AGP Executive Report

Digital Connectivity: EPTC has launched broadband and online-shopping promotions, targeting more reliable internet and wider access to e-commerce. Maritime Registry Fraud: US sanctions target an Indian couple accused of using a Singapore-based company claiming an Eswatini identity to register ships carrying Iranian oil; Eswatini had publicly disavowed the registry. Digital Public Services: MPs want police recruitment moved online after applicants endured long queues, while company registrations through Eswatini’s online service fell 70% amid network and manual-processing problems. AI Safety: Eswatini Standards Authority and AICE Africa have launched a centre to build local skills and develop ways to test AI systems for African conditions. Disability Care: A health initiative in Eswatini provides medical care, occupational therapy and family support to more than 60 children with disabilities.

Maritime Registry: US sanctions target an India-based couple accused of running fraudulent ship registries, including a Singapore-based operation using Eswatini’s name to help vessels carrying Iranian oil evade restrictions. AI Safety: Eswatini Standards Authority and AICE Africa have launched a centre to build local expertise in AI standards and testing, with a research lab planned to assess systems for African conditions. Digital Services: Online company registrations fell 70% in the second quarter, with connectivity problems and manual processes hampering government services. Cybersecurity: ICT Minister Savannah Maziya has called for stronger African cooperation as cyber threats cross borders and digital systems become more interconnected. HIV Prevention: FDA approval of a generic twice-yearly prevention injection could widen access in 120 lower- and middle-income countries, offering a potential boost in a region heavily affected by HIV.

Digital Services: Online company registrations in Eswatini plunged 70.3% in the second quarter, with ministry officials citing network problems and manual processes that continue to slow service delivery. AI Safety: Eswatini Standards Authority and AICE Africa have launched a centre to build African expertise in AI standards and safety, with plans for a testing laboratory to assess systems for local conditions. Cybersecurity: ICT Minister Savannah Maziya called for stronger African cooperation to protect increasingly connected public services and businesses from cross-border threats. Energy Research: Eswatini is exploring nuclear power for its future energy mix, while stressing that any programme would require careful preparation, strong safety rules and skilled institutions. Climate-Smart Crops: Regional researchers found that October planting may give bambara groundnuts the best yields, offering farmers a way to diversify crops as climate pressures grow.

Digital Services: Online company registrations in Eswatini fell 70.3% to 632 in the second quarter, with network problems and manual back-end processes cited as barriers to effective digital services. AI Safety: ESWASA and AICE Africa have launched an AI Safety and Standards Centre of Excellence in Eswatini. It will train local specialists and develop plans for a testing lab to assess AI systems against African conditions. Cybersecurity: ICT Minister Savannah Maziya has called for stronger cross-border cooperation as African countries face threats to increasingly connected public and business services. Energy Technology: Eswatini is exploring nuclear power for its future energy mix, while stressing that any programme would require careful assessment, skilled people, strong laws and safety measures. Agricultural Science: Research using decades of climate and soil data suggests October planting can improve bambara groundnut yields, offering farmers in Southern Africa a potential climate-resilient crop.

AI Safety: Eswatini Standards Authority and AICE Africa have launched a centre to build African expertise in AI standards and testing, with a research lab planned to assess systems for local conditions. Digital Services: Online company registrations fell 70.3% in the latest quarter, with network problems and manual processes hampering government services. HIV Prevention: The US approved a generic version of the twice-yearly HIV prevention jab, expected to cost $40 a year and reach 120 low- and middle-income countries; Zambia is set to receive the first supplies. Cybersecurity: ICT Minister Savannah Maziya called for stronger African cooperation to protect increasingly connected digital services and businesses. Energy Research: Eswatini says nuclear power could form part of its long-term energy mix, but stresses that safety, legislation and local capacity must come first.

AI Safety: Eswatini Standards Authority and AICE Africa have launched a centre to build African expertise in AI standards and testing, with plans for a lab to assess whether systems suit local conditions. HIV Prevention: The US has approved a generic version of the twice-yearly lenacapavir prevention jab, expected to cost $40 per person annually in 120 low- and middle-income countries. Energy Science: Eswatini says it is exploring nuclear power for its future energy mix, while stressing that safety, legislation and institutional capacity must come first. Cybersecurity: ICT Minister Savannah Maziya has called for stronger African cooperation to protect increasingly connected digital services. Climate-Smart Farming: Researchers’ modelling suggests October planting could give bambara groundnuts the best yields in Southern Africa, offering farmers guidance on diversifying crops.

