AGP Executive Report

Women & Growth: A new push argues Southern Africa can’t reach its economic potential while women are sidelined from decision-making, saying inclusion is a growth lever, not charity. Digital Finance & Media: AfricaNenda Foundation is training journalists to better explain inclusive instant digital payments across Africa, aiming to build trust and adoption. HIV Funding Shock: UNAIDS and KFF warn global HIV response funding fell sharply in 2025, driven largely by US cuts, risking a resurgence even as domestic spending rises. Lenacapavir Rollout: Lenacapavir injections are expanding across high-burden African countries, but supply issues are already straining demand. Eswatini Business & Jobs: Government moves to strengthen Emaswati MSMEs through preferential procurement, while Letshego Eswatini and Business Eswatini back digital banking to bring the unbanked into formal finance. Local Industry: RES opens a E1m marbling butchery in Simunye to create jobs and boost local meat supply. Courts & Rights: The High Court rules customary marriages can’t automatically be treated as out of community of property, and Chinese nationals face continued detention/re-arrest linked to revoked passports. Sports & Culture: EFA launches a paperless e-Sigwaca player registration platform; Methodist Medley tops 20m YouTube views; Zee Nxumalo is set as EFM’s first headliner.

US Visa Overhaul Hits Eswatini: From 1 August, the US will stop routine visa processing at 25 African posts, including Mbabane, sending applicants to regional hubs such as Johannesburg and Cape Town. HIV Funding Alarm: AIDS 2026 in Rio opens with warnings that global HIV targets are slipping as international funding drops sharply, with UNAIDS and KFF pointing to US cuts and fragile progress—Eswatini is among countries that reduced new infections since 2010. Prime Minister on “Disruptive Leadership”: PM Russell Mmiso Dlamini defends his approach in Parliament, arguing it’s meant to deliver the “nkwe” mandate and speed national transformation within the Tinkhundla system. Corruption Row: Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala says political interference in the Anti-Corruption Commission is the real problem, urging politicians to stay out of ACC operations. Football Admin Upgrade: EFA launches e-Sigwaca, a paperless player registration and transfer system for 2026/27, aiming to cut travel and paperwork. Sports Heartbreak: Eswatini’s boxing campaign at the Commonwealth Games ends after Mukelo Dlamini is eliminated; judo remains the next hope. Business & Jobs: Sigwe shoe factory nears completion (E28m), while FNB boosts SME funding to E1.5m and ENPF board appointments face renewed scrutiny.

HIV Funding Alarm: UNAIDS warns the global HIV response is at a critical turning point as donor cuts and reduced prevention/community health services threaten progress, with 1.2m new infections and 570,000 AIDS deaths reported for 2025. Local Health Privacy: ESCCOM, acting as the Data Protection Authority, has begun validating draft guidelines for lawful processing of personal health data, with workshops running this week before publication under the Data Protection Act. Anti-Corruption Push: Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala says politicians, including the prime minister, must stay out of ACC operations, rejecting claims that courts are blocking corruption arrests. Development Finance: FINCORP and IDCE are now almost neck-and-neck in market share, with FINCORP at 50.02% and IDCE at 49.98% in the latest FSRA bulletin. Mining Momentum: Government issued new coal, gold and quarry licences in the first quarter, aiming to boost investment and future mining activity. SME Support: FNB Eswatini increased SME funding access to up to E1.5m after feedback from entrepreneur forums. Culture & Sports: Deaf actors win film roles after ENFTVA auditions; and Eswatini’s sprinters and boxer are in action at the Glasgow Commonwealth Games, while a local football “tournament scam” leaves teams out of pocket.

