AGP Executive Report

Climate Risk & Preparedness: Eswatini can’t afford another E3.8bn climate disaster as El Niño signals for late 2026 rise, with meteorological agencies urging continued monitoring. Water Security & Health: A new global drinking-water assessment flags unsafe water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked—highlighting the need for safer supplies and sanitation. Shared Rivers: Eswatini’s Natural Resources Minister says cooperation on the Incomati and Maputo river basins is now an economic necessity, linking water governance to food security and climate resilience. Wildlife Crime: Court cases show a pipeline of illegal rhino horn shipments into China, with Mozambique and South Africa among key source and transit points. Conservation & Species: San Diego Zoo Safari Park welcomed Sdudla, an African savanna elephant rescued from culling in Eswatini in 2003, supporting conservation and education. Regional Fisheries: SADC renewed leadership for its fisheries monitoring centre in Maputo to better tackle illegal fishing and strengthen vessel registers. Children’s WASH: Government launched Children’s Month with a push for universal water, sanitation and hygiene for every child. Green Business Funding: Green entrepreneurs in Eswatini are invited to pitch for the Afri GreenPitch Challenge, targeting circular economy, waste, renewables, farming, mobility and water management.

Climate Risk Watch: Eswatini is urged to keep preparing as El Niño conditions could develop later in 2026, after the kingdom’s past E3.8bn climate disaster showed how drought and extreme weather can quickly hit water, food and livelihoods. Water Security & Regional Cooperation: Natural Resources Minister Prince Lonkhokhela says shared river management is now an economic necessity, not just an environmental duty, as INMACOM brings Eswatini, South Africa and Mozambique together to protect the Incomati and Maputo basins. Safe Drinking Water: A new global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked—highlighting the need for better infrastructure, sanitation and wastewater systems. Children’s WASH Push: Government has launched 2026 Children’s Month with a clear call for universal WASH access, warning that unsafe water and poor sanitation undermine health and schooling. Green Business Funding: Green entrepreneurs from eSwatini are invited to pitch in the FNF Afri GreenPitch Challenge, targeting circular economy, waste management, renewable energy, sustainable farming and water/wastewater solutions. Wildlife Conservation Link: A rescued Eswatini elephant, Sdudla, has joined the San Diego Zoo Safari Park herd, supporting conservation and education efforts. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC renewed the board of its fisheries monitoring and surveillance centre in Maputo, with Eswatini’s Boy Ronald Mavuso among the directors as the region tackles illegal fishing.

Climate Risk Watch: Eswatini is warned it can’t afford another E3.8bn climate disaster as El Niño conditions may build later in 2026, with meteorological services urging continued monitoring. Water Security & Regional Growth: Shared rivers are framed as an economic lifeline, with Eswatini pushing cooperation under INMACOM to protect the Incomati and Maputo basins for food security and climate resilience. Safe Drinking Water: A new global assessment flags unsafe water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked—highlighting infrastructure and sanitation gaps. Children’s WASH Push: Government has launched 2026 Children’s Month calling for universal water, sanitation and hygiene access to protect children’s health and schooling. Local Climate Adaptation Funding: A $30m Southern Africa programme will back community-led adaptation in Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe through grants to local groups from 2027–2032. Conservation & Wildlife: San Diego Zoo Safari Park welcomed Sdudla, a male African savanna elephant rescued from culling in Eswatini during drought. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC renewed the board for its fisheries monitoring centre in Maputo, with Eswatini’s Boy Ronald Mavuso on the team to tackle illegal fishing. Digital Skills for Revenue Service: ERS signed an MoU with UNESWA to train 650 employees in AI literacy, supporting responsible use as the country’s digital systems grow.

Climate Risk Watch: A new warning says Eswatini can’t afford another E3.8bn climate disaster as El Niño signals for late 2026 rise, urging continued monitoring and preparedness. Water Security: Southern Africa’s shared rivers are being framed as an economic lifeline, with Eswatini, South Africa and Mozambique pushing coordinated management under INMACOM. Safe Drinking Water: A global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the worst performers. Children’s WASH: Government has launched Children’s Month with a clear call for universal water, sanitation and hygiene for every child. Community Support: Deputy PM Thulisile Dladla, MP Mduduzi Matsebula and Eswatini Mobile’s CEO served meals and food packs to children at Mahlatsini NCP, highlighting local resilience for orphaned and vulnerable children. Regional Fisheries: SADC renewed leadership for a fisheries monitoring and surveillance centre in Maputo to better tackle illegal fishing and strengthen vessel governance. Digital Capacity: ERS signed an MoU with UNESWA to train 650 employees in AI literacy for responsible use in public service.

