AGP Executive Report

Cloud Fintech Upgrade: Ericsson and MTN Group Fintech have migrated MTN MoMo to a cloud-native platform across Eswatini and other markets, cutting API response times by up to 80% and setting up faster expansion under Ambition 2030. Aviation Inclusion: ESWACAA launched a Gender Equality Friday push to boost women’s roles in aviation, citing low numbers in engineering and air traffic control. Agri Innovation Win: UNESWA Luyengo Campus won Enactus Eswatini national champions for turning agricultural waste into fertiliser, earning E20,000 and a shot at the international stage. HIV Prevention Collaboration: Parliament and NERCHA deepened cooperation on HIV prevention, focusing on new infections and community-driven solutions. Construction Safety & Compliance: Investigations into the Bhunu Mall collapse raise questions about contractor qualifications and possible statutory compliance gaps. Tax Modernisation: Eswatini Revenue Service moves toward more digital, accountable tax collection as government targets E31.42bn revenue in 2026/27. El Niño Warning: NDRMA says the chance of a very strong El Niño is now above 90%, urging stronger preparedness. Royal Tech/Skills Support: King Mswati backed emaSwati students in Malaysia with US$1,000 each and urged them to return with high-level skills. Surveillance Tech Allegations: South Africa’s Madlanga Commission heard claims of a plan to sell phone interception “grabber” technology linked to officials and intermediaries tied to eSwatini. Land Demolition Risk: The Land Management Board is finalising a policy that could enable demolitions of homes built on hills and mountainous areas. Roads & Industry Push: Probase and Exim Bank secured a plan to tar about 250km of roads, with local jobs and long-term maintenance support.

Land & Safety: The Land Management Board is finalising a policy that could allow demolitions of homes and other structures built on Eswatini’s hills and mountainous areas, after ongoing construction despite environmental and safety warnings. Fintech Modernisation: Ericsson and MTN Group Fintech have migrated MTN MoMo to a cloud-native system across markets including Eswatini, boosting performance with faster API responses and a scalable base for Ambition 2030. Aviation Inclusion: ESWACAA launched a Gender Equality Friday initiative to raise women’s participation in aviation, citing major gaps in technical and leadership roles. Student Innovation: UNESWA Luyengo Campus won the 2026 Enactus Eswatini national championship by turning agricultural waste into fertiliser, earning E20,000 and a shot at international competition. HIV Prevention Collaboration: Parliament and NERCHA deepened cooperation on HIV prevention, focusing on new infections and community-driven solutions. Construction Oversight: Engineers probing the Bhunu Mall collapse say preliminary findings point to possible shortcomings in the contractor’s work, while broader policy concerns flag corruption and weak oversight in the E1.4bn construction sector. Roads & Industry Investment: Probase Manufacturing and Exim Bank secured King Mswati III’s support for paving more than 250km of roads, with local jobs and long-term maintenance plans. Health Funding: MPs passed a motion to create a health fund financed by levies to target TB, HIV/AIDS and cancer. Cyber & Surveillance Probe: Evidence at South Africa’s Madlanga Commission alleges attempts to sell cellphone interception “grabber” technology to eSwatini, linked to SAPS-related contacts.

Construction Oversight: Engineers scrutinising the Bhunu Mall collapse say the project may have breached statutory compliance, with concerns raised that the project manager was not a qualified engineer and that work showed signs of detachment before the fatal wall collapse. Surveillance Tech Allegations: Evidence at South Africa’s Madlanga Commission links alleged “grabber” cellphone interception plans to state-linked intermediaries, with WhatsApp chats describing how devices could be demonstrated using SAPS branding before being sold to eSwatini. ICT & Media: ESCCOM-licensed radio broadcaster Icon Connect says it will bring more local lifestyle, health and everyday programming, with startup costs running into the millions. Skills & Jobs: A Taiwan-backed skills showcase in 2026 highlighted practical training in areas including cyber security and auto electrical, with plans to expand intake and certification in 2027. Health Funding: MPs passed a motion to create a health fund financed by levies to target TB, HIV/AIDS and cancer amid donor funding gaps. Climate Risk: NDRMA warns El Niño odds are now above 90% for a very strong event, urging stronger preparedness. Roads & Industry: Probase and Exim Bank say 250km of roads will be tarred at about E1.6bn, with local jobs and long-term maintenance commitments. Youth & Learning: The King supported emaSwati students in Malaysia with US$1,000 each and urged them to return with high-level skills for Eswatini’s First World goal.

