AGP Executive Report

Education & Workforce: SAFTU says South Africa’s education crisis is worsening, citing 17,450 vacant teaching posts and wider school backlogs like overcrowding, poor sanitation, and missing libraries, labs, and computers. AI Governance in Eswatini: UNESWA Vice-Chancellor Justice Thwala warns that AI rollouts must come with staff training and strong governance, after UNESWA signed an AI Academy deal with the Eswatini Revenue Service to train 650 employees. Digital Safety & Community: A regional forum highlights nuclear and radiation safety in healthcare, while another parliamentary discussion warns social media is replacing real face-to-face ties and weakening cultural identity. Aviation Standards: ESWACAA and SASO hosted an ICAO workshop on Aircraft and Pavement Classification Rating to help harmonise safer, more efficient air infrastructure. Climate Resilience: A new Southern Africa adaptation initiative will fund community-led climate solutions in Eswatini, Zambia, and Zimbabwe, targeting local farmer groups and women’s associations. Conservation Link: A San Diego Zoo Safari Park elephant herd added Sdudla, a rescued Eswatini elephant, supporting endangered-species conservation research.

Climate Risk & Preparedness: Eswatini is urged to learn from past El Niño damage after warnings that El Niño conditions could build later in 2026, with the country reminded that preparedness is an investment, not a cost. AI for Public Services: The University of Eswatini and the Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU to train 650 ERS employees through the UNESWA AI Academy, focusing on responsible use, governance, and practical AI literacy. Digital Governance & Integrity: A new Managing Director for the Eswatini Posts and Telecommunications Corporation was appointed with a clear mandate to restore integrity, professionalism, and financial sustainability. Regional Nuclear Safety: Eswatini joined a Nairobi forum on strengthening nuclear and radiation safety in healthcare, with regulators and health officials mapping next steps to improve public safety systems. STEM Outreach: Eswatini-linked science engagement continues regionally as mobile lab programmes like Curiosity Cube™ expand hands-on STEM learning across Southern Africa. Aviation Standards: ESWACAA and SASO hosted an ICAO regional workshop on aircraft and pavement classification ratings to help harmonise safer, more efficient air infrastructure.

AI Governance in Eswatini: UNESWA Vice-Chancellor Justice M Thwala warned that AI rollouts must come with staff training and strong governance, or organisations risk bad decisions, legal exposure and lost public trust, as UNESWA’s AI Academy signed an MoU with the Eswatini Revenue Service to build AI literacy for 650 ERS employees. State Tech Leadership: Eswatini’s ICT ministry unveiled new EPTC managing director Thulani Fakudze, tasking him to restore integrity, professionalism and financial sustainability at the state-owned telecoms firm. Regional Nuclear Safety: Senior officials from across Africa met in Nairobi to strengthen nuclear and radiation safety in healthcare, with Eswatini among participating countries and plans for an action framework supported by the IAEA. Aviation Standards for Trade: ESWACAA and SASO hosted an ICAO regional workshop on Aircraft and Pavement Classification Rating, aiming to harmonise runway and apron assessment standards to boost connectivity. STEM Outreach: Merck’s Curiosity Cube™ continued hands-on science learning across Southern Africa, including events in Zambia and Pretoria, using synthetic biology experiments to spark future STEM careers. Energy Security Watch: A new Taiwan-funded plan for Eswatini’s Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve raises big questions about affordability and who benefits, as unemployment and poverty remain severe. Conservation Link to Eswatini: San Diego Zoo Safari Park welcomed Sdudla, a male African savanna elephant rescued from culling in Eswatini in 2003 due to drought and limited resources.