HIV & TB Response: Community leaders at AIDS 2026 warn that with just 54 months left, slogans won’t end AIDS and TB unless people living with HIV are trusted to design and run the response—and funding cuts are already hurting progress. Funding Shock: New UNAIDS/KFF reports say global HIV funding plunged in 2025, driven by a steep drop in US support, raising fears of a resurgence as many patients still lack treatment. Youth Jobs & Skills: Prime Minister says government can’t employ every graduate and is pushing entrepreneurship through a nationwide National Career Expo. Industrial Push: Commerce Minister inspects the Sigwe shoe factory site, with the E28 million project on track for October 2026 completion and local jobs. Public Health in Schools: UNICEF and the education ministry report 63% coverage of compulsory Life Skills training for secondary school principals, aimed at safer, healthier learning. Crime Watch: Police report a 4.6% crime increase in the first quarter, with rises in murder, armed robbery, copper theft and housebreaking. Child Safety: Police arrest a 70-year-old man over alleged rape of his 13-year-old son. Sports & Culture: Eswatini’s Commonwealth Games campaign continues in Glasgow, while the Embiveni Biggest Braai drew huge crowds with Makhadzi and Feza Langa headlining.

Commonwealth Games: Eswatini’s sprinters and boxer Mukelo Dlamini take centre stage in Glasgow, with REPS’ Mlandvo Maziya starting his 100m campaign and Bongiwe Mahlalela also in action as the Kingdom pushes its medal hunt. Football & community safety: Manzini FA boss Vusie “Mavura” Hall meets Khama Billiat ahead of the 2026 Toyota Cup, while EFA president Peter “Samora” Simelane urges calm ahead of the returning Charity Cup. Crime & justice: REPS reports a 4.6% rise in crime in the first quarter, even as some offences fell; meanwhile a 70-year-old man is arrested over an alleged rape of his 13-year-old son. Border & migration pressure: 25 foreign nationals were arrested at Mhlumeni Border Gate for attempting to leave without proper travel documents, and the wider region faces renewed scrutiny as South Africa clamps down on illegal immigration. Economy & jobs: Investors are reportedly discouraged by claims that ministers ask for 10% before deals; and Netball Eswatini says it needs E1m to send both teams to Kenya. Finance & business: FSRA says NBFI assets dipped by E2bn after SBS moved into banking, and Lidwala Insurance has overtaken ESRIC as the top short-term insurer by premiums. Health & courts: The High Court orders repatriation of SA-imported cattle in the FMD fight, and an intersex murder accused seeks medical assessment and bail over detention safety. Consumer alert: Ford recalls previous-generation Ranger and Everest models in SA (exported to eSwatini) over a possible transmission fault that could cause loss of drive. Culture & sport beyond the pitch: Embiveni Biggest Braai draws major acts including Makhadzi, and Eswatini’s glass artists adopt lower-energy, lower-emission techniques to cut their carbon footprint.

Women’s Day cultural spotlight: Award-winning playwright and director Napo Masheane is bringing the HerStory International Theatre Festival back to her QwaQwa home in the Free State, with the festival running Aug 7–10 and designed as a full cultural experience (mountain hikes, Golden Gate Highlands visits, masterclasses and intimate performances) rather than a one-day show. Eswatini royal calendar: Reed Dance dates are officially set, with the main ceremony on Mon 31 August 2026 at Ludzidzini, featuring the traditional reed-giving by unmarried maidens and a public holiday. Regional migration pressure: South Africa’s crackdown on illegal immigration is hitting cross-border transport hardest, with foreign drivers on the DRC route facing enforcement and industry groups urging a pause as anti-foreigner sentiment grows. Local governance & business: Eswatini’s Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Act regulations are moving closer to Parliament, with plans to reserve selected sectors and commercial spaces for locally-owned businesses. Health & community: Eswatini’s HIV Prevention Indaba Findings Report launch featured Vusi Matsebula, one of the country’s first openly HIV-positive advocates, recounting his 1992 diagnosis journey and turning fear into purpose. Vehicle safety recall: The National Consumer Commission says certain Ford Ranger and Everest (2017–2020, 10R80 transmission) sold in South Africa and exported to Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini may lose drive; owners should get free software updates at authorised dealers.

