AGP Executive Report

Energy & Industry Policy: Eswatini is inviting stakeholders to comment on proposed Minimum Energy Performance Standards for appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners and lighting, with consultation workshops running 8–11 September across Hhohho, Manzini, Shiselweni and Lubombo. Power & Investment: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini says Eswatini wants energy partnerships that deliver local ownership, jobs and skills, while targeting over 1,000MW of domestic generation by 2030 and opening the sector to Independent Power Producers as developers and owners, not just contractors. Trade & Logistics: Eswatini Railways (ESR) showcased a united regional logistics push at the 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair by bringing together Mozambique’s CFM and South Africa’s Transnet Freight Rail and Transnet Engineering. MSME Competitiveness: Government urged MSMEs to move from survival to growth, productivity and competitiveness, while the EU warned rising energy costs could undermine development gains. Agribusiness & Climate Resilience: Agriculture leaders called for green production and high-value crops, plus agro-processing and value-chain upgrades to unlock sustainable trade. Weather Risk: Eswatini braces for a potentially historic El Niño season, with above-normal temperatures and drought concerns. Public Services Pressure: E600m in government projects is stalled due to slow cash flow, hitting schools, roads, water infrastructure and livestock dipping tanks. Consumer Recall: Woolworths recalled WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo after a bacterium was detected; customers are advised to stop using and return for a refund.

Climate & Energy Policy: King Mswati III unveiled Eswatini’s Paris-aligned NDC 3.0, targeting a 2.24 million-tonne emissions cut by 2035, and called for accelerated investment to secure clean water for all by 2030. Power & Investment: PM Russell Dlamini said Eswatini aims to exceed 1,000MW of domestic generation by 2030 and is opening the electricity sector to Independent Power Producers as developers and owners, not just contractors. Energy Costs for Industry: The EU warned rising energy prices are eroding MSME competitiveness, while Government urged firms to move from survival to growth, productivity and value addition. Energy Efficiency Standards: MNRE, with ESERA and EEA, invited stakeholders to comment on proposed Minimum Energy Performance Standards for appliances like fridges, air conditioners and lighting. Weather Risk to Production: Eswatini braces for a very strong El Niño season (Oct 2026–Mar 2027), with eastern areas facing above-normal heat and heightened drought risk. Food & Livestock Trade: The Philippines imposed a temporary ban on FMD-susceptible animals and meat products from 23 countries including Eswatini, citing lab-confirmed outbreaks. Consumer Recall: Woolworths recalled WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo in affected batches sold across several countries, including Eswatini, after bacteria contamination concerns. Business & Growth Signals: CSO reported GDP reached E96.6bn in 2025 with 4.8% real growth, driven mainly by the tertiary sector.

Animal Health & Trade Controls: Eswatini is named among 23 countries hit by the Philippines’ temporary ban on FMD-susceptible animals and related products, after lab-confirmed foot-and-mouth disease reports. Energy Policy & Industry Competitiveness: Eswatini invited stakeholders to comment on proposed Minimum Energy Performance Standards for appliances, while EU officials warned rising energy costs are eroding MSME competitiveness. Power Sector Investment Model: PM Russell Dlamini said Eswatini targets 1,000MW by 2030 and is opening the electricity sector to Independent Power Producers as developers, investors and owners—pushing local jobs and skills, not just contracting. MSME Growth Agenda: Commerce minister Manqoba Khumalo urged businesses to move from survival to growth, productivity and competitiveness, with digitalisation and agro-processing flagged as key frontiers. Climate & Supply Risks: Eswatini braces for a potentially historic El Niño season, with forecasts pointing to hotter conditions and major planning pressure for agriculture and operations. Product Recall: Woolworths recalled WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo sold across multiple countries including Eswatini, after a bacteria contamination finding. Agribusiness Value-Add: Agriculture officials urged green production and high-value crops, plus agro-processing, to unlock trade and higher incomes. Finance Inclusion Leadership: Central Bank Governor Dr Phil Mnisi was appointed chair of an African financial inclusion policy initiative, boosting Eswatini’s voice on digital finance and cross-border payments. Local Business Expansion: Shoprite’s acquisition of Vida e Caffè—operating in Eswatini among other markets—signals continued retail growth into coffee and convenience.

