AGP Executive Report

Linguistic Profiling Debate: A new commentary argues that using accent and language as “belonging” tests is unreliable and unfair, stressing that pronunciation can’t stand in for identity or citizenship. Regional Policing & Crime: King Mswati III says Eswatini’s SARPCCO chair role puts the country at the centre of coordinated action against transnational crime, with intelligence sharing and joint operations. Sports Talent Strategy: Government plans to recruit diaspora players and use “scientific methods” in national team preparation, aiming to lift performance and results. TB Research Scrutiny: A major TB project (STool4TB) faces scrutiny over unspent funds, procurement weaknesses and delayed reporting at Makerere’s biomedical research centre, with Eswatini named among implementation settings. Health Conference in Eswatini: Eswatini will host 300+ ECSA health experts for a Best Practices Forum focused on health security, innovation and sustainability. HIV Funding Warning: UNAIDS reports that cuts to HIV prevention and community services could trigger resurgence, even as infections and deaths remain low. Embedded Solar Payments: EEC rolls out feed-in tariffs from 1 August, letting approved solar owners sell surplus power to the grid. Online Reselling & Customs: As social commerce grows, Eswatini Revenue Service compliance is under spotlight over whether goods sold online are properly declared and cleared. Human Trafficking via AI: PM warns traffickers are using AI, voice cloning and fake job offers to scam victims, urging careful verification before travel or recruitment. Beef Export Hope: EU welcomes Eswatini’s progress in controlling FMD, raising hopes for renewed beef exports to Europe and Norway.

TB & lab governance: Makerere’s STool4TB TB-diagnosis project is under scrutiny after an investigation flagged unspent funds, repeated delays in reporting, and procurement weaknesses despite unqualified audits. Regional health convening: Eswatini will host 300+ ECSA-HC health experts for a Best Practices Forum focused on health security, innovation and sustainability. Customs & digital trade: Online reselling is putting customs compliance under the spotlight as authorities push clearer rules for declaring imported goods sold via social platforms. Food security via partnerships: A E42.789m Food-for-Work programme will target 6,600 households (about 33,000 beneficiaries) across 15 Tinkhundla centres using a China/Taiwan–World Vision–government partnership. HIV funding pressure: UNAIDS warns that cuts to HIV prevention and community services could trigger a resurgence, even as new infections and deaths hit multi-decade lows. Energy transition: EEC’s embedded generation feed-in tariffs take effect 1 August, letting approved solar owners earn credits for surplus power fed to the grid. Jobs & skills pipeline: Government plans to fill 757 vacant posts, while ESHEC’s National Skills Anticipation Study and the Career Expo push learners toward in-demand, competency-based pathways. Youth employment & scams: PM warns traffickers are using AI and fake job listings to lure victims, urging careful verification of opportunities. Agriculture exports: EU signals hope for renewed Eswatini beef exports after FMD containment progress, while stressing ongoing surveillance and biosecurity.

Regional Health Collaboration: Eswatini will host 300+ delegates for the 16th Best Practices Forum and 32nd Directors’ Joint Consultative Meeting (Aug 5–7) in Manzini, focused on health security, innovation and sustainability. HIV Funding Alarm: UNAIDS warns that a 23% drop in HIV development assistance in 2025 could spark a resurgence, with 1.2m new infections and 570,000 AIDS deaths estimated—progress is “fragile” without sustained support. Beef Export Hope: The EU says Eswatini has no active FMD cases, raising hopes of resuming beef exports to the EU and Norway, though surveillance and biosecurity must continue. AI and Trafficking Risk: PM Russell Dlamini warns traffickers are using AI, social media and fake job offers to lure victims, urging people to verify opportunities. Energy for Households: EEC rolls out embedded generation feed-in tariffs from Aug 1, letting approved solar owners earn credits for surplus power. Jobs and Industry: Lituba’s E50m Mbabane development targets 550 jobs, while government also plans to fill 757 vacant posts across ministries.

