Central Banking & Reserves: Eswatini’s Central Bank says it now holds gold reserves worth E195 million, bought to diversify holdings and strengthen resilience, with gross official reserves averaging E11.5 billion in 2025 and E8.8 billion as of May 29. Food & Manufacturing Costs: Tiger Brands warns selected food prices may rise as fuel, logistics and input costs keep squeezing manufacturers, with some cost pressure likely to be passed to consumers in categories like mayonnaise. Tax, Skills & Digital Services: Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) signed an MoU with UNESWA to train 650 staff in AI literacy through the UNESWA AI Academy, aiming to boost responsible use of AI in its mandate. Creative Industries Funding: ESWACOS opened applications for a Fund for Creativity and Artist Development, offering grants up to E5,000 for music, film, literature and related copyright work, with creatives debating whether the amounts are enough. Regional Trade & Finance: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as director of regional operations for Southern Africa, covering Eswatini among 13 countries. Aviation & Infrastructure: ESWACAA and SASO hosted an ICAO regional workshop on Aircraft Classification Rating/Pavement Classification Rating (ACR/PCR), pushing harmonised standards to support trade and connectivity. Tourism & Services: MTN Bushfire Festival drove 26,774 arrivals into Eswatini over two days, with Ngwenya Border Post handling 12,517 and the event estimated to generate about E121 million annually. Energy & Grid Integration (Regional): South Africa’s renewable buildout highlights NECRT-related grid-connection equipment needs, with ACTOM pointing to completed solar projects and transformer supply milestones. Regional Health Safety: A regional forum in Nairobi discussed strengthening nuclear and radiation safety in healthcare, with Eswatini among participating countries. Diplomacy & External Relations: China again criticised Taiwan’s alleged “dollar diplomacy” tied to Eswatini, alleging large financial support around a recent Taiwanese leader’s visit.