Cartel Spotlight: South Africa’s Madlanga Commission put faces to the alleged “Big Five” cartel, naming Katiso “KT” Molefe, Steve Motsumi, Ignatius Mothakathi, Andrew “Boy” Mthethwa and the late Jothan “Mswazi” Msibi, with Molefe facing multiple charges tied to an engineer’s death and a disputed Transnet tender. Livestock & Trade Controls: Eswatini is among 23 countries hit by the Philippines’ temporary FMD-related import ban on susceptible animals and specific meat products/by-products, citing lab-confirmed outbreaks. Energy Policy Consultations: MNRE, ESERA and EEA invited stakeholders to comment on proposed Minimum Energy Performance Standards for appliances like fridges, air conditioners and lighting, with workshops across Hhohho, Manzini and Shiselweni. Power & Industrialisation Push: PM Russell Dlamini says Eswatini targets 1,000MW+ domestic generation by 2030 and is opening the energy sector to IPPs as developers/investors/owners, not just contractors, while calling for “Africa First” local ownership. Business Costs & Competitiveness: EU and UNDP speakers warned rising energy costs are squeezing MSMEs, urging smarter efficiency and technology that makes business sense. Climate Risk: Eswatini braces for a potentially historic El Niño season, with forecasts pointing to hotter conditions and drought pressure. Consumer Recall: Woolworths recalled WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo after a bacterium was detected; the product was sold across several countries including Eswatini. MSME & Agribusiness Direction: Government urged MSMEs to move from survival to growth and competitiveness, while agriculture leaders pushed green production, high-value crops and agro-processing for stronger trade. Regional Finance Role: Central Bank Governor Dr Phil Mnisi was appointed AfPI chair, giving Eswatini a bigger voice on Africa’s financial inclusion agenda. Fuel Prices: Eswatini announced fuel price increases effective 3 Sept 2026, citing global oil market pressures.

Energy Policy & Standards: MNRE, with ESERA and EEA, invited stakeholders to comment on proposed Minimum Energy Performance Standards for fridges, air conditioners and lighting—workshops run across Hhohho, Manzini, Shiselweni and Lubombo. Power & Industry Readiness: PM Russell Dlamini says Eswatini targets 1,000MW+ domestic generation by 2030 and has opened the electricity sector to IPPs as developers/investors/owners, not just contractors—aimed at jobs, skills and industrialisation. Energy Costs Pressure: EU officials warned rising energy costs are eroding MSME competitiveness and urged partnerships that protect productivity and value chains. MSME Financing Focus: Commerce Minister Manqoba Khumalo pushed MSMEs to move from survival to growth, calling for financing models matched to real business needs and stronger market access. Weather Risk: Eswatini braces for a historic El Niño season; forecasters warn of above-normal temperatures, with eastern areas potentially exceeding 40°C, while rainfall patterns remain under close monitoring. Fuel Prices: Petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin prices rise from Sept 4, driven by global crude and supply constraints. Solar Uptake: ESERA launched an embedded generation online application platform (up to 2MW) to speed approvals and improve transparency. Consumer Safety: Woolworths recalls WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo after bacteria contamination concerns, affecting sales across several countries including Eswatini. Broadcasting & Jobs: ESCCOM granted two new free-to-air commercial radio licences, expected to expand content diversity and create roles across the media value chain. Agribusiness & Trade: Agriculture leaders urged green production and high-value crops, plus agro-processing, to unlock sustainable trade opportunities. Economy Snapshot: CSO reports 2025 GDP at E96.6bn with 4.8% real growth, led by a stronger tertiary sector. Energy Efficiency for Business: UNDP urged firms to cut inefficiencies and invest smarter in areas like refrigeration, irrigation, logistics and energy management rather than simply raising prices.

Energy Policy & Investment: PM Russell Dlamini says Eswatini aims to exceed 1,000MW of domestic generation by 2030 and has opened the electricity sector to IPPs as developers, investors and owners—not just contractors—linking power security to industrialisation. Local Power Transition: Eswatini also launched an embedded generation online application platform (up to 2MW) to speed approvals and improve transparency for rooftop solar participation. Business Competitiveness: EU officials warn rising energy costs are eroding MSME competitiveness, while UNDP urges firms to cut inefficiencies and invest smarter in practical solutions like refrigeration, irrigation, logistics and energy management. MSME Finance & Growth: Commerce Minister Manqoba Khumalo calls for MSMEs to move from survival to growth, and government urges financiers to rethink MSME lending around real business needs, records and market access. Agriculture & Trade: Agriculture leaders push green production and high-value crops, plus agro-processing and green bio-economy options to unlock higher value from farming. Consumer & Safety Alerts: Woolworths recalled a shampoo batch after a bacterium was detected; separately, Ford issued a Ranger airbag recall affecting vehicles sold across the region including Eswatini. Digital & Jobs: ESCCOM awarded free-to-air commercial radio licences to SakhaLive FM and Icon Connect Radio, expected to expand content and create roles across the broadcasting value chain. Economy Snapshot: CSO reports 2025 GDP at E96.6bn with 4.8% real growth, driven mainly by the tertiary sector. Food Supply Watch: Police and NMC investigate suspected white maize smuggling after maize consignments were intercepted at Ngwenya Border Gate.