Public Safety: King Mswati III announced a recruitment drive for the Royal Eswatini Police Service to boost staffing for a growing population and replace retiring officers, alongside senior promotions at Police Day. Infrastructure & Jobs: Inyatsi Construction continues to back Eswatini’s “First World future” projects, while Lituba Investments’ E50m Lituba development in Mbabane is set to create 550 jobs by October 2026. Energy Transition: EEC will roll out Embedded Generation Feed-in Tariffs from 1 August 2026, letting approved solar customers earn credits for surplus power fed into the grid. HIV & Funding Pressure: UNAIDS warns that global HIV prevention funding fell 23% in 2025, risking a resurgence even as countries including Eswatini report major infection reductions. Human Trafficking Tech Scams: PM Dlamini says traffickers are using AI, voice cloning and fake job offers via social media to trap victims, urging careful verification of opportunities. Skills & Career Readiness: ESHEC launched a National Skills Anticipation Study ahead of Career Expo 2026, stressing that qualifications alone won’t be enough without workplace competencies.

Medtech Market Push: WHX returns to Johannesburg as global medtech giants target South Africa’s R18.4bn medical device market, with the expo set for 6–8 Oct 2026. Regional Banking Watch: SADC banks remain sound and well-capitalised, but Central Banks are urged to stay vigilant as risks like exchange-rate volatility persist. PIC Governance Shake-up: Cabinet appoints Seiso Mohai to lead the Public Investment Corporation, but questions remain over board independence and political influence. Solar Payback for Households: EEC rolls out Embedded Generation feed-in tariffs from 1 Aug 2026, letting approved solar owners sell surplus power to the grid. HIV Prevention at Scale: Lenacapavir rollout data shows over half of Africa’s LEN users are in South Africa, while global HIV funding drops threaten progress. Energy & Privacy Rules: ESCCOM/EDPA starts validating health data processing guidelines to strengthen privacy compliance in healthcare. Jobs Through Industry: Lituba’s E50m Mbabane development aims to create 550 jobs, while Govt plans to fill 757 vacant posts across ministries. Science Links: Uganda and Eswatini deepen science, technology and industrial cooperation, including electric mobility manufacturing. Youth Skills Drive: ESHEC launches a National Skills Anticipation Study to align training with future labour demand.

Public Investment Corporation shake-up: Cabinet has appointed Seiso Mohai to lead the troubled PIC and named new non-executive directors, but questions remain about whether the PIC chair is truly independent. Energy transition for households: EEC, with ESERA approval, rolls out Embedded Generation feed-in tariffs from 1 August, letting solar owners sell surplus power to the grid. Jobs and manufacturing push: A new E50m Lituba development in Mbabane is set to create 550 jobs, while Jonsson Workwear’s factory in Shiselweni moves toward machinery installation next month. Youth skills and career pathways: Government and ESHEC are backing the 2026 National Career Expo and a National Skills Anticipation Study, urging learners to build competencies and become job creators. Public sector hiring and systems: Plans to fill 757 vacant posts come alongside IFMIS upgrades and a validation workshop to refine UMSEBE financial management modules. Science and conservation links: ENTC and IDM sign an MoU to boost research, skills, eco-tourism and youth empowerment. HIV tech and funding pressure: AIDS 2026 coverage highlights fragile progress as global HIV funding drops sharply, while lenacapavir roll-outs continue across Africa with supply challenges.

Public Investment Corporation shake-up: Cabinet has appointed Seiso Mohai to lead South Africa’s troubled PIC after David Masondo’s resignation, alongside new non-executive directors—an important governance and finance signal for the region. Energy transition for households: Eswatini Electricity Company (EEC) will roll out Embedded Generation Feed-in Tariffs from 1 August 2026, letting approved solar customers earn credits for surplus power. Jobs and manufacturing push: Lituba’s E50m Mbabane development is set to create 550 jobs, with completion targeted for October 2026. Public sector hiring and planning tech: Government plans to fill 757 vacant posts, while Economic Planning and Development validates upgrades to the UMSEBE IFMIS to improve public investment oversight. Science and skills partnerships: Eswatini and Uganda are strengthening STI cooperation, and ENTC has partnered with IDM to boost conservation, research and youth skills. HIV prevention rollout context: AIDS 2026 coverage highlights lenacapavir demand and global funding pressure, with Eswatini mentioned among countries sharing early rollout data. Privacy in healthcare: ESCCOM/EDPA is validating draft guidelines for lawful processing of personal health data ahead of publication.