Fraud Crackdown in Eswatini: INTERPOL says a major global operation netted 5,811 arrests and seized USD 293m, but only 15% of assessed cases were actually settled, with thousands of suspects still at large—while Eswatini police dismantled a scam crew that recreated a Brazilian police station to trick victims into “safe keeping” payments. Regional Migration Pressure on South Africa: Despite renewed xenophobic disturbances, Zimbabweans are still travelling legally to South Africa for business, but analysts warn that driving out migrant farm workers will raise costs and cut export output. Cross-border Transport Under Threat: South Africa’s immigration crackdown is also hitting legal trade routes, with transporters warning enforcement against foreign drivers—especially on the DRC route—could disrupt lucrative cross-border business. Eswatini in Focus—Missing Student: A Liswati student, Temaswati Lenhle Vilakati, is feared missing after travelling from Zambia into South Africa; her family says she left on July 6 and her current whereabouts remain unknown. Local Culture: Umhlanga Reed Dance dates are set, with the main ceremony on Monday 31 August 2026 at Ludzidzini, marked by a public holiday. Business & Policy: Eswatini’s Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Act regulations are moving closer to Parliament, with plans to reserve selected sectors and commercial spaces for locally-owned businesses.

Eswatini in the spotlight: Umhlanga Reed Dance dates are officially set, with the main ceremony (Day 7) on Monday 31 August 2026 at Ludzidzini, marked by a public holiday and attended by King Mswati III. Regional migration pressure: South Africa’s crackdown on illegal immigration is hitting cross-border transport hardest on the DRC route, with foreign drivers and transporters warning enforcement could disrupt lucrative trade. Cross-border concern for families: A Liswati student, Temaswati Lenhle Vilakati, is confirmed to have travelled from Zambia into South Africa, but her whereabouts remain unknown as the search continues. Business and jobs in Eswatini: Government says Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Act regulations are nearing Parliament, aiming to reserve selected sectors and commercial areas for locally-owned businesses. Vehicle safety: The National Consumer Commission has issued a recall for certain 2017–2020 Ford Ranger and Everest models with the 10R80 transmission, including vehicles exported to Eswatini, due to a risk of losing drive. Money and governance: Nigeria’s Accountant-General, Dr Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, has been elected Chairman of the African Accountants-General during an AGM held in Eswatini. Culture and youth: SAIMUN 2026 wrapped up after bringing together 650+ student delegates from 14 countries for youth diplomacy.

Taxi Violence Court Update: The Ndimande brothers and co-accused in the murder case of rapper Kiernan “AKA” Forbes are set for a pre-trial conference in a separate case over the 2022 killing of taxi boss William Kunene at Seadoone Mall, Amanzimtoti, with court told warrants were hard to locate. Cross-Border Migration Pressure: South Africa’s crackdown on illegal immigration is hitting cross-border transport hard, especially on the DRC route, as industry leaders warn enforcement and anti-foreigner sentiment could disrupt trade and livelihoods. Missing Liswati Student: The family of Liswati student Temaswati Lenhle Vilakati says she travelled from Zambia into South Africa, but her whereabouts remain unknown as the search continues. Regional Finance: Afreximbank has appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Southern Africa Regional Director, focusing on industrialisation and value addition across 14 countries. Eswatini Cultural Calendar: Umhlanga Reed Dance dates are set, with the main ceremony on Monday 31 August 2026 at Ludzidzini, marked by a public holiday. Local Governance & Business: Eswatini’s Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Act regulations are moving closer to Parliament, with plans to reserve some sectors and commercial opportunities for locally-owned businesses.

U.S. Visa Shake-up for Africa: From Aug. 1, routine U.S. visa services will be moved from 25 posts to regional hubs, including Mbabane, which will stop processing routine visas and route applicants via hubs like Johannesburg, Pretoria-area services, and others. Vehicle Safety Recall: South Africa’s National Consumer Commission says Ford is recalling certain 2017–2020 Ranger and Everest models with a 10R80 transmission after reports of possible loss of drive; affected vehicles were sold in SA, Botswana, Lesotho and eSwatini, and fixes will be done free at authorised dealers. Migration Pressure in the Region: MTN warns that rising anti-immigrant sentiment in South Africa could disrupt cross-border business and skilled-worker movement across Africa, with knock-on effects for investment. Eswatini HIV Prevention Focus: NERCHA reports young people in Eswatini still engage in unprotected sex despite condom access, driven by partner pressure, financial hardship, and stigma—findings discussed at the HIV Prevention Indaba. Local Economy Rules: Government says Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Act regulations are nearing Parliament, aiming to reserve selected sectors and commercial spaces for locally-owned businesses. Public Finance Leadership: Eswatini hosted the election of Nigeria’s Accountant-General, Dr Shamseldeen Babatunde Ogunjimi, as Chairman of the African Accountants-General. Sports & Community: Commonwealth Games open in Glasgow on July 23 with Eswatini among 74 nations, while gospel legend Sipho “Big Fish” Makhabane launches a nationwide talent search at Mhlangatane Sports Day.

