AGP Executive Report

Severe cold and drought warnings: Eswatini Meteorological Service and NDRMA report freezing conditions this week, with temperatures dropping to around 4°C in western areas and frost risk; in Hawane, a cold snap killed cattle, while government says 114 street children and other vulnerable people have been moved to shelters and urged communities to check on elderly and people with disabilities. El Niño drought risk: An El Niño Advisory for 2026–27 raises drought fears, with officials calling for continuous monitoring as impacts could hit water, agriculture, health, energy and the natural environment. Waste and wildfire risk: The Eswatini Environmental Authority warns that poor waste management and open burning are fuelling disaster risks, including wildfires that can release harmful pollutants. Climate finance push: Government is studying Namibia’s E27bn environmental fund model as it transforms the Eswatini Environment Fund, with a focus on scaling financing for sustainable development. Green trade and exports: EU and ITC support a three-year Eswatini export roadmap, while EITF 2026 is set to draw 70,000+ attendees under a green economy theme. Wildlife management talks: Eswatini joins regional discussions on Mozambique’s proposed selective wildlife culling to manage human-wildlife conflict across shared conservation areas. Language and culture: Broadcasters are urged to use consistent SiSwati terminology and grammar to protect the language’s integrity. Youth and livelihoods: EYEOP will target 30,000 young people with E432m, including at least 15,000 young women and 1,500 youth with disabilities, through skills and entrepreneurship support. Community resilience: Lobamba communities are urged to prevent fire disasters as the dry season approaches. Local events with environmental links: The Umhlangano Cultural Festival plans to use its platform to discuss child marriages, GBV, school dropouts and environmental conservation.

El Niño Drought Watch: Eswatini Meteorological Service has escalated El Niño to an advisory for 2026–27, warning of strengthening conditions through summer and raising drought risk across water, agriculture, public health, disaster risk reduction, energy and the natural environment. Cold Front Relief: With temperatures expected to plunge to around 4°C and below, the Deputy Prime Minister’s Office says 114 street children and vulnerable people have been moved to temporary shelters, with food and warm clothing supplied while assessments continue. Waste Burning Warning: The Eswatini Environmental Authority cautioned that poor waste management and open burning are fuelling disaster risks, including wildfires, and releasing harmful pollutants that threaten health and ecosystems. Climate Finance Push: Government is studying Namibia’s Environmental Investment Fund model after Cabinet approval to transform the Eswatini Environment Fund, aiming to mobilise much larger financing for sustainable development. Green Trade Momentum: The EU and ITC are supporting a three-year Eswatini export roadmap, while EITF 2026 is set to draw over 70,000 attendees under a “Green Economy” theme. Youth & Skills: EYEOP (E432m) is set to support up to 30,000 young people, and Eswatini libraries are rolling out AI training to improve access and innovation.

Drought Watch: Eswatini’s Meteorological Service has escalated El Niño to an advisory for 2026–27, warning of strengthening conditions through summer and raising drought risk across water, agriculture, health, disaster risk reduction, energy and the natural environment. Cold Front Response: As temperatures plunge to around 4°C, the NDRMA warns of frost and freezing rain impacts on people, livestock, crops and water infrastructure, urging fire safety as heaters and open flames rise. Street Children Sheltered: After the cold spell warning, 114 street children and vulnerable people were moved to temporary shelters nationwide, with food and warm clothing supplied while assessments continue. Waste Burning Warning: The Eswatini Environmental Authority says poor waste management and illegal open burning are fuelling disaster risks, including harmful air pollution and extra fuel for wildfires. Climate Finance Push: Government is studying Namibia’s Environmental Investment Fund model to help transform the Eswatini Environment Fund into a bigger financing vehicle for sustainable development. Wildlife Management Talks: Eswatini joined regional discussions on Mozambique’s proposed selective wildlife culling plan to manage human-wildlife conflict across shared conservation areas. Youth Jobs & Skills: The World Bank-supported EYEOP (E432m) targets 30,000 young people with skills, entrepreneurship and apprenticeships, with at least 50% women and 5% youth with disabilities.