Monetary Policy & Inflation: Eswatini’s Central Bank says it will keep a cautious stance, avoiding aggressive interest rate hikes to cushion households from imported inflation pressures. Shared Water Security: Natural Resources Minister Prince Lonkhokhela says cooperation on shared rivers is now an economic necessity for Southern Africa, linking better water governance to food security and climate preparedness. Safe Water for Children: Government launched 2026 Children’s Month with a strong push for universal WASH access, warning that unsafe water and poor sanitation keep children out of school and trapped in preventable illness. Regional Climate Adaptation Funding: A new $30m locally led climate adaptation programme will support community groups in Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe from 2027 to 2032, targeting tailored solutions for water and livelihoods. Wildlife Conservation Link: A rescued Eswatini-born African savanna elephant, Sdudla, has been welcomed to San Diego Zoo Safari Park, supporting education and breeding efforts. AI Skills for Tax Work: The Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU with UNESWA to train 650 staff in AI literacy through the UNESWA AI Academy. Fisheries Governance: SADC renewed leadership for the regional fisheries monitoring centre in Maputo, keeping focus on tackling illegal fishing and improving vessel registers.

Water & Health: Eswatini’s Children’s Month launch put fresh focus on universal water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), warning that unsafe water and poor sanitation fuel preventable disease and keep children—especially girls—out of school. Shared Rivers & Climate Resilience: Natural Resources Minister Prince Lonkhokhela said cooperation on the Incomati and Maputo river basins is now an economic necessity for Southern Africa, linking shared water management to food security and climate preparedness. Safe Drinking Water Crisis: A new global assessment on drinking-water quality highlights that unsafe water remains a major public health risk, with many of the lowest-ranked countries in Africa facing weak infrastructure and limited sanitation. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC renewed leadership for the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre in Maputo, keeping Stanley Ndara as chair as the region pushes harder against illegal fishing. Biodiversity & Conservation: A drought-rescued African savanna elephant from Eswatini, Sdudla, was welcomed to San Diego Zoo Safari Park to support education and breeding efforts. Digital Skills for Public Service: The Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU with UNESWA to train 650 staff in AI literacy through the UNESWA AI Academy. Governance & Integrity: A new MD for EPTC was tasked with restoring integrity, professionalism and financial sustainability at the state-owned telecoms firm.

Water Safety Watch: A new Environmental Performance Index assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many of the worst-ranked countries in Africa still relying on unprotected wells, rivers and seasonal sources. Regional Wildlife & Drought Impacts: A rescued Eswatini elephant, Sdudla, has been welcomed to San Diego Zoo Safari Park, highlighting how drought pressures can push wildlife into culling—then into conservation rescue. Children’s Health & WASH: Government has launched 2026 Children’s Month with a clear call for universal water, sanitation and hygiene, warning that unsafe water and poor sanitation fuel disease and keep children—especially girls—out of school. Climate Adaptation Funding: A $30 million locally led climate adaptation initiative is set to support communities in Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe, channeling resources to farmer groups and local enterprises to respond to worsening drought and water stress. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC has renewed leadership for its fisheries monitoring and surveillance centre in Maputo, with Eswatini’s Boy Ronald Mavuso among board members focused on tackling illegal fishing and improving vessel registers. Digital Skills for Service Delivery: The Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU with UNESWA to train 650 staff in AI literacy, aiming to strengthen responsible use of technology in national systems.

Wildlife & Conservation: A rescued Eswatini-born African savanna elephant, Sdudla, has been welcomed to San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where he’ll join a genetically managed herd and help mentor younger males. Water, Sanitation & Health: Eswatini officially launched 2026 Children’s Month with a clear call for universal access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene for every child, linking WASH gaps to disease, school absenteeism and barriers to girls’ education. Digital Skills for Public Service: The Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU with the University of Eswatini to train 650 employees in AI literacy through a UNESWA AI Academy programme. Governance & Integrity: A new managing director for EPTC was unveiled with a mandate to restore integrity, cut unnecessary spending and strengthen financial sustainability. Climate Resilience Funding: A $30m Southern Africa locally led climate adaptation initiative is set to reach communities in Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe starting 2027. Regional Fisheries Oversight: SADC renewed leadership for the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre, keeping Eswatini’s Boy Ronald Mavuso on the board.

