AGP Executive Report

Creative Industries Funding: ESWACOS has opened applications for its Fund for Creativity and Artist Development under the Creative Industries Development Fund, offering grants of up to E5,000 for music, film, literature and related copyright work, with projects ranging from recording and video production to publishing, marketing and digital distribution—though creatives are already debating whether the amounts are enough to cover real production costs. Healthcare Safety & Regulation: A regional forum in Nairobi is bringing together health and nuclear regulators from across Africa, including Eswatini, to strengthen public health systems and the safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies, with delegates expected to shape an action plan. Aviation & Trade Infrastructure: ESWACAA and SASO hosted an ICAO regional awareness workshop on Aircraft and Pavement Classification Rating (ACR/PCR), focusing on harmonised standards to keep runways and airfields fit for growing regional air traffic and trade. UN Development Push: The UN launched its UNSDCF 2026–2030 in Eswatini, targeting human capital, private sector jobs, climate resilience and inclusive governance, with an estimated E51.84 billion investment and a focus on MSMEs. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC renewed the board leadership of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre, keeping Eswatini’s Boy Ronald Mavuso on the board as the region steps up action against illegal fishing. Energy & Investment Watch: King Mswati III reported renewed interest from Azerbaijan and the UAE in investment opportunities tied to SDG delivery, including infrastructure, housing, healthcare and skills development.

UN Jobs Push: The UN in Eswatini launched the UNSDCF 2026–2030, targeting human capital, private-sector employment, climate resilience and inclusive governance, with an estimated E51.84bn investment and a focus on MSMEs as job engines. Digital & Youth Risks: Communications minister Samuel Nartey George warned that social media is replacing face-to-face community ties and exposing children to addictive content. Healthcare Safety: Senior officials from nine African countries met in Nairobi to strengthen nuclear and radiation safety for healthcare, supported by the IAEA. Aviation & Trade: ESWACAA and SASO ran an ICAO regional workshop on Aircraft/Pavement Classification Rating to help harmonise standards and support safer, more efficient air connectivity. Creative Industries: ESWACOS opened applications for a Fund for Creativity and Artist Development, offering up to E5,000 per project to boost local copyright-linked production. Regional Fisheries: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara to chair the MCSCC board in Maputo, backing stronger monitoring to curb illegal fishing. Tourism & Border Flow: MTN Bushfire Festival drove major arrivals, with Ngwenya Border Post recording 12,517 entries and the airport seeing 32 landings. Labour Rights Watch: ITUC’s Global Rights Index again placed Eswatini among the worst for workers’ rights, alongside other category-5 countries.

Creative Industries & IP: ESWACOS opened applications for its Fund for Creativity and Artist Development under the Creative Industries Development Fund, offering grants up to E5,000 per project for music, books, videos, marketing and digital distribution by registered members. Aviation & Trade: ESWACAA and SASO hosted an ICAO regional awareness workshop on Aircraft Classification Rating/Pavement Classification Rating (ACR/PCR), stressing harmonised air infrastructure standards to support connectivity and economic growth. Fisheries Governance: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara as chair of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre board, with priorities including the Regional Register of Fishing Vessels and reducing reliance on donor funding. Energy & Infrastructure: Coverage highlights eSwatini’s Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve financing talks with Taiwan, alongside broader questions about affordability and benefits for a struggling economy. Agriculture & Food Security: A gender-responsive toolkit aims to strengthen women farmers’ access to tools, training and recognition to boost Eswatini’s agricultural output and food supply. Labour & Social Stability: Reports note Eswatini’s inclusion in ITUC’s worst countries list for workers’ rights, while SANU students face a pause in living allowances after government declined an extension. Industrial Maintenance: SKF’s Single Line grease system upgrade is credited with improving efficiency and reliability across six sugar mills, supported by Eswatini-based distributor CG Trading. Regional Industry Link: A Turkmen firm says it has agreed with Eswatini to produce biometric passports and national ID cards, including chip-based secure documents.