Royal Tech & Skills Push: His Majesty King Mswati III backed emaSwati students in Malaysia with US$1,000 each and urged them to return with high-level skills to drive Eswatini toward “First-World” status. Roads & Infrastructure Finance: Probase Manufacturing and Exim Bank assured the King that about 250km of untarred roads will be tarred at a cost of about E1.6bn, with local jobs and 15-year maintenance plans. Health Funding in Parliament: MPs passed a motion to create a health fund financed through levies (including a possible communication levy) to target TB, HIV/AIDS and cancer. Tax Modernisation: The Eswatini Revenue Service is positioned as a key pillar of fiscal discipline, with digitalisation and stronger compliance aimed at boosting the 2026/27 revenue target of E31.42bn. Tech Governance at RSTP: Recruitment for a substantive CEO at the Royal Science and Technology Park has dragged on for nearly three years, with a fresh advert and an Aug 31 deadline. Construction Oversight Alert: Engineers raised concerns after the Bhunu Mall collapse, pointing to possible shortcomings in renovation work. Aquaculture Jobs: Government is expanding inland fish farming via the Maguga Dam project, building on a new aquaculture research and production centre to cut imports and strengthen food security. Cyber Safety for Children: Government says it is working with ICT and ESCCOM to regulate harmful online content for minors, though no specific minimum age was stated. Regional STEM Win: UNESWA student Vuyelwa Karabo Simelane won the 2026 SADC tertiary essay competition, taking US$2,000. Climate Risk Watch: NDRMA warns El Niño odds have risen to over 90% for a very strong event, urging stronger preparedness. Surveillance Tech Scandal (Regional): South Africa’s Madlanga Commission heard allegations of “grabber” cellphone surveillance technology being pursued for sale to eSwatini, involving claims of police-linked facilitation.

Tax modernisation: The Eswatini Revenue Service is set to drive a tighter, more tech-led tax system as the 2026/27 Budget targets E31.42bn revenue, with E18.09bn from taxes, focusing on compliance, enforcement, digitalisation and better administration. RSTP leadership delay: The Royal Science and Technology Park CEO recruitment is still stuck, with a new advert issued after the substantive appointment process dragged on for nearly three years. Infrastructure investment push: King Mswati invited Malaysia’s SMH Rail to invest in Eswatini, aligning with regional plans to boost industrialisation through rail and freight. Roads upgrade: Probase and Exim Bank are set to tar about 250km of roads across Eswatini’s four regions at an estimated E1.6bn, with jobs for locals during construction. Construction safety concerns: Engineers investigating the Bhunu Mall collapse say the renovation work may have had shortcomings, after a concrete structure reportedly detached and fell, killing one and injuring others. Health funding move: MPs passed a motion to create a health fund financed by levies to target TB, HIV/AIDS and cancer. Surveillance scandal fallout: Evidence at South Africa’s Madlanga Commission alleges a plan to sell cellphone interception “grabber” technology to Eswatini, involving claims of police-linked fronts and WhatsApp-linked negotiations. Skills and training: A Taiwan-backed upskilling showcase will expand in 2027, with trainees demonstrating skills including cyber security and Microsoft Office. Climate risk warning: NDRMA says El Niño odds for a very strong event are now above 90%, urging stronger preparedness. Youth and jobs angle: A copyright and media workshop highlights how better copyright systems could help turn creativity into sustainable income amid high unemployment. Aquaculture jobs push: Government is expanding inland fish farming via the Maguga Dam project, building on a new aquaculture research and production centre to cut imports and create jobs.

