area would cost E98 million; government previously allocated E42 million from a requested E140 million rehabilitation budget. Elections: Attorney General Sifiso Mashampu Khumalo warned aspiring candidates that campaigning before the official 2028 election period could be illegal. Deportation Concerns: A US advocacy group says a gay man protected from deportation to Mauritania was secretly sent to Eswatini, where same-sex relations are also criminalised. Imbube Marathon: South African runners led the men’s marathon, while Kenya’s Rosani Kaboino won the women’s race; Eswatini’s Ntokozo Nkonyane was the first local man to finish.

Education: Unaccredited colleges could be shut down if they fail to meet standards within two years under a proposed qualifications law, the Education Ministry says. Politics: MPs fear losing their seats in 2028 and financial security, while the Attorney General has warned that campaigning before the legal period opens could be an offence. Somhlolo Stadium: Sports Minister Bongani Nzima says E98 million is needed to build stands in the stadium’s “no man’s land” area. Refugees: Malindza reception centre reportedly registered 18 arrivals in the past two weeks and nearly 100 over six months; the figures have not been confirmed by the Home Affairs Ministry. Healthcare: Eswatini and Taiwan are expanding AI-assisted screening and medical training; devices have screened more than 3,100 patients for diabetic eye complications since 2025. Police accountability: The High Court ordered government and the police commissioner to pay E380,000 to a man unlawfully detained and tortured in custody. Disaster readiness: Eswatini needs E1.23 billion to implement its resilience and recovery plan, Deputy Prime Minister Thuli Dladla told a regional conference.

Police Accountability: The High Court ordered government and the police commissioner to pay E380,000 to a man unlawfully arrested and tortured in custody, condemning the use of a plastic bag to suffocate him. Election Rules: The Attorney General warned aspiring candidates that campaigning before the legally permitted period could lead to prosecution. Healthcare: Eswatini and Taiwan are expanding AI-assisted screening and medical training; more than 3,100 patients have been screened for diabetic eye complications since 2025. Disaster Readiness: Eswatini needs E1.23 billion to carry out its resilience and recovery plan, with the Deputy Prime Minister urging partners to fund prevention and early-warning systems. Pension Security: FSRA investigations into Fairlife Beneficiary Fund have raised concern about retirement benefits, with the fund reporting an 80% funding ratio and gaps in financial oversight. Regional Trade: Maputo’s US$150 million port-channel upgrade is designed to take larger vessels and strengthen a trade corridor serving Eswatini and neighbouring countries.

Healthcare: Eswatini and Taiwan are expanding AI-assisted screening and medical training. Devices have screened more than 3,100 people for diabetic eye complications since 2025; officials say early detection is vital, with 22% of adults living with high blood pressure. Police Accountability: The High Court ordered government and the police commissioner to pay E380,000 to a man unlawfully arrested and tortured in custody, condemning the use of a plastic bag to suffocate him. Election Rules: Attorney General Sifiso Khumalo warned aspiring candidates that campaigning before the legally permitted period for the 2028 elections could be an offence. Disaster Preparedness: Eswatini needs E1.23 billion to carry out its resilience and recovery plan, Deputy Prime Minister Thuli Dladla said, urging partners to fund measures before disasters strike. Local Innovation: Students’ wildfire alert system combines satellite data, sensors and AI; the Prime Minister says it could help protect forests and sugarcane fields if developed and tested further. Business: Ubombo Sugar has won ABF Sugar’s top business award for a second consecutive year. Public Health: The Eswatini Antivenom Foundation warned it cannot guarantee supplies will meet summer demand and appealed for support.

Pensions: FSRA findings at Fairlife Beneficiary Fund have raised concern over retirement savings. The fund is 80% funded, lacks monthly bank reconciliations and administers 20 schemes. Jobs and Taiwan: King Mswati III says talks are under way on an agreement to expand job opportunities for emaSwati in Taiwan beyond teaching English. Education: Eswatini has fully integrated Think Equal social and emotional learning into early childhood education, reaching 13,513 children since May. Water Projects: EWADE is seeking firms to audit environmental and social safeguards for the Mkhondvo-Ngwavuma water programme. Cost of Living: Annual inflation edged up to 2.9% in September, with housing, utilities and transport among the pressure points. Rugby: Eswatini will host the BOLESWA Tri-Nations at Mbabane’s Prince of Wales Sports Ground, opening against Lesotho on October 24. Football: Mbabane Swallows coach Sindiso Gama resigned, citing unpaid salaries and a lack of petrol for daily training.

Football: Mbabane Swallows coach Sindiso Gama has resigned, citing poor working conditions, unpaid salaries and a lack of petrol money. The club has started the season without a win in three matches. Pension security: An FSRA investigation found Fairlife Beneficiary Fund was only 80% funded, with unreconciled bank accounts and no clear recovery plan. The fund administers 20 retirement schemes, putting thousands of members’ benefits under scrutiny. Schools: Education PS Naniki Mnisi is seeking MPs’ guidance on whether to keep the 2017 uniform policy, including the ban on trousers for girls. Jobs and health ties: King Mswati says Eswatini and Taiwan are considering a formal deal to open jobs for emaSwati beyond English teaching. Taipei Medical University Hospital says its 17-year partnership has included training, telemedicine and support for digital services at Manzini Government Hospital. Economic outlook: The IMF cut Eswatini’s growth forecasts to 3.7% for 2026 and 3.4% for 2027. Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg says World Bank cooperation should deliver jobs and better public services.

Business: Ubombo Sugar has been named ABF Sugar Business of the Year for a second straight year, outperforming the group’s businesses in Europe and Africa. Economic Outlook: The IMF has cut Eswatini’s growth forecasts to 3.7% for 2026 and 3.4% for 2027, citing a more uncertain global outlook. Fuel Security: King Mswati III says the country should expand its strategic oil reserve from 60 to 90 days’ supply to guard against disruptions and price shocks. Industrial Growth: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg has urged African countries to boost regional trade and produce more value-added goods, while the King has called for industrial parks across Eswatini and stronger investment in energy. Education: Pupils at Shewula High School protested allegations that two teachers were sexually involved with learners; police were called to restore order. Football: CAF’s increased annual funding will give the EFA more than E11.5 million, with the money intended to support administration, grassroots and women’s football, and local leagues.

Taiwan Ties: During his Taiwan visit, King Mswati III called for Eswatini’s strategic fuel reserves to grow from 60 to 90 days and urged the country to build industrial parks that can create jobs. He also highlighted plans to expand scholarships and cooperation with Taiwan. Economic Outlook: The IMF has cut its growth forecasts for Eswatini to 3.7% this year and 3.4% in 2027. Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg called for stronger African trade and more local production to reduce reliance on imported goods. Parliament: MPs raised objections to a proposed law requiring public officers to declare gifts worth E5,000 or more, with some gifts becoming government property. School Protest: Classes were disrupted at Shewula High after pupils alleged two teachers had sexual relations with learners; police were called to restore order. The allegations have not been confirmed. Deportation Policy: Jamaica has received its first 22 migrants sent from the US under a controversial third-country agreement. Eswatini has also received deportees under the policy, which faces legal challenges.