AGP Executive Report

Digital Government Disruption: Eswatini’s National Data Centre incident has disrupted at least 12 government digital services, including the Government in Your Hand app, e-Visa, company registration, the government website, IFMIS, and the Elderly Grant application and payment system, with RSTP saying it is not confirming claims of hacking or ransom demands. Cyber-Resilience Governance: Royal Science and Technology Park (RSTP) insiders link the wider crisis to long-running governance failures—no substantive CEO for years, expired cyber-security and networking licences, funding shortfalls, and shrinking technical capacity. AI for Local Problems: IndabaX Eswatini 2026 showcased young innovators using AI and machine learning for practical use cases like business profiling, cashflow verification for entrepreneurs, and diagnosing cattle skin disease. Agritech Tools: The National Maize Corporation donated 20 digital soil testers to speed up soil testing for farmers, using smartphone-linked readings to improve farm decisions. Climate & Water Preparedness: King Mswati III urged climate justice at the UN, while locally, 14 urban authorities received drought management plans using scientific data and community input. Health & Research Funding: Pharmacists in the region renewed calls for a dedicated pharmaceutical research fund and stronger professional training pathways. Transport Tech & Mobility: Motruck Nissan launched the all-new Nissan Tekton in Eswatini, pitching new SUV tech and financing options.

Health Oversight: Eswatini has set up a 15-member commission of inquiry into The Luke Commission (TLC) Hospital after allegations of malpractice, with the team granted unrestricted access to the facility and related departments, while TLC is still allowed to respond. Digital Disruption: The National Data Centre was hit by an incident affecting at least 12 government platforms, including Government in Your Hand, e-Visa, company registration, the government website, IFMIS, and the Elderly Grant system; RSTP says it was not confirmed as a hack or ransom demand. AI for Local Problems: At IndabaX Eswatini 2026, students showcased practical AI uses like business profiling, cashflow verification, and deep-learning diagnosis for cattle skin disease, with the Central Bank highlighting resilient decision-making potential. Climate & Water Tech: King Mswati III urged climate justice at UNGA as El Niño intensifies; locally, 14 urban authorities received drought management plans using scientific data and community input, and a solar-powered scheme is expanding clean water access in Shiselweni. Agriculture Innovation: NMC donated 20 digital soil testers to speed up field soil results for farmers, reducing long waits and travel. Tech & Disaster Cooperation: Eswatini’s delegation visited Taiwan’s fire and disaster training centre, focusing on simulation tech and rescue coordination, under disaster preparedness partnerships.

National Data Centre disruption: Engineers at the Royal Science and Technology Park say an incident at Eswatini’s National Data Centre disrupted at least 12 government digital services, including the Government in Your Hand app, e-Visa, company registration, the government website, IFMIS, and the Elderly Grant system; RSTP denies social media claims of hacking or ransom. AI for local problems: At IndabaX Eswatini 2026, young innovators showcased AI and machine-learning projects for business credit support, cashflow verification, and diagnosing cattle skin disease, with the Central Bank urging practical, usable solutions. Climate and drought planning: King Mswati III pushed for climate justice at the UN, while 14 urban authorities received World Bank-backed drought management plans using scientific data and early warning tools. Water access via solar: A solar-powered scheme at Ebulekeni in Shiselweni now serves about 2,300 people through 55 communal taps, cutting operating costs and improving affordability. Tech in agriculture: The National Maize Corporation donated 20 digital soil testers to speed up field soil readings and reduce delays for farmers. Regional disaster cooperation (Taiwan): Eswatini’s delegation visited Taiwan’s fire and disaster training systems, and Taiwan’s Lai pledged deeper disaster preparedness support through the World Alliance for Disaster Management. Mobility and learning: ECESWA timetables set exams from Oct 6 to Nov 11, including Additional Mathematics starting Oct 6.

