AGP Executive Report

Semiconductors: Taiwan is offering Eswatini students and researchers a route into its chip-design ecosystem, including access to advanced facilities and cloud-based tools without the need to build costly manufacturing plants. Health Security: Eswatini has launched a five-year plan to improve preparedness for outbreaks and other emergencies, coordinating human, animal, agricultural and environmental health services. Weather Technology: A continent-wide network of 56 satellite reception stations is now operational. New data gives forecasters updated images of Africa every 10 minutes and lightning observations to help track severe storms and issue warnings. Seed Innovation: At the AU Seed Summit in Ezulwini, African leaders called for more investment in research, breeding and seed markets so farmers can access quality, climate-resilient varieties. AI in Education: A Pan-African teacher conference in Eswatini heard calls to use AI to support learning, while keeping teachers, human interaction and sound teaching methods at the centre.

IFMIS Loan Glitch: Civil servants can again borrow as the government system that disrupted new loan processing has been restored, letting some lenders resume applications after about a week of IFMIS access problems. Education & AI: Education International Africa’s Dr Dennis Sinyolo urged “pedagogy before AI,” warning that technology must support teachers and critical thinking, not replace them. External Exams Ready: Schools in Manzini say they’ve trained invigilators, prepared rooms and briefed learners ahead of the 2026 external examination season. Seed Summit Momentum: Delegates are touring indigenous and climate-resilient seed and agro-processing exhibits at the AU Seed Investment Summit in Ezulwini, as Africa pushes for resilient seed systems and stronger seed markets. Palliative Care Alarm (Region): A WHO audit-linked report says children in South Africa are dying in pain due to poor palliative care and lack of reliable access to medicines like morphine. Cybercrime & Safety: Manzini’s court sentenced a teenager over the Facata scam, as ESCCOM marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month with calls for safer online habits. Connectivity Boost: MTN Eswatini launched MTN Hybrid Direct Internet Access to keep businesses online during fibre cuts, outages and infrastructure disruptions.

Supply Chain Spotlight: Eswatini’s ESPPRA CEO Vusumutiwendvodza Matsebula won Africa’s Supply Chain Management Professional of the Year at the ASCON Awards, with recognition for governance, sustainability, digital transformation and mentoring. AI in Education: Education International Africa’s Dr Dennis Sinyolo told PACTED 2026 in Eswatini that pedagogy and the human being must come before AI, warning against replacing teacher-learner interaction. Seed Systems Push: Delegates at the AU Seed Investment Summit in Ezulwini toured exhibits of indigenous and climate-resilient crops, as ministers urged Africa to invest in its own seed research, production and markets—especially as Super El Nino threats loom. Energy & Industry: UN Resident Coordinator George Wachira highlighted Eswatini’s 107MW sugar bagasse power as a base for energy security and a stronger local economy. Connectivity & Resilience: MTN Eswatini launched MTN Hybrid Direct Internet Access to keep businesses online during fibre cuts, outages and upstream disruptions. Cybercrime Warning: A Manzini court sentenced a 19-year-old to 12 years for facata-related cybercrime and money laundering, as ESCCOM marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Diplomacy Tech Link: Eswatini’s new Taiwan ambassador Vulindlela Kunene reiterated support for Taiwan’s meaningful participation in international bodies, citing health, education and technology cooperation.

Cybersecurity & Scams: ESCCOM has been designated Eswatini’s national cybersecurity agency, with a mandate to regulate, coordinate strategy and respond to incidents as mobile broadband use keeps rising. AI Safety Oversight: New York City is hearing warnings from AI insiders who want stronger local rules as big tech races ahead of what regulators can control. Connectivity Resilience: MTN Eswatini launched MTN Hybrid Direct Internet Access to keep businesses online during fibre cuts, power outages and upstream network failures. Digital Inclusion: MTN and Lubane Cooperative rolled out a device loan plan pairing smartphones with MTN data for SACCO members. Health Accountability: The Luke Commission (TLC) says it’s being singled out over alleged malpractice scrutiny, and has asked the High Court to pause an inquiry. Energy & Industry: UN Resident Coordinator George Wachira points to sugar’s 107MW bagasse power as a base for energy security, industrial growth and climate finance. Seeds for Food Security: Delegates are arriving for the AU Seed Summit in Ezulwini, with registration nearing targets and a push to fix the gap between seed laws and seed markets. Education & Skills: MPs want Sebenta National Institute qualifications recognised and made portable, while ministers urge more investment in teachers and learning resources. HIV Prevention Breakthrough: Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable PrEP, showed no HIV infections in a large trial, raising access questions.