HIV Prevention: The US FDA has approved the first generic version of twice-yearly HIV prevention drug lenacapavir. At a planned $40 per person annually, it could expand access in 120 lower- and middle-income countries. AI Standards: Eswatini has launched an AI Safety and Standards Centre with AICE Africa, aiming to train specialists and build capacity to test whether AI systems are safe and suitable for African communities. Cybersecurity: ICT Minister Savannah Maziya has called for stronger cross-border cooperation as African governments and businesses face digital threats that can spread across interconnected systems. Energy Technology: Eswatini reaffirmed it is exploring nuclear power for its future energy mix, while stressing that legislation, skilled people, safety and public trust must come first. Climate-Smart Farming: A study using decades of climate and soil data found October is the best planting time for bambara groundnuts in Southern Africa, offering farmers guidance on a nutritious crop that can help diversify production.

AI Standards: Eswatini has launched an AI Safety and Standards Centre with AICE Africa, building local expertise to assess and govern AI. A research and testing lab is proposed. Cybersecurity: ICT Minister Savannah Maziya called for stronger African cooperation to protect increasingly connected digital services and businesses. AI at Work: Eswatini HR leaders urged employers to use AI to improve performance without sidelining human judgement or employee well-being. Climate-Smart Farming: A study using decades of climate and soil data found October is the best time to plant bambara groundnuts in Southern Africa, offering farmers guidance on growing a hardy, nutritious crop. Energy Technology: Eswatini says it is exploring nuclear power for its future energy mix, while stressing that safety, skills, strong institutions and legislation must come first. Sport and Technology: King Mswati III urged the Ingwenyama Cup to consider digital broadcasting, e-ticketing and performance analytics to improve operations and reach wider audiences.

Surveillance Tech: A South African inquiry is examining messages about cellphone-interception equipment allegedly intended for resale to Eswatini. The claims remain under investigation. AI Standards: Eswatini has launched an AI Safety and Standards Centre with plans to train specialists and develop a research and testing lab, strengthening Africa’s ability to assess AI systems. Cybersecurity: ICT Minister Savannah Maziya has urged African countries to work together against cross-border cyber threats as public services and businesses rely more on connected systems. Energy Research: Eswatini is exploring nuclear power for its future energy mix, while stressing that safety, skilled staff and strong laws must come first. Climate-Smart Farming: A study using decades of climate and soil data found that planting bambara groundnuts in October could help farmers in Southern Africa get better yields and build resilience.

Cybersecurity: ICT Minister Savannah Maziya called for stronger African cooperation against cross-border digital threats at the Africa Cybersecurity Indaba. Separately, an INTERPOL-led operation across 21 countries arrested 1,462 suspects and recovered more than US$105 million. AI Standards: Eswatini has launched an AI Safety and Standards Centre with ESWASA and AICE Africa to train specialists and build capacity to test systems for safety and fairness, including a proposed research laboratory. Energy Science: Eswatini is exploring nuclear power for its long-term energy mix, while stressing that legislation, skills, safety and public trust must come first. Climate-Resilient Farming: Researchers used decades of climate and soil data to model bambara groundnut yields, finding October planting performed best and could help farmers diversify crops. Digital Links: Paratus’ new Dar es Salaam network hub extends routes through Eswatini, strengthening regional and international connectivity.

Cancer Care: UHAS has graduated 60 oncology nurses from 17 African countries, with programme leaders urging more research rooted in African healthcare settings to improve cancer care. AI Standards: Eswatini’s new AI Safety and Standards Centre aims to train specialists and build capacity to test whether AI systems are safe, fair and suited to local needs. Cybersecurity: ICT Minister Savannah Maziya has called for stronger cooperation across Africa as digital threats increasingly cross borders and disrupt connected services. Climate-Smart Farming: Scientists used decades of climate and soil data to find that October planting can give bambara groundnuts the best chance of a strong harvest, offering farmers another option as climate change strains staple crops. Future Energy: Eswatini is exploring nuclear power for its long-term energy mix, while stressing that any move would require careful planning, strong institutions, skilled people and robust safety measures.

