AGP Executive Report

Industrial Diversification: RESCorp is investing about E1 million in a Marbling Butchery at Simunye, adding five jobs and building on its livestock operations to move beyond sugar. Manufacturing Push: The E28 million Sigwe Shoe Manufacturing Factory is nearing completion, with an expected October 2026 finish and an identified operator to start production quickly. Sports Infrastructure: Government says it needs E99 million to complete Somhlolo National Stadium rehabilitation to meet CAF standards, with upgrades spanning stands, media facilities, systems and safety gear. SME Finance: FNB Eswatini is boosting SME funding access up to E1.5 million after entrepreneur feedback from regional Entrepreneur of the Year forums. Labour & Wages: ATUSWA has launched a campaign for textile workers, including a proposed minimum wage of E25 per hour and reforms to wage negotiations. Mining & Construction Inputs: Natural Resources and Energy issued new coal, gold and quarry licences, including quarry permits to support road and infrastructure materials. Creative Sector Momentum: Shiselweni Regional Awards open with 60+ nominees across 30 categories, while ENFTVA auditions selected 35 performers including three Deaf actors for a new film. Regional Trade & Logistics: Registrations are open for the 2026 ASCON conference in Zambia, focusing on industrialisation, technology and breaking trade barriers. Consumer Safety: Ford has issued a recall for some Ranger and Everest models exported to eSwatini, urging software updates at dealerships.

Industrial Jobs & Local Manufacturing: The E28 million Sigwe Shoe Manufacturing Factory is nearing completion, with construction started in Nov 2025 and expected to finish by end-October 2026, after Smart Group Construction already employed 45 emaSwati and a new operator investor has been identified. SME Finance: FNB Eswatini says it has boosted SME funding access up to E1.5 million after listening to entrepreneurs at SME Growth Forums alongside the Entrepreneur of the Year Awards. Trade & Value Chains: Eswatini’s Central Bank and Egypt discussed closer banking cooperation, including cross-border payments and a proposed pan-African gold bank, with PAPSS participation also on the agenda. Mining & Construction Inputs: Government issued new coal, gold and quarry licences in Q1, aiming to spur mineral exploration and keep construction materials flowing for infrastructure projects. Labour & Wages: ATUSWA launched a campaign for textile workers, pushing for a minimum wage of E25 per hour and reforms to wage negotiations, starting in Nhlangano. Development Finance Competition: FINCORP and IDCE are now almost tied in market share, with FINCORP at 50.02% and IDCE at 49.98% in FSRA’s Q1 2026 bulletin. Public Governance: PM Russell Mmiso Dlamini defended “disruptive leadership” as essential to delivering the nkwe mandate within the Tinkhundla system. Mining Sector Investment: Afreximbank appointed Peter Olowononi as Southern Africa regional director, with a renewed focus on industrialisation, beneficiation and value addition.

Satellite Connectivity & Competition: A new “space race” is reshaping internet access in Southern Africa as Starlink faces rivals like Amazon’s Kuiper/Amazon Leo, with plans to reach South Africa by 2027. SME Finance: FNB Eswatini is boosting SME funding access up to E1.5 million, responding to entrepreneur feedback from regional growth forums. Industrial Jobs & Local Manufacturing: The Commerce minister inspected the Sigwe shoe factory site, with the E28 million project on track for October 2026 completion and a planned local footwear push. Mining & Construction Inputs: Government issued new coal, gold and quarry licences in Q1, aiming to pull in investment and support infrastructure materials supply. Development Finance Shake-up: FINCORP and IDCE are now almost neck-and-neck in market share, with FINCORP at 50.02% and IDCE at 49.98%. Banking Cooperation: Eswatini and Egypt discussed cross-border payments, gold reserves and possible participation in PAPSS to settle trade in local currencies. Textiles & Wages: ATUSWA launched a campaign demanding a minimum wage of E25/hour and stronger worker protections, starting in Nhlangano. Food Heritage & Sustainability: An Eswatini-based advocate is reclaiming indigenous botanicals and “poverty foods” through Mongi Botanical and the Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival. Nuclear Governance: Stakeholders reviewed the Nuclear, Safety and Radiation Act draft ahead of final regulations to make the law practical and enforceable. Consumer Safety: Ford recalls certain Ranger and Everest models exported to eSwatini due to a possible transmission fault, with free software updates at dealerships. Livestock Health: A court ordered repatriation of South Africa-bought cattle after an FMD-related compliance dispute. Insurance Market Shift: Lidwala Insurance overtook ESRIC to become the largest short-term insurer by gross written premiums. Regional Integration: Eswatini is pushing a cross-border SEZ plan linking Eswatini, South Africa and Mozambique to build an integrated manufacturing and logistics corridor.