Taiwan ties deepen: Eswatini’s new ambassador to Taiwan, Vulindlela Kunene, began his tenure after presenting credentials to President Lai Ching-te, pledging stronger cooperation in health, education, skills, energy security and technology transfer, including projects like a Strategic Fuel Reserve and an Industrial Innovation Park. AU seed summit gears up: Delegates are arriving in Ezulwini for the AU Extraordinary Seed Summit, with registration topping 1,200 and officials aiming for 1,500 as preparations continue ahead of King Mswati III’s opening. Cybersecurity crackdown: ESCCOM was designated the national cybersecurity agency under the Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act, and it’s training journalists as cybercrime losses rise, with a recent facata scam case ending in a 12-year sentence. Business connectivity upgrades: MTN launched MTN Hybrid Direct Internet Access to help firms stay online during fibre cuts, outages and upstream disruptions. Skills and recognition: MPs pushed for Sebenta National Institute qualifications to be properly recognised and made portable, while Eswatini’s education leaders urged more investment in teachers and learning resources. Energy and industry planning: Taiwan and Eswatini also reaffirmed a 58-year partnership focused on fuel security, industrial development, trade and investment.

Global-South-EU Recognition: Senate President Pastor Lindiwe Dlamini received the Global-South-EU Women in Institutional Leadership Award 2026 in Brussels, spotlighting Eswatini’s legislative oversight and women’s empowerment. Cybersecurity Crackdown: Manzini Magistrate’s Court sentenced a 19-year-old to 12 years for the Facata scam, after eight cybercrime and money-laundering counts; ESCCOM also trained journalists as the country marks Cybersecurity Awareness Month. Connectivity for Inclusion: MTN and Lubane Cooperative launched the Lubane SACCO Device Loan to help members access smartphones plus MTN data. Resilient Internet for Business: MTN introduced Hybrid Direct Internet Access to reduce downtime risks from fibre cuts, power outages and upstream disruptions. Education Credentials: MPs urged proper recognition and portability of Sebenta National Institute qualifications, citing credibility and stigma concerns. Energy & Industry Ties: Eswatini and Taiwan pledged deeper cooperation, including a Strategic Fuel Reserve and a Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park. Local Economy Pressure: Reports say Eswatini is importing cement/concrete building blocks despite local production, raising concerns for cash flow and jobs. HIV Prevention Breakthrough: Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable PrEP, showed zero HIV infections in a major trial, renewing access questions. Agriculture & Seeds: Over 900 delegates registered for the AU Seed Summit (Oct 5–7), despite early registration hiccups.

Cybercrime crackdown: Manzini Magistrate’s Court sentenced a 19-year-old to 12 years (plus a fine option) for the Facata scam, after eight cybercrime and money-laundering counts totalling about E12,086—ESCCOM also used Cybersecurity Awareness Month to push safer online habits. Connectivity for inclusion: MTN and Lubane SACCO launched the Lubane Device Loan, pairing smartphone access with MTN data so members can participate in the digital economy. Business continuity tech: MTN unveiled Hybrid Direct Internet Access to reduce downtime risks from fibre cuts, power outages and upstream route failures. National cybersecurity governance: ESCCOM was designated as Eswatini’s national cybersecurity agency under the 2022 Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act, with a mandate to regulate, coordinate and build capacity. Skills recognition: MPs urged that Sebenta National Institute qualifications be properly recognised and made portable, addressing credibility and stigma concerns. Energy and industry ties: Eswatini and Taiwan pledged a new 58-year push on energy security and industrial development, highlighting a Strategic Fuel Reserve and a Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park. Trade and local industry pressure: Reports say Eswatini is importing cement/concrete building blocks despite local production, raising concerns about cash-flow strain. Education and research: A regional AU Seed Summit is drawing 984 registered delegates for Oct 5–7, despite early registration hiccups.