Food Prices & Fuel Costs: Tiger Brands warns selected food products may get pricier as fuel, logistics and raw material inflation squeeze manufacturers, with some costs likely unavoidable in oil-heavy categories like mayonnaise. Digital Skills for Tax Work: Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) signed an MoU with the University of Eswatini to train 650 ERS employees in AI literacy through the UNESWA AI Academy. Children’s Health & Water: Government launched 2026 Children’s Month, calling for universal access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene to protect children’s health and keep girls in school. Public Service Integrity: A new managing director for EPTC was tasked with restoring integrity, professionalism and financial sustainability, with strong warnings against illegal or wasteful spending. Regional Health Safety: Eswatini joined a regional forum in Nairobi on safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare. Climate Adaptation Funding: A $30m locally led climate adaptation push is set to reach communities in Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe starting 2027. Fisheries Governance: SADC renewed leadership for its regional fisheries monitoring and surveillance centre in Maputo to better curb illegal fishing. Festival Pressure at Borders: Bushfire Festival travel is driving steady visitor flows through Ngwenya Border Post and other entry points.

Water & Health: Government launched the 2026 Children’s Month with a clear call for universal access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), warning that gaps in WASH fuel disease, school absenteeism and especially harm girls’ education and dignity. Digital Skills for Tax Work: The Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) signed an MoU with the University of Eswatini to train 650 ERS employees through a tailored AI literacy programme, aiming to build responsible AI capacity for digital transformation. Integrity at EPTC: The newly appointed EPTC managing director, Thulani Fakudze, was tasked with restoring integrity, professionalism and financial sustainability at the state-owned telecoms firm, with the ICT minister urging strict compliance and cost-cutting. Regional Health Safety: Eswatini joined a Nairobi forum on safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, as countries strengthen public health systems and preparedness amid disease threats. Fisheries Governance: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara to chair the regional fisheries monitoring, control and surveillance centre board, with Eswatini represented, as the region pushes back against illegal fishing. Community Relief: Dalimpofu families received winter clothing and food support through a joint outreach that builds on an existing soup kitchen to restore dignity and hope. Women, Online Safety & Equality: The Shura Council attended a global women parliamentarians conference in Belgrade, focusing on breaking barriers to equality and tackling online stereotypes, violence and misinformation. Climate Adaptation Funding: A new $30m Southern Africa locally led climate adaptation initiative will reach communities in Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe, supporting community groups with planning tools and technical support. Border & Festival Flow: Ngwenya Border Post saw steady visitor movement ahead of the MTN Bushfire Festival, with arrivals broadly consistent year-on-year. Culture & Economy: MTN Bushfire Festival wrapped up with renewed momentum, while leaders challenged organisers to double the festival’s economic impact by 2027.

Nuclear Safety for Health: Regional health officials met in Nairobi to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, with Eswatini among participating countries, as governments push better public safety and preparedness amid disease threats. UN SDG Push in Eswatini: The UN launched the UNSDCF 2026–2030 in Eswatini, aiming to accelerate progress toward the SDGs with a “delivering as one” approach, prioritising climate resilience, human capital, inclusive governance and private-sector jobs, backed by an estimated E51.84 billion investment. Climate Adaptation Funding: A new $30 million initiative will support locally led climate adaptation across Southern Africa, including Eswatini, channeling resources to community groups and farmer organisations to design solutions for local water and farming realities. Fisheries Governance: SADC renewed leadership for the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre, keeping Eswatini’s Boy Ronald Mavuso on the board and focusing on tackling illegal fishing and improving vessel registers. Creative Industries Support: ESWACOS opened applications for a Fund for Creativity and Artist Development, offering up to E5,000 per project to help creators produce and distribute original local works. Aviation Standards: ESWACAA and SASO hosted an ICAO regional workshop on aircraft and pavement classification ratings, stressing harmonised standards to keep runways and infrastructure properly evaluated and maintained. Border Flow Ahead of Bushfire: Ngwenya Border Post saw slightly lower arrivals than last year as visitors streamed in for the MTN Bushfire Festival, with total entries remaining broadly steady.

UN Climate & Jobs Push: The UN launched the UNSDCF 2026–2030 in Eswatini, targeting climate resilience, inclusive governance, and private-sector jobs, with an estimated E51.84bn investment and a focus on youth, women and persons with disabilities. Women, Sport & Safety Online: Eswatini’s Shura Council joined a global women parliamentarians conference in Belgrade, while ZOC led an ANOCA Zone VI gender equality forum in Victoria Falls covering safe sport, safeguarding, and tackling online abuse. Climate Adaptation Funding: A new $30m Southern Africa initiative will back locally led climate adaptation in Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe through community groups and farmer cooperatives. Fisheries Protection: SADC renewed the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance centre board, keeping Eswatini’s Boy Ronald Mavuso on the team as the region steps up action against illegal fishing. Creative Economy & Copyright: ESWACOS opened a fund for creativity and artist development, offering up to E5,000 per project to grow local content and protect creators. Trade & Infrastructure: Eswatini’s King returned from Azerbaijan and the UAE with investment interest, including sustainable development discussions tied to SDGs. Bushfire Festival Surge: Ngwenya Border Post saw steady festival traffic ahead of MTN Bushfire, with arrivals broadly matching last year.