Severe cold response: Eswatini is bracing for freezing rain, strong winds and temperatures dropping to around 4°C, with the National Disaster Risk Management Authority warning of risks to health, livestock, crops and water infrastructure. Street safety: After the cold front hit, 114 street children and vulnerable people were moved to temporary shelters, with food and warm clothing provided while officials continue assessments. Language & culture: The ICT Ministry urged broadcasters to standardise SiSwati terminology, pronunciation and grammar, saying inconsistent use can weaken the language at home and in schools. Waste & wildfire risk: The Environmental Authority warned that poor waste management and open burning are fuelling disaster risks, including harmful air pollution and extra fuel for wildfires. Climate-smart farming training: Woman Farmer Foundation trained young farmers in climate-smart tunnel techniques, focusing on resilience, reduced pesticide use and practical sustainable methods. Environmental finance push: Eswatini is studying Namibia’s Environmental Investment Fund model as it moves to transform its own environment fund into a bigger financing vehicle. Youth & jobs: The World Bank-supported EYEOP (E432m) is set to support 30,000 young people with skills, entrepreneurship and apprenticeships, with women and youth with disabilities prioritised.

Cold Weather & Disaster Risk: Eswatini Meteorological Services and NDRMA warn of a severe cold front with temperatures dropping to around 4°C (and possibly 0°C in places), freezing rain, strong winds, and frost—urging people to keep warm, check on elderly people and persons with disabilities, and boost fire safety as heaters and open flames can spark disasters. Waste Burning Fuels Wildfire Risk: The Eswatini Environmental Authority cautioned communities during a Lobamba disaster risk campaign that open burning releases harmful pollutants and that illegally dumped waste can become extra fuel for wildfires. Climate-Smart Farming Training: Woman Farmer Foundation, with Professors Without Borders, trained young farmers in climate-smart tunnel techniques, including practical adaptation steps and ways to cut pesticide use with organic alternatives. Environmental Finance Upgrade: Government is studying Namibia’s Environmental Investment Fund model as it transforms the Eswatini Environment Fund—aiming to scale up financing for sustainable agriculture, waste management, biodiversity and renewable energy. Youth Jobs Push: EYEOP will support 30,000 young people over five years with E432m, including at least 50% young women and 5% youth with disabilities, through skills, entrepreneurship and apprenticeships. Export Roadmap for Businesses: EU and ITC back a three-year export roadmap to help Eswatini firms diversify markets and build sustained international sales. Wildlife Management Talks: Eswatini joins regional discussions on Mozambique’s proposed selective wildlife culling to manage human-wildlife conflict across shared conservation areas.

Waste & Wildfire Risk: The Eswatini Environmental Authority warned that open burning and poor waste management are fuelling disaster risks, including wildfires that spread faster when plastics and other combustibles are dumped in open spaces. Cold Spell Safety: As temperatures drop to around 4°C with freezing rain and strong winds, the Deputy Prime Minister’s office urged municipalities to shelter street children in safe facilities, check on elderly people and persons with disabilities living alone, and strengthen fire safety during cold-weather heating. Climate Finance Push: Eswatini is studying Namibia’s Environmental Investment Fund model after Cabinet approved transforming the Eswatini Environment Fund, with Namibia’s fund reported to have mobilised about E27bn and secured major climate finance. Youth Jobs Boost: Government’s E432m EYEOP targets 30,000 young people over five years, including at least 50% young women and 5% youth with disabilities, with skills, entrepreneurship and apprenticeships. Export Roadmap: The EU and ITC are supporting a three-year export roadmap to help businesses diversify markets and turn opportunities into sustained international sales. Wildlife Management Talks: Eswatini joined regional discussions on Mozambique’s proposed selective wildlife culling to manage human-wildlife conflict in shared conservation areas. Food Security Warning: IPC analysis projects about 22,000 people could slip into emergency hunger levels during the lean season, driven by worsening climate, falling incomes and high food prices.

