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.