Climate & Food Security: King Mswati III told the UN General Assembly that El Niño is set to intensify drought and flooding, pushing for climate justice, predictable finance, and technology transfers, while highlighting Eswatini’s food security steps like farm subsidies, research, and expanded dam construction for irrigation. Digital Government Resilience: Eswatini’s National Data Centre was hit by an incident disrupting at least 12 government digital services, including e-Visa, company registration, and grant systems, with officials denying confirmed hacking claims. Water & Clean Energy: A solar-powered water scheme in Shiselweni is now serving about 2,300 people via communal taps, showing how renewables plus partnerships can cut costs and improve access. AI for Local Problems: IndabaX Eswatini 2026 showcased student AI projects for business profiling, cashflow checks, and diagnosing cattle skin disease, with the Central Bank urging practical, usable solutions. Agritech Tech: NMC donated digital soil testers to the Ministry of Agriculture to speed up soil readings for farmers using smartphones. Disaster Preparedness Cooperation: Eswatini’s delegation visited Taiwan’s fire training centre and is also engaging through the World Alliance for Disaster Management to strengthen simulation and rescue capabilities. Health & Research Funding: Pharmacists in Uganda renewed calls for a dedicated research fund and stronger training pathways, linking research and modern tech to better healthcare delivery. Local Tech & Connectivity: MTN Eswatini says MTN Group leadership visits aim to boost investment in new technology and digital services, including VoLTE and broader digitalisation. Education Timetables: ECESWA set exam dates for EGCSE/IGCSE/EPCSE from Oct 6 to Nov 11 and JC exams starting Oct 19.

Climate & Food Security: King Mswati III urged climate justice at the UNGA, warning El Niño-driven drought and floods will hit hardest where emissions are lowest, and pointing to Eswatini’s food-security push including farmer subsidies, research and expanded dam irrigation. AI for Local Problems: At IndabaX Eswatini 2026, students showcased AI and machine-learning projects for business profiling, cashflow checks and diagnosing cattle skin disease—aimed at turning tech into usable solutions. Digital Services Disrupted: Eswatini’s National Data Centre was hit by an incident affecting key government platforms like the Government in Your Hand app, e-Visa and grant systems; RSTP says it was not confirmed as a hack. Water & Energy Tech: A solar-powered water scheme is bringing clean water to about 2,300 people in Shiselweni, using a hybrid solar-and-grid setup to cut operating costs. Agriculture Tech: NMC donated digital soil testers to speed up field soil readings for farmers, reducing long waits and travel for results. Disaster Preparedness Links: Eswatini’s delegation visited Taiwan’s fire and disaster training centre, exploring simulation tech and rescue methods under the World Alliance for Disaster Management. Education Timetables: ECESWA set exam dates for EGCSE/IGCSE/EPCSE from Oct 6 to Nov 11 and JC from Oct 19 to Nov 9. Digital Finance Security: An ITU security-lab initiative highlights how regulators can better tackle fraud and cybersecurity risks in mobile money. Transport Tech: Motruck Nissan launched the all-new Nissan Tekton in Eswatini with new SUV features and financing options.

National Digital Disruption: Eswatini’s National Data Centre is hit by an “incident,” disrupting at least 12 government platforms including Government in Your Hand, e-Visa, company registration, the government website, IFMIS, and the Elderly Grant system; RSTP says it’s not confirmed as a hack or ransom demand, while engineers and external experts work to restore services. Water & Renewables: About 2,300 people in Ebulekeni (Shiselweni) gain cleaner water via a solar-powered hybrid scheme with 55 communal taps, cutting operating costs through solar support. Agritech Tech Transfer: The National Maize Corporation hands over 20 digital soil testers (E11,680) to speed up soil testing for farmers using smartphone-linked readings. Disaster Preparedness (Taiwan ties): Eswatini’s delegation joins Taiwan’s World Alliance for Disaster Management push, with President Lai pledging disaster-prevention technology sharing and rescue expertise. Digital Connectivity: MTN Eswatini prepares for a new investment push after MTN Group’s senior vice president visits to discuss next-phase digital products and tech upgrades. Public Safety: Police step up community crime-prevention engagements, including sessions on domestic violence, child protection, and positive parenting. Health & Care: MSF shares cancer-care lessons from Mali and Malawi, stressing prevention, timely diagnosis, and treatment access in resource-limited settings.