AI & Public Sector Skills: UNESWA Vice-Chancellor Justice Thwala warned that AI rollouts must come with staff training and strong governance, or organisations risk bad decisions, legal trouble and lost public trust, as UNESWA signed an AI Academy deal with the Eswatini Revenue Service to train 650 employees. Health Tech & Regional Safety: Senior regulators and health officials from across the region met in Nairobi to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, with Eswatini among participating countries. Aviation Standards for Trade: ESWACAA and SASO hosted an ICAO regional workshop on Aircraft Classification Rating/Pavement Classification Rating (ACR/PCR), pushing harmonised runway and pavement standards to support safer, more efficient air connectivity. STEM Outreach: Eswatini-linked science engagement continues across the region, including Merck’s Curiosity Cube™ hands-on lab activities that bring synthetic biology learning to students. Energy & Infrastructure Watch: Eswatini’s planned Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve financing deal with Taiwan raises big questions about affordability and who benefits, as the country faces high unemployment and poverty.

AI in Public Services: UNESWA Vice-Chancellor Justice M Thwala warned that AI rollouts must come with staff training and strong governance, or institutions risk bad decisions, legal exposure and public mistrust; the message landed as UNESWA signed an AI Academy deal with the Eswatini Revenue Service to train 650 employees. Digital Skills for Government: ERS and UNESWA launch an AI literacy programme aimed at helping workers apply AI responsibly while supporting the agency’s mandate. Health Tech & Safety: A regional forum in Nairobi brought together health and nuclear regulators from across Africa, including Eswatini, to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare. Aviation Standards: ESWACAA and SASO hosted an ICAO regional workshop on Aircraft Classification Rating/Pavement Classification Rating to help harmonise runway and pavement assessment across 12 countries. STEM Outreach: Eswatini-linked regional science efforts continue as mobile lab programmes like Curiosity Cube™ expand hands-on learning in Southern Africa. Energy & Infrastructure: Coverage also highlights major regional moves in green hydrogen and renewable grid integration, underscoring the engineering and safety demands of scaling clean power.

Public Health & Travel: With the World Cup bringing millions of visitors to U.S. cities, experts warn that disease risks like Ebola could rise as public health capacity faces cuts and leadership gaps. Agriculture & Women’s Empowerment: Zimbabwe’s WIFE Food for Life festival spotlighted women farmers and agribusiness innovation, linking food security with entrepreneurship and community theatre. HIV Prevention: South Africa is set to roll out Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, targeting high-burden clinics nationwide. Clean Energy & Grid Tech: South Africa pushes green hydrogen readiness and renewable grid reliability, while ACTOM NECRT solutions support safe, stable solar integration. AI Skills for Government: Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU with UNESWA to train 650 staff in AI literacy for responsible use. Nuclear Safety in Healthcare: Regional regulators and health officials met in Nairobi to strengthen nuclear and radiation safety systems. Aviation Standards: ESWACAA and SASO ran an ICAO workshop on aircraft and pavement classification ratings to improve regional air infrastructure planning. Digital Safety & Youth: TikTok reported major safety enforcement in Sub-Saharan Africa and expanded child online safety partnerships. Health Research Funding: Eswatini’s Thanzi Programme secured new support to extend health systems research and capacity-building into Namibia and Zambia. Identity Tech: Turkmenistan plans to help produce Eswatini national IDs and biometric passports using secure chip technology aligned to ICAO and EU standards.

AI Skills for Tax Staff: Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) signed an MoU with the University of Eswatini to train 650 employees through a UNESWA AI Academy programme, aiming to build practical, responsible AI use for digital transformation. Public Service Integrity: The new managing director of the Eswatini Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (EPTC) was appointed with a clear mandate to restore integrity, cut waste, and improve financial sustainability. Aviation Standards in Focus: ESWACAA and SASO hosted an ICAO regional workshop on Aircraft Classification Rating/Pavement Classification Rating (ACR/PCR), pushing harmonised runway and pavement assessment methods for safer, more efficient air transport. Health Safety via Nuclear Tech: Regional regulators and health officials met in Nairobi to strengthen nuclear and radiation safety in healthcare, including preparedness steps as disease threats like Ebola remain a concern. Digital Safety & Kids Online: TikTok reported major guideline enforcement across Sub-Saharan Africa and highlighted child online safety efforts through media literacy and regional partnerships. Tech for National IDs: Turkmenistan’s Aýdyň Gijeler discussed a high-tech project to produce Eswatini ID cards and biometric passports using secure chip and cryptographic systems aligned to ICAO and EU standards. HIV Prevention Rollout: South Africa is set to launch Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, with clinics across multiple provinces including areas near Eswatini’s region. Climate Adaptation Funding: A $30m Southern Africa locally led climate adaptation programme is set to reach communities in Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe, with funding routed to local groups and enterprises.

