AGP Executive Report

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.

Labour Rights Watch: ITUC’s Global Rights Index puts Panama, Belarus, Egypt, Eswatini and others in the lowest category (5), flagging worsening worker protections and repression across multiple countries. Sugar Mill Grease Shift: SKF, with Eswatini-based CG Trading, rolled out a Single Line automatic grease system across six sugar mills to cut grease use, improve reliability, and avoid bitumen-based lubrication risks. Regional Fisheries Oversight: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara to chair the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre, backing efforts to curb illegal fishing and phase out destructive nets. King’s Investment Push: King Mswati III returned from Azerbaijan and the UAE, saying talks focused on sustainable development and SDG-aligned investment in infrastructure, housing, health, education and skills. Bushfire Festival Economy: MTN Bushfire wrapped up with thousands attending; the Prime Minister challenged organisers to double the festival’s economic impact by 2027. Conservation & Wildlife: African Parks is moving to localise conservation staffing and grow African tourism, while SANBI-NZG highlighted endangered species protection through conservation breeding and public awareness. Energy Transition Note: Kenya’s geothermal surge shows how renewables can deliver steady power, with geothermal already powering a large share of its electricity.

Bushfire Festival wrap-up: The MTN Bushfire Festival 2026 has officially ended after three days of music, culture and community at House on Fire, drawing visitors from across Eswatini and beyond, with standout performances including Uncle Waffles and Moonchild Sanelly. Festival economy push: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini challenged Bushfire organisers to double the event’s economic impact by 2027, with the festival director accepting the target as attendance grows (about 23,000 people) and the focus shifts to a richer experience for visitors, traders and artists. Border surge: Ngwenya Border Post saw heavy queues and busy immigration lanes as thousands poured into the country for the festival, turning the crossing into the first stop of the weekend’s cultural journey. King’s investment diplomacy: King Mswati III returned from Azerbaijan and the UAE, saying both countries signalled interest in investment tied to UN Sustainable Development Goals—especially infrastructure, housing, healthcare, education and skills. ENPF governance dispute: A legal opinion challenges the ENPF board crisis, arguing the minister’s defence of the board chair appointment is legally and factually wrong, leaving the board paralysed after employer and employee representatives suspended participation. Local conservation angle: African Parks is moving to localise conservation staffing and boost African tourism, opening a training academy in Rwanda to build local capacity and reduce resentment that can fuel poaching. World Book Day (SiSwati): Eswatini marked World Book and Copyright Day under “Promoting SiSwati Stories in the Digital Age,” with government stressing copyright protection to support creators and the creative economy. Trade policy watch: China’s zero-tariff policy for African countries (excluding Eswatini) is being framed as an opportunity, but only if exporters meet standards and build capacity to turn access into real growth.

Trade & Industry: China’s new zero-tariff policy for 53 African countries is already moving goods duty-free, but exporters are being warned that standards, packaging costs, logistics, and real industrial capacity will decide whether the opportunity turns into lasting transformation. Diplomacy & Climate Resilience: Taiwan’s VP Hsiao Bi-khim is set to visit Palau, while Tuvalu reiterates support for Taiwan—both moves come as climate resilience and agriculture cooperation are highlighted in treaty-linked partnerships. Local Economy & Tourism: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini urged MTN Bushfire to double its economic injection next year, as Ngwenya Border Post saw heavy festival traffic and organisers ramp up preparations across the grounds. Conservation & Wildlife Tourism: African Parks says it’s localising staffing and pushing for more African tourists, arguing that conservation success depends on trained local people and community benefits—not just donor funding. Governance & Finance (ENPF): A confidential legal opinion challenges the ENPF board appointment process, with employer and employee representatives boycotting board activities and calling for urgent intervention. Culture & IP: Eswatini marked World Book and Copyright Day under “Promoting SiSwati Stories in the Digital Age,” stressing copyright protection for creators and the creative economy. Water & Climate Risks: Africa Day discussions spotlighted the water crisis, with speakers warning climate change will intensify both drought and flooding pressures on river systems and water delivery.