Extreme Cold Response: Eswatini’s Deputy Prime Minister’s office urged municipalities and town boards to quickly shelter street dwellers during the cold spell, with food support and calls for relatives to bring children home; it also urged checks on elderly people and persons with disabilities living alone. Weather & Disaster Risk: Temperatures are expected to plunge to around 4°C, with freezing rain and strong winds; the NDRMA warned of risks to health, livestock, crops and water infrastructure, and urged fire safety as people use heaters and open flames. Food Security Alert: An IPC analysis projects about 22,000 Emaswati could slip into emergency hunger levels during the lean season (Oct 2026–Mar 2027), driven by worsening climate, lower incomes and high food prices. Trade & Wildlife Governance: Eswatini joined regional talks on Mozambique’s proposed selective wildlife culling to manage human-wildlife conflict in shared conservation areas. Export Push: The EU and ITC are backing a three-year Eswatini export roadmap to help businesses diversify markets and turn opportunities into sustained sales. Agriculture Investment Focus: A new Agriculture Sector Review calls for more strategic, market-linked spending to strengthen value chains and rural jobs. Regional Border Reform: SADC is moving to simplify border procedures under the Simplified Trade Regime to cut costs for small-scale traders.

Food Security Alert: An IPC analysis projects about 22,125 Emaswati sliding into emergency hunger (IPC Phase 4) during the Oct 2026–Mar 2027 lean season, with the Lowveld Cattle and Maize livelihood zone hit hardest. Wildlife & Conservation: Eswatini joined regional talks on Mozambique’s proposed selective wildlife culling in conservation areas to manage human-wildlife conflict across shared transfrontier landscapes. Agriculture & Jobs: The Agriculture Sector Review urges a shift to market-oriented, value-chain investment instead of fragmented spending, while the DPM also launched an Agriculture Solutions Marketplace to speed transformation. Energy Transition: Work has started on the E200m Nsoko Solar Power Plant, expected to create 80 construction jobs and 10 permanent roles, boosting clean power and reducing reliance on imports. Disaster Preparedness: Lobamba communities were urged to prevent dry-season fire disasters through vegetation clearing, early reporting, and following official warnings. Regional Trade: SADC is pushing to simplify border procedures under the Simplified Trade Regime to cut costs for small traders.

Border Trade Push: SADC is moving to simplify border procedures under its Simplified Trade Regime, aiming to cut trade costs and ease cross-border commerce for small-scale traders by tackling non-tariff barriers and complex rules of origin. Food Security Alert: An IPC analysis projects about 22,125 people in Eswatini could slide into emergency hunger levels during the Oct 2026–Mar 2027 lean season, driven by worsening climate, falling incomes and high food prices. Climate & Energy Resilience: Government launched the E200m Nsoko Solar Power Plant, a 10MW project expected to create jobs and supply clean power to reduce reliance on imported electricity. Roads for Regional Trade: An AfDB-funded road upgrade (MR14/MR21) is expected to cut travel costs and boost trade volumes with South Africa and Mozambique by 5%, with climate-resilient road works included. Health Systems Cooperation: Eswatini hosted an ECSA health forum where the US and regional partners stressed shifting from emergency responses to long-term, sustainable health security. Humanitarian Risk in the Region: The DRC Ebola outbreak is escalating, raising concerns for cross-border movement and public health preparedness.

Food Security Alert: About 22,000 emaSwati are projected to slide into emergency hunger levels during the Oct 2026–Mar 2027 lean season, with 23% of the analysed population facing crisis or emergency food insecurity as climate stress, weaker incomes and high prices bite hardest. Renewable Energy Push: The E200m Nsoko Solar Power Plant at Kamsholo Game Reserve is set to cut reliance on imported electricity, creating 80 construction jobs and 10 permanent roles while feeding clean power into the national grid. Roads for Trade: AfDB-backed road upgrades (Siphofaneni–Sithobela–Maloma–Nsoko and Maloma–Siphambanweni) aim to cut travel costs and times by half and boost trade with South Africa and Mozambique by 5%, with climate-resilient works planned. Regional Health Resilience: The US and Eswatini are urging stronger, sustainable health systems across ECSA, shifting from emergency responses to long-term preparedness. Women & GBV: Inkhosikati LaMatsebula called for collective action and prayers to confront gender-based violence, linking women’s leadership to stronger families and communities. Digital Skills for Youth: Macetjeni iHub was launched to expand digital training and support for MSMEs and young people, backed by SEDCO, ESCCOM and UNDP.