Macroeconomy: Eswatini’s GDP hit E96.6bn in 2025, with real growth of 4.8% (up from 3.0% in 2024), driven mainly by a 6.0% expansion in the tertiary sector. Energy & industry: UNDP urged businesses to protect profits by cutting inefficiencies and investing smarter, with practical moves like better refrigeration, irrigation, logistics and energy management—plus renewables only when they make business sense. Energy partnerships: Government called for energy deals that build jobs, skills and indigenous companies, pushing IPPs to act as developers, investors and owners. Solar rollout: Eswatini opened an embedded generation online application platform (up to 2MW) to speed approvals and improve transparency; Namibia also launched a similar rooftop solar portal (up to 500kW). Enterprise finance: Commerce officials urged financiers to rethink MSME lending, saying viable businesses still struggle due to mismatched financing models, weak records and limited market access. Broadcasting jobs: ESCCOM handed operating licences to SakhaLive FM and Icon Connect Radio, expected to widen content and create roles across the radio value chain. Agribusiness security: Police and the National Maize Corporation are investigating suspected white maize smuggling at Ngwenya Border Gate after two consignments were intercepted. Retail expansion (regional): Shoprite reported 12.2% earnings growth and agreed to buy coffee chain Vida e Caffè, which already operates in Eswatini among other countries. Culture & talent: Eswatini Praise launched with 100+ gospel auditions in hours, while tourism leaders said the Reed Dance is pushing visitor numbers and revenue higher.

Energy Ownership Push: PM Russell Mmiso Dlamini urged Africa to move from participation to ownership, calling for energy partnerships that create jobs, transfer skills, and build indigenous companies. Embedded Solar Digitisation: Eswatini and Namibia opened online portals for rooftop solar/embedded generation applications, aiming to cut red tape and speed approvals. Broadcasting Jobs Boost: ESCCOM granted free-to-air commercial radio licences to SakhaLive FM and Icon Connect Radio, expected to widen content and create roles across the media value chain. MSME Finance Focus: Government urged financiers to rethink MSME lending so funding matches real business needs, alongside better records, credit assessment, and market access. Maize Smuggling Probe: Police and the National Maize Corporation investigated suspected white maize smuggling at Ngwenya Border Gate, with trucks detained and monitoring tightened. Shoprite Coffee Expansion: Shoprite reported earnings growth and agreed to buy Vida e Caffè (and a stake in R&A Cellular), strengthening its coffee and quick-service restaurant push across the region including Eswatini. Youth Tech for Farmers: A young innovator is using AI tools to help smallholder farmers manage climate risks and improve decision-making and farm records. Aviation Service Recognition: RENAC honoured long-serving staff with service awards, highlighting skills and professionalism in Eswatini’s aviation sector.

Aviation & Jobs: RENAC honoured 21 employees with long-service awards and recognised a retiring captain, underscoring skills retention in Eswatini’s air services. MSME Finance: Government urged banks and financiers to redesign MSME lending so it matches real business needs—linking credit assessment, records, finance literacy and market access to move firms from survival to growth. Energy Transition: ESERA and the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority opened a rooftop solar embedded-generation application portal (up to 2MW), aiming to cut red tape and boost participation in the green economy. Broadcasting Expansion: ESCCOM granted two free-to-air commercial radio licences to SakhaLive FM and Icon Connect Radio, expected to widen content and create jobs across the media value chain. Trade & Enterprise Ecosystem: Commerce minister called for an integrated enterprise growth ecosystem that connects training, finance, standards and markets. Food Security Enforcement: Police and the National Maize Corporation launched a probe after suspected maize smuggling syndicates were linked to intercepted white maize consignments at Ngwenya Border Gate. Consumer Safety: South Africa’s NCC issued a Ford Ranger airbag recall affecting 2,275 double-cabs sold in the region, including Eswatini, urging owners to get free inspections and repairs. Tourism Revenue: Reed Dance tourism pushed international visitor numbers up and revenue to E1 billion, benefiting hospitality and local vendors. Industrial Park Push (Taiwan): Taiwan proposed funding an Eswatini science/technology park and industrial park concept to deepen business ties and investment.