National Data Centre Disruption: At least 12 government digital services were disrupted after an incident hit Eswatini’s National Data Centre, affecting platforms like Government in Your Hand, e-Visa, company registration, the government website, IFMIS and the Elderly Grant system; RSTP says it’s not confirming social-media claims of hacking or ransom. Digital Payments Upgrade: The Central Bank says the Eswatini Payment Switch (EPS) is now fully activated, enabling real-time fast payments between banks and mobile money providers to boost interoperability, digitalisation and faster settlement for businesses. Agritech Tech for Farmers: National Maize Corporation donated 20 digital soil testers (E11 680) to speed up field soil readings and reduce delays and long trips for farmers. Disaster Preparedness Boost: Eswatini’s Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla is in Taiwan for the World Alliance for Disaster Management (WADM), with Taiwan pledging disaster technology and rescue expertise; Eswatini also received drought management plans for 14 urban authorities. Connectivity Investment: MTN Group senior VP Ebenezer Asante visited Eswatini to discuss investment and new digital products, including plans around VoLTE and positioning the country as a digital test-bed. Public Safety & Health: Police ran community crime-prevention sessions, while a senator warned gambling protections are lagging behind the industry’s rapid growth.

Electricity reliability gap: A new Afrobarometer pan-Africa profile finds fewer than half of Africans get electricity that works “most” or “all” of the time, with rural and poor households hit hardest; about a quarter rely on alternatives like solar. Digital agriculture: The National Maize Corporation handed over 20 digital soil testers worth about E11,000 to the Ministry of Agriculture to speed up soil testing for farmers, using smartphone-linked readings. Payments upgrade: Eswatini’s Central Bank says the Eswatini Payment Switch is now fully activated, enabling fast, real-time transfers between banks and mobile money providers to boost interoperability and digital inclusion. Disaster management tech ties: Eswatini’s Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla is in Taiwan for the launch of the World Alliance for Disaster Management, with Taiwan pledging disaster-preparedness technology sharing and rescue know-how. MTN digital push: MTN Group senior vice president Ebenezer Asante visited Eswatini to discuss investment and new digital products, including plans to position the country as a test-bed for innovation. Local drought planning: Fourteen urban authorities are receiving tailored drought management plans under a World Bank-funded water and sanitation initiative focused on early warning and risk planning. Responsible gambling concerns: MPs and health voices warn that gambling protections are lagging behind the rapid growth of online betting, despite existing laws.

Disaster Tech Diplomacy: Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te met Eswatini’s Deputy Prime Minister Thulisile Dladla, pledging deeper cooperation on disaster preparedness and response under the new World Alliance for Disaster Management (WADM), including sharing prevention technology and rescue know-how. Digital Payments Upgrade: Eswatini’s Central Bank says the Eswatini Payment Switch (EPS) is now fully activated, enabling fast, real-time transfers between banks and mobile money providers to boost interoperability and digital inclusion. Agriculture Meets Smart Tools: National Maize Corporation (NMC) handed over 20 digital soil testers worth E11,680 to the Ministry of Agriculture, aiming to bring rapid soil testing closer to farmers via smartphone-linked readings. Telecom Investment Push: MTN Group senior vice president Ebenezer Asante visited Eswatini to discuss strategy and plans, with a focus on accelerating investment and rolling out new digital products. AI Glasses Market Watch: Omdia reports global AI glasses shipments hit 4.2 million units in 1H26, up 127% year-on-year, with Meta leading—useful context as Eswatini eyes digital innovation. Security & Trust in Finance: An ITU security lab initiative highlights how regulators can better tackle mobile money fraud and cybersecurity risks as digital financial services expand. Regional Governance: SADC is developing a harmonised regional guideline for correctional intelligence handling, aiming for more consistent early-warning and inter-agency cooperation.

Disaster Response Tech: Taiwan’s President Lai Ching-te met Eswatini’s Deputy PM Thulisile Dladla and pledged deeper cooperation on disaster preparedness, including sharing prevention technology and rescue know-how under the new World Alliance for Disaster Management (WADM). Digital Payments: Eswatini’s Central Bank says the Eswatini Payment Switch (EPS) is now fully activated, enabling real-time fast payments and interoperability between banks and mobile money providers. Telecom Investment Push: MTN Group senior VP Ebenezer Asante is in Eswatini to back MTN’s next phase of investment and digital product rollout, with Eswatini positioned as a test-bed for innovation. AI Policy Workshop: Eswatini hosted a COMESA–World Bank workshop to shape the region’s approach to AI and emerging technologies, stressing inclusive and responsible adoption. Health & Tech in Practice: The Clinic Group says it has performed two neurosurgical procedures at its Manzini Clinic that it describes as first-of-their-kind in Eswatini. Governance & Funding Pressure: MPs debated loan bills tied to EPTC and the Digital Eswatini Project, with concerns about cashflow delays, stalled microprojects, and alleged corruption at EPTC. Public Safety & Harm: Senator Fezeka Dlamini criticised the gambling surge, saying protections under the 2022 Gaming Control Act are not keeping pace with online betting growth. STEM Capacity Building: Eswatini-linked regional focus continues as NUST caps 2,570 graduates, with a strong share in STEM and growing female participation.