Regional Gender in Sport: ZOC is hosting the ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, with Eswatini among 10 countries pushing safer sport systems, women’s leadership, safeguarding, and funding for women athletes. Fisheries Governance: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara to chair the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Centre board, keeping Eswatini’s Boy Ronald Mavuso on the team as the region targets illegal fishing and rolls out a regional fishing-vessel register. Climate Adaptation Funding: A $30m locally led climate adaptation initiative approved for Southern Africa will reach communities in Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe from 2027–2032, with money channelled to community groups and farmer cooperatives. Aviation Standards: ESWACAA and SASO ran an ICAO workshop on Aircraft and Pavement Classification Rating (ACR/PCR) for 12 African countries, stressing harmonised runway and pavement assessment. Creative Economy: ESWACOS opened applications for a Fund for Creativity and Artist Development, offering up to E5,000 per project to support local creators and copyright-linked works. Festival Travel & Tourism: Ahead of the MTN Bushfire Festival, Ngwenya Border Post recorded 26,774 arrivals over two days, signalling steady visitor flow into Eswatini.

Creative Economy: ESWACOS has opened applications for a new Fund for Creativity and Artist Development under the Creative Industries Development Fund, offering up to E5,000 per project to help local creators finish and market original works like music, books and digital distribution. Aviation & Trade: Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority and SASO hosted an ICAO regional workshop on Aircraft Classification Rating/Pavement Classification Rating (ACR/PCR), stressing that modern, harmonised air infrastructure supports safer runways and stronger regional connectivity. Climate Adaptation Funding: A new $30 million initiative is set to back locally led climate adaptation across Southern Africa, including Eswatini, with money channelled to community groups such as farmer cooperatives and women’s associations from 2027–2032. Fisheries Governance: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara to chair the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre board, with priorities including a regional register of fishing vessels to curb illegal fishing. Bushfire Festival Impact: MTN Bushfire Festival wrapped up, while organisers and the Prime Minister pushed for bigger economic gains next year, as festival arrivals and border activity around Ngwenya Border Post stayed steady ahead of the weekend.

SADC Fisheries Oversight: Stanley Ndara has been reappointed chair of the SADC Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre board, as ministers push harder against illegal fishing and back plans like a regional register of fishing vessels. Climate Adaptation Funding: A new $30m initiative approved by the Adaptation Fund will back locally led climate adaptation in Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe, with money flowing directly to community groups and farmer cooperatives from 2027–2032. Festival Travel Pressure: Ahead of the MTN Bushfire Festival, Eswatini recorded 26,774 arrivals over two days, with Ngwenya Border Post slightly down year-on-year—useful for planning transport and environmental management around peak visitor flows. Conservation & Biodiversity: A SANBI-NZG “Endangered Species Day” event spotlights the critically endangered Orange-fringed river bream and conservation breeding efforts to prevent human-driven extinctions. Local Governance & Environment Link: UNESWA is hiring an external debt collector to recover about E100m, a reminder that cashflow pressures can affect public services and capacity for environmental and community programmes.

Climate Adaptation Funding: A new $30m initiative approved by the Adaptation Fund Board will back locally led climate adaptation in Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe from 2027–2032, routing support to farmer groups, women’s associations and local enterprises. Bushfire Festival Surge: Ahead of the MTN Bushfire Festival, Eswatini recorded 26,774 arrivals over two days, with Ngwenya Border Post slightly down year-on-year, as festival crowds pour in. Festival Economic Push: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini challenged MTN Bushfire to double its economic impact by 2027, after last year’s E121.2m injection and rising attendance. Wildlife & Biodiversity Focus: Conservation groups highlight urgent protection for threatened species, including the critically endangered Orange-fringed river bream, with Endangered Species Day programming. Local Conservation Jobs: African Parks says it’s moving to localise staffing and grow African visitor numbers to ensure protected areas deliver benefits and reduce resentment. Governance & Environment Link: A legal dispute has paralysed the ENPF board, raising concerns for one of the country’s key institutional investors that can affect long-term funding priorities.