AGP Executive Report

Green Manufacturing: Eswatini’s first green-certified apparel factory was officially launched as PEP Group executives toured Sigma Clothing’s Ndzevane plant, signalling a push for sustainable, export-ready production. Energy Security: Government says it is exploring small modular reactor technology via the IAEA to strengthen long-term energy supply and regulatory readiness. Consumer & Trade Safety: Woolworths’ WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo was recalled after bacteria were detected, with a COMESA alert extending vigilance to cross-border buyers including Eswatini. Education & Human Capital: King Mswati III urged 159 newly qualified teachers to act as “nation-builders,” while rural school visits highlighted derelict classrooms and hardship pressures. Agriculture & Food Systems: Eswatini will host the inaugural AU Africa Seed Summit (5–7 Oct) to boost certified seed access, regulation and resilient seed systems. Inflation Watch: Transport costs drove August inflation to 2.8%, with fuels and air passenger transport cited as key drivers. Water & Environment: Illegal mining is alleged to be polluting the Phophonyane River, raising health and livelihood concerns for communities. Retail Empowerment: New Economic Empowerment Regulations reserve retail operations below E8m annual turnover for emaSwati-owned businesses.

Green Manufacturing Push: Eswatini’s first green-certified apparel factory was officially launched at Sigma Clothing’s Ndzevane site, with EIPA hosting PEP Group executives and government stressing sustainable production and export competitiveness. Energy Security Planning: Government says it is exploring small modular reactor technology as a long-term option for energy security, with nuclear non-proliferation, safety and regulatory capacity highlighted at the IAEA conference. Apparel-to-Exports Momentum: Sigma’s green certification comes as the country’s industrial push gains traction, including a FasterCapital-backed procurement push by MM Global to secure canned fish and A4 paper distribution into Eswatini. Agriculture & Seed Independence: Eswatini will host the inaugural AU Africa Seed Summit (5–7 Oct) to boost local seed production, quality access, regulation and resilient seed systems. Regional Trade Pressure: A COMESA competition report shows Eswatini sugar farmers receive relatively stronger payments (about 68% of proceeds to growers), while regional integration debates continue to question how much trade actually flows within SADC. Cost of Living Watch: CSO data puts August inflation at 2.8%, driven mainly by higher fuel and air passenger transport costs. Water Risk for Farmers: Lubombo is bracing for possible El Niño impacts, warning of water shortages, feed stress and rising hunger. Digital Skills Boost: STEM top performers at the National Schools STEM Expo were rewarded with tablets, reinforcing the push for tech talent. Policy Oversight: Senators interrogated the draft National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP 3.0), with funding and enforcement concerns raised. Consumer Protection: Eswatini Consumer Forum calls for stronger gambling controls after links to mental health strain and overcrowding at the psychiatric hospital.

Inflation Watch: Eswatini’s annual inflation climbed to 2.8% in August, driven mainly by higher transport costs—especially fuels and passenger air travel—according to the CSO CPI report. Sugar Value Chain: COMESA’s 2025 sugar industry review says Eswatini sugar farmers are among the better paid in the region, with growers receiving about 68% of proceeds (higher than several neighbours). Water & Food Security: Lubombo is bracing for possible water shortages and feed stress as farmers prepare for anticipated El Niño conditions, urging early action to protect livestock and crops. Retail Empowerment: New Economic Empowerment Regulations reserve all retail operations below E8 million annual turnover for emaSwati, covering everything from supermarkets and pharmacies to hardware, feed shops and convenience stores. Competition Rules Update: Eswatini Competition Commission says COMESA’s 2025 competition and consumer protection regulations will reshape enforcement, merger control, digital markets and penalties—pushing new compliance duties for businesses. Biodiversity Planning: Senators interrogated Eswatini’s draft National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP 3.0) for 2026–2035, with key questions on funding, enforcement and monitoring. Health Infrastructure: King Mswati III opened the E200m Khanyisile Hee Yeon Medical Centre and demanded a sustainability plan, highlighting services like endoscopy and advanced diagnostics. Digital & Consumer Tech: MADE in Eswatini Consumer Choice Awards 2026 confirms voting ends Sept 16 and the awards run Sept 17, using MTN MoMo digital voting (E1 per vote). STEM Push: ICT minister says women must lead Eswatini’s STEM future and announced scholarships for top performers, reinforcing skills for the tech workforce. Environment Risk: Eswatini Environment Authority warns illegal mining (zama zamas) is polluting the Phophonyane River with mercury, threatening water used by northern communities.