Construction & Trade Pressure: Eswatini is importing cement and concrete building blocks—locally made blocks reportedly shipped in from South Africa worth about E6m (4,017,050kg), with broader imports cited as reaching E41m—raising fresh concerns that foreign procurement is draining cash and hurting the construction economy. Connectivity for Everyday Life: MTN and Lubane Cooperative launched the Lubane SACCO Device Loan, pairing smartphone access with MTN data so members can participate in the digital economy. Resilient Internet for Businesses: MTN also unveiled Hybrid Direct Internet Access to keep companies online during fibre cuts, power outages and upstream network disruptions. Cybercrime Crackdown: A Manzini court sentenced a 19-year-old in a facata scam case to 12 years (plus a fine option) after defrauding victims of about E12,086, as ESCCOM pushes cybersecurity awareness. Cybersecurity Governance: ESCCOM was designated Eswatini’s national cybersecurity agency under the Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act, with a mandate to regulate, coordinate and build capacity. Skills Recognition: Parliament’s education committee wants Sebenta National Institute qualifications properly recognised and made portable beyond Eswatini. Bilateral Tech & Energy Ties: Eswatini and Taiwan pledged deeper cooperation over the next 58 years, highlighting a Strategic Fuel Reserve and an industrial innovation park. Local Export Support: The EU/ITC-backed programme trained 17 local trainers to help exporters use market intelligence tools. Tourism Compliance: ETA and ERS signed an MoU to tighten enforcement of the 3% bed levy through better information sharing. HIV Prevention Breakthrough: A twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug (lenacapavir) showed no HIV infections in a 2024 trial, but access questions remain.

Cybercrime & Courts: Manzini Magistrate’s Court sentenced 19-year-old Ngwane Park man Mpendulo Brian Kunene to 12 years (plus a E24,000 option) for the Facata scam, convicting him on eight cybercrime and money-laundering counts after defrauding four people of E12,086. Connectivity for Inclusion: MTN Eswatini and Lubane Cooperative launched the Lubane SACCO Device Loan to help members access smartphones and MTN data, boosting participation in the digital economy. Business Internet Resilience: MTN unveiled MTN Hybrid Direct Internet Access to keep enterprises online during fibre cuts, power outages and upstream terrestrial disruptions. AI for Practical Use: MTN urged businesses to turn AI into real value for operations, fraud detection and decisions—not adopt tools for their own sake. Cybersecurity Governance: ESCCOM was designated Eswatini’s national cybersecurity agency under the Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act, with a mandate to regulate, coordinate and build capacity. Education Credentials: MPs asked that Sebenta National Institute qualifications be properly recognised and made portable, addressing credibility and stigma concerns. Energy & Industry Diplomacy: Eswatini and Taiwan pledged a new 58-year partnership focused on a Strategic Fuel Reserve and a Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park. HIV Prevention Breakthrough: Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable PrEP, showed no HIV infections in a large trial, but access questions remain as funding tightens. Trade Support: EU and ITC-backed programme trained 17 local trainers to use market intelligence tools and help exporters make better decisions. Tourism Tax Compliance: ETA and ERS signed an MoU to tighten enforcement of the 3% bed levy through better information sharing and risk identification.

Eswatini–Taiwan Partnership: Eswatini and Taiwan pledged to deepen their 58-year ties through energy security, an expected Strategic Fuel Reserve (due 2028), and a Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park aimed at investment and jobs. Connectivity Resilience: MTN Eswatini launched MTN Hybrid Direct Internet Access to keep business internet running during fibre cuts, power outages and upstream route disruptions. Education & Skills Recognition: MPs urged proper recognition and portability of Sebenta National Institute qualifications, including practical trade testing and reducing stigma around Sebenta training. Public Finance & Jobs: Parliament passed the EPTC loan Bill, with management saying there are currently no plans to retrench staff, despite ongoing employee disputes. Cybersecurity Push: ESCCOM was designated the national cybersecurity agency and is rolling out capacity-building and scam awareness as mobile broadband keeps expanding. AI for Business: MTN urged firms to use AI for practical value, not for “adopting tech for its own sake,” during an ICT seminar. HIV Prevention Breakthrough: Lenacapavir, a twice-yearly injectable PrEP, showed no HIV infections in a large trial, but access questions remain as funding tightens. Trade Support: EU/ITC-backed training equipped 17 local trainers with market intelligence tools to help exporters and MSMEs make better decisions. Energy & Infrastructure: Matsapha Town Council borrowed E31.7m to rehabilitate 3.2km of industrial roads, including drainage and pedestrian walkways. Heat Preparedness: El Niño forecasts point to extreme heat risks across Southern Africa, with calls for preparedness ahead of early 2027. Entrepreneurship Learning: A regional entrepreneurship challenge argues kids need earlier, classroom-ready practice—before prizes and pitch nights. Unayo Shutdown: Standard Bank urged customers to withdraw money from Unayo accounts as the service is being decommissioned for more integrated digital banking. Regional Science & Research: A whale shark sighting in Mozambique was officially registered after students used photo ID patterns during a conservation expedition starting in Eswatini.