HIV Prevention Breakthrough: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to launch Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, rolling out to 360 clinics and targeting high-burden areas. AI Skills for Government: Eswatini’s Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) signed an MoU with the University of Eswatini to train 650 ERS employees in AI literacy via the UNESWA AI Academy. Integrity at EPTC: The new managing director of the Eswatini Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (EPTC) was appointed with a mandate to restore integrity, cut waste, and stabilise finances. Nuclear Safety in Healthcare: Regional health regulators and ministers met in Nairobi to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies, with Eswatini among participating countries. Aviation Standards Update: ESWACAA and SASO hosted an ICAO workshop on aircraft and pavement classification ratings to harmonise regional aviation safety rules. Tech for National IDs: A Turkmen firm says it will help produce Eswatini national ID cards and biometric passports using secure chip technology aligned to ICAO and EU standards. STEM Outreach: Merck’s Curiosity Cube™ continued hands-on science events across Southern Africa, including Zambia and Pretoria.

HIV Prevention Breakthrough: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to launch Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable for HIV prevention, rolling out to 360 clinics and targeting high-burden districts. Clean Energy Readiness: South Africa boosts green hydrogen and power-to-x project development with a government framework and a new PtX project development standard to speed investor-ready planning. Grid Reliability for Renewables: ACTOM NECRT solutions are being highlighted for safer, stable grid integration of solar projects, underscoring how key substation equipment supports renewable expansion. AI Skills for Public Service: Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) signs an MoU with the University of Eswatini to train 650 ERS employees through an AI literacy programme delivered via the UNESWA AI Academy. Nuclear Safety in Healthcare: Regulators and health officials from across Africa meet in Nairobi to strengthen safe use and oversight of nuclear and radiation technologies in medical services. Digital Safety Push: TikTok reports major safety enforcement across Sub-Saharan Africa and expands regional partnerships focused on child online safety and media literacy. Aviation Standards: ESWACAA and SASO host an ICAO regional workshop on aircraft and pavement classification ratings to harmonise standards for safer, more efficient air infrastructure. Energy Security Debate: Eswatini’s planned Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve financing deal with Taiwan raises big questions about affordability and who benefits. Public Health Research Funding: The Thanzi Programme secures a grant to extend health systems research and capacity-building into Namibia and Zambia. Tech for Identity Systems: A Turkmen firm says it will help produce Eswatini ID cards and biometric passports using secure chip technology aligned with international standards.

Nuclear Safety for Healthcare: Senior officials from nine African countries met in Nairobi to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in hospitals, with Kenya’s regulator KNRA hosting and the IAEA backing an action plan for better radiation safety systems. Digital Life & Community: Samuel Nartey George warned at a parliamentary conference in Accra that social media’s addictive design is replacing face-to-face ties, especially for children. Women in Politics Online: Eswatini’s Shura Council joined a global women parliamentarians conference in Belgrade, focusing on tackling stereotypes, violence and misinformation in digital spaces. UN Development Push: The UN launched its UNSDCF 2026–2030 in Eswatini, targeting human capital, jobs, climate resilience and inclusive governance, with an estimated E51.84bn investment to support SDGs. Aviation Standards: ESWACAA and SASO ran an ICAO regional workshop on aircraft and pavement classification ratings to help harmonise safer, more efficient air infrastructure. Local Climate Adaptation Funding: A new $30m programme will fund community-led climate resilience in Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe through local groups and tailored planning tools. Eswatini Tech & Identity: Turkmenistan’s Aýdyň Gijeler agreed to supply secure chips and produce national ID cards and biometric passports for Eswatini, aligning with ICAO and EU standards. Health Research Grant: The Thanzi Programme’s new grant will expand health systems research and capacity-building into Namibia and Zambia, supporting universal health coverage policy work. Jobs via Formalisation: A push to formalise informal businesses is highlighted as a route to unlock over 20,000 jobs.