Bhunu Mall Probe: Engineers inspecting the fatal Bhunu Mall collapse say visible signs suggest a second-floor concrete structure detached from an existing wall before falling about 10 metres, killing one worker and injuring four; contractor J & E Construction (Pty) Ltd has not responded to requests for comment. Health Financing Push: MPs have passed a motion to create a health fund financed by levies (including a possible communications levy) to target TB, HIV/AIDS and cancer, with a Bill expected within 90 days. Specialist Training Boost: Zimbabwe’s ECSACOG graduation highlights a regional push for more specialist medical training and retention of health professionals. Construction Integrity Concerns: A national construction policy flags corruption, weak tendering, poor oversight and sub-standard delivery as threats to transparency in the E1.43bn sector. Surveillance Tech Allegations: Evidence at South Africa’s Madlanga commission claims police infiltration attempts to sell “grabber” phone-interception devices to eSwatini, using SAPS stamps and WhatsApp-linked negotiations. Youth, Jobs & IP: A copyright awareness push argues Eswatini should better turn creativity into sustainable livelihoods as unemployment remains high. Climate Risk Update: NDRMA warns El Niño odds have risen to a very strong event, urging stronger preparedness. Skills & Cyber: A Taiwan-backed upskilling showcase in Eswatini is set to expand in 2027, including cyber security training. Food Security via Aquaculture: Government is expanding inland fish farming through the Maguga Dam project, building on a new aquaculture research and production centre. Education Win: An Eswatini UNESWA student won the 2026 SADC tertiary essay competition, taking home US$2,000.

Copyright & Jobs: Eswatini’s Copyright Office and ESWACOS ran a Copyright Awareness and Media Engagement Workshop, arguing that a working intellectual property system could help turn local creativity into sustainable income, not just protect works. Central Banking: The Central Bank of Eswatini posted a E40.8m profit for the year ended March 31, 2026, but reported a much larger total comprehensive loss after revaluation losses. Unemployment Snapshot: New ILO-modelled World Bank data ranks Eswatini Africa’s highest unemployment rate at 34.2% (about one in three people in the labour force). Climate Risk: NDRMA warns El Niño odds have climbed to more than 90% for a very strong event, pushing for stronger preparedness. Child Safety Online: Government is working with ICT and ESCCOM to censor harmful social media content for children, though no minimum age was stated. Renewables & Skills: UNDP urges Eswatini to use renewable energy for energy security and investment value; Taiwan’s skills showcase is set to expand in 2027, including cyber security and Microsoft Office. Aquaculture Push: IFAD data supports Eswatini’s aquaculture jobs push as inland fish farming expands via the Maguga Dam project. Surveillance Scandal: The Madlanga Commission heard WhatsApp chats alleging police-linked “grabber” spy-tech plans to sell cellphone interception tools to eSwatini, using SAPS stamps and stamps/force details to misrepresent a Czech demonstration. HIV Prevention Update: Eswatini’s HIV Prevention Indaba reports about 4,220 new infections in 2024 and highlights barriers to prevention; a separate session flagged a worrying “Bluetooth” trend of pupils injecting each other’s blood after drug use. Education Win: A UNESWA student, Vuyelwa Karabo Simelane, won the 2026 SADC tertiary essay competition, taking US$2,000.

Spy-Tech Probe: The Madlanga commission heard WhatsApp chats alleging a “Big Five” cartel boss, taxi heavyweight Jothan Msibi, and suspended Sgt Fannie Nkosi helped push for cellphone interception “grabbers” via a Czech firm—using SAPS stamps and false claims to sell the devices to eSwatini. Governance & Procurement: A new construction policy flags corruption, weak tendering, poor oversight and unfair competition in the E1.43bn sector, calling for reforms to protect transparency and fair play. Child Online Safety: Government says it’s working with ICT and ESCCOM to regulate harmful social media content for children, but no clear minimum age was announced. Agriculture: Soil experts urge farmers to start spring prep with fertility checks and soil testing through accredited labs to restore nutrients and pH after winter. Aquaculture Jobs: IFAD data backs Eswatini’s push to expand inland fish farming, with a Maguga Dam-linked effort aimed at cutting imports and creating aquaculture work. Skills & Cyber: Taiwan’s TVET showcase returns in 2027, expanding trainee intake and industry links after a 2026 event that included cyber security training. Health Focus: Eswatini’s HIV prevention study reports about 4,220 new infections in 2024, with prevention needing to be more community-led to hit the 2030 target. Finance for Citizens: The Central Bank says retail bonds are coming soon to broaden trusted investment options for the public. Regional Science & Learning: A UNESWA student won the 2026 SADC tertiary essay prize, taking US$2,000 for her Biology and Chemistry work.