Sustainability in Manufacturing: Eswatini glass artists are cutting their carbon footprint by switching to solar-powered furnaces and trialling low-temperature melting methods that use less energy and reduce emissions, while also improving product durability. Community Finance & Industry Support: Nedbank Eswatini donated E500,000 to the 2026 Sibebe Survivor Walk, backing projects linked to the Mbuluzi-Mbabane Rotary Club as thousands of hikers (including 50+ international visitors) take part. Textile Jobs & Wages: ATUSWA launched a campaign for textile workers’ demands, led by a push for a minimum wage of E25 per hour, plus stronger rights and reforms to wage negotiations, starting in Nhlangano before expanding to other textile centres. Labour & Business Regulation: Government is moving to hire a consultant to finalise regulations under the Nuclear, Safety and Radiation Act, after stakeholders reviewed the draft and flagged gaps for practical rollout. Consumer Safety (Vehicle Imports): The National Consumer Commission notified a Ford recall affecting some 2017–2020 Ranger and Everest models with the 10R80 transmission, including vehicles exported to eSwatini, urging free software updates at authorised dealerships. Livestock Health Enforcement: The High Court ordered repatriation of six cattle unlawfully imported from South Africa’s FMD-prevalent Mpumalanga, citing missing permits and regulatory non-compliance. Insurance Market Shift: Lidwala Insurance overtook ESRIC as the largest short-term insurer by gross written premiums, reflecting intensifying competition in Eswatini’s insurance sector. Trade & Export Pressure: Exports fell for a third straight month in June, with weak international sugar prices weighing on earnings even as the trade deficit narrowed slightly.

Vehicle Safety Recall: South Africa’s National Consumer Commission says Ford is recalling certain 2017–2020 Ranger bakkies and Everest SUVs with the 10R80 10-speed transmission, sold in South Africa and exported to Botswana, Lesotho and eSwatini, because a transmission fluid pump gear may fail and reduce hydraulic pressure—Ford will fit free PCM/TCM software updates at authorised dealerships. Textile Workers Push: ATUSWA has launched a campaign for textile workers’ pay and rights, demanding a minimum wage of E25 per hour plus reforms to wage negotiations and protection of freedom of association, starting in Nhlangano before expanding to Matsapha and Siteki. FMD Cattle Repatriation: Eswatini’s High Court ordered the repatriation of six cattle brought from FMD-prevalent Mpumalanga in South Africa without required permits, after the Ministry of Agriculture challenged the unlawful introduction. Labour Action: ATUSWA is also rallying workers around the E25/hour target as negotiations lag behind expectations from the Wages Council. Financial Sector Shift: FSRA says NBFI assets fell by about E2bn after Swaziland Building Society (SBS) was reclassified into a commercial bank—FSRA stresses it’s a reporting move, not a collapse in sector performance. Insurance Competition: Lidwala Insurance has overtaken ESRIC as the largest short-term insurer by gross written premiums, edging ahead amid stronger premium growth and underwriting improvements. Debt Warning: A report flags concerns that Eswatini’s finance strategy leaning on borrowing could deepen a debt-service cycle that crowds out investment and growth.