Local Economy & Empowerment: Government says Citizens’ Economic Empowerment Act regulations are nearing Parliament, with a new framework to reserve selected sectors, commercial areas and procurement opportunities for locally-owned businesses. Consumer & Safety: Ford is recalling certain Ranger bakkies and Everest models sold in South Africa, Botswana, Lesotho and Eswatini (2018 to Feb 2020) over a possible 10R80 transmission fluid pump gear failure; owners can get a free software update at authorised dealerships. Financial Regulation: FSRA maintained in court that Status Capital Building Society operated as a pyramid scheme, arguing member money was tied to investment products rather than shareholding. Justice & Migration: Jamaica says two of its citizens deported to Eswatini by the US have declined repatriation, while efforts continue to contact a third. Public Health: NERCHA reports young people in Eswatini still have unprotected sex despite condom access, citing partner pressure and financial hardship, with stigma and weak parent-child communication also flagged. Governance Probe: MPs have called for investigations into alleged administrative bottlenecks at the Mbabane City Council, including questions over where collected money is going. Health Systems: SADC faces a “medical procurement paradox” as shortages persist despite billions spent, with calls to speed up pooled procurement implementation. Regional Politics: SADC announced an observer mission to Zambia’s Aug 13 election, with long-term observation running from late July into August. Sports & Community: Eswatini’s UNESWA reforms committee is launched under Prof Zodwa Motsa, while gospel legend Sipho “Big Fish” Makhabane plans a nationwide talent search at Mhlangatane Sports Day.

Energy & Land Rights: South Africa’s rush to build solar and wind in rural areas is raising land-use fears, with researchers warning renewable projects on communal land must protect long-held grazing and farming rights and follow consent rules. Regional Elections: SADC has announced an electoral observer mission to Zambia’s 13 August 2026 general election, with long-term observers running from late July into August and a refresher training for observers in early August. Health Procurement: SADC’s “pooled procurement” plan for medicines is still moving too slowly, leaving hospitals facing shortages even as governments spend billions on health supplies. Eswatini in Focus (Sports & Society): Eswatini’s football association appoints Spanish coach Tomeu Perello Palou as talent coach to strengthen grassroots pathways, while a Liswati student in Zambia, Temaswati Lenhle Vilakati, is feared missing after exams. Labour & Wages: An Eswatini MP urges the commerce ministry to ensure textile investors pay salaries that lift workers’ living standards, not just create jobs. Commonwealth Games: Glasgow’s 2026 Commonwealth Games opens today with 74 nations expected, but with fewer sports and athletes than past editions.

SADC Electoral Watch: SADC will deploy an Electoral Observation Mission to Zambia’s 13 August 2026 general election, with refresher training for observers set for 1–4 August and a mission launch planned for 6 August. Local Governance: MPs have called for a probe into alleged administrative bottlenecks at Mbabane City Council, questioning where money collected is going and demanding a report within 14 days. Health & Prevention: NERCHA says many young people in Eswatini still have unprotected sex despite access to condoms, citing partner pressure, financial hardship, and stigma. Public Service & Reform: UNESWA’s Reforms Implementation Committee has been launched, chaired by Prof Zodwa Motsa, to restore academic excellence and improve governance and sustainability. Safety & Justice: A drink-driving offender told Buhleni Circuit Court he only had “a few sips” before being arrested; he was convicted and sentenced to six months or a fine of E800. Community & Culture: Gospel legend Sipho “Big Fish” Makhabane will launch a nationwide gospel talent search at Mhlangatane Sports Day as part of his 60th birthday celebrations. Regional Mobility: Eswatini is among Africa’s stronger passports in the 2026 Henley Passport Index, with visa-free access to 71 destinations. Sports: Nsingizini Hotspurs edged Mbabane Highlanders 4-2 on penalties to reach the Prince Mangosuthu Legacy Cup final.