Surveillance & Cartels Exposed: The Madlanga Commission heard WhatsApp messages linking late taxi boss Jothan Msibi to alleged “grabber” spy-tech deals and intimidation tactics, including chats about Czech equipment and attempts to misrepresent the work as SAPS-linked. Aquaculture Jobs Push: IFAD data backs Eswatini’s plan to expand inland fish farming via the Maguga Dam project, aiming to cut imports and create aquaculture employment. Skills for Work (TVET): Taiwan-backed Upskilling Certification and Skills Showcase is set to expand in 2027, with more trainees, industry links, and pathways into certification and jobs. HIV Programme Continuity: Kenya’s KDF is moving to sustain its HIV response as external support declines, exploring stronger institutional ownership and health research partnerships. Student STEM Win: UNESWA student Vuyelwa Karabo Simelane won the 2026 SADC tertiary essay prize, taking home US$2,000. HIV Prevention Data: Eswatini’s HIV Prevention Indaba reported about 4,220 new infections in 2024 and highlighted barriers to reaching the 2030 “zero new infections” goal. Renewables for Security: UNDP urged Eswatini to use renewable energy to strengthen energy security and unlock investment, stressing execution over promises. Civic Tech & Health: A UiA project developed an offline-capable mobile app to help healthcare workers detect female genital schistosomiasis, tackling misdiagnosis risks. Local Finance Innovation: The Central Bank of Eswatini says retail bonds are coming soon to broaden trusted investment options for households. Regional Trade Talks: India and SACU signed Terms of Reference to start preferential trade agreement negotiations, covering market access, customs, SPS, and dispute settlement.

SADC Industrial Push: Leaders in Durban backed a regional tourism visa (SADC Tourism UNIVISA) and put critical minerals, infrastructure and agricultural transformation at the centre of a new industrialisation agenda, with South Africa’s Cyril Ramaphosa set to lead the bloc. Eswatini HIV Focus: Manzini HIV Prevention Indaba findings show women were 61.1% of participants and Eswatini recorded about 4,220 new HIV infections in 2024, up from ~4,000—raising pressure to hit “zero new infections” by 2030. Renewables for Energy Security: UNDP urged Eswatini to scale renewable energy to strengthen energy security, competitiveness and investment, stressing execution over promises. Public Health Warning: A teacher flagged a worrying school trend where pupils allegedly inject each other’s blood (“Bluetooth”), alongside rising vaping use. Local Finance Access: The Central Bank of Eswatini says retail bonds are coming soon to broaden trusted investment options for the public. Water Infrastructure Boost: EWADE reports over E739.2m already spent on Eswatini-owned firms for the Mpakeni Dam, supporting nearly 200 local businesses. Connectivity Value: A Mbabane panel argued connectivity’s real value is reliability and outcomes, not just cheap data. Trade & Tech Links: India and SACU signed ToR to start preferential trade talks, while Eswatini and India pledged deeper ICT cooperation as an envoy departs. STEM Scholarships: Illovo Sugar Malawi funded first STEM scholarships worth K71.3m for 31 young women at MUST. Circular Economy Challenge: Entrepreneurs across the region can compete for R250k for circular economy ideas. AI in Auditing: African audit institutions were urged to adopt AI, data science and cybersecurity tools to strengthen fraud detection.

SADC Summit Watch: Leaders meet in Durban for the 46th SADC summit, pushing an industrialisation agenda built on infrastructure, agriculture and critical minerals—aiming to cut internal trade barriers and grow a stronger regional market. HIV Prevention Data: Eswatini’s HIV Prevention Indaba study reports 61.1% of participants were women, with 4,220 new infections recorded in 2024—raising pressure to reach the 2030 “zero new infections” goal with more community-led prevention. Energy Security Push: UNDP urges Eswatini to use renewable energy to strengthen energy security, competitiveness and resilience, and to turn “waste” materials into value through green finance and sustainable enterprises. Local Tech & Health: UiA research is developing an offline-capable mobile app to help healthcare workers detect female genital schistosomiasis, tackling misdiagnosis and improving care in real field conditions. Finance for Everyone: The Central Bank of Eswatini says retail bonds are coming soon, widening trusted investment options for households and strengthening local financial markets. Trade & Digital Cooperation: Eswatini and India pledge deeper ICT cooperation as an envoy departs, while India and SACU sign ToR to restart preferential trade talks. Language & Media: ICT calls on broadcasters to standardise SiSwati terminology and grammar to protect language quality across radio and TV. STEM Scholarships: Illovo Sugar Malawi funds first K71.3m STEM scholarships for 31 young women, backing skills that can feed regional innovation. Circular Economy Challenge: Entrepreneurs across SACU are invited to pitch circular ideas for a chance at R250,000 plus mentorship and product testing exposure.