GBV and women’s leadership: Inkhosikati LaMatsebula urged prayers and collective action to confront gender-based violence, calling on men, families and leaders to open doors, challenge discrimination and mentor women. Roads and climate-resilient connectivity: An AfDB-funded road programme will cut transport costs and travel times by at least half, build 106 km of climate-resilient roads, and is projected to lift trade with South Africa and Mozambique by 5%. Food security warning: About 22,000 Emaswati are projected to slip into emergency hunger levels (IPC Phase 4) during the lean season, driven by worsening climate, lower incomes and high food prices. Renewable energy jobs: The E200m Nsoko Solar Power Plant (10MW) was launched, expected to create 80 construction jobs and 10 permanent roles while supplying clean power to the national grid. Digital inclusion in Lubombo: The Macetjeni iHub was launched to expand digital skills and entrepreneurship for youth and MSMEs, with high-speed internet and co-working support. Health systems cooperation: Eswatini hosted ECSA-HC talks as the US and regional partners pushed for stronger, sustainable health systems and preparedness. Water infrastructure resettlement: Mpakeni Dam relocation costs have risen past E140m, with 147 of 231 homesteads already resettled as the project reaches 54% completion.

Food Security Alert: An IPC analysis projects 22,000 Emaswati will slide into emergency hunger (Phase 4) during the Oct 2026–Mar 2027 lean season, with 286,346 people (23%) facing crisis or emergency levels, driven by worsening climate, falling incomes and high food prices. Energy & Climate Resilience: Eswatini’s energy push continues with the E200m Nsoko Solar Power Plant, expected to cut imported electricity reliance and add 80 construction jobs plus 10 permanent roles. Agriculture Transformation: The Deputy Prime Minister launched the Agriculture Sector Review and Agricultural Solutions Marketplace, pointing to climate change impacts, low productivity and weak value chains as key hurdles. Regional Health Security: Eswatini hosted ECSA-HC discussions on building sustainable health systems, with the US reaffirming support for long-term resilience. Water Infrastructure: Mpakeni Dam resettlement costs have already exceeded the original E121m budget, with over E140m spent and 147 of 231 homesteads relocated. Digital Skills for Youth: A new Macetjeni iHub was launched to expand digital skills and support youth and MSMEs in Lubombo.

Renewable Energy & Jobs: Government launched the E200m Nsoko Solar Power Plant at Kamsholo Game Reserve, a 10MW project expected to cut reliance on imported electricity, create 80 construction jobs and 10 permanent roles, and feed about 26GWh of clean power into the grid. Water Infrastructure & Resettlement: Mpakeni Dam resettlement costs have already exceeded the original E121m budget, with over E140m spent and 147 of 231 homesteads relocated as the project reaches 54% completion. Digital Skills for Youth: The Macetjeni Innovation Hub (iHub) was officially launched to expand digital training, entrepreneurship and co-working for MSMEs and youth in Lubombo, supported by SEDCO, ESCCOM and UNDP. Regional Health Security: The US reaffirmed support for stronger, sustainable health systems in the ECSA region as Eswatini hosted the ECSA-HC Best Practices Forum in Manzini. Climate & Food Prices: Economists warn that El Niño drought could lift food, fuel and transport costs—especially if Middle East conflict disrupts oil supplies—squeezing household purchasing power. Policy & Environment Governance: Parliament is urged to exempt cultural, charitable and amateur sporting activities from parts of the VAT Amendment Bill to avoid discouraging community support. Sports & Youth: Seychelles announced a team of five athletes for the inaugural Eswatini National Youth Games (Aug 14–17), highlighting growing regional youth sport links.