Local Business Rules: Government says Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Act regulations are nearing Parliament, with a new framework to reserve selected sectors, commercial areas and procurement opportunities for locally-owned businesses. Textiles & Wages: An MP urged the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade to push investors to pay textile workers decent, taxable salaries, warning that low pay leaves workers struggling and reduces government revenue. Competition Watch: Lawmakers raised concerns about alleged monopoly practices in Eswatini’s poultry industry, calling for action over one operator’s control across feed, chicks, eggs and broilers. Agribusiness Spotlight: Eli Khoza won the Lubombo Entrepreneur of the Year 2026 agribusiness award, highlighting growing agribusiness opportunities for women. Regional Trade & Logistics: South Africa’s immigration crackdown on cross-border drivers puts DRC route transport at risk, with industry asking for enforcement relief. Finance & Industry: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Southern Africa regional director, targeting industrialisation, beneficiation and value addition. Banking Cooperation: Egypt and Eswatini discussed expanding banking ties, including cash circulation know-how and steps toward joining PAPSS for cross-border payments. Health Costs: MPs questioned high consultation fees at The Luke Commission despite a government subvention, urging value-for-money checks.

Fraud & Cybercrime Crackdown: INTERPOL says a Jan 15–Apr 30, 2026 operation across 97 territories netted 5,811 arrests and seized USD 293m, but only 15% of 152,808 cases were actually settled—while Eswatini police dismantled a “fake Brazilian police station” scam crew that coerced victims into sending money via video calls. Cross-Border Logistics Pressure: South Africa’s immigration crackdown is hitting cross-border transporters hard, with the DRC route most affected as foreign drivers face enforcement and local drivers avoid risky corridors—raising costs and threatening trade flows. Local Business Access Rules: Eswatini’s Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Act regulations are nearing Parliament, with government signalling reserved sectors and commercial spaces for locally-owned businesses. Textile Worker Pay: An MP urges the Commerce ministry to ensure textile investors set salaries that lift workers’ living standards and improve tax contributions. Poultry Monopoly Claims: Lawmakers call for action over alleged concentration across the poultry value chain, arguing it squeezes out other Emaswati competitors. Vehicle Recall (Regional): South Africa’s consumer watchdog confirms Ford Ranger and Everest recalls for 10R80 transmission faults, affecting sales including Eswatini. Banking Cooperation: Egypt and Eswatini discuss expanding banking ties, including cash circulation know-how and steps toward joining PAPSS for cross-border payments.

Local Business Empowerment: Eswatini is moving toward new Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Act regulations that will reserve selected sectors, commercial areas and procurement opportunities for locally-owned businesses, with the framework already before Cabinet and expected in Parliament soon. Textiles & Jobs: An MP is pushing for better pay in Eswatini’s textile sector, arguing that low wages leave workers below PAYE thresholds and deny government tax revenue, urging investors to agree salary levels before operations start. Competition Watch: Parliament is calling for action over alleged monopoly practices in the poultry industry, with claims that one operator controls multiple stages from feed and chicks to eggs and broilers. Health Costs: Lawmakers are questioning high consultation fees at The Luke Commission (TLC) despite a reported E50 million government subvention, including allegations of unaffordable charges for patients. Regional Trade & Logistics: South Africa’s immigration crackdown on cross-border drivers is putting DRC route trade at risk, with transport bodies asking for a moratorium on enforcement against foreign drivers. Finance & Industry: Afreximbank has appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Southern Africa regional director, targeting industrialization, beneficiation and value addition across mining, oil & gas, agriculture and tobacco. Banking Cooperation: Egypt and Eswatini discussed expanding banking cooperation, including Eswatini’s potential move toward PAPSS for easier cross-border payments and an Afreximbank-linked pan-African gold bank idea.

