AGP Executive Report

CAF Champions League: Scottland edged Eswatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs 1-0 on aggregate after a 0-0 draw at Somhlolo National Stadium, with coach Norman Mapeza calling it a “tactical” job after making five changