Cyber & Digital Services: Eswatini’s National Data Centre disruption has affected key government platforms like Government in Your Hand, e-Visa, company registration, the government website, IFMIS, and the Elderly Grant system; RSTP says it’s an incident under active response and denies claims of a hack or ransom while external experts assist. AI Skills in Education: UNESWA AI Academy is using AI to teach—plans include AI-generated explainer videos for the Mastering Generative AI for Professionals and Generative AI for Educators cohorts, as UNESWA ramps up support for growing AI demand. Climate & Heat Risk: A new El Niño heat-preparedness warning says extreme heat could drive major additional deaths across Southern Africa, with calls for faster preparedness and climate finance. Urban Planning & Smart Cities: The Second Eswatini Urban Forum (Oct 28–30) will focus on bridging the mandate–resource gap for local authorities, including smart solutions, resilient infrastructure, and housing for all. Agritech Tech for Farmers: NMC has donated 20 digital soil testers to bring faster soil results to farmers, using smartphone-linked readings to improve farm decisions. Tourism & Jobs: Hilton says it’s exploring further opportunities in Eswatini, building on its PSPF partnership and local hospitality and skills development. Health & Research Capacity: UNESWA and regional health voices continue pushing research and digital innovation in healthcare, including AI-driven training and stronger pharmaceutical research funding.