Banking Expansion Watch: FirstRand says it’s exploring acquisitions in Kenya but will only move if the price is right, as Absa and Nedbank intensify regional growth. Biodiversity & Compliance: Senators interrogated Eswatini’s draft National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan (NBSAP 3.0) for 2026–2035, with funding, enforcement and monitoring flagged as key risks. Retail Empowerment Rules: New Economic Empowerment Regulations reserve retail operations under E8m annual turnover for emaSwati, covering everything from supermarkets and pharmacies to hardware, feed shops and convenience stores. Consumer Protection & Scams: A Manzini woman allegedly lost E123,553 in a fake online stationery deal, highlighting rising fraud risks in e-commerce. Health Infrastructure: King Mswati III opened the E200m Khanyisile Hee Yeon Medical Centre and demanded a sustainability plan, while also pushing for more access closer to communities. STEM Talent Pipeline: ICT rewarded top STEM learners with tablets and scholarships, backing women’s leadership in science and technology. Water & Environment: Illegal miners are allegedly polluting the Phophonyane River with mercury, threatening water used by northern communities. Energy Skills: Three Eswatini students head to Azerbaijan on SOCAR scholarships for petroleum and chemical engineering studies. Local Youth & Culture: UNESWA’s Kick-Off Carnival (MTN Pulse) and the October International Theatre Festival launch point to a busy season for student and creative industries.

Retail Empowerment: New Economic Empowerment Regulations reserve all retail operations under E8 million annual turnover for emaSwati-owned businesses, covering everything from supermarkets and pharmacies to hardware, liquor outlets, agricultural inputs and convenience stores. Public Health & Infrastructure: King Mswati III inaugurated the E200m Khanyisile Hee Yeon Medical Centre (first phase E50m) and urged a sustainability plan, while a separate report says the Hee Yeon facility renamed Khanyisile Hee Yeon Clinic is already improving access for Nyonyane communities. Mental Health & Gambling: A CHRPA/CSC tour linked gambling to mental health cases at the psychiatric hospital, where wards are overcrowded, and ECOF calls for tighter gambling laws. Consumer Protection & Scams: A Manzini woman allegedly lost E123,553 to a fake online deal for “stationery machines,” highlighting risks in unverified cross-border purchases. STEM & Youth Skills: ICT rewarded top STEM performers from the National Schools STEM Expo with tablets, and the ICT minister urged women to lead Eswatini’s STEM future. Regional Trade Rules: Eswatini Competition Commission says new COMESA Competition and Consumer Protection Regulations will reshape enforcement, merger control and consumer protection for businesses and regulators. Environment & Mining: Illegal miners (zama zamas) are allegedly polluting the Phophonyane River with mercury, threatening water used by northern communities. Education & Energy Talent: Three Eswatini students head to Azerbaijan on SOCAR scholarships for petroleum and chemical engineering studies. Sports & Culture: UNESWA’s MTN-powered Kick-Off Carnival returns, and Mbabane launches the October International Theatre Festival as part of a push for a more active, “24-hour” city economy.