ENPF Crisis: A confidential legal opinion has challenged Labour Minister Phila Buthelezi’s defence of the appointment of Inyatsi Construction CEO Derrick Shiba as chair of the incapacitated Eswatini National Provident Fund (ENPF) Board, arguing the process was “incorrect legally and factually,” as employer and employee representatives have boycotted board activities for nearly seven months and Prime Minister Russell Dlamini is now needed to intervene. Bushfire Festival Economy: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini urged the MTN Bushfire Festival to double its economic injection next year, after last year’s E121.2 million impact, while Ngwenya Border Post saw heavy, organised queues as thousands of visitors poured in for the festival. World Book Day & IP: Eswatini marked World Book and Copyright Day 2026 with a push to protect creativity and strengthen the creative economy, stressing copyright safeguards for SiSwati stories in the digital age. Conservation & Wildlife: African Parks says it is localising conservation staffing and boosting African tourism to protect wildlife gains, arguing community jobs and training are key to reducing poaching and resistance. Housing & Health Link: World Urban Forum discussions highlighted how “housing” goes beyond shelter, linking clean environments to fewer water-borne illnesses and easing pressure on health systems. Press Freedom Watch: A new global map from Reporters Without Borders shows press freedom at a 25-year low, with most countries now facing major obstacles to independent journalism.

Bushfire Festival Boost: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini urged the MTN Bushfire team to double the festival’s economic injection next year, aiming for at least E242 million after last year’s E121.2 million. Border Pulse: Ngwenya Border Post saw heavy, organised traffic as travellers poured in for the 2026 MTN Bushfire Festival, with long queues and full-capacity passport stamping. Cultural & Creative Economy: Eswatini marked World Book and Copyright Day 2026 with the theme “Promoting SiSwati Stories in the Digital Age,” stressing copyright protection to help local creators thrive online. Conservation & Biodiversity: SANBI-NZG is set to host “Endangered Species Day” on 15 May 2026, spotlighting the critically endangered Orange-fringed river bream and actions to prevent human-driven extinctions. Local Jobs Signal: Ezulwini Palazzo International Convention Centre has started hiring for food and beverage roles, following public interest after its April opening.

Taiwan–Eswatini Politics: A fresh backlash says Lai Ching-te’s early May visit to Eswatini was “political theatre” and a “stowaway-style” stunt, arguing Taiwan is trying to buy loyalty as China deepens ties across Africa. Local Jobs & Tourism: Preparations for the MTN Bushfire Festival are ramping up in Eswatini, with Eswatini Beverages brands set to feature and on-site services like phone charging being installed for thousands of visitors. Culture & IP for Sustainability: Eswatini marked World Book and Copyright Day 2026 with a push to protect SiSwati creativity in the digital age, linking copyright to stronger local creative industries. Conservation & Biodiversity: African Parks says it’s moving to localise conservation staffing and grow African tourism, arguing community benefits and training are key to protecting wildlife long-term. Education Finance: UNESWA is hiring an external debt collector to recover about E100m in outstanding debts, as the university faces ongoing financial pressure. Governance & Environment Link: The EU urged Eswatini to uphold multilateralism, framing global cooperation as vital amid conflict, coercion and wider pressures that also affect sustainable development.

World Book Day & IP for SiSwati: Eswatini marked World Book and Copyright Day 2026 with the theme “Promoting SiSwati Stories in the Digital Age,” with government stressing stronger copyright protection to safeguard local creativity and grow the creative economy. Conservation & biodiversity focus: A South Africa-based conservation programme highlighted “Endangered Species Day” and spotlighted the critically endangered Orange-fringed river bream, pushing ex-situ conservation and recovery actions aligned to global species targets. Jobs & local development: Ezulwini Palazzo International Convention Centre has started hiring for food and beverage roles after its opening, with public interest rising as vacancies were advertised online. Finance pressure at UNESWA: The University of Eswatini moved to recover about E100m in outstanding debt by bringing in an external debt collection agency after internal efforts became too difficult. Regional ties & sustainable growth: Eswatini’s leadership met UAE officials in Abu Dhabi to explore stronger bilateral cooperation across sectors, including trade, investment and sustainable development. Industrialisation signal for Eswatini: An AfDB industrialisation index report placed Eswatini among Africa’s top industrial performers in 2024, alongside Morocco and South Africa.

