AGP Executive Report

TB Fight Watch: The 2025 SADC Annual TB Progress Report says incidence fell 26% since 2016, but the region still carries 55% of WHO Africa TB notifications, with progress plateauing as a “global funding shock” threatens 2030 elimination goals. Higher Ed Safety: Eswatini is stepping up safeguards against sexual harassment and gender-based violence in universities under the Litsemba Rising initiative, citing high lifetime exposure rates among young women and higher risk for students. Solar Power for Eswatini: Tsamela’s 20MW Enduma–Motshane solar PV project moves forward under a 25-year power purchase deal, aiming to cut electricity imports and create local jobs. Big Solar Investment: Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo secures a R3bn, 300MW Eswatini solar IPP with CHiNT Electric, positioning it as one of the kingdom’s largest renewables pushes. Digital Health & Governance: South Africa’s communications ministry and the PSC will brief media on its investigation into Sita after allegations of governance failures and procurement irregularities. Mobile Tech & Jobs: MTN Eswatini confirms Jerry Soko as substantive CEO from July 1, after an acting stint focused on network and customer performance. Biotech Data Access: ISAAA AfriCenter launches the Biotec Africa Database portal to centralise biotech crop approval and biosafety requirements across countries. Regional Funding: SACU heads agree to seed a N$5bn regional innovative funding mechanism from 2027/28 to back development projects across member states. AI for Social Protection: A Southern Africa social security forum highlights AI use with privacy safeguards, including low-tech access options like USSD/SMS interfaces. Games for Africa: Google Play launches an equity-free Indie Games Fund for Africa, including support for studios across 32 countries.

Wildlife Science & Conservation: The Origins Foundation and The Metapopulation Initiative (TMI) signed a five-year, science-driven partnership to expand cheetah conservation across Southern Africa, including veterinary support and large-scale translocations; it also follows TMI’s recent cheetah moves into Mozambique and the first successful reintroduction into Eswatini after decades. Renewable Energy: Eswatini’s Tsamela solar PV project (20MW) is set to cut electricity imports, with 37,000+ bifacial panels, an estimated first-year output of 47,788MWh, and local investor equity plus debt led by Standard Bank. Solar Investment: Wicknell Chivayo secured a R3bn deal for a 300MW solar plant in Eswatini with CHiNT Electric, aiming to boost generation capacity via an IPP model. Digital Economy & Telecom: MTN Eswatini confirmed Jerry Soko as substantive CEO from July 1, after seven months as acting CEO, citing improved operational discipline and customer focus. Health Tech & Research: Local researchers, with an international team, reported next-generation sequencing that can better detect drug-resistant TB strains missed by routine tests. Higher Education Safety: Eswatini strengthened safeguards against sexual harassment and gender-based violence in higher education through the Litsemba Rising initiative. Biotech Data Access: ISAAA AfriCentre launched a Biotec Africa Database portal to centralise biotech and biosafety regulatory information for easier cross-border decision-making. Regional Tech Policy: The Southern Africa Social Security forum discussed using AI for social protection while protecting personal information and document authenticity. Funding for Creative Tech: Google Play launched an Africa Indie Games Fund (equity-free) to support independent studios scaling games for global audiences.

Renewable Energy in Eswatini: The Tsamela 20MW solar PV project in Hhohho is set to cut import reliance, with 150 construction jobs and 10 permanent roles, plus local equity and debt financing led by Standard Bank. Solar Investment Deal: Wicknell Chivayo’s Intratrek Holdings secured a R3bn, 300MW solar IPP in Eswatini with CHiNT Electric, aiming to boost generation capacity on a 120-hectare site. Digital Economy & Telecom: MTN Eswatini confirmed Jerry Soko as substantive CEO from July 1, after seven months as acting boss, as the operator pushes its digital transformation agenda. Biotech & Regulation: ISAAA AfriCenter launched the Biotec Africa Database portal to centralise biotech crop approval and biosafety requirements across African countries. Agritech Research: Local researchers reported progress in TB diagnostics, using targeted next-generation sequencing to better spot drug-resistant strains missed by routine tests. Higher Education Safety: Eswatini is strengthening safeguards against sexual harassment and gender-based violence in higher education under the Litsemba Rising initiative. Regional Tech Policy: The Southern Africa Social Security forum discussed using AI responsibly in public services, including privacy and document authenticity. Funding for Creators: Google Play launched an equity-free Indie Games Fund for Africa, backing small studios with cash plus mentorship to scale games globally.