Immigration Crackdown on Cross-Border Transport: South Africa’s clampdown on illegal immigration is putting pressure on cross-border drivers, especially on the DRC route, as enforcement rises and anti-foreigner sentiment grows—prompting the transport and logistics industry to seek a moratorium to protect trade flows. Regional Finance for Industry: Afreximbank has appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Regional Director for Southern Africa, with a five-year push on industrialisation, beneficiation and value addition across mining, oil & gas, agriculture and tobacco. Eswatini Business Space & Local Ownership: Government says Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Act regulations are nearing Parliament, aiming to reserve selected sectors, commercial areas and procurement opportunities for locally-owned businesses. Textile Jobs and Pay: An MP urged the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade to ensure textile investors pay workers reasonable salaries that improve living standards, not just headcount. Poultry Monopoly Concerns: Lawmakers called for action over alleged monopoly practices in Eswatini’s poultry value chain, warning one operator may be squeezing out other Emaswati competitors. Consumer Safety Recalls: Ford recalls certain Ranger and Everest models in the region over 10R80 transmission faults, and also flags 2026 Transit and Tourneo Custom vehicles exported to Swaziland/Eswatini for inspection and free repairs. Afreximbank–Eswatini Banking Links: Egypt and Eswatini discussed expanding banking cooperation, including cash circulation know-how and potential participation in cross-border payment systems. Agribusiness Reality Check: Eswatini Sugar says the industry is at “rock bottom” despite headline revenue, citing lower grower returns and weaker global sugar prices. Health Costs Scrutiny: MPs raised concerns about high consultation fees at The Luke Commission (TLC) despite government subvention, questioning value for money for patients.

Local Business Rules: Government says Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Act regulations are nearing Parliament, with plans to reserve selected sectors, commercial areas and procurement opportunities for locally-owned businesses. Textiles & Jobs: An MP urged the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Trade to push investors to pay textile workers decent salaries that lift living standards and improve tax contributions. Competition Watch: Parliament raised concerns about an alleged poultry monopoly spanning feed, chicks, eggs and broilers, with the minister pointing to the Competition Commission’s mandate. Sugar Industry Strain: Eswatini Sugar’s CEO says the sector is at “rock bottom” despite E8bn revenue, citing lower grower returns and shrinking sales volumes tied to weak global prices. Vehicle Safety (Regional Impact): South Africa’s consumer watchdog announced Ford recalls for certain Ranger/Everest models with 10R80 transmission faults; affected vehicles were also exported to eSwatini, with free software updates at authorised dealers. Banking Cooperation: Egypt and Eswatini discussed expanding banking ties, including cash circulation know-how, PAPSS cross-border payments, and a proposed pan-African gold bank concept. Energy & Land (Regional Lesson): A report on South Africa’s green energy rollout warns against repeating land dispossession as solar projects expand onto rural, traditionally held land. Agribusiness Spotlight: A Lubombo entrepreneur won EYA 2026 for diversified cattle and crop farming, highlighting growing agribusiness momentum in Eswatini.

Local Business Empowerment: Government says the Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Act regulations are nearing Parliament, with a new legal framework to reserve selected sectors, commercial areas and procurement opportunities for locally-owned businesses. Textiles & Jobs: An MP warns textile investors must lift pay, saying many workers earn below the taxable threshold, hurting both livelihoods and PAYE revenue. Competition Watch: Parliament raises alarm over a poultry monopoly claim, urging action on alleged dominance across feed, chicks, eggs and broilers. Health Costs & Access: Lawmakers question high consultation fees at The Luke Commission despite a E50 million subvention, with concerns about value for money and affordability. Energy, Land & Inclusion: A commentary argues renewable rollouts must protect communal land rights and avoid repeating dispossession as solar expands. Regional Health Procurement: SADC’s pooled procurement for medicines remains slow to implement, leaving shortages despite the promise of shared buying power. Investments & Jobs: EIPA reports five projects moving into implementation, totaling about E7.4 billion and an estimated 4,850 jobs. Trade & Finance Links: Eswatini and Egypt discuss expanding banking cooperation, including cash circulation know-how and steps toward joining PAPSS for cross-border payments. Agribusiness Spotlight: A woman farmer wins Lubombo EYA 2026 for a diversified cattle-and-crops agribusiness, highlighting support for local enterprise.