World Book Day & SiSwati IP: Eswatini marked World Book and Copyright Day 2026 with a push to “Promote SiSwati Stories in the Digital Age,” with government stressing copyright protection so local creators can thrive online and strengthen the creative economy. Wildlife conservation (ex-situ breeding): SANBI-NZG (Pretoria Zoo) is spotlighting Endangered Species Day and its work to protect the critically endangered Orange-fringed river bream (Chetia brevis), including captive breeding and public awareness aligned to the 2030 Global Species Action Plan. University debt pressure: The University of Eswatini (UNESWA) is hiring an external debt collector to recover about E100 million in long-outstanding debts after internal recovery efforts became too costly and difficult. Bilateral ties for sustainable development: King Mswati III met Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince, with both sides exploring cooperation across sectors including sustainable development, trade and investment. Jobs & local tourism momentum: The MTN Bushfire Festival grounds are ramping up ahead of the event, while Ezulwini Palazzo has started hiring for food and beverage roles after its opening. Education fees focus: ECESWA launched a 2026–2031 strategic plan aimed at cushioning pupils from significant exam fee increases by diversifying revenue and modernising assessment services.

Wildlife & Biodiversity: SANBI-NZG will mark Endangered Species Day on 15 May 2026 with public awareness and conservation talks, spotlighting the critically endangered Orange-fringed river bream (Chetia brevis) and efforts aligned to the Global Species Action Plan’s 2030 target. Education & Access to Services: University of Eswatini (UNESWA) is hiring an external debt collector to recover about E100 million in long-outstanding debts after internal recovery became too costly and difficult. Conservation & Local Benefits: African Parks says it wants to localise staffing and grow African tourism to protected areas, arguing that community jobs and education reduce resentment, poaching and resistance. Regional Policy & Environment: EU Ambassador to Eswatini Karsten Mecklenburg urged the kingdom to stay committed to multilateralism amid conflict, hybrid threats and economic coercion—framing peace and shared security as environmental and social stability issues. Jobs & Urban Life: Ezulwini Palazzo International Convention Centre has started hiring for food and beverage roles after its opening, with applicants already lining up for opportunities. Energy & Trade Links: Eswatini and UAE leaders reaffirmed cooperation on sustainable development, while Azerbaijan-EIPA talks point to new investment and trade pathways.

Housing & Health at WUF13: At the World Urban Forum in Baku, officials and Habitat for Humanity stressed that “housing” is more than shelter—clean environments and safer living reduce water-borne disease and ease pressure on health systems, while unclear definitions can slow funding to the sector. Wildlife Conservation in Eswatini: SANBI-NZG will mark Endangered Species Day (15 May 2026) with public awareness and conservation action, spotlighting the critically endangered Orange-fringed river bream (Chetia brevis) and ex-situ captive breeding work. UNESWA Debt Recovery: The University of Eswatini is hiring an external debt collector to recover about E100m in outstanding debts after internal recovery efforts became too costly and difficult. Protected Areas & Local Benefits: African Parks says it’s localising staffing and boosting African tourism to ensure communities gain from conservation—arguing that exclusion fuels resentment, poaching, and resistance. EU Multilateralism Push: The EU urged Eswatini to uphold multilateralism amid conflict and economic coercion, framing shared rules as key to peace and security. Eswatini–Azerbaijan Trade Talks: Eswatini and Azerbaijan discussed new trade and investment opportunities, including Azerbaijan’s invitation to the kingdom’s July investment conference. Jobs & Local Economy: Ezulwini Palazzo has started hiring for convention centre roles, with public applications already flowing after the venue’s April opening.