AGP Executive Report

AI in telecom: MTN targets R30 billion in AI “value creation” over five years, starting with internal efficiency, then moving to consumer and business AI services. Digital health in Eswatini: MTN Eswatini promotes the Notsa Health App, now localised into Siswati, with training support from Georgetown University and the Ministry of Health. AI access for users: Google expands Ask Gemini in Chrome to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, bringing built-in AI search help to more African locales. Higher education & innovation ties: Eswatini and South Africa reaffirm cooperation in higher education, science, innovation and ICT, including plans for a SADC University of Technology. Research breakthrough (TB): Eswatini researchers use targeted next-generation sequencing to detect rifampicin and bedaquiline resistance missed by routine TB tests. Health systems accountability: At the World Health Assembly, partners push stronger systems and HPV vaccination/screening delivery to accelerate cervical cancer elimination, with Eswatini among co-sponsors. Local hospital pressure: Mbabane Government Hospital faces critical staff shortages across departments, with understaffing linked to long hiring delays. Cyber risk shift: Rwanda’s fraud rates fell, but a new report warns criminals are moving upstream to target identity during account creation. Conservation note: A rescued Eswatini elephant joins San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s herd, supporting ongoing research and conservation efforts.

AI in Telecom: MTN targets R30 billion in AI “value creation” over 3–5 years, starting with internal efficiency (“AI Inside”) before scaling consumer and business AI services. Digital Health in Eswatini: MTN Eswatini is promoting the Notsa Health App, localised into Siswati, with training support linked to Georgetown University and the Ministry of Health. Mobile Money for Developers: MTN Mobile Money MoMo API training is pushing new revenue ideas for businesses, including healthcare payments and service access through apps. Eswatini Research Breakthrough: Eswatini researchers report next-gen sequencing that reveals hidden TB drug resistance (rifampicin and bedaquiline) missed by routine tests. Higher Education & Innovation Ties: Eswatini and South Africa reaffirm cooperation in higher education, science, innovation and ICT, including plans for a SADC University of Technology. Hospital Staffing Crisis: A parliamentary committee finds critical understaffing at Mbabane Government Hospital, with vacancies lingering for long periods. Border Anti-Corruption: South Africa-Eswatini border enforcement intensifies at Oshoek Port of Entry, targeting corruption networks with multi-agency action. AI Governance Warning: UNESWA cautions organisations to invest in staff training and governance before adopting AI. Global AI Rollout: Google expands “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, including Eswatini among supported locales. TB & Cervical Cancer Focus: African universities are urged to support AI use with quality assurance, while health leaders call for stronger systems to eliminate cervical cancer.

AI Quality Assurance: African universities are being urged to support AI use with updated quality systems, stronger academic integrity and fair assessment—so standards improve, not just “policing” increases. Regional Science Cooperation: South Africa’s Science, Technology and Innovation minister Blade Nzimande says SADC must treat science and innovation as urgent priorities to close the digital divide and tackle climate, health and energy challenges. Eswatini–South Africa Education & ICT: Eswatini’s PM Russell Mmiso Dlamini reaffirmed cooperation with SA on higher education, research, innovation and ICT, including plans for a SADC University of Technology. Digital Health in Eswatini: MTN Eswatini is promoting the Siswati-localised Notsa Health App, training users to manage reminders, information and proactive care. Mobile Money for Developers: MTN Mobile Money is pushing MoMo API skills so businesses can build apps that take payments and expand services, including in healthcare. TB Drug Resistance Research (Eswatini): Researchers used targeted next-generation sequencing to detect rifampicin and bedaquiline resistance missed by routine tests, pointing to better diagnostics for resistant TB. Health Systems Accountability (Cervical Cancer): At the World Health Assembly, partners—including Eswatini—called for accountable delivery: more HPV vaccination, community screening and stronger referral and treatment links. Hospital Staffing Crisis: A parliamentary committee found critical understaffing at Mbabane Government Hospital, with vacant posts lingering for long periods. Anti-Corruption at Borders: South Africa–Eswatini border anti-corruption efforts at Oshoek Port of Entry are intensifying with multi-agency enforcement. Digital Fraud Shift: Rwanda’s fraud risk is moving toward identity checks during account creation, warning that criminals are adapting as digital services expand. Climate Preparedness: Eswatini is urged to keep monitoring El Niño signals as 2026 conditions could worsen, after past disasters costing billions.