Aviation Safety: ESWACAA and the SADC Aviation Safety Organisation hosted an ICAO regional workshop on Aircraft Classification Rating/Pavement Classification Rating (ACR/PCR), bringing together 12 African countries to align runway and pavement standards for safer, more efficient air transport. STEM Outreach: Merck’s Curiosity Cube™ mobile lab is inspiring learners across Southern Africa, with hands-on synthetic biology experiments in Zambia and Pretoria aimed at turning curiosity into future science careers. Health Research Funding: The Thanzi Programme (CHE) secured a new grant to expand health systems research and capacity-building into Namibia and Zambia, strengthening work on universal health coverage and policy development. Energy & Jobs Debate: eSwatini signed a Taiwan financing deal for the Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve (80 million litres), but questions remain over affordability amid high unemployment and poverty. Digital Literacy & Safety: TikTok reported major community-guideline removals across Sub-Saharan Africa and backed media-safety and child online safety initiatives, including partnerships involving Eswatini. Local Tech & Identity Tech: Turkmenistan’s Aýdyň Gijeler says it agreed on a high-tech project to produce Eswatini national ID cards and biometric passports using secure chip technology. Governance & Finance: The ENPF board crisis deepened after a legal opinion challenged the minister’s defence of a board chair appointment, leaving the fund’s governance effectively paralysed. Creative Economy: Eswatini marked World Book and Copyright Day 2026 with a push to protect SiSwati stories and intellectual property in the digital age.

STEM Outreach: Merck and the University of Zambia brought the Curiosity Cube™ mobile lab to Zambia, with 447 students running hands-on synthetic biology experiments using Cubelets and magnetic puzzles to spark STEM careers. Aviation Standards: ESWACAA and SASO hosted an ICAO regional workshop on Aircraft Classification Rating/Pavement Classification Rating (ACR/PCR), bringing together 12 African countries to align runway and pavement assessment standards for safer, more efficient air transport. Digital Safety & Media: TikTok reported major safety enforcement across Sub-Saharan Africa and highlighted partnerships for election preparedness and child online safety, including sessions with Kenya’s media and government-linked partners. Health Research Funding: Eswatini-linked Thanzi Programme secured a new $30m-style grant phase to expand health systems research and capacity-building into Namibia and Zambia, supporting universal health coverage policy work. Energy & Trade Watch: Eswatini’s Taiwan oil reserve deal and the wider China zero-tariff push (excluding Eswatini) both underline how geopolitics is shaping local development options. Tech & Identity Tech: Turkmenistan’s Aýdyň Gijeler agreed to supply secure chip-based ID cards and biometric passports for Eswatini, aiming to produce 1.5m IDs and 500k passports.

Energy & Infrastructure: Eswatini’s Taiwan-linked plan to build the Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve—an 80-million-litre petrol/diesel stockpile—raises big questions about affordability and who benefits as unemployment and poverty bite. Health Research: The Thanzi Programme’s new grant will expand health systems research and capacity-building into Namibia and Zambia, strengthening work on universal health coverage and policy use, with Eswatini among the ongoing partners. Digital Skills & Community Tech: Tsing Hua University’s International Volunteer Program marks 20 years, sending teams to Eswatini to support a girls’ shelter and digital education, plus computer classroom work across Africa. Biometrics & Secure IDs: Turkmenistan’s Aýdyň Gijeler says it will help produce Eswatini national ID cards and biometric passports using a secure chip platform, with land allocated for local production. STEM Outreach: Merck’s Curiosity Cube™ brought hands-on synthetic biology lessons to Pretoria learners, aiming to spark STEM careers. Climate Adaptation Funding: A $30m initiative approved for Southern Africa will route climate adaptation support to local groups in Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe from 2027–2032. Governance & Rights: Afrobarometer finds support for media freedom and organising is high, but perceived freedom of speech is shrinking—Eswatini scores particularly low. Work & AI: The UN labour agency says AI gains must reach workers through fair wages and stronger protections.