Taiwan–Eswatini Industrial Push: Taiwan has proposed NT$1 billion (about US$31.6m) to fund the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park in Eswatini, aiming to attract Taiwanese firms, create local jobs, and build industrial clustering around Phocweni. Energy & Industry Demand: Eskom says it’s working to bring back lost industrial demand, including the Mozal aluminium smelter, while also pushing more electricity exports as surplus generation grows. Trade Fair Expansion: King Mswati III urged urgent expansion of the Eswatini International Trade Fair facilities after space constraints left some exhibitors in temporary tents. Tourism Boost: Umhlanga’s Reed Dance helped lift international visitor numbers and tourism revenue to E1 billion, with knock-on benefits for hospitality and local vendors. Vehicle Safety Recall: The South African NCC issued a recall for 2,275 Ford Ranger Double Cabs (including units exported to Eswatini) over a side-airbag/B-pillar trim defect that could raise injury risk; repairs are set to be free. Food & Retail Growth Signals: Shoprite agreed to acquire Vida e Caffè, strengthening its coffee and quick-service restaurant push across Africa, including Eswatini. Regional Agriculture Focus: A SADC discussion highlighted that boosting southern Africa’s farm growth depends on better trade links, value chains, and resilience to climate shocks.

Taiwan–Eswatini Industrial Push: Taiwan has proposed NT$1 billion (about US$31.6m) for the Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park in Phocweni, aiming to attract Taiwanese firms, create jobs, and build an industrial cluster next to the Royal Science and Technology Park. Trade Fair Growth Pressure: King Mswati III says Eswatini’s International Trade Fair has outgrown its space at Mavuso, with more exhibitors than ever and some still in temporary tents—prompting urgent expansion plans. Tourism Boost: Umhlanga’s Reed Dance is driving results, with international visitor numbers rising and tourism revenue reaching E1 billion, benefiting hospitality and local vendors. Regional Energy Demand: Eskom is targeting renewed industrial electricity demand, including the possible return of Mozal, while also pushing more electricity exports as surplus capacity grows. Retail & Food Industry: Shoprite is buying coffee chain Vida e Caffè (400 stores across Africa), betting on coffee and QSR growth and expanding its food-service footprint. Safety Recall Watch: The NCC issued a Ford Ranger double-cab recall (2,275 units in SA; also exported to Eswatini), after an airbag/B-pillar trim issue could prevent proper deployment. Agriculture & Climate Risk: El Niño warnings for 2026/27 point to hotter, drier conditions, urging farmers to expand irrigation and strengthen conservation agriculture.

Taiwan–Eswatini Industrial Push: Taiwan’s government proposes US$31.6m (NT$1bn) for an “innovative” Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park in Eswatini (Phocweni), aiming to attract Taiwanese firms, create jobs, and build industrial clustering—pending lawmakers’ approval. Trade Fair Expansion: King Mswati III urged urgent expansion of Eswatini International Trade Fair facilities after space constraints left some exhibitors in temporary tents as the 58th EITF grows. Green Economy at EITF: The EITF also rolled out green-economy prizes (including electric scooters and eco-tourism packages) tied to its sustainability theme. Vehicle Safety Across Borders: South Africa’s National Consumer Commission issued a recall for 2,275 Ford Ranger Double Cabs (2026–2027) over side-curtain airbag/B-pillar trim defects; affected units were sold and exported to Eswatini, with free inspection and repairs. Agriculture Under El Niño: An El Niño advisory warns of hotter, drier conditions, pushing farmers toward irrigation, conservation agriculture, and stronger planning for drought impacts. Mining Update: Green Chert Mine has stopped operations, leaving workers without income and raising questions about the project’s future.