Neurosurgery in Eswatini: The Clinic Group in Manzini says it has carried out two first-of-their-kind neurosurgical procedures in the country, showing growing local capacity for complex care. Disaster resilience tech: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te met Eswatini’s Deputy PM Thulisile Dladla and pledged deeper disaster preparedness cooperation under the new World Alliance for Disaster Management, including sharing rescue expertise and prevention technology. Digital connectivity push: MTN Group senior vice president Ebenezer Asante visited Eswatini to discuss investment and the next phase of digital products, with plans to accelerate digitalisation and explore VoLTE. Payments upgrade: Eswatini’s Central Bank says the Eswatini Payment Switch is now fully activated, enabling real-time fast payments between banks and mobile money providers. AI policy workshop: Eswatini hosted a COMESA–World Bank workshop to validate a regional AI and emerging technologies study for more inclusive, responsible adoption. Public oversight focus: SADC public accounts committees meeting in Eswatini vowed tougher value-for-money scrutiny of major procurement contracts. HIV warning: A report highlights how fragile HIV gains can unravel quickly when stigma, drug supply shifts, and healthcare gaps return.

Parliament Oversight: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini says parliamentary “debate” has become shouting and personal attacks, calling for more civil, constructive lawmaking. Anti-Corruption & Finance: MP Michael Masilela alleges “so much corruption” at EPTC and questions why government is pushing more loans while the entity’s records remain under scrutiny. Digital Payments: The Central Bank says the Eswatini Payment Switch is now fully activated, enabling real-time transfers between banks and mobile money providers to boost interoperability and inclusion. Telecom Strategy: MTN Group senior vice president Ebenezer Asante visits Eswatini to review performance and investment plans, including new digital products and positioning the country as a testbed. Disaster Resilience: Eswatini joins Taiwan-launched World Alliance for Disaster Management, aiming for shared training, exercises, and information across the disaster cycle. AI Policy Work: Eswatini hosts a COMESA–World Bank workshop to turn AI research into practical regional policy and regulation. Cancer Care & Nuclear Plans: Eswatini seeks about E188m IAEA support for a radiotherapy facility and is exploring small modular reactors for long-term energy security. Public Services Tech: Matsapha is set to roll out a formal street addressing system linked to Google Maps within eight weeks. Health & Learning: MSF highlights that cancer care is possible in resource-limited settings, while school feeding is flagged as a way to improve nutrition and public health across Africa.

Cancer Care Access: Médecins Sans Frontières will share at the World Cancer Congress in Hong Kong how cancer screening, treatment and palliative care can work even in resource-limited settings, with women hit hardest by breast and cervical cancer. Payments Upgrade: Eswatini’s Central Bank says the Eswatini Payment Switch is now fully active, enabling real-time fast payments between banks and mobile money providers to boost interoperability and digital inclusion. Disaster Resilience: Eswatini has joined the World Alliance for Disaster Management, launched in Taipei, to strengthen preparedness, response, recovery and resilience through shared information, training and technology. Creative Economy Funding: Seventy-five EmaSwati youth and creatives trained in grant-writing to build stronger applications for EU-backed culture grants. AI Policy Work: Eswatini hosted a COMESA–World Bank workshop to turn AI and emerging tech research into practical regional policy and regulatory frameworks. Addressing System Rollout: Matsapha is set to get a formal street addressing system within eight weeks, linking addresses to Google Maps for easier delivery and emergency response. Nuclear for Health & Power: Eswatini is seeking IAEA support for a €10m radiotherapy facility and exploring small modular reactor options for long-term energy security.