Creative Industries Finance: ESWACOS has opened applications for its Fund for Creativity and Artist Development under the Creative Industries Development Fund, offering grants of up to E5,000 per project for recording, music videos, publishing, marketing, digital distribution and related professional development for registered members. Aviation Standards & Trade: ESWACAA and SADC Aviation Safety Organisation hosted an ICAO regional workshop on Aircraft Classification Rating/Pavement Classification Rating (ACR/PCR), stressing that modern, harmonised air infrastructure standards are key to boosting trade and connectivity. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC renewed the board leadership of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre in Maputo, reappointing Stanley Ndara as chair for a second term, with priorities including vessel registers and reducing reliance on donor funding. Energy & Infrastructure Deal Watch: A new report revisits Eswatini’s Taiwan-backed Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve plan, raising questions about affordability and who benefits as the country faces high unemployment and poverty. Industry Reliability in Sugar: SKF, via Eswatini distributor CG Trading, supported a lubrication system upgrade using its Single Line automatic grease system across six sugar mills to cut grease use and improve reliability and compliance. Diplomacy & Investment Signals: King Mswati III says Azerbaijan and the UAE expressed interest in investing in Eswatini’s energy, petroleum, infrastructure and services sectors. Culture & Tourism Flow: Ngwenya Border Post saw heavy traffic as visitors streamed in for the MTN Bushfire Festival, while the festival wrapped up with standout performances and cross-border cultural exchange.

SADC Fisheries Oversight: Stanley Ndara has been reappointed chair of the SADC Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Centre board, as ministers push stronger illegal-fishing controls, vessel registers, and reduced donor reliance. Creative Industries Funding: ESWACOS opened an application call for its creative industries development fund, offering grants up to E5,000 for new copyright works across music, books, videos, promotion, digital distribution and related professional development. Local Business & Retail: Lewis Group says it’s restructuring its UFO furniture chain—closing underperforming stores and right-sizing operations after another tough trading year, while aiming to stabilise and improve product alignment. Energy & Infrastructure Watch: A report questions eSwatini’s USD 300 financing deal with Taiwan for the Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve, weighing energy-security goals against poverty, unemployment and concerns over who benefits. Governance & Finance: A legal opinion challenges the ENPF board chair appointment process, with the fund’s board effectively paralysed after employer and employee representatives suspended participation. Cross-Border Trade & Logistics: South Africa’s Maydon Wharf in Durban handled its first maize export vessel since 2023, loading 40,000 tons for Vietnam after upgrades to loading and dust systems. Regional Culture & Tourism: MTN Bushfire Festival 2026 wrapped up, while Ngwenya Border Post saw heavy festival traffic as thousands streamed in for the event.

Creative Industries Funding: ESWACOS has opened an application call for an eSwatini creative industries development fund, offering grants up to E5,000 for new copyright works—from music recording and videos to book publishing, marketing, digital distribution, and related professional development. Energy & Infrastructure Finance: A new Taiwan-backed deal is pushing eSwatini’s Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve, targeting an 80-million-litre petrol/diesel stockpile over 36 months—raising big questions about affordability and who benefits. Local Governance & Accountability: The National Assembly resumes as MPs continue oversight and engagements, while in South Africa the Jozini Local Municipality faces serious financial irregularities and cross-border crime pressures. Regional Climate Resilience: A $30m Southern Africa initiative is set to fund locally led climate adaptation in eSwatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe through community organisations and farmer groups. Labour & Rights Watch: UN labour leaders say AI gains must benefit workers fairly; Eswatini is again listed among countries rated among the weakest on workers’ rights in the ITUC report. Industry Operations: SKF’s Single Line grease system upgrade is improving efficiency and compliance across six sugar mills in Eswatini. Trade & Logistics: South Africa’s maize exports are picking up again as Durban’s Maydon Wharf terminal loads its first vessel since 2023. Security/Identity Tech: Turkmenistan’s Aýdyň Gijeler says it has agreed to produce eSwatini national ID cards and biometric passports, including secure chip-based documents. Culture & Tourism: MTN Bushfire Festival continues to draw crowds, with Ngwenya Border Post seeing heavy festival traffic.