HIV Prevention Research Update: Eswatini’s HIV Prevention Indaba study shows women are 61.1% of the 1,284 participants, with Manzini leading at 34.7% and young in-school youth at 21.2%, using focus groups and interviews to map barriers to prevention. HIV Spike Warning: New infections rose to about 4,220 in 2024 (from ~4,000), threatening the 2030 “zero new infections” goal and pointing to structural and social barriers that still block progress. School Health Risk: A teacher says pupils are allegedly injecting each other’s blood after taking drugs (“Bluetooth”), raising HIV transmission fears and highlighting the need for faster school-level awareness. Energy Security Push: UNDP urges Eswatini to leverage renewable energy to strengthen energy security and unlock investment, stressing execution over promises. Public Finance Innovation: The Central Bank of Eswatini says retail bonds are coming soon to broaden trusted investment options for households and businesses. Local Tech for Health: UiA research has produced an offline-capable mobile app to help healthcare workers detect female genital schistosomiasis, a frequently missed neglected tropical disease. Trade & Tech Links: India and SACU signed terms of reference to start a preferential trade agreement, with talks expected to begin within a month and cover goods, customs and SPS measures—Eswatini included. Connectivity Matters: A Mbabane panel argues connectivity value is about reliability and outcomes, not just cheap data. Circular Economy Call: Entrepreneurs across Southern Africa can apply for a circular innovation challenge with R250,000 up for grabs.

HIV Prevention Research: Eswatini’s national HIV Prevention Indaba study shows women are 61.1% of 1,284 participants, with Manzini leading (34.7%) and young in-school youth at 21.2%, using focus groups and interviews to map prevention barriers. HIV Spike Warning: New infections rose to about 4,220 in 2024 (from ~4,000), threatening the 2030 “zero new infections” goal and pointing to social and structural barriers that need more community-led prevention. Public Health in Schools: A teacher warns of pupils allegedly injecting each other’s blood after drug use (“Bluetooth”), alongside rising vaping among learners—raising HIV risk and calling for faster school response. Energy Security Push: UNDP urges Eswatini to use renewable energy to strengthen energy security and competitiveness, stressing execution over promises. Local Tech for Health: UiA research develops an offline-capable mobile app to help healthcare workers detect female genital schistosomiasis, tackling misdiagnosis in low-resource settings. Finance for Everyday Investors: The Central Bank of Eswatini says retail bonds are coming soon to broaden trusted investment options for locals. Water Infrastructure Jobs: EWADE reports E739.2m already spent on Eswatini-owned firms for the under-construction Mpakeni Dam, supporting nearly 200 local contractors. Connectivity Value: A Mbabane panel says connectivity’s real value is reliability and outcomes, not just cheap data. ICT & Language: Broadcasters are urged to standardise SiSwati terminology and grammar to protect language integrity. Renewables & Agriculture Skills: Climate-smart tunnel training backs young farmers with practical, sustainable methods and resilience planning. Trade & Digital Diplomacy: India and SACU sign ToR to start preferential trade talks, while youth drone operators are set to travel as part of a tech-focused diplomacy programme.