Textile Wages Push: MP Masiphula Mamba urged Eswatini’s Commerce ministry to ensure textile investors pay workers salaries that lift living standards, noting many earn under E3,000 a month and miss PAYE tax. Poultry Competition Alarm: Mamba also called for action over alleged monopoly practices in Eswatini’s poultry value chain, urging the Competition Commission to check whether one operator is squeezing out local players. Energy & Land Rights: A new report on South Africa’s shift from coal to solar warns that renewable rollouts on rural communal land must protect traditional land rights and require informed consent to avoid repeating dispossession. Health Cost Concerns: MPs questioned high consultation fees at The Luke Commission (TLC) despite a reported E50 million government subvention, including claims of unaffordable charges for patients. Agribusiness Spotlight: Eli Khoza won Lubombo EYA 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year, highlighting growing agribusiness opportunities for women in livestock and crop production. Investment Momentum: Eswatini Investment Promotion Authority reported five major projects moving into implementation, totaling E7.4bn and about 4,850 jobs. Regional Trade & Banking Links: Egypt and Eswatini discussed expanding banking cooperation, including cash circulation know-how and steps toward joining PAPSS for cross-border payments.

CIPS Conference 2026: SARS Commissioner Dr Johnstone Makhubu and Zimbabwe’s procurement regulator Dr Clever Ruswa are set to headline the CIPS Southern Africa Connect & Engage Conference in Johannesburg on 4–5 August, as procurement leaders push for stronger governance and resilience across Africa. Eswatini Investment Pipeline: Through the EIPA, five projects moved into implementation, bringing E7.4bn in investment and an estimated 4,850 jobs—another sign of momentum in Eswatini’s industrialisation drive. Agribusiness Spotlight: Lubombo entrepreneur Eli Khoza won Entrepreneur of the Year Awards 2026, highlighting growing agribusiness opportunities for women in livestock and crop production. Sugar Industry Pressure: Eswatini Sugar reports E8bn revenue for 2025/26, but CEO Banele Nyamane says the sector is at “rock bottom” as global price weakness cuts grower returns and volumes. Vehicle Safety Recall: The National Consumer Commission warns of a Ford transmission defect affecting some 2026 Transit/Transit Custom/Tourneo Custom models sold in South Africa and exported to Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland/Eswatini—owners should get free inspection and repair. Water & Service Delivery: Ehlanzeni District Municipality leaders outline interventions to tackle water shortages, illegal mining and unemployment, stressing that clean audits must translate into real services. Regional Finance Link: Egypt and Eswatini discussed expanding banking cooperation, including cash circulation know-how and steps toward joining PAPSS for easier cross-border payments.

Eswatini Agriculture & Agribusiness: Lubombo entrepreneur Eli Khoza won EYA 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year, taking home E10,000 and awards for agribusiness after building a diversified livestock and crop operation through Eli Olivia. Health Costs & Access: MPs raised concerns over high consultation fees at The Luke Commission (TLC) despite a reported E50 million government subvention, questioning value for money and affordability for ordinary Emaswati. Regional Trade & Finance: Egypt and Eswatini discussed expanding banking cooperation, including cash circulation know-how, Egypt’s banknote printing experience, and steps toward joining PAPSS for easier cross-border payments. Energy, Industry & Sustainability: Taiwan’s diplomatic allies met in Taipei to strengthen carbon credit cooperation and participation in international carbon markets, with Eswatini-linked regional interest in climate finance. Transport Safety: The National Consumer Commission flagged a Ford recall affecting some 2026 Transit, Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom models sold in South Africa and exported to Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini, warning of possible transmission faults that can cause sudden loss of movement; owners should get free inspections and repairs at Ford dealers. Textiles & Water Savings: WILEYTEX launched salt-free cotton dyeing (“ecoloration”) validated in Eswatini, claiming up to 90% water and 80% energy reductions for manufacturers chasing lower-impact supply chains. Sugar Industry Pressure: Eswatini Sugar reported E8bn revenue but CEO Banele Nyamane said the sector is at “rock bottom,” citing weaker grower returns, lower volumes, and global price pressure. Investment Pipeline: Through EIPA, five projects moved into implementation, totaling E7.4bn in investments and an estimated 4,850 jobs.