AI Governance: Eswatini has launched an AI Safety and Standards Centre with AICE Africa to build local expertise in testing and governing AI. A research and testing laboratory is planned, while HR leaders urged employers to use AI to support—not replace—people. Cybersecurity: ICT Minister Savannah Maziya called for stronger African cooperation against digital threats, as governments and businesses rely on increasingly connected systems. Agriculture Research: A study using decades of climate and soil data found October is the best time to plant bambara groundnuts in Southern Africa, offering farmers guidance on a climate-resilient crop. Energy: Eswatini reaffirmed it is exploring nuclear power for its future energy mix, stressing that any programme would require careful preparation, strong safety rules and skilled workers.

Cybersecurity: ICT Minister Savannah Maziya has called for stronger African cooperation against cyber threats, warning that interconnected services can spread disruption across borders. Sport and Technology: King Mswati III urged the Ingwenyama Cup to explore digital broadcasting, online engagement, e-ticketing and performance analytics to grow its audience and improve management. Energy Research: Eswatini is exploring nuclear power for its long-term energy mix, but says any programme would require careful assessment, skilled people, strong institutions and robust safety measures. Climate-Smart Farming: A study using five decades of climate and soil data found October planting offers the best yields for bambara groundnuts, a nutritious, drought-tolerant crop that could diversify Southern African food production. Digital Infrastructure: UNESWA says it needs E1 billion to modernise facilities, including ICT infrastructure, while 34 police officers have graduated in Police Science training aimed at helping law enforcement respond to emerging crimes such as cybercrime.

Cybersecurity: ICT Minister Savannah Maziya addressed the Africa Cybersecurity Indaba, highlighting the need for stronger cooperation as public services and businesses rely on connected digital systems. Nuclear Energy: Eswatini reaffirmed it is exploring nuclear power for its future energy mix, but stressed that safety, legislation, skilled people and strong institutions must come first. Climate-Smart Farming: A study using 50 years of climate and soil data found October is the best time to plant bambara groundnuts in Southern Africa, offering farmers a way to diversify crops and strengthen food security. Cybercrime Skills: Thirty-four police officers graduated with diplomas in Police Science through a UNESWA partnership, with training intended to help officers respond to emerging crimes, including cybercrime. Regional Connectivity: Paratus has opened a Dar es Salaam network point, adding links to Maputo, Johannesburg and Eswatini and expanding regional and international connectivity options.

Cybersecurity: ICT Minister Savannah Maziya addressed the Africa Cybersecurity Indaba, where leaders discussed building trusted digital services and strengthening cross-border resilience. Separately, an INTERPOL-led operation across 21 countries arrested 1,462 suspects and disrupted more than 10,900 malicious networks. Energy: Eswatini is exploring nuclear power for its long-term electricity mix, but says legislation, safety, skilled people and public trust must come first. Regional Connectivity: Paratus’ new Dar es Salaam network point links Tanzania to routes through Maputo, Johannesburg and Eswatini, expanding regional and international options for businesses and internet providers. Education: A review of Eswatini’s education plan urges action on learner dropout, weak maths and science performance, and gaps in technical and vocational training.

STEM Education: Eswatini’s first review of its 2022–2030 education plan calls for urgent action on learner dropouts, weak maths and science results, and gaps in technical and vocational training. Youth in Film: ESCCOM’s new high-school competition pairs learners with university film crews for mentorship and hands-on production experience. Local Research: Nhlanhla Mkhatshwa, 29, has earned a PhD in Development Studies after developing a poverty-reduction framework for Eswatini. Digital Creativity: Homegrown platform Only Make Waves is using digital distribution, events and merchandise to help independent musicians reach audiences and build businesses. Regional Connectivity: Paratus’ new Dar es Salaam network link extends routes south to Maputo, Johannesburg and Eswatini, offering businesses more regional and international connections. Cybersecurity: An INTERPOL-led operation across 21 countries arrested 1,462 suspects and recovered more than $105 million, underscoring the scale of cybercrime across Africa. Climate Science: Research covering Eswatini and six neighbouring countries examines how changing rainfall could affect pastoralists’ livestock and livelihoods.