AI and Work: The UN’s labour agency says AI gains must reach workers through better wages, stronger protections and inclusive growth, warning that policy choices—not the tech itself—will shape whether jobs improve or inequality deepens. Labour Rights Watch: The ITUC Global Rights Index put Panama, Bangladesh (improving but still “no guarantee of rights”), and other countries including Eswatini in its lowest category, highlighting persistent repression and weak worker protections. Sugar Industry Upgrade: SKF’s Single Line automatic grease system is being rolled out across six Eswatini sugar mills via CG Trading, aiming to cut grease use, boost reliability and meet health and safety standards. Energy Finance Debate: A Taiwan-backed plan to build Eswatini’s Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve (80 million litres) raises big questions about affordability amid high unemployment and poverty. Regional Fisheries: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara to lead the fisheries monitoring control and surveillance centre in Maputo, backing efforts against illegal fishing. Trade & Logistics: South Africa’s TPT says Durban’s Maydon Wharf is loading its first maize export vessel since 2023 after upgrades, supporting renewed export momentum. Creative Economy: ESWACOS says first royalty distributions for Eswatini creatives are expected in 2026/27 after licensing systems and music tariffs were approved. Tourism Pulse: Ngwenya Border Post saw heavy traffic as MTN Bushfire Festival crowds entered for House on Fire in Malkerns.

Sugar Industry Upgrade: SKF’s Single Line automatic grease system is being rolled out to improve efficiency and health-and-safety compliance across six Eswatini sugar mills, with CG Trading handling onsite workshop support. Energy & Infrastructure Finance: A World Bank-linked report flags Eswatini’s USD 300 Taiwan deal for the Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve as a major energy-security bet—while questioning affordability amid high unemployment and poverty. Governance & Oversight: The National Assembly resumes as MPs continue oversight and regional/international engagements, while local governance news highlights Jozini’s push to stabilise finances after Auditor General findings on irregular and wasteful spending. Financial Sector Tension: A legal opinion challenges the ENPF board chair appointment process, leaving the fund effectively paralysed after employer and employee representatives suspended participation. Trade & Logistics: Regional coverage points to stronger maize export activity and terminal upgrades in South Africa, underscoring how port reliability and maintenance affect food-agri flows. Creative Economy Push: ESWACOS confirms first royalty distributions are expected in 2026/27, alongside World Book and Copyright Day efforts to protect SiSwati stories in the digital age. Tourism & Border Flow: Ngwenya Border Post sees heavy traffic as MTN Bushfire Festival crowds pour in, boosting short-term services and connectivity demand. Manufacturing & State Documents: Turkmen electronics firm Aýdyň Gijeler says it agreed a project to produce Eswatini national IDs and biometric passports, with land allocated for production facilities. Regional Context: Opinion and reporting continue to scrutinise Eswatini’s Taiwan ties and the wider impact of China’s zero-tariff policy that excludes Eswatini.

China Zero-Tariff Push: China’s duty-free zero-tariff access for 53 African countries is already moving goods—like South African apples clearing into Shenzhen—yet Eswatini businesses still need to prepare for export standards, packaging, processing costs, and logistics, or preferential access won’t translate into real industrial gains. Diplomatic Ties & Trade Links: Taiwan’s Vice President Hsiao Bi-khim is set to visit Palau to deepen cooperation in healthcare, agriculture and infrastructure, while Tuvalu reiterates support under its treaty framework—both moves underline how Pacific partnerships are tied to Taiwan’s wider international strategy. ENPF Governance Crisis: A confidential legal opinion challenges the Labour Minister’s defence of the ENPF board chair appointment, saying parts of the process were legally and factually incorrect; employer and employee reps have suspended board participation, leaving the fund effectively paralysed. Security & Logistics Tech: Fidelity Services Group says its new purpose-engineered cash-in-transit vehicles have recorded no attacks since deployment, alongside a reported drop in CIT robberies—relevant for cross-border cash logistics that also serve Eswatini. Creative Economy Momentum: ESWACOS confirms first royalty distributions are expected in the 2026/27 financial year after licensing and music tariffs were approved, as Eswatini marks World Book and Copyright Day with a push to protect SiSwati stories in the digital age. Border & Tourism Flow: Ngwenya Border Post is seeing heavy traffic as MTN Bushfire Festival visitors pour in, with organised queues and local vendors selling SIM cards to keep travellers connected. Industrialisation Signals: Reports on Africa’s industrialisation rankings highlight Morocco’s rise and Eswatini’s presence among leading industrialisers, reinforcing the need for sustained investment and policy execution.