Higher Education Safety: Eswatini is stepping up safeguards against sexual harassment and gender-based violence in universities, with research cited that one in four women aged 19–24 has experienced sexual violence and higher-education students face far higher assault risk; the Litsemba Rising dialogue in Mbabane on 30 June brought government, universities, civil society and media together to prevent abuse. Renewable Power in Eswatini: The Tsamela 20MW solar PV project in Hhohho is moving forward under a 25-year power purchase agreement, aiming to cut electricity imports and create jobs, while another major solar deal—Chivayo’s R3bn, 300MW project—signals continued investment momentum. Biotech Transparency: ISAAA AfriCenter launched the Biotec Africa Database portal to centralise biotech and biosafety regulatory information across African countries, helping traders and regulators find approval decisions and cross-border requirements faster. Digital Transformation: MTN Eswatini confirmed Jerry Soko as substantive CEO from 1 July 2026, after an acting stint focused on operational discipline and customer engagement. Regional Tech Policy: The Southern Africa Social Security forum discussed using AI responsibly in social protection, including data protection and access via simple phone-based interfaces.

Renewables for Eswatini’s grid: Tsamela’s 20MW solar PV project in Hhohho (near Ngwenya) targets lower import reliance, with ~150 construction jobs and ~10 permanent roles, plus local equity and debt financing led by Standard Bank. Big solar investment: Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo secured a R3bn deal for a 300MW Eswatini solar IPP with CHiNT Electric, after receiving citizenship and a diplomatic passport. Biotech transparency: ISAAA AfriCentre launched the Biotec Africa Database portal to centralise biotech and biosafety regulatory info, helping traders and regulators across Africa. Health tech cooperation: The Southern Africa Social Security forum discussed using AI in social protection while protecting personal data, including low-tech access via USSD/SMS. Digital leadership in Eswatini: MTN Eswatini confirmed Jerry Soko as substantive CEO from July 1, after seven months as acting CEO. Regional funding push: SACU leaders agreed to seed a N$5bn Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism for development projects starting 2027/28. Science for TB care: Local researchers highlighted next-generation sequencing that can better detect drug-resistant TB strains missed by routine tests. Tech funding for creators: Google Play launched an equity-free Indie Games Fund for Africa, backing small studios with capital plus mentorship. Security and cross-border enforcement: Tanzania’s DCEA intensified efforts to track drug traffickers who fled abroad, working with partners including Eswatini.

Google Play Funding: Google Play launched an equity-free Indie Games Fund for Africa, putting Sh129m (about $1m) into independent studios across 32 countries with grants of $50k–$200k plus mentorship. Solar Power Push (Eswatini): The Tsamela solar PV project in Hhohho (Enduma, Motshane) targets 20MW, with about 150 construction jobs and 10 permanent roles, aiming to cut Eswatini’s electricity import reliance. Big Solar Deal (Eswatini): Zimbabwean investor Wicknell Chivayo secured a R3bn, 300MW solar IPP partnership with CHiNT Electric, backed by a 120-hectare site allocation. Biotech Data Access: ISAAA AfriCenter launched the Biotec Africa Database portal to centralise biotech and biosafety regulatory information, helping traders and regulators navigate approvals and cross-border requirements. Anti-Drug Cooperation: Eswatini-linked DCEA operations intensified to track Tanzanian drug traffickers across southern Africa, including joint efforts with regional law enforcement. MTN Leadership: MTN Eswatini confirmed Jerry Soko as substantive CEO from July 1, 2026, after seven months as acting CEO. TB Diagnostics: Local researchers highlighted drug-resistant TB detection gains using targeted next-generation sequencing, improving identification of rifampicin-resistant strains missed by routine tests.