Food Security & Trade: The ECC in Pakistan conditionally approved emergency wheat imports of up to 1 million tonnes, linking final consignments to letters of credit to protect provincial payments. Digital Health Privacy: Eswatini’s Communications Commission (ESCCOM/EDPA) has started validating draft advisory guidelines for lawful processing of personal health data, with workshops running through the week and support from Smart Africa and GIZ. Public Finance Tech: The Ministry of Economic Planning and Development is running a five-day validation workshop to upgrade the UMSEBE IFMIS project management module, aiming to modernise public investment oversight and cut delays from paper processes. Skills & Jobs: ESHEC launched a National Skills Anticipation Study to map future labour needs and warn that qualifications alone won’t be enough; the Prime Minister also urged youth to become job creators via entrepreneurship and competency-based education. HIV Response Pressure: At AIDS 2026 in Rio, UNAIDS and KFF warned that global HIV funding fell sharply in 2025 due to reduced US support, threatening progress—while Eswatini is among countries reporting major reductions in new infections since 2010. Women in Tech & Business: innovateHER Indaba 2026 is set for September 30, with ICT Minister Savannah Maziya as keynote, focusing on digital inclusion and women’s innovation.

Women & Growth: A new regional push argues no Southern African economy can reach its potential while women are sidelined from decision-making, framing gender inclusion as a growth lever, not charity. Digital Payments & Media: AfricaNenda Foundation is training journalists to help Africans understand and trust inclusive instant payment systems, aiming to speed adoption across multiple countries. HIV Funding Shock: UNAIDS and KFF report global HIV response funding fell 25% in 2025, driven largely by US cuts, warning progress is fragile as prevention and community services face strain. Lenacapavir Rollout: Across Africa, lenacapavir injections are being scaled up for HIV prevention, but supply constraints could slow targets. Eswatini IFMIS Upgrade: Government is validating upgrades to the UMSEBE IFMIS project management module to improve public investment oversight and cut delays from paper processes. Health Data Privacy: ESCCOM/EDPA is validating draft guidelines for lawful processing of personal health data with hospitals, insurers and insurers ahead of publication under the Data Protection Act. Women in Tech: innovateHER Indaba 2026 is set for September 30 with ICT Minister Savannah Maziya as keynote, spotlighting digital inclusion and women’s entrepreneurship. Preferential Procurement: Government is moving to make preferential procurement a legal requirement to boost MSMEs’ access to contracts tied to major projects and incentives. Somhlolo Stadium Rehab: Eswatini needs about E99m to complete Somhlolo National Stadium upgrades to meet CAF standards, but work is stalled over funding. She Powers Africa Academy: Eswatini and the UAE launched Africa’s first She Powers Africa Digital Academy, starting with 50 women in the country before scaling. Insurance Market Shift: Lidwala Insurance has overtaken ESRIC as Eswatini’s largest short-term insurer by gross written premiums in Q1 2026.

RESCorp Diversification: Royal Eswatini Sugar Corporation (RESCorp) has invested about E1 million in a new marbling butchery at Simunye, drawing on its livestock operations and creating five jobs. Sports Infrastructure: Parliament says Eswatini needs about E99 million to finish Somhlolo National Stadium upgrades to meet CAF standards, but work is stalled due to funding gaps. Health Data Privacy: ESCCOM, acting as the Data Protection Authority, has started validating draft guidelines for lawful processing of personal health data with MoH, providers, insurers and regulators, ahead of publication under the Data Protection Act, 2022. AIDS 2026 Funding Shock: At the International AIDS Conference in Rio, UNAIDS and KFF warn that global HIV funding fell sharply in 2025, driven largely by US cuts, putting progress at risk. HIV Progress Under Pressure: A UNAIDS report highlights that countries including Eswatini and Kenya have cut new infections by nearly 80% since 2010, but warns gains are fragile without restored solidarity and prevention support. Digital Skills for Women: Eswatini and the UAE have launched Africa’s first She Powers Africa Digital Academy, starting with 50 women and aiming to scale across the continent. Supply Chain Tech Focus: Registrations are open for Zambia’s 2026 ASCON conference, with a theme on turning Africa’s strength into global supply chain impact through technology and innovation.