Energy & Transport Costs: Diesel price pressure across East and Southern Africa is feeding straight into freight, farming, and everyday goods costs, squeezing operators on tight margins and raising the risk of higher food prices. Governance & Finance: A confidential legal opinion has challenged the Labour Minister’s defence of Derrick Shiba’s appointment as chair of the incapacitated ENPF Board, leaving employer and employee representatives boycotting board work and forcing Prime Minister Russell Dlamini’s intervention. Manufacturing & Trade Links: Turkmen electronics firm Aýdyň Gijeler says it has agreed with Eswatini to supply secure IDs and biometric passports, including 1.5m national ID cards and 500k+ passports, with 4 hectares allocated for local production. Creative Economy: ESWACOS says the first royalty distribution for rights holders is expected in the 2026/27 financial year after licensing and music tariff approvals. Tourism & Border Flow: Ngwenya Border Post is handling heavy traffic as thousands cross for the MTN Bushfire Festival, with telecom vendors selling SIMs to keep visitors connected. CIT Security: Fidelity Services reports no attacks on its newly deployed cash-in-transit trucks, alongside a broader decline in CIT robberies in South Africa. Local Industry Spotlight: IDCE announced a E14.5m dividend for FY ending June 30, 2025, highlighting support for agriculture and targeted turnaround financing. Culture & Youth: The 2026 EU Bushfire Schools Festival opened at House on Fire with youth performances led by heritage expert Allington Ndlovu. Policy Watch (Regional): China’s zero-tariff expansion to 53 African countries excludes Eswatini, while negotiations focus on non-tariff barriers for Zimbabwe. Energy Security Deal: Eswatini’s $300m Taiwan-backed Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve is raising debate over affordability amid poverty and unemployment concerns.

Taiwan–Eswatini Labour Links: Taiwan’s foreign ministry says it is assessing whether to recruit workers from Eswatini, with a stated focus on upgrading Eswatini vocational training and meeting industry labour shortages, while stressing safeguards on security, health and employment rights. Diplomacy Under Scrutiny: Multiple opinion pieces argue Eswatini’s continued ties with Taiwan are costing the kingdom trade and investment opportunities, and describe Lai Ching-te’s secretive Eswatini visit as political theatre rather than genuine diplomacy. Bushfire Festival Logistics: Ngwenya Border Post saw heavy queues as thousands entered for the 2026 MTN Bushfire Festival, with festival build-up underway at House on Fire and telecom vendors selling SIMs to keep visitors connected. Youth & Culture at House on Fire: The EU Bushfire Schools Festival opened with over 600 pupils from 42 schools, led by Allington Ndlovu, showcasing art, music and storytelling. Copyright Payments for Creatives: ESWACOS confirmed first royalty distributions are expected in the 2026/27 financial year after licensing and music tariffs were approved and licensing began in January. Energy Deal Watch: Eswatini signed a $300m agreement with Taiwan for the Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve, raising questions about affordability amid high unemployment and poverty. Industrial Finance Spotlight: IDCE declared a E14.5m dividend for FY ending June 30, 2025, highlighting turnaround support for agriculture and targeted lending.

Turnaround in Furniture Retail: Lewis Group says its UFO chain is still under pressure, moving to close three underperforming stores and plan two more shutdowns to “right-size” operations while refining new furniture ranges to push sales toward break-even. Creative Economy & IP: ESWACOS confirms first royalty distributions are due in the 2026/27 financial year after licensing and music tariff approvals, with World Book and Copyright Day events spotlighting SiSwati stories in the digital age. Festival Trade & Tourism Flow: Ngwenya Border Post saw heavy queues as thousands entered for the MTN Bushfire Festival, with vendors and telecoms selling SIMs to keep visitors connected. Security & Cash Logistics: Fidelity Services Group reports improved CIT safety, including no attacks on newly deployed trucks, alongside a new purpose-engineered vehicle rollout across South Africa and Eswatini. Energy Infrastructure Watch: Eswatini’s $300m Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve deal with Taiwan is raising tough questions about affordability amid poverty and unemployment concerns. Youth & Skills: The EU Bushfire Schools Festival opened with Ndlovu-led youth performances, while Taiwan says it’s assessing recruitment to help upgrade Eswatini vocational centres.