Solar Power Build-Out: Anthem’s Tsamela 20MW bifacial solar PV plant is moving forward near Ngwenya (Enduma, Motshane, Hhohho), part of ESERA’s 75MW procurement push, with an estimated E400m+ cost, ~150 construction jobs, and local financing targets (30% equity and 30% debt sourced locally). Renewables Investment: Wicknell Chivayo’s Intratrek Holdings secured a R3bn deal to develop a 300MW solar IPP in Eswatini with CHiNT Electric, on a 120-hectare site allocated by King Mswati III, aiming to cut electricity import dependence. Biotech Data Access: ISAAA AfriCenter launched the Biotec Africa Database portal to centralise country-specific biotech crop approval decisions and biosafety requirements, helping regulators and traders find and use information faster across borders. Digital Public Services & AI Governance: The Southern Africa Social Security Stakeholders’ Forum discussed using AI in social protection while protecting personal data, including plans for SMS/USSD access for users without smartphones. Telecom Leadership: MTN Eswatini confirmed Jerry Soko as substantive CEO from July 1, 2026, after seven months as acting CEO focused on network and customer performance. Regional Innovation Funding: SACU leaders agreed to set up a regional innovative funding mechanism with an initial N$5bn capital across 2027/28 and 2028/29 to back development projects across member states.

Google Cloud Summit: President Cyril Ramaphosa opened the first-ever Google Cloud Summit on the African continent, framing cloud and AI as the infrastructure for Africa’s next economic leap. AI for Social Protection: The Southern Africa Social Security Stakeholders’ Forum discussed using AI in public services while protecting personal data and keeping official documents authentic, including plans for simple-phone access to services. MTN Leadership in Eswatini: MTN Eswatini confirmed Jerry Soko as CEO from 1 July 2026 after seven months as acting CEO, citing improved operational discipline and stronger customer focus. Cloud POS for Local Retail: Towa marked 25 years in cloud point-of-sale for retail and hospitality, with rental packages and a presence reaching Eswatini. Regional Trade Funding: SACU leaders agreed to set up a new N$5 billion innovative funding mechanism to back development projects across member states. Health Tech: Local researchers reported next-generation sequencing that can detect hidden drug-resistant TB strains missed by routine tests. Youth Challenges in Eswatini: The State of the Youth Report 2026 flags heavy alcohol use and youth unemployment at 56%, linking both to weakened support systems, poverty and limited opportunities.

AI & Social Protection: The Southern Africa Social Security Stakeholders’ Forum put responsible AI on the agenda, with Eswatini and neighbours discussing policy, data protection, and low-tech access like USSD/SMS for SSE services. Telecom Leadership: MTN Eswatini confirmed Jerry Soko as CEO from 1 July 2026, after an acting stint focused on network discipline and customer engagement. Regional Funding for Innovation: SACU leaders agreed to set up a N$5 billion innovative funding mechanism to back development projects across member states, with governance and access rules to be finalised. Health Tech & Research: Local researchers in southern Africa reported improved detection of drug-resistant TB using targeted next-generation sequencing, aiming to reduce missed MDR-TB cases. Youth & Skills Pressure: Eswatini’s State of the Youth Report 2026 flags 56% youth unemployment and rising alcohol use, linking social strain to poverty and weak support systems. Public Services Cooperation: Azerbaijan and Eswatini approved an MoU to build an advanced mechanism for public service delivery. Digital Jobs Pipeline: Google launched a fund for independent game studios across Africa, offering equity-free support and mentorship for scaling local games.