Eswatini–Taiwan Partnership: Eswatini and Taiwan pledged to deepen their 58-year ties, with plans for a Strategic Fuel Reserve (target completion in 2028) and a Taiwan Industrial Innovation Park to boost energy security, jobs, and investment. Telecom Resilience: MTN Eswatini launched MTN Hybrid Direct Internet Access to keep business connectivity running during fibre cuts, power outages, and upstream network disruptions. Cybersecurity Push: ESCCOM was designated Eswatini’s national cybersecurity agency, tasked with regulating, coordinating, and building capacity as mobile broadband use keeps rising. Education Credentials: MPs urged that Sebenta National Institute qualifications be properly recognised and made portable beyond Eswatini, addressing credibility and stigma concerns. Local Government Finance: Ezulwini Municipality reported revenue of E69.5m and a E41m surplus, alongside progress on planning and infrastructure. Digital Banking Update: Standard Bank told Unayo users to withdraw funds as it decommissions the service ahead of integrated digital banking. HIV Prevention Breakthrough: A twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug (lenacapavir) showed no HIV infections in a major trial, but access questions remain. Trade Support Skills: EU/ITC-backed training equipped 17 local trainers with market intelligence tools to help exporters make practical decisions.

EPTC Loan Passes, No Retrenchments Assured: MPs approved the EPTC loan Bill after debate over the corporation’s finances, pensions and staff future, with management saying there are currently no plans to retrench employees, though workers who received retrenchment letters are still pushing back. Business Internet Resilience: MTN Eswatini launched MTN Hybrid Direct Internet Access (DIA) to keep enterprises online during upstream terrestrial disruptions like fibre cuts and power outages, aiming to reduce single-route dependency. Sebenta Qualifications Recognition Push: The Education and Training Portfolio Committee called for Sebenta National Institute qualifications to be properly recognised and portable beyond Eswatini, with concerns over credibility, stigma and how competencies are assessed. Cybersecurity for Journalists: ESCCOM was designated the national cybersecurity agency under the Computer Crime and Cybercrime Act, and trained journalists on scams and incident reporting as digital reliance grows. HIV Prevention Breakthrough: A twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug (lenacapavir) showed no HIV infections in a 2024 trial, but access questions remain as global HIV funding tightens. AU Seed Summit Momentum: Eswatini is preparing for the Oct 5–7 African Union Seed Summit with 984 delegates registered and ministers already confirmed. AI Skills at UNESWA: UNESWA AI Academy is using AI-generated explainer videos to support more cohorts in generative AI training. Unayo Withdrawal Warning: Standard Bank Eswatini urged customers to withdraw money from Unayo accounts before the service is decommissioned as the bank moves to more integrated digital banking. Bed Levy Enforcement Tightens: ETA and ERS signed an MoU to improve information sharing and compliance enforcement for the 3% bed levy. RSTP Cyber Incident Scrutiny: Police say a third-party client may have been used to access the National Data Centre during a recent cyber incident, with Interpol support engaged.

HIV Prevention Breakthrough: A twice-yearly injectable HIV prevention drug (lenacapavir) showed zero infections in a 2024 trial, but access questions are now front and centre as global HIV funding drops. Cybersecurity Push: ESCCOM has been designated Eswatini’s national cybersecurity agency, training journalists on scams and incidents as mobile broadband use keeps rising. AI for Real Business: MTN Eswatini urged companies to use AI for practical value, not hype, while UNESWA’s AI Academy is adding AI-generated explainer videos to help learners. Women in Tech & Innovation: InnovationHer Indaba challenged women to beat fear of public opinion and build careers and businesses in tech. Agriculture & Research Capacity: Eswatini is preparing for the AU Seed Summit with 984 delegates registered, and regional efforts are building skills for globally important agricultural heritage systems. Export Support Skills: EU/ITC-backed programme trained 17 local trainers to turn market intelligence into export decisions. Tourism Compliance: ETA and ERS signed an MoU to tighten bed levy enforcement through better information sharing. Digital Banking Change: Standard Bank urged Unayo users to withdraw funds ahead of the service being decommissioned.