Eswatini Creative Economy: ESWACOS says the first royalty distributions are expected in the 2026/27 financial year, after tariffs were approved in late 2025 and licensing began in January—an important step for creators pushing SiSwati stories in the digital age. Border & Tourism Pulse: Ahead of the MTN Bushfire Festival, Ngwenya Border Post saw heavy queues as thousands crossed from South Africa, with vendors selling SIM cards and festival preparations ramping up at House on Fire. Security & Logistics: Fidelity Services Group launched next-generation cash-in-transit vehicles and reports no attacks on newly deployed trucks, alongside declines in successful attacks and cross-pavement robberies—relevant for cash logistics across South Africa and Eswatini. Energy Infrastructure Watch: Eswatini signed a $300m deal with Taiwan for the Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve, raising big questions about affordability amid poverty and unemployment. Skills & Industry Linkages: Taiwan says it is still assessing recruiting from Eswatini, while prioritising upgrades to vocational training centres for manufacturing, tourism, energy and infrastructure. Competition Policy: The Eswatini Competition Commission issued guidance on exclusive supply agreements, flagging both pro-competitive benefits and risks of market entrenchment.

Energy & Infrastructure: Eswatini signed a $300m deal with Taiwan to build the Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve—an 80-million-litre petrol/diesel stockpile—aimed at boosting energy security, but it lands amid high unemployment and poverty pressures. Manufacturing & Trade Policy: The African Development Bank’s Africa Industrialisation Index puts Morocco top in 2024, with Eswatini listed among the leading industrial performers—useful context for local firms watching regional competitiveness. Competition & Business Conduct: The Eswatini Competition Commission flagged growing interest in exclusive supply agreements, warning that while they can drive investment, they can also restrict market access and entrench dominance. Financial Services & Security: Fidelity Services Group says its new cash-in-transit vehicles have recorded zero attacks since deployment, citing improved protection and declining CIT incidents—relevant for retailers and cash logistics across Eswatini and South Africa. Health & HIV Prevention: Lenacapavir PrEP rollout is expanding in Eswatini after a pilot, with demand outpacing supply and uptake reported especially among women and youth. Creative Economy: Eswatini marked World Book Day 2026 with a push to protect SiSwati stories and intellectual property in the digital age.

Industrial Policy & Exports: China’s new zero-tariff policy for African goods (effective May 1) is being pitched as a major export boost, but businesses are warned to meet Chinese food safety and product standards fast. Industrialisation Benchmarking: The AfDB’s Africa Industrialisation Index puts Morocco top for the first time, with South Africa slipping and Eswatini listed among the leading industrial performers in 2024. Finance & Competition: A former Eswatini Mobile CFO has filed an E2.2m claim at the Industrial Court, seeking reinstatement and unpaid benefits after termination. Security & Logistics: Fidelity Services Group reports no attacks on its newly deployed cash-in-transit vehicles, citing declining CIT crime and continued service coverage across South Africa and Eswatini. Energy Infrastructure: Eswatini’s $300m strategic oil reserve deal with Taiwan is raising tough questions about affordability amid poverty and unemployment. Skills & Labour Mobility: Taiwan says it is still assessing recruiting workers from Eswatini, with a focus on upgrading vocational training for manufacturing, tourism, energy and infrastructure. Policy Watch: The Eswatini Competition Commission highlights how exclusive supply agreements can be pro-competitive or harmful, urging businesses to comply with competition rules.

Industrial Justice: Ex-Eswatini Mobile CFO Enock Dube has filed an E2.2m claim at the Industrial Court, challenging his termination and seeking reinstatement, arguing the exit was unlawful and unfair. Security & Logistics: Fidelity Services Group says its new purpose-engineered cash-in-transit vehicles have recorded zero attacks since deployment, alongside reported declines in CIT robberies and cross-pavement incidents—important for cash movement across South Africa and Eswatini. Energy Infrastructure: Eswatini’s $300m strategic oil reserve deal with Taiwan is drawing sharp debate over affordability and priorities amid high unemployment and poverty. Housing & Policy Framing: A World Urban Forum discussion in Baku spotlighted how the definition of “housing” affects funding flows—an issue with direct implications for Eswatini’s built-environment planning. Competition & Business Rules: The Eswatini Competition Commission is educating firms on exclusive supply agreements, warning they can harm market access even when they may be pro-competitive in some cases. Health Supply: Demand for long-acting HIV prevention injection (lenacapavir) is outpacing supply in parts of Africa, with Eswatini among the first rollout countries. Tech & Payments: PayPal’s expansion to more markets includes Eswatini, aiming to boost cross-border payments for MSMEs and e-commerce traders.