Youth & Sports: Eswatini joined the continent-wide “We Run for Africa” launch alongside Dakar 2026 Flame celebrations, with a 5km walk in Lobamba drawing about 300 pupils as the country rallies behind the Youth Olympic Games set for Oct 31–Nov 13, 2026. STEM & Skills: ICT Minister Savannah Maziya urged women to lead Eswatini’s STEM future, rewarding top performers at the 2026 National Schools STEM Expo with tablets and scholarships for further study. Telecoms & Consumer Tech: UNESWA’s inaugural Kick-Off Carnival in Kwaluseni, powered by MTN Pulse, mixed student life activities with prizes and data support, while public voting for the Made in Eswatini Consumer Choice Awards 2026 is now in its final stretch using MTN MoMo. Environment & Mining: The Eswatini Environment Authority says illegal “zama zamas” are polluting the Phophonyane River with mercury, raising serious health and water-supply concerns for communities. Trade & Regulation: Eswatini Competition Commission officials briefed stakeholders on new COMESA Competition and Consumer Protection Regulations, 2025, highlighting fresh compliance duties for businesses and regulators. Energy & Human Capital: Three Emaswati students secured SOCAR scholarships for petroleum and oil-and-gas related studies in Azerbaijan after King Mswati III’s Baku visit. Health Infrastructure: King Mswati III opened the Khanyisile Hee Yeon Clinic (E50m phase) and challenged government to keep the facility sustainable, citing improved access for Nyonyane residents. Local Business & Services: Mbabane launched its October International Theatre Festival push for a 24-hour city vision, aiming to keep culture and commerce active beyond normal hours.

Telecom Pricing Watch: Starlink-linked competition pressure is pushing mobile data prices down in the region, with Lesotho’s cheapest 30-day 1GB pack falling to M32.75 in September 2026 (down from M42.00 in 2023), a real drop of about 22%. ICT & Skills: The ICT ministry rewarded top performers at the 2026 National Schools STEM Expo with tablets, while also urging more women to lead Eswatini’s STEM future. Education & Youth Events: UNESWA launched its inaugural Kick-Off Carnival powered by MTN Pulse, mixing student life, entertainment and prizes, with cashless MoMo payments and data bundles. Health Infrastructure: King Mswati III inaugurated the E200m Khanyisile Hee Yeon Medical Centre and demanded a sustainability plan, highlighting specialised services and improved access for nearby communities. Environment & Mining Risk: The Eswatini Environment Authority says zama zamas are polluting the Phophonyane River with mercury and other contamination, raising serious health and water-supply concerns. Regional Business Rules: Eswatini Competition Commission briefed stakeholders on new COMESA Competition and Consumer Protection Regulations, 2025, covering competition enforcement, consumer protection and digital markets. Energy Talent Pipeline: Three young Emaswati secured SOCAR scholarships to study petroleum and energy-related programmes in Azerbaijan after the King’s Baku visit. Consumer Market Signals: Made in Eswatini Consumer Choice Awards 2026 is set for September 17 at Hilton Garden Inn Mbabane, with public voting closing September 16 via MTN MoMo. Transport for Culture: Plans are in place for 50 prepaid buses and supporting logistics to move maidens for the Shiselweni Reed Dance.

Digital Consumer Power: MADE in Eswatini Consumer Choice Awards 2026 locks in Sept 17 at Hilton Garden Inn Mbabane, with public voting ending Sept 16 via an MTN MoMo system (E1 per vote) and organisers urging last-day momentum. STEM Skills Push: ICT minister Savannah Maziya says women must lead Eswatini’s STEM future, while scholarships (75% tuition coverage) back five top performers to study at Botho University. Regional Competition Rules: Eswatini Competition Commission CEO Siboniselizulu Simelane briefs stakeholders on COMESA Competition and Consumer Protection Regulations, 2025, covering enforcement, merger control, consumer protection and digital markets. Health Infrastructure: King Mswati III inaugurates the E200m Khanyisile Hee Yeon Medical Centre in Ezulwini and demands a sustainability plan, after renaming and opening the first phase. Energy/Skills Pipeline: Three Emaswati students secure SOCAR scholarships for petroleum and chemical engineering studies in Azerbaijan after the King’s Baku visit. Payments Modernisation: Standard Bank Eswatini moves to decommission Unayo by Dec 31, 2026, citing the evolved payments landscape and the Eswatini Payment Switch. EdTech Funding: Injini launches an $125,000 AI venture builder for early-stage teams across Southern Africa, selecting 12 from nine countries including Eswatini. Logistics for Culture: A 50-bus transport plan supports the Shiselweni Reed Dance, with trucks and water tankers lined up for maidens’ travel and supplies.

Consumer Choice Awards: MADE in Eswatini Consumer Choice Awards 2026 has confirmed Sept 17 at Hilton Garden Inn Mbabane, with public voting ending Sept 16 via MTN MoMo (E1 per vote). STEM Push: ICT minister Savannah Maziya urged women to lead Eswatini’s STEM future, awarding scholarships covering 75% of tuition fees for young women at Botho University. Healthcare Investment: King Mswati III opened the E200m Khanyisile Hee Yeon Medical Centre (phase one E50m), renaming the facility and calling for a sustainability plan to keep services running long-term. Regional Competition Rules: Eswatini Competition Commission CEO Siboniselizulu Simelane briefed stakeholders on COMESA Competition and Consumer Protection Regulations, 2025, covering competition enforcement, consumer protection and digital markets. Energy Skills Pipeline: Three Eswatini students secured SOCAR scholarships to study petroleum and chemical engineering in Azerbaijan after the King’s May visit to Baku. Digital Banking Shift: Standard Bank Eswatini plans to decommission Unayo by Dec 31, 2026, citing the evolved payments landscape and the Eswatini Payment Switch. EdTech Funding: Injini will invest $125,000 in an AI venture builder for early-stage education teams across Southern Africa, selecting 12 teams. Transport for Reed Dance: 50 prepaid buses and 83 trucks (plus water and shower tankers) are lined up to move maidens and luggage for Shiselweni’s Reed Dance. Tax Disputes: Revenue Appeals Tribunal Eswatini swore in new members and pledged independence, credibility and efficiency as appeals rise.

Consumer Choice Awards: MADE in Eswatini Consumer Choice Awards 2026 has confirmed the ceremony for September 17 at Hilton Garden Inn Mbabane, with public voting closing September 16 via a transparent MTN MoMo digital system (E1 per vote). STEM Push: ICT minister Savannah Maziya urged women to lead Eswatini’s STEM future, awarding scholarships to top young women to study STEM at Botho University. Healthcare Upgrade: King Mswati III inaugurated the E200m Khanyisile Hee Yeon Medical Centre (E50m first phase), challenging government to keep it sustainable and complete remaining phases. Regional Competition Rules: Eswatini Competition Commission says new COMESA Competition and Consumer Protection Regulations (2025) will reshape enforcement, merger control, consumer protection and penalties, with a sensitisation workshop held in Mbabane. Digital Banking Shift: Standard Bank Eswatini plans to decommission Unayo by December 31, 2026, citing the evolved payments landscape and the Eswatini Payment Switch. Energy Skills Pipeline: Three Emaswati students secured SOCAR scholarships for petroleum and energy studies in Azerbaijan after King Mswati III’s Baku visit. EdTech Funding: Injini will invest $125,000 in an AI venture builder for early-stage EdTech teams across Southern Africa, selecting 12 teams from nine countries including Eswatini. Transport for Culture: A logistics plan using 50 prepaid buses and 83 trucks is set to move maidens and reeds for the Shiselweni Reed Dance. Vehicle Safety Recall: Isuzu recalled about 2,586 D-Max bakkies across multiple countries (including eSwatini) over a possible loose brake pedal pivot pin, with free inspections and repairs.