Renewable Energy Jobs: Eswatini launched the E200m Nsoko Solar Power Plant at Kamsholo Game Reserve, a 10MW project expected to cut reliance on imported electricity, create 80 construction jobs and 10 permanent roles, and feed about 26GWh of clean power into the grid. Climate & Food Pressure: Economists warn households could face a “pocket squeeze” if El Niño-linked drought overlaps with Middle East conflict—pushing up maize and other staples via higher imports, and raising fuel and transport costs. Water Infrastructure Resettlement: The Mpakeni Dam resettlement bill has already exceeded projections, with E140m+ spent so far and 147 of 231 homesteads relocated, as work continues toward completion in 2028. Digital Skills for Youth: The Macetjeni iHub was officially launched to expand digital skills, entrepreneurship and internet access for MSMEs and youth, with support from SEDCO, ESCCOM and UNDP. Health Systems Cooperation: Eswatini hosted the ECSA-HC forum in Manzini, with the US reaffirming support for stronger, more sustainable regional health systems. Business & Tax Watch: Business Eswatini warned that poorly sequenced Finance Bills could raise compliance costs and hurt cash flow for SMEs, even as reforms aim to modernise revenue collection.

Energy & Climate Resilience: Eswatini’s energy push gets a boost with the E200m Nsoko Solar Power Plant in Kamsholo Game Reserve, aiming to cut reliance on imported electricity and deliver 80 construction jobs plus 10 permanent roles, feeding 10MW into the national grid. Food Security & Weather Risk: Economists warn that El Niño-linked drought could hit Southern Africa’s rainfall and raise maize and staple imports—then add pressure if Middle East conflict disrupts oil supplies, pushing up food, fuel and transport costs for households. Agriculture Transformation: The Deputy Prime Minister launched the Agriculture Sector Review and an Agricultural Solutions Marketplace, pointing to climate change, low productivity and weak value chains as key hurdles—and setting a roadmap for a more resilient, modern sector. Water Infrastructure & Communities: Mpakeni Dam resettlement costs have already exceeded the original E121m budget, with over E140m spent and 147 of 231 homesteads relocated as the project targets completion in 2028. Regional Health Security: The US reaffirmed support for stronger, sustainable health systems across the ECSA region, while Eswatini called for deeper regional cooperation to prepare for cross-border outbreaks and climate-driven health threats. Digital Inclusion for Youth: The Macetjeni iHub was launched to expand digital skills and entrepreneurship for youth and MSMEs in Lubombo, with high-speed internet, training and co-working support. Policy & Business Climate: Business Eswatini cautioned that poorly sequenced Finance Bills could raise compliance costs and strain SME cash flow, urging proportional implementation. Governance & Environment Link: A civil society briefing flags that upcoming AU seed policy decisions—due to be shaped in Eswatini in October—could affect seed sovereignty and how farmer-managed seed systems are recognised and regulated.

Renewable Energy Jobs: Government launched the E200m Nsoko Solar Power Plant at Kamsholo Game Reserve, targeting 80 construction jobs and 10 permanent roles, and feeding clean power into the national grid under a 25-year PPA to cut heavy electricity imports. Climate & Food Security Warnings: Economists warn a possible El Niño drought could hit Southern Africa’s rainfall and raise food, fuel and transport costs—squeezing household purchasing power just as global oil prices face added pressure from Middle East conflict. Agriculture Transformation: The Deputy Prime Minister launched the Agriculture Sector Review and Agricultural Solutions Marketplace, calling for investment and youth participation to tackle climate change impacts, low productivity and weak value chains. Smallholder Support Scaling Up: SAPEMP has shifted into implementation, engaging about 19,600 smallholder households to boost production, market access and climate resilience, with jobs expected across on-farm and post-harvest services. Water Infrastructure Resettlement Costs: Mpakeni Dam resettlement spending has already exceeded projections, with over E140m spent and 147 of 231 homesteads relocated, as the project continues toward completion in 2028. Inclusive Access in Retail: The DPM launched Eswatini’s first Disability Trolley Dash to spotlight barriers faced by persons with disabilities in shopping and push for practical accessibility improvements. Trade & Investment Push with Taiwan: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini met Taiwan leaders, with both sides highlighting deeper cooperation in energy, public health, industrial development and technology-driven growth. Business Compliance Caution: BE warned that poorly sequenced Finance Bills could raise compliance costs and strain SME cash flow, urging proportional implementation.