HIV Funding Crisis: UNAIDS warns that cuts to prevention and community health services, driven largely by a steep US funding decline, are putting progress at risk as 1.2 million people acquired HIV in 2025 and 570,000 died; with 9 million people not on antiretroviral treatment, UNAIDS says more than 3 million additional infections could follow unless action is taken. Community-Led Accountability: At AIDS 2026-linked talks, HIV and TB survivors say “slogans won’t deliver” and that people living with HIV must be trusted to design and run responses, not just be consulted. Health Data Privacy: ESCCOM, acting as Eswatini’s Data Protection Authority, is validating draft guidelines for lawful processing of personal health data with insurers, providers, pharmacies and insurers ahead of publication under the Data Protection Act, 2022. Youth & Jobs: The Prime Minister says government can’t employ every graduate, launching a National Career Expo to push entrepreneurship as a route to youth employment. Digital Skills for Women: Eswatini and the UAE launch Africa’s first She Powers Africa Digital Academy, starting with 50 women in Eswatini before wider rollout. Insurance Market Shift: Lidwala Insurance overtakes ESRIC to become Eswatini’s largest short-term insurer by gross written premiums. Space Connectivity Competition: A new “space race” angle highlights how Starlink’s LEO rivals, including Amazon’s Kuiper/Amazon Leo, are moving toward service expansion across Africa.

Health Privacy & Regulation: ESCCOM, acting as the EDPA, has started validating draft advisory guidelines for lawful processing of personal health data, with workshops running in Ezulwini until Friday and input from the Ministry of Health, providers, insurers, pharmacies and medical aid schemes, supported by Smart Africa and GIZ ahead of publication under the Data Protection Act, 2022. HIV & TB Response: At AIDS 2026 in Rio, community leaders and survivors warn that progress toward ending AIDS and TB by 2030 won’t come from slogans—real community leadership and sustained funding are essential as reports flag major donor cuts. Youth & Jobs: The Prime Minister says government can’t employ every graduate and is pushing entrepreneurship via the sixth National Career Expo, touring seven destinations to support skills and business opportunities. Nuclear Oversight: Stakeholders reviewed the draft Nuclear, Safety and Radiation Act regulations, aiming to produce practical, enforceable rules before finalisation. Women’s Digital Skills: Eswatini and the UAE have launched Africa’s first She Powers Africa Digital Academy, starting with 50 women in Eswatini before wider rollout. Insurance Market Shift: Lidwala Insurance has overtaken ESRIC to become the largest short-term insurer by gross written premiums, according to FSRA figures for Q1 2026.

HIV & TB Response: With 54 months left to the 2030 goal, PLHIV and TB survivors are warning that funding cuts and “consultation-only” approaches won’t end AIDS and TB—communities must be trusted to design and run the response. Nuclear Governance: Eswatini is moving to finalise regulations for the Nuclear, Safety and Radiation Act after a stakeholder review workshop, aiming for practical rules that work across hospitals, industry and research. Digital Skills for Women: Eswatini and the UAE have launched Africa’s first She Powers Africa Digital Academy, starting with 50 women in Eswatini before scaling across the continent. Local Economy Rules: Government is preparing Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Act regulations that will reserve selected sectors and commercial spaces for locally-owned businesses. Insurance Market Shift: Lidwala Insurance has overtaken ESRIC as the biggest short-term insurer by gross written premiums, signalling intensifying competition. UNESWA Reforms: A new UNESWA Reforms Implementation Committee is set to be chaired by Prof Zodwa Motsa to restore governance, academic quality and financial sustainability. Banking Cooperation: Eswatini and Egypt discussed joining PAPSS for cross-border payments and explored a pan-African gold banking initiative. ICT Progress: The ICT ministry reports major gains in fibre rollout, upgraded cross-border capacity, and expanded online services via GIYH.