Healthcare & Community Access: King Mswati III officially opened and renamed the Khanyisile Hee Yeon Clinic, saying it now surpasses the healthcare access target by bringing services within five kilometres of Nyonyane, with universal coverage progress cited from 58% to about 70%. Regional Competition Rules: Eswatini Competition Commission CEO Siboniselizulu Simelane briefed stakeholders on COMESA’s new Competition and Consumer Protection Regulations (2025), highlighting new rights, responsibilities and compliance demands for businesses and regulators. Energy Skills Pipeline: Three Eswatini students are set for Azerbaijan under SOCAR scholarships secured after the King’s Baku visit—two in petroleum engineering and one in chemical engineering focused on oil and gas technology. Digital Payments Shift: Standard Bank Eswatini plans to decommission Unayo by Dec 31, 2026, pointing to the evolved payments landscape and the Eswatini Payment Switch enabling real-time transfers via enhanced digital channels. Consumer Safety Recall: Isuzu D-Max RG19 bakkies (2,586 units) are recalled across multiple countries, including eSwatini, over a possible loose brake pedal pivot pin; inspections and repairs are free at authorised dealerships. Tourism Regulation Warning: Eswatini Tourism Authority warns against informal overnight rentals during festivals, saying ungraded, uninspected stays undermine safety, bed-levy rules and consumer protection. EdTech Funding: Injini launched an $125,000 AI venture builder for early-stage EdTech teams across Southern Africa, selecting 12 teams from nine countries including Eswatini. Cultural & Event Economy: Mbabane is rolling out a 24-hour city vision alongside the October International Theatre Festival, while Shiselweni Reed Dance logistics include 50 prepaid buses and support fleets for maidens’ transport. Industry Talent & Culture: Eswatini Comedy Festival returns for its third edition with a cross-border line-up, and the Eswatini Praise Talent Search opened with 100+ digital auditions in hours.

Education & Energy Skills: Three Eswatini students have been sent to Azerbaijan for petroleum and energy studies after scholarships secured during King Mswati III’s May visit to Baku, with SOCAR backing bachelor’s degrees in petroleum engineering and a master’s in chemical engineering focused on oil and gas technology. Tax Administration: The Revenue Appeals Tribunal (RATE) says it will push harder on independence, credibility and efficiency as tax appeals rise, aiming to strengthen trust in how disputes are handled. Consumer Safety: Isuzu has recalled about 2,586 RG19 D-Max bakkies across several countries including eSwatini due to a possible loose brake pedal pivot pin, with free inspections and repairs urged. Energy Efficiency Regulation: Eswatini’s Natural Resources and Energy Ministry has started consultations on draft rules to curb substandard electrical and electronic products and improve safety, energy efficiency and consumer protection. Tourism Compliance: The Eswatini Tourism Authority warns that informal “rent-a-room” practices during major events can breach bed-levy rules and safety standards, risking both visitor harm and reputational damage. Digital Finance Shift: Standard Bank Eswatini plans to decommission the Unayo wallet platform by Dec 31, 2026, citing the move toward integrated digital banking enabled by the Eswatini Payment Switch. Business & Trade: Government is backing a plan to turn the year-round Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre into a permanent commercial hub as the 2026 Trade Fair ends, urging firms to scale up for regional and international markets. EdTech Push: Injini is investing $125,000 in an AI venture builder for early-stage EdTech teams across Southern Africa, with applications open for teams based in eSwatini and neighbouring countries. Cultural & Creative Sector: Mbabane is set to host the October International Theatre Festival (Oct 1–3, 2026) as part of a broader push to revive theatre and expand creative opportunities.

Energy & Skills Pipeline: Three Eswatini students (Brilliance Dlamini, Junior Dalingcebo Dlamini, and Temabhele Shabangu) are heading to Azerbaijan for SOCAR-funded petroleum and oil-and-gas training after King Mswati III’s May visit, with Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini urging them to stay focused and represent the country responsibly. Tax Administration: The Revenue Appeals Tribunal (RATE) in Mbabane says it will strengthen independence, credibility and efficiency as tax appeals rise, with new members sworn in. Consumer & Transport Safety: Isuzu has recalled about 2,586 D-Max bakkies across multiple countries including eSwatini due to a possible brake pedal pivot pin fault; inspections and repairs are free at authorised dealerships. Electricity Standards: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy has started consultations on draft 2026 regulations to curb substandard electrical and electronic products and improve energy efficiency and consumer protection. Tourism Regulation: Eswatini Tourism Authority warns that informal “rent-a-home” stays during major events can breach bed levy and accommodation standards, risking safety and consumer protection. Agriculture & Women in Farming: Applications for the Woman Farmer of the Year Competition close Friday, while indigenous knowledge is reported to contribute over E50m annually to the economy.

