SACU Summit Push for Industrial Growth: Southern African Customs Union leaders met in Cape Town as Eswatini’s delegation backed a “re-imagined” SACU agenda focused on industrialisation, regional value chains, customs modernisation and trade facilitation, with SACU Executive Secretary Dumsani Masilela stressing private-sector participation and faster rollout of the Strategic Plan. Afreximbank Leadership for Southern Africa: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Director of Regional Operations for Southern Africa, taking over from Humphrey Nwugo, with a mandate spanning financing for industrial and infrastructure projects across the 13-country region including Eswatini. Fuel Security and Cost Relief: Eswatini’s energy minister hinted fuel prices may drop after easing Middle East tensions, while warning the country’s strategic oil reserve capacity covers only about one to two days—highlighting supply-chain risk for industry and logistics. Youth and Skills Pressure: Eswatini’s State of the Youth Report 2026 flags youth unemployment at 56% and heavy alcohol consumption among youth, linking weak family support and limited opportunities to rising social problems. Water Access Data Lens: A global data-driven report shows safe drinking water remains out of reach for billions, underscoring the infrastructure gap that affects health and productivity. Controversy Watch: Public backlash erupted after King Mswati III granted Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo citizenship and a diplomatic passport tied to investment and renewable energy claims.