UNESWA Reforms: Professor Zodwa Motsa has been appointed to chair the University of Eswatini reforms implementation committee, tasked with rolling out recommendations from a UNESWA task team and World Bank review to fix governance, academic quality, and financial sustainability. Genetic Profiling for Pensions: Eswatini’s Public Service Pensions Fund (PSPF) is encouraging members to take DNA profile testing (with Cerba Lancet Eswatini) to reduce inheritance and paternity disputes after death. Regional Carbon Markets: Taiwan’s diplomatic allies are meeting in Taipei to build capacity for carbon credit cooperation, with the workshop run with Taiwan’s Industrial Technology Research Institute. Banking Cooperation: Egypt and Eswatini central bank officials met to strengthen banking ties, including cash circulation know-how, joining PAPSS for cross-border payments, and a pan-African gold bank idea. Health Tech & Local HIV Production: South Africa’s Sanac CEO Thembi Xulu is pushing plans to produce the anti-HIV jab lenacapavir locally amid donor funding pressure, aiming to align government, industry, and activists. Digital Payments: Numeral Group backs the expansion of Tipped.biz, a QR-based tipping platform that helps customers reward service workers without cash. Energy & Land Rights: A look at South Africa’s green energy rollout warns against repeating land dispossession, urging consent and protection for communities hosting solar projects. Youth Diplomacy: SAIMUN 2026 opened with 650+ delegates from 14 countries, including Eswatini, focusing on youth-led dialogue. Tech in Education: A Global Leaders in Action program hosted students from Eswatini and others, using health care, civic engagement, and technology to build cross-cultural links.

Women, Peace & Security: Denmark tops the 2025/26 WPS Index for where women are safest and most included, while Afghanistan sits at the bottom; the report ranks 181 countries on justice, inclusion and security. Fraud & Cybercrime Crackdown: INTERPOL says a major global operation netted thousands of arrests and seized assets, but only a small share of cases were actually resolved, with Eswatini among the places hit by a fake police-station scam. HIV Innovation & Local Production: South Africa’s National Aids Council CEO Thembi Xulu is pushing plans to make the anti-HIV jab lenacapavir locally as donor funding pressures intensify ahead of the International AIDS Conference in Rio. Digital Payments for Workers: Numeral Group backs Tipped.biz, a QR-code tipping platform that helps customers reward service staff without cash—built to scale across Africa. Eswatini Tech in Pensions: PSPF encourages genetic profiling to settle DNA disputes, partnering with Cerba Lancet Eswatini to store profiles for later paternity checks. Carbon Markets Diplomacy: Taiwan’s allies are meeting in Taipei to build carbon-credit cooperation and boost participation in international carbon markets. Local Business Empowerment: Eswatini moves toward Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Act regulations that reserve selected sectors and commercial spaces for locally-owned businesses.

Music & Community: Spotify’s Greasy Tunes is moving beyond playlists, turning discovery into live residencies—this week it runs a 12-day Nairobi programme with performances, creator workshops, fashion showcases, podcast recordings and fan meet-ups, following earlier editions in Johannesburg and Lagos. Local Business Policy: Eswatini is edging toward new Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Act regulations that reserve selected sectors, commercial areas and procurement opportunities for locally-owned businesses. Regional Health Tech & Manufacturing: South Africa’s Sanac CEO Thembi Xulu is pushing local production of the anti-HIV jab lenacapavir as the International AIDS Conference in Rio highlights funding pressure and the need to align government, industry and activists. Fintech for Everyday Payments: Numeral Group is expanding South Africa’s digital tipping platform Tipped.biz, letting customers tip instantly via personalised QR codes in banking apps—aimed at protecting income for frontline workers. Banking Cooperation: Egypt and Eswatini central banks discussed cash circulation, banknote printing and how Eswatini could join PAPSS for cheaper cross-border payments, plus a plan for a pan-African gold bank. Archives & Digital Skills: Lesotho hosted an ESARBICA meeting on preserving Africa’s documentary heritage amid digital transformation, with regional archivists tackling new records-management challenges. Carbon Credits Diplomacy: Taiwan’s allies are training in Taipei on carbon credit collaboration and capacity building to boost participation in international carbon markets.