Science & Innovation: South Africa’s Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Blade Nzimande urged SADC countries to treat science and digital transformation as urgent priorities, calling for stronger regional cooperation to close the digital divide and tackle climate, health, food, water and energy challenges. Digital Health: MTN Eswatini is rolling out the Notsa Health App, localised into Siswati, with training support from Georgetown University and the Ministry of Health to help users manage health information, reminders and guidance. AI Skills for Government: The Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU with the University of Eswatini’s AI Academy to train 650 employees in AI literacy and responsible use. Breakthrough TB Research: Eswatini researchers used targeted next-generation sequencing to detect rifampicin and bedaquiline resistance in TB that routine tests can miss, with implications for MDR-TB treatment. Higher Education Links: Eswatini and South Africa reaffirmed cooperation in higher education, scientific research, innovation and ICT, including plans for a SADC University of Technology. Healthcare Staffing Crisis: A parliamentary committee reported critical understaffing at Mbabane Government Hospital, with shortages affecting nearly every department. Mobile Money for Developers: MTN encouraged developers to use MoMo API technology to build new digital services and revenue streams, including in healthcare payments. Anti-Corruption at Borders: South Africa-Eswatini border anti-corruption efforts intensified at Oshoek Port of Entry through a multi-agency forum targeting fraud networks.

Hospital Staffing Crisis: A parliamentary committee investigating Mbabane Government Hospital says critical staff shortages hit nearly every department, with a doctor-to-patient ratio of about 1:100 and nursing units understaffed; vacant posts reportedly stayed unfilled for over 18 months due to a 2018 hiring freeze and slow central replacements. AI in Public Services: Eswatini Revenue Service and the University of Eswatini signed an MoU to train 650 ERS employees through the UNESWA AI Academy, aiming for responsible AI use in digital transformation. Mobile Health in Siswati: MTN Eswatini is promoting the Notsa Health App, localised into Siswati, with training support from Georgetown University and the Ministry of Health. AI Browser Rollout: Google expanded Ask Gemini in Chrome to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with Eswatini included among supported locales. TB Drug Resistance Breakthrough: Eswatini researchers used targeted next-generation sequencing to detect rifampicin and bedaquiline resistance missed by routine tests, published in Nature Communications. Digital Fraud Shift: Rwanda’s suspected digital fraud fell in 2025, but a TransUnion report warns criminals are moving upstream to target identity during account creation. Higher Education Tech Ties: Eswatini and South Africa reaffirmed cooperation in higher education, scientific research, innovation and ICT, including plans for a SADC University of Technology.

TB Diagnostics Breakthrough: Eswatini researchers used targeted next-generation sequencing to spot rifampicin and bedaquiline resistance that routine tests can miss, raising the stakes for MDR-TB care. Digital Health Push: MTN Eswatini is promoting the Notsa Health App, now localised into Siswati, to help people manage reminders, appointments and medication. AI Skills for Government: UNESWA and the Eswatini Revenue Service signed up to train 650 employees through an AI literacy programme, with a focus on responsible use. Mobile Money for Developers: MTN encouraged businesses and software teams to integrate MTN MoMo APIs to unlock new services and revenue, including easier digital payments for healthcare. Higher-Education Tech Links: Eswatini and South Africa reaffirmed cooperation in higher education, scientific research, innovation and ICT, including plans for a regional University of Technology. Border Anti-Corruption Tech Angle: South Africa-Eswatini border agencies stepped up anti-corruption enforcement at Oshoek Port of Entry, using former officials’ accounts to deter fraud. Climate Risk Reminder: Eswatini is urged to keep preparing as El Niño signals return, after past climate losses hit E3.8bn. Health Security Region-Wide: A Nairobi forum brought together health regulators to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare. Local Tech & Community: Eswatini Mobile donated 80 blankets to patients at Mbabane Government Hospital through its Eswatini Mobile Cares initiative.