Telecom Leadership: MTN Eswatini confirms Jerry Soko as substantive CEO on a two-year contract, after seven months as acting CEO, with the board citing stronger network competitiveness and customer focus. Regional Trade & Industry: SACU leaders agreed to set up a Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism with an initial N$5 billion capital, aiming to back development projects across member states and support industrialisation and export growth. Health Tech: Local researchers report a breakthrough in TB diagnostics, using targeted next-generation sequencing to detect drug-resistant strains that routine tests can miss, potentially improving treatment for MDR-TB patients. Youth & Skills: Eswatini’s State of the Youth Report 2026 flags heavy alcohol use and youth unemployment at 56%, linking the pressures to weakened family support, poverty, and limited opportunities. Agriculture Innovation: The Eswatini Solutions Marketplace 2026 is calling for home-grown tech solutions to cut post-harvest losses, boost productivity, and strengthen value chains. Digital & Public Services: Azerbaijan approved an MoU with Eswatini’s Ministry of Information, Communications and Technology to create an advanced mechanism for public service delivery. STEM Inspiration: Merck’s Curiosity Cube™ brought hands-on science to schools in South Africa, showing how mobile labs can spark future STEM careers across the region.

SACU Innovation Funding: SACU leaders agreed to set up a Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism with an initial N$5 billion capital, drawn from the Common Revenue Pool, to back development projects across member states and strengthen industrialisation and value chains. Local Health Tech: Eswatini-linked researchers report progress in TB diagnostics, using targeted next-generation sequencing to spot drug-resistant strains that routine tests can miss—aiming for more accurate treatment. Youth Skills & Jobs: Eswatini’s State of the Youth Report 2026 flags heavy alcohol use and youth unemployment at 56%, pointing to weakened family support, poverty, and limited opportunities. Agriculture Innovation: The Eswatini Solutions Marketplace 2026 is calling for home-grown tech solutions to cut post-harvest losses, boost productivity, and strengthen value chains. STEM Inspiration: A Merck “Curiosity Cube™” mobile science lab is bringing hands-on STEM learning to students across South Africa, including synthetic biology activities. Energy & Investment: Wicknell Chivayo’s Eswatini citizenship and diplomatic passport come alongside a reported E3 billion, 300MW solar project plan. Regional Tech Diplomacy: Azerbaijan and Eswatini approved an MoU on creating an advanced public services mechanism, linking ICT and service delivery.

SACU Funding Push: Heads of State at the 9th SACU Summit agreed to set up a Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism with an initial N$5 billion from the Common Revenue Pool, aimed at development projects across all SACU members, with technical work now focused on governance, access rules and project pipelines. Regional Integration Call: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa urged SACU members to deepen regional integration, arguing no country can prosper alone as trade patterns, supply chains and new technologies reshape competitiveness. TB Diagnostic Breakthrough: Local researchers with an international consortium report that targeted next-generation sequencing can spot drug-resistant TB strains missed by routine tests, potentially improving treatment accuracy for MDR-TB in southern Africa. Eswatini Youth Pressure: Eswatini’s State of the Youth Report 2026 flags heavy alcohol use and high youth unemployment (56%), linking social problems to weakened family support, poverty and limited opportunities. Court and Civic Rights: Eswatini’s Supreme Court ordered the government to officially recognize and register the LGBT advocacy group ESGM, giving authorities 60 days to comply. Solar Investment Controversy: Eswatini granted Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo citizenship and a diplomatic passport, alongside a reported E3 billion plan for a 300MW solar project—sparking public backlash. Agriculture Innovation: The Eswatini Solutions Marketplace 2026 is calling for home-grown tech solutions to boost productivity, cut post-harvest losses and strengthen value chains, including examples like Nutri Plum fertiliser.

TB Diagnostics: Local researchers, working with an international team, report that targeted next-generation sequencing can spot drug-resistant TB strains missed by routine tests—potentially reducing misdiagnosis and improving treatment in southern Africa. Youth & Health: Eswatini’s State of the Youth Report 2026 flags 56% youth unemployment and rising social harm, including heavy alcohol use and growing youth crime linked to poverty, weak support systems, and limited opportunities. Agritech Innovation: The Eswatini Solutions Marketplace 2026 is calling for home-grown solutions to boost agriculture—tackling climate stress, post-harvest losses, low productivity, and weak value addition. Regional Trade & SACU: Leaders at the 9th SACU Summit stress that no country can prosper alone as trade patterns and technology shift—pushing stronger regional integration and value chains. STEM Pipeline: Merck’s Curiosity Cube™ brought hands-on synthetic biology and DNA-based learning to students across Johannesburg, aiming to spark more STEM careers. Governance & Procurement: SADC anti-corruption agencies adopt reforms to strengthen transparency, including moving procurement from manual systems to electronic platforms. Energy & Investment: Eswatini’s government says Wicknell Chivayo received citizenship and a diplomatic passport, alongside a planned 300MW solar project investment.