Climate & Policy: His Majesty King Mswati III returned from the UN General Assembly in New York, urging climate justice and fulfilment of climate finance commitments as El Niño-driven drought and flooding threaten Southern and Eastern Africa, alongside calls for stronger compliance with peace agreements. AI & Skills: UNESWA AI Academy is using AI to teach AI, with plans for AI-generated explainer videos to support learners in its Generative AI programmes. Cybersecurity: Eswatini’s Royal Science and Technology Park-linked cyber incident is under police scrutiny, with claims a third-party may have been used to reach the National Data Centre; Interpol support has been engaged. Tourism Tax Compliance: The Eswatini Tourism Authority and Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU to tighten enforcement of the 3% Bed Levy through shared information and risk identification. Export Support: EU and ITC-backed training equipped 17 local trainers with market intelligence tools to help exporters and MSMEs make better trade decisions. Health & Learning: Learners face exam season from Oct 6 to Nov 11, while women in tech gathered for InnovateHER Indaba spotlighting AI, entrepreneurship and cybersecurity. Transport & Tech in Industry: Matsapha Town Council borrowed E31.7m to rehabilitate industrial roads, and JAC Motors expanded its T9 bakkie line-up with a Black Edition model.

Agricultural Heritage Capacity-Building: 16 African countries, including Eswatini, are in Johannesburg for a 3-day FAO workshop (28–30 Sept) to strengthen recognition of Globally Important Agricultural Heritage Systems, build nomination skills and draft five-year Dynamic Conservation Action Plans. Tourism Tax Compliance: Eswatini Tourism Authority and Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU to tighten enforcement and information sharing around the 3% Bed Levy, targeting accommodation providers that may be non-compliant. AI Skills in Eswatini: UNESWA AI Academy is using AI-generated explainer videos to support Generative AI for Professionals and Educators cohorts, as demand for AI training grows. Women in Tech: InnovateHER Indaba spotlights AI, entrepreneurship and cybersecurity for women, with sessions aimed at turning ambition into business and digital-economy impact. Cybersecurity Watch: Reports say a third-party may have been used to access Eswatini’s National Data Centre via the Royal Science and Technology Park during a recent incident, with police engaging Interpol for technical help. Solar Water Access: A solar-powered hybrid water scheme in Ebulekeni (Shiselweni) now serves about 2,300 people via 55 communal taps, cutting operating costs and improving affordability. Circular Electronics: The Philippines launched a circular electronics project under the GEM programme, pushing repair, reuse and resource recovery across the electronics lifecycle.

National Data Centre disruption: RSTP says an incident at the National Data Centre disrupted at least 12 government digital services, including Government in Your Hand, e-Visa, company registration, the government website, IFMIS and the Elderly Grant system, while denying claims of a hack or ransom and saying external experts are working to restore services. Cyber governance concerns: Separate reporting links the wider digital disruption to long-running RSTP governance problems, including gaps in leadership continuity, unresolved cyber-security issues and funding shortfalls. Digital finance update: Standard Bank Eswatini urged Unayo customers to withdraw funds as the mobile service is being decommissioned ahead of more integrated digital banking. Trade support for exporters: EU and ITC-backed programme equips 17 local trainers to help MSMEs use market intelligence tools and turn trade data into export decisions. Urban planning and housing: The Second Eswatini Urban Forum (Oct 28–30) will focus on financing, smart solutions, resilient infrastructure and housing for all, aiming to bridge “planning to execution” gaps. AI education push: UNESWA AI Academy plans AI-generated explainer videos to make its generative AI programmes easier to follow for more learners. Heat risk warning: El Niño is expected to drive extreme heat through early 2027, with projections of major heat-related deaths across Southern Africa, including Eswatini’s region. Local infrastructure loan: Matsapha Town Council borrowed E31.7m to rehabilitate 3.2km of industrial roads, adding drainage, walkways and street furniture. Vehicle tech in focus: HB Dynamics highlights fleet and asset intelligence using sensors and connectivity to move from “where vehicles are” to “what they cost.”