Industrial Park Push (Taiwan–Eswatini): Taiwan proposes about US$31.6m (NT$1bn) to fund an industrial park in Eswatini, aiming to attract Taiwanese firms, build industrial clustering near Phocweni, and create local jobs—pending lawmakers’ approval. Trade Fair Expansion: King Mswati III urged urgent expansion of EITF facilities at the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre after space constraints left some exhibitors in temporary tents, as the 58th fair draws record participation. Green Economy at EITF: The EITF is rolling out green-themed visitor prizes like electric scooters and eco-tourism packages tied to the Mlawula Campfire Festival, aligning the event with sustainable trade promotion. Vehicle Safety & Regional Impact: South Africa’s National Consumer Commission issued a recall for 2,275 Ford Ranger Double Cab units (exported to Eswatini included) over side curtain airbag deployment risk, with free inspections and repairs urged immediately. Mining Jobs Hit: Green Chert Mine has stopped operations in Nkomazi, leaving workers without income “until further notice,” raising questions over the project’s future. Investment to Construction: Kellogg Tolaram and African Alliance are moving pledges into build-out, including a tender for expansion at the Kellogg Tolaram factory shell.

Taiwan–Eswatini Industrial Push: Taiwan’s government has proposed NT$1 billion (US$31.6m) for an innovative Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park in Eswatini (Phocweni, about 158 hectares), aiming to attract Taiwanese firms, create jobs, and build industrial clustering—pending lawmakers’ approval. Trade Fair Infrastructure: King Mswati III urged urgent expansion of the Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) facilities after the 58th edition outgrew the Mavuso venue, with some exhibitors still in temporary tents. Green Economy at EITF: The EITF is shifting its visitor prizes to electric scooters and eco-tourism packages, including Mlawula Campfire Festival glamping and impala packages, to match its “Unlocking Green Economy Opportunities” theme. Climate & Food Security Pressure: An El Niño advisory for 2026/27 warns of hotter, drier conditions and pushes agriculture toward irrigation expansion, commercial irrigated farming, and conservation to cushion drought impacts. Mining Jobs Under Strain: Green Chert Mine has halted operations, leaving workers without income and raising questions about the future of the once-promoted project. Public Service Delivery Focus: Eswatini’s Deputy Prime Minister urged SADC public service commissions to move beyond “words” and deliver citizen-centred results.

Trade & Industry: King Mswati III urged urgent expansion of EITF trade fair facilities after the 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair outgrew the Mavuso venue, with some exhibitors still in temporary tents. Green Economy & Consumer Markets: EITF is going “green” with electric scooters and eco-tourism prizes, replacing the usual “win a car” push with sustainability-linked giveaways. Agriculture & Climate Risk: Eswatini’s El Niño advisory for 2026/27 flags a higher chance of hotter, drier conditions, with government urging farmers to expand irrigation and strengthen conservation agriculture. Investment & Jobs: Taiwan proposes NT$1 billion for an industrial park in Eswatini (Phocweni), aiming to attract Taiwanese firms, build industrial clustering and create local jobs. Energy/Water Infrastructure: Chinese firms behind the E2.6bn Mpakeni Dam say they will not abandon the project despite China’s travel advisory warning citizens to leave. Skills & Youth Employment: Tonganyika Trust graduates are being urged to turn training in trades like catering and detergents manufacturing into small businesses. Finance & Currency: The Central Bank of Eswatini will introduce a limited-edition circulating E10 commemorative coin alongside the existing E10 banknote. Creative Industries: IP Runway showcases Eswatini fashion, furniture and arts with a focus on intellectual property protection for designers.

FMD Controls: Government tightened cattle movement rules in Matabeleland North and South after new foot-and-mouth disease cases, with quarantine areas under strict veterinary clearance to protect unaffected districts. Green Trade Push: The 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF) is swapping its “Win a Car” prize for green-economy rewards like electric scooters and eco-tourism packages tied to the Mlawula Campfire Festival. Mining Jobs at Risk: Green Chert Mine has stopped operations around Nkomazi, leaving 80+ workers without income and raising questions over the project’s future. Silicosis/TB Claims Surge: Tshiamiso Trust says claims activity is accelerating, with lodgements up 64% to 13,337 as it moves through the latter half of its lifespan. Property Investment: Malkerns Square expansion by Select Limited Properties and Lojaf nears completion, with close to E1bn invested and 2,000+ jobs created. Digital/Fintech Watch: MTN reports strong H1 growth across Africa, with fintech and Mobile Money activity continuing to expand. Water & Skills: EWSC launches “Konkhe nga Water” to drive responsible use, while Tonganyika Trust graduates are urged to turn training into local livelihoods. Policy & Business Climate: Mbabane seeks a new 2026–2030 economic development strategy to win businesses back, while Business Eswatini helped defer a 24% edible oil import levy to Jan 2027.