SADC Election Watch: Malawi Electoral Commission chair Justice Annabel Mtalimanja will lead a SADC Electoral Commissions Forum observer mission to Zambia’s 2026 General Election, with the technical team set to monitor key stages from Aug 5–16 and include eSwatini among 10 member commissions. Local Governance Probe: MPs have called for a probe into alleged administrative bottlenecks at the Mbabane City Council, asking the Housing and Urban Development ministry and its portfolio committee to investigate and report within 14 days. Public Service & Health: Eswatini’s NERCHA survey says young people are still having unprotected sex despite condom access, pointing to partner pressure, financial hardship, and stigma as major drivers. Education Reform: UNESWA’s Reforms Implementation Committee is now officially underway, chaired by Prof Zodwa Motsa, tasked with restoring academic excellence, governance and financial sustainability. Sports & Community: Nsingizini Hotspurs edged Mbabane Highlanders 4-2 on penalties to reach the Prince Mangosuthu Legacy Cup final, while PSPF is encouraging members to consider genetic profiling to reduce DNA and inheritance disputes. Economy & Travel: Henley’s 2026 passport ranking puts eSwatini among Africa’s top five strongest passports, with visa-free access to 71 destinations.

HIV Prevention Focus: NERCHA says young people in Eswatini are still having unprotected sex despite access to condoms, with partner pressure, financial hardship, and weak parent-child communication flagged as key drivers, while stigma continues to block prevention, testing and treatment. Public Service Reform: UNESWA’s Reforms Implementation Committee has been launched, chaired by Prof Zodwa Motsa, to implement recommendations from the UNESWA Task Team and World Bank review aimed at restoring academic quality, governance and financial stability. Family DNA Disputes: PSPF is encouraging members to get genetic profile testing so DNA can be stored and used to settle paternity and inheritance disputes after a member dies, reducing conflicts over death benefits. Local Governance Probe: MPs have called for investigations into alleged administrative bottlenecks at Mbabane City Council, including questions about where collected funds go and what happened with a suspended official. Road Safety Case: A Buhleni Circuit Court heard a drink-driving offender claim he only took a few sips before arrest; he was convicted and sentenced to six months or a fine of E800. Tourism & Safety: Triland Tourism Partners reassures travellers that Mpumalanga, Eswatini and Mozambique remain open and welcoming, rejecting intimidation, violence and xenophobia after concerns sparked by a viral incident in Mozambique. Sports Spotlight: Nsingizini Hotspurs beat Mbabane Highlanders 4-2 on penalties to reach the Prince Mangosuthu Legacy Cup final, after a goalless draw. Agribusiness Win: Eli Khoza won Lubombo EYA 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year, recognised for her cattle and crop farming business and support for women in agribusiness. Sugar Industry Warning: Eswatini Sugar says the sector is at rock bottom despite E8bn revenue, citing global price pressure, lower grower returns and reduced sales volumes.

UNESWA Reforms: Professor Zodwa Motsa has been appointed to chair the University of Eswatini reforms implementation committee, tasked with rolling out recommendations to restore academic quality, governance and financial sustainability. Mbabane City Council Probe: MPs have called for investigations into alleged administrative bottlenecks at the Mbabane Municipal Council, including a request for findings within 14 days. ENPF Board Dissolved: The Eswatini National Provident Fund board has been dissolved with immediate effect after an impasse and concerns it had become dysfunctional, with the ministry citing the need to protect workers’ retirement savings. Road Safety Court Case: A Buhleni Circuit Court heard a drink-driving offender say he only took a few sips before being arrested, and he was sentenced to six months’ imprisonment or a fine of E800. Sports—Football: Nsingizini Hotspurs edged Mbabane Highlanders 4-2 on penalties after a goalless draw to reach the Prince Mangosuthu Legacy Cup final. Agriculture—Entrepreneurship: Eli Khoza won the Lubombo EYA 2026 Entrepreneur of the Year award, taking home E10,000 for her agribusiness success. Tourism Safety: Triland Tourism Partners urged travellers to stay confident in Mpumalanga, Eswatini and Mozambique after safety fears linked to a Ponta do Ouro incident.