UN Engagement: King Mswati III has left for New York to represent Eswatini at the 81st UN General Assembly, where discussions are expected to include peace, sustainable development, climate change and emerging challenges tied to AI and technology. Gambling Oversight: Senator Fezeka Dlamini says Eswatini’s online gambling boom is outpacing protections under the 2022 Gaming Control Act, with mental-health professionals reporting rising gambling-related cases. AI Policy Work: Eswatini is hosting a COMESA–World Bank workshop to turn AI and emerging technologies research into practical regional policy and regulatory frameworks for Eastern and Southern Africa. Addressing & Mapping: Matsapha is set to roll out a formal street addressing system within eight weeks, linking property locations to Google Maps to improve deliveries and emergency response. Nuclear for Health & Power: Eswatini is seeking IAEA support for a €10m radiotherapy facility and is exploring small modular reactor technology for long-term energy security. Public Finance Watch: SADC public accounts committees meeting in Eswatini vow tougher scrutiny of procurement through value-for-money inquiries and performance audits. STEM Pipeline: Ngwane Teacher Training College marked its 40th anniversary by graduating 159 new educators, with King Mswati III urging them to shape the kingdom’s future through purposeful teaching. Digital Services: Apple expands iCloud+ in over 100 countries to include Apple Arcade and Apple TV, with Eswatini listed among the rollout markets.

UN Diplomacy: King Mswati III has departed for New York to represent Eswatini at the 81st UN General Assembly, with the high-level debate running 22–26 September under “Restoring trust, managing transformation,” including focus on peace, climate and AI. Public Health & Tech Policy: WHO member states advanced talks on a Pandemic Agreement plan for faster pathogen sharing and fair access to vaccines, diagnostics and treatments. Digital Skills & AI Governance: Eswatini hosted a COMESA–World Bank workshop to turn AI research into practical policies and regulatory frameworks for Eastern and Southern Africa. Local Innovation Infrastructure: Eswatini’s GYAP is moving toward digital infrastructure via a “Digital Passport” linking learners to scholarships and pathways. Energy & Nuclear Planning: Eswatini told the IAEA it is exploring small modular reactor technology and seeking support for a €10m radiotherapy facility. Education & STEM Pipeline: King Mswati III urged 159 newly qualified teachers to treat classrooms as nation-building spaces, while Eswatini-linked education coverage highlights STEM growth. Health Systems Threat: A new AMR surveillance push stresses cross-sector data and policy action to slow antimicrobial resistance. Governance & Accountability: SADC PACs meeting in Eswatini pledged tougher value-for-money scrutiny of public procurement. Addressing & Services: Matsapha is set to roll out a formal street addressing system within eight weeks, linking addresses to Google Maps for faster delivery and emergency response.

UN & AI Connectivity: Zimbabwe’s Mnangagwa told the UN General Assembly that AI and advanced digital connectivity are driving the fastest transformation in history, urging a more connected, resilient and inclusive world built on trust. Digital Opportunities for Youth: An Eswatini startup, HonwinOne, says it wants to turn GYAP scholarship discovery into a full “Digital Passport” that links backgrounds and skills to eligibility, preparation and application pathways. Pandemic Preparedness: WHO member states advanced talks on a pathogen access and benefit-sharing system to speed up sharing of pathogen materials and sequence data, alongside fair access to vaccines, therapeutics and diagnostics. AI Policy for the Region: Eswatini hosted a COMESA–World Bank workshop to validate a draft study on AI and emerging technologies, feeding into a regional AI strategy and regulatory framework. One Health & AMR Surveillance: A focus on strengthening AMR surveillance links cross-sector data to policy action, treating antimicrobial resistance as a “silent pandemic.” Climate Resilience for Farmers: Research warns that better El Niño forecasts won’t protect the poorest livestock farmers unless paired with practical risk support like feed, insurance and targeted finance. Public Finance Oversight: SADC public accounts committees in Eswatini pledged tougher value-for-money scrutiny of major procurement contracts. Energy & Nuclear Planning: Eswatini is seeking IAEA support for a €10m radiotherapy facility and exploring small modular reactor options for long-term energy security. Street Addressing Rollout: Matsapha is set to get a formal street addressing system within eight weeks, linking property locations to Google Maps for easier delivery and emergency response. STEM Graduations: NUST capped 2,570 graduates, with 68% in STEM and growing female participation, reinforcing skills for innovation and industrial futures. Eswatini Seed Summit: Eswatini will host the AU Africa Seed Summit (5–7 Oct) to boost certified seed access, regulation and resilient seed systems. Tax Tech & Identity: The Eswatini Revenue Service flagged name changes used to evade tax and pointed to digital identification systems to link identities.