HIV Prevention in Schools: A Manzini teacher warned of a new “Bluetooth” trend where pupils inject each other’s blood after taking drugs, raising HIV risk and showing how quickly risky behaviour is evolving in classrooms. HIV Targets Under Pressure: Eswatini recorded about 4,220 new HIV infections in 2024, up from roughly 4,000, threatening the country’s 2030 “zero new infections” goal and pointing to structural barriers that still block prevention efforts. Public Health Tech: UiA research is developing an offline-capable mobile app to help healthcare workers detect female genital schistosomiasis, aiming to reduce misdiagnosis and improve care in real clinic conditions. Local Finance Access: The Central Bank of Eswatini says retail bonds will be rolled out soon, giving more people a trusted way to save and invest. Energy Costs Watch: Eswatini’s power utility plans another tariff application after the 13.61% hike took effect earlier in 2026, amid ongoing financial pressure. Circular Economy Push: Eswatini entrepreneurs can enter a Southern Africa Circular Innovation Challenge for R250,000 in investment and mentorship, with testing at the V&A Waterfront. STEM Scholarships: Illovo Sugar Malawi disbursed K71.3 million for 31 young women in STEM, boosting regional talent pipelines. Trade & Tech Links: Eswatini’s ICT ministry highlighted ongoing cooperation with India, while broadcasters were urged to standardise SiSwati language use to strengthen cultural tech in media.

HIV Prevention in Schools: A Manzini HIV Prevention Indaba heard a teacher claim pupils are allegedly “injecting each other’s blood” after taking drugs, warning the practice could spread HIV, alongside concerns about peer pressure and vaping devices that are hard for adults to spot. HIV Numbers: Eswatini reported about 4,220 new HIV infections in 2024, up from roughly 4,000, with researchers urging more people-centred, community-led prevention to hit the 2030 “zero new infections” goal. Public Health Tech: A UiA research project says it has built an offline-capable mobile app to help healthcare workers detect female genital schistosomiasis, aiming to reduce misdiagnosis that can be mistaken for cervical cancer or other infections. Local Finance: The Central Bank of Eswatini says retail bonds are set to be rolled out soon, aiming to broaden trusted investment options for the public. Energy Costs: Eswatini’s power utility plans to submit a new electricity tariff application after a prior 13.61% hike, as it faces ongoing financial pressure. STEM Opportunities: Illovo Sugar Malawi disbursed K71.3 million in STEM scholarships for 31 young women, highlighting regional investment in science and technology talent. Trade & Tech Links: India and SACU signed terms of reference to start preferential trade talks, with India pointing to potential support in affordable medicines and IT skills for the region. Circular Economy Pitch: Eswatini and neighbours are invited to a circular innovation challenge with R250,000 up for grabs for entrepreneurs with ready prototypes. Connectivity Value: A Mbabane panel stressed that connectivity’s real value is reliability and outcomes, not just cheap data. Water Infrastructure Boost: EWADE says the under-construction Mpakeni Dam has already injected about E739.2 million into local businesses via Eswatini-owned contractors. Agriculture Value Chains: A World Bank review highlights maize, dairy, beef and vegetables as priority value chains, but says Eswatini needs market-linked investment, not just more inputs. Language & Media: Eswatini’s ICT ministry urged broadcasters to standardise SiSwati terminology and grammar to protect language integrity nationwide. Youth & Skills: Eswatini’s trade fair planning points to EITF 2026 drawing 70,000+ attendees, with a green economy theme aimed at sustainable business and innovation.

Mobile Health Tech: UiA researchers have built an offline-capable mobile app to help healthcare workers detect female genital schistosomiasis, a frequently misdiagnosed neglected tropical disease affecting millions of girls and women. Public Finance & Investing: The Central Bank of Eswatini says retail bonds are coming soon, aiming to widen trusted investment options for households and strengthen participation in local financial markets. STEM Scholarships: Illovo Sugar Malawi has disbursed K71.3 million for 31 young women in STEM at MUST, with the fund renamed after Prof. Address Malata. Circular Economy Funding: A regional Circular Innovation Challenge is offering R250,000 plus mentorship for circular-economy entrepreneurs with prototypes ready for testing. Trade & Skills Links: India and SACU have signed terms of reference to restart talks on a preferential trade agreement, covering areas like goods, customs, SPS and dispute settlement, with Eswatini included. Energy Costs Watch: EEC plans to submit a new electricity tariff application to ESERA after earlier tariff hikes, amid ongoing financial pressure. Connectivity Value: A Mbabane panel argues connectivity’s real value is reliability and outcomes, not just cheap data. Local Water Jobs: EWADE reports E739.2m already spent on Eswatini-owned firms for the Mpakeni Dam, supporting hundreds of local contractors.