TB Diagnostics: Local researchers, working with an international consortium, say targeted next-generation sequencing can spot drug-resistant TB strains that routine tests miss—highlighting a likely undercount of MDR-TB in southern Africa and pointing to rifampicin resistance linked to the rpoB I491F mutation. Youth & Health: Eswatini’s State of the Youth Report 2026 warns that 56% of young people are unemployed and that heavy alcohol use is rising, with weakened family support, poverty and limited opportunities driving youth crime. Agriculture Innovation: The Eswatini Solutions Marketplace 2026 is calling for home-grown tech to tackle climate stress, post-harvest losses and low productivity, spotlighting examples like Nutri Plum, an organic fertiliser made from chicken feather waste. Regional Governance: SACU leaders, including King Mswati III, push stronger regional integration as global trade and technology reshape competitiveness, while SADC anti-corruption agencies adopt reforms to speed up e-procurement and strengthen agency independence. STEM Pipeline: Coca-Cola Beverages Africa opens its 2026 internship programme for diploma and degree students, and Merck’s Curiosity Cube™ brings hands-on STEM learning to youth across South Africa. LGBT Rights: Eswatini’s Supreme Court orders the government to officially recognize and register an LGBT advocacy group, giving it 60 days to comply.

Youth Unemployment & Alcohol Use: Eswatini’s State of the Youth Report 2026 flags 56% youth unemployment and says over a third of young people are heavy alcohol consumers, linking the pressures to crime and weakened support systems. Youth Skills & Innovation: A science hub initiative aims to boost youth skills and innovation in the north, while Merck’s Curiosity Cube™ brings hands-on STEM learning to students across Johannesburg. Agriculture Tech Push: The Eswatini Solutions Marketplace 2026 is calling for local innovations to tackle climate stress, low productivity, post-harvest losses and weak value chains. Regional Trade & Tech: SACU leaders, including King Mswati III, met in Cape Town to strengthen regional value chains as new technologies reshape competitiveness. Governance & Anti-Corruption Tech: SADC adopts reforms to improve anti-corruption work, including moving from manual procurement to electronic systems. Energy & Investment: Wicknell Chivayo received Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport, with claims of a planned 300MW solar project. STEM Careers Pipeline: Coca-Cola Beverages Africa opens a 2026 internship programme for diploma and degree students. Science & Rights: Eswatini’s Supreme Court ordered recognition of an LGBT advocacy group, with the government given 60 days to comply.

Regional Integration Push: SACU leaders wrapped up their 9th summit in South Africa, with President Cyril Ramaphosa urging members to strengthen regional value chains as trade, technology and supply chains keep shifting. Youth Skills & STEM: A science hub tour (Curiosity Cube™) brought hands-on synthetic biology activities to Johannesburg learners, while Coca-Cola Beverages Africa opened a 2026 internship drive for diploma and degree students. Anti-Corruption Tech: SADC anti-corruption agencies adopted reforms to boost transparency, including moving from manual procurement to electronic platforms. Eswatini Governance & Rights: Eswatini’s Supreme Court ordered the government to officially recognize and register an LGBT advocacy group, giving authorities 60 days to comply. Youth Crisis Data: Eswatini’s State of the Youth Report 2026 flags 56% youth unemployment and high alcohol use, linking pressures to crime and weakened family support. Energy & Local Innovation: Eswatini launched a Solutions Marketplace 2026 to back agriculture innovators, and a solar deal was announced tied to a major investor. STEM, Health & Access: MSF urged governments to use legal tools to challenge monopoly pricing of Lenacapavir to expand HIV prevention access. Controversy Watch: Wicknell Chivayo received Eswatini citizenship and a diplomatic passport, sparking public backlash.