AI in Browsers: Google’s Ask Gemini in Chrome is rolling out to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with Eswatini listed among 55 supported locales—bringing more built-in AI help to how people search and understand information. Digital Health in Eswatini: MTN Eswatini is pushing health awareness via the Notsa Health App, including Siswati localisation and training support linked to Georgetown University and the Ministry of Health. Mobile Money for Developers: MTN is encouraging businesses to use the MTN MoMo API to open new revenue streams, including ideas for digital healthcare payments. Breakthrough TB Research: Eswatini researchers used targeted next-generation sequencing to uncover rifampicin and bedaquiline resistance missed by routine tests, pointing to a potential shift in TB diagnostics. Higher Education & Innovation Ties: Eswatini and South Africa reaffirm cooperation in higher education, scientific research, innovation and ICT, including plans for a SADC University of Technology. AI Skills for Government: ERS and UNESWA signed an MoU to train 650 ERS employees through an AI literacy programme. Public Health Tech Safety: Regional regulators met in Nairobi to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare. Integrity at EPTC: A new EPTC managing director was appointed with a mandate to restore professionalism and financial sustainability.

AI & Tax Tech in Eswatini: Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) signed an MoU with the University of Eswatini AI Academy to train 650 employees in AI literacy, aiming to help staff apply AI responsibly in day-to-day operations. Digital Payments Boost: MTN MoMo API technology is being positioned as a new revenue engine for businesses, letting developers build apps that take payments, process transactions and offer services directly. Cybercrime Shift in the Region: Rwanda’s suspected digital fraud rate fell in 2025, but a TransUnion report warns criminals are moving upstream—targeting identity during account creation rather than just transactions. Higher Education & Innovation Ties: Eswatini and South Africa agreed to deepen cooperation in higher education, scientific research, innovation and ICT, including plans linked to a SADC University of Technology. Public Health Tech Safety: A regional forum in Nairobi brought together health regulators to strengthen safe nuclear and radiation use in healthcare, with Eswatini among the participating countries. Infrastructure for Climate Resilience: Eswatini is urged to prepare for possible El Niño conditions later in 2026 after the country’s past E3.8bn climate disaster. Regional Tech Policy Talk: A conference in Belgrade highlighted how parliaments are tackling stereotypes, violence and misinformation in the digital environment.

AI & Skills in Government: Eswatini Revenue Service (ERS) signed an MoU with the University of Eswatini (UNESWA) to train 650 employees through a UNESWA AI Academy programme, aiming to build practical AI literacy and responsible use. Higher Education & Innovation Ties: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini reaffirmed closer cooperation with South Africa on higher education, scientific research, innovation and ICT, including plans for a SADC University of Technology. Digital Fraud Shift: Rwanda’s suspected digital fraud rate fell in 2025, but a new TransUnion report warns criminals are moving “upstream” to target identity during account creation, not just transactions. Public Health Tech & Safety: Regional health regulators met in Nairobi to strengthen nuclear and radiation safety in healthcare, with Eswatini among participating countries. Climate Risk Watch: Eswatini is urged to stay prepared as El Niño signals could intensify later in 2026, following the country’s costly past climate disaster. Integrity in Telecoms: A new managing director was appointed to restore integrity and financial sustainability at the Eswatini Posts and Telecommunications Corporation (EPTC). Aviation Standards: ESWACAA and SASO hosted an ICAO regional workshop on aircraft and pavement classification ratings to harmonise runway and infrastructure assessments. Digital Culture Concern: A regional policy voice warned that social media followings can replace real community ties, especially for children exposed to addictive content. US-Africa Influence Analysis: A new report questions whether US engagement in Africa is shifting from strategic partnership to more transactional, punitive, and unpredictable cooperation.

Higher Education & Innovation: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini met South Africa’s Higher Education, Science and Technology Minister Blade Nzimande to deepen cooperation in higher education, scientific research, innovation and ICT, including plans for the SADC University of Technology with innovation and ICT at its core. AI Skills for Government: Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU with the University of Eswatini’s AI Academy to train 650 ERS employees through an AI literacy programme, stressing responsible use, governance and staff readiness. Public Health & Nuclear Safety: Regional health officials from nine countries met in Nairobi to strengthen safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, with regulators and the IAEA pushing for stronger safety systems and shared action plans. Workplace AI Caution: UNESWA Vice-Chancellor Justice M Thwala warned organisations not to adopt AI without staff training and governance, warning of poor decisions, legal risks and loss of public trust. Education Pressure (SA): SAFTU demanded action over South Africa’s education crisis, citing thousands of vacant teaching posts and wider school shortages including labs, libraries and computer facilities. Aviation Standards: ESWACAA and SASO hosted an ICAO regional workshop on Aircraft Classification Rating/Pavement Classification Rating to help harmonise runway and pavement assessments across 12 African countries.

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

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

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

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

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

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