Public Transport & Culture: A fleet of 50 prepaid buses plus 83 trucks for luggage and reeds, supported by water tankers, is being deployed across 18 pickup points to move thousands of maidens for the Shiselweni Reed Dance. Payments & Banking: Standard Bank Eswatini says it will decommission the Unayo wallet platform by Dec 31, 2026, pointing to the Eswatini Payment Switch and a shift to integrated digital banking. Energy & Consumer Safety: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy has started consultations on draft regulations to curb substandard electrical and electronic products and improve energy efficiency, safety, and consumer protection. Women in Agriculture: Applications for the Woman Farmer of the Year Competition close this Friday (Sept 11), with the programme aimed at boosting women-led agribusinesses. Tourism Regulation: The Eswatini Tourism Authority warns that informal “overnight” rentals during festivals can breach bed-levy rules and municipal standards, risking visitor safety and consumer protection. Vehicle Recall: Isuzu RG19 D-Max bakkies exported to eSwatini are under recall over a possible loose brake pedal pivot pin; owners are urged to get free inspections and repairs. Governance & Accountability: MPs are pushing for amendments to allow the Auditor General to audit the Central Bank of Eswatini, citing accountability and legal alignment. Trade & Enterprise: Government backs a move to make the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre a year-round commercial hub, urging businesses to scale production and target regional and international markets.

Electrical Standards Push: Natural Resources and Energy has started nationwide consultations on Draft Regulations to enforce electrical and electronic equipment standards, aiming to curb substandard imports while boosting safety, energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, fair competition and consumer protection. Tourism Compliance Warning: The Eswatini Tourism Authority is cracking down on “overnight” informal accommodation rentals during festivals, saying ungraded, uninspected homes undermine bed-levy rules, municipal standards, fire safety and consumer protection. Vehicle Safety Recall: The National Consumer Commission says Isuzu has recalled about 2,500 RG19 D-Max bakkies (including exports to eSwatini) over a possible loose brake pedal pivot pin; owners are urged to get free inspections and repairs at authorised dealerships. Indigenous Knowledge Value: ICT Minister Savannah Maziya says indigenous crafts, agriculture and medicine contribute over E50m annually, urging better documentation and policy support after mapping found many practices still undocumented. Trade & Industry Momentum: Government backs turning the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre into a year-round commercial hub, while UNDP urges businesses to adopt technology, innovation and resource efficiency to stay competitive. Supply Chain Networking: ASCON welcomed four new member bodies ahead of its 2026 conference in Livingstone, reinforcing cross-border procurement and logistics skills across Africa.

Vehicle Safety Recall: Isuzu has recalled 2,500+ D-Max 2026 bakkies over a possible loose brake pedal pivot pin that could reduce braking performance; affected models sold in multiple countries including eSwatini are being urged to visit authorised dealers for free inspection and replacement. Trade & Industry Push: Government is backing a plan to turn the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre into a year-round commercial hub, with the Prime Minister urging firms to scale production and compete regionally and globally after the 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair. Local Business Spotlight: Mbabane Municipal Council won “most innovative” and “best exhibitor” at the EITF, reinforcing the push for smarter, sustainable enterprise participation. Regional Logistics: Eswatini Railways showcased a joint exhibition with Mozambique’s CFM and South Africa’s Transnet Freight Rail and Transnet Engineering to promote integrated regional logistics. Security & Environment: Police found explosives at Peak Timbers forest, with preliminary links to suspected illegal mining, prompting an investigation. Finance Watch: Private sector credit in eSwatini rose slightly to E23.8bn in July, but business lending fell in key sectors including manufacturing, agriculture/forestry, construction, transport and real estate. Migration Management: South Africa’s inter-ministerial committee reported improved conditions after violence at Che Guevara, reiterating government responsibility for immigration management and law enforcement. Women’s Entrepreneurship: AWIEF announced 2026 award finalists, adding categories for agricultural innovators and a new Male Ally Award. Culture & Creative Economy: The October International Theatre Festival (Oct 1–3) is set to revive eSwatini theatre with performances plus murals, school events, masterclasses and a street festival.