Retail Disruption: Spar’s convenience model is being squeezed as South Africans increasingly stick to on-demand grocery rivals like Checkers Sixty60, Pick n Pay asap! and Woolies Dash, with Spar’s late Spar 2U launch leaving it losing incremental visits and revenue. Food & Consumer Safety: The National Consumer Commission flagged a Ford recall for certain 2026 Transit, Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom vehicles (sold in SA and exported to Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and eSwatini) over a transmission defect that can cause sudden loss of first gear or reverse—owners should book free inspection and repair at Ford dealers. Agribusiness Spotlight: Lubombo entrepreneur Eli Khoza won EYA 2026 regional Entrepreneur of the Year, backing diversified livestock and crop production and urging women to turn limited land and water into income. Policy & Finance: Eswatini and Egypt discussed banking cooperation, including cash circulation know-how, PAPSS cross-border payments, and a proposed pan-African gold bank initiative. Industry Investment: Through EIPA, five major projects moved into implementation, totaling E7.4bn in investments and about 4,850 jobs. Textiles Innovation: WILEYTEX launched salt-free cotton dyeing “ecoloration,” validated in Eswatini, cutting water use by up to 90% and energy by 80% for greener manufacturing. Regional Trade/Industry: Botswana took over SACU chairmanship for 12 months, setting the agenda for customs and trade coordination across the bloc.

Carbon Markets & Climate Finance: Taiwan is hosting a three-day Taipei workshop with officials from 11 of its 12 diplomatic allies to build capacity for carbon credits and boost participation in international carbon markets, with the Industrial Technology Research Institute supporting the programme. Regional Infrastructure & Industry Events: Durban’s Inkosi Albert Luthuli ICC ablution facility is set for an R11.9 million upgrade ahead of the August SADC summit and the SADC industrialisation week, under a theme linking infrastructure, agriculture and critical minerals transformation. Water, Mining & Jobs Pressure: In Mpumalanga’s Ehlanzeni district, Mayor Enoch Shabangu says clean audits must translate into action, outlining interventions on water shortages, “water mafias,” illegal mining and youth unemployment. Agribusiness Spotlight: Lubombo entrepreneur Eli Khoza won EYA 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year, highlighting diversified livestock and crop production and calling for more women-led income opportunities. Healthcare Costs Scrutiny: MPs raised concerns about high consultation fees at The Luke Commission (TLC) despite a reported E50 million government subvention. Vehicle Safety Recall (Eswatini Impact): The National Consumer Commission says Ford is recalling certain 2026 Transit, Transit Custom and Tourneo Custom models sold in South Africa and exported to Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland, warning of possible sudden loss of vehicle movement; owners should get free inspection and repair at authorised dealers. Sugar Industry Reality Check: Eswatini Sugar reports E8bn revenue but says the industry is at “rock bottom,” citing weaker grower returns and lower sales volumes amid global price pressure. Banking Cooperation: Egypt and Eswatini discussed expanding banking cooperation, including cash circulation know-how, PAPSS cross-border payments, and a proposed pan-African gold bank initiative. Trade & Investment Pipeline: Through EIPA, five major Eswatini projects moved into implementation, totaling E7.4bn in investments and an estimated 4,850 jobs.