STEM Outreach: Merck’s Curiosity Cube™ mobile lab brought hands-on synthetic biology lessons to 1541 students across Pretoria, linking learners with University of Pretoria volunteers and showing how gene “on/off” ideas can become real-world solutions. Climate Finance: A $30m Adaptation Fund-backed programme will start in 2027, running to 2032, with money channelled directly to community groups in Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe to plan locally led water and farming resilience. Health Research: Eswatini-linked Thanzi Programme’s Thanzi Konse grant expands health systems research into Namibia and Zambia, aiming to strengthen universal health coverage policy and capacity with local ministries and universities. Student Support: SANU students face a one-month pause in living allowances after government declined an extension following campus disruptions tied to worker industrial action. Energy Security Debate: World Bank-linked reporting questions whether Eswatini can afford the Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve deal with Taiwan, even as it promises major fuel storage capacity. Digital Rights & Culture: Eswatini marked World Book Day 2026 with a push to protect SiSwati stories and intellectual property in the digital age. Security Tech: New purpose-engineered cash-in-transit vehicles and tracking upgrades are rolling out to reduce CIT robberies affecting South Africa and Eswatini.

AI and work: The UN’s labour agency says AI gains must reach workers fairly through better wages, stronger protections and inclusive growth. Health research funding: Eswatini-linked Thanzi Programme secures a grant to expand health systems research and capacity-building into Namibia and Zambia, supporting universal health coverage policy work. Energy and development debate: Eswatini’s planned Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve with Taiwan raises big questions about affordability amid high unemployment and poverty. Digital identity push: Turkmenistan’s Aýdyň Gijeler says it will help produce Eswatini national ID cards and biometric passports using secure chip technology. Industrial upgrades in sugar: SKF’s single-line grease system is being rolled out across six sugar mills to cut grease use and improve reliability and safety. CIT security tech: Fidelity and Ox Nché back next-generation armoured cash-in-transit vehicles as CIT robberies fall, with Eswatini included in the service footprint. Media freedom snapshot: Afrobarometer reports perceived freedom of speech is shrinking, with Eswatini among the lowest scores. Local tech/culture: Eswatini marks World Book Day 2026 with a push to protect SiSwati stories in the digital age.

Energy & Industry: Eswatini signed a $300m Taiwan deal to build the Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve—an 80-million-litre petrol/diesel stockpile—while critics question whether a country facing high unemployment and poverty can afford the project and whether benefits are reaching the public. Health Research: The Thanzi Programme (CHE) secured a grant to expand health systems research into Namibia and Zambia, aiming to strengthen universal health coverage policy and capacity-building across Southern and Eastern Africa. Digital Education & Community Tech: Taiwan’s National Tsing Hua University volunteer programme marks 20 years, sending students to support digital education and community projects including work in Eswatini. Governance & Finance: A confidential legal opinion challenges the ENPF board appointment process, with the fund’s board effectively paralysed after employer and employee representatives suspended participation. Security Tech & Logistics: Fidelity Services and Ox Nché launched next-generation armoured cash-in-transit vehicles, reporting improved protection and fewer successful attacks across routes serving South Africa and Eswatini. Tech Policy & Trade: China’s zero-tariff push is expanding across Africa, but the benefits depend on standards, logistics, and local industrial readiness—an issue raised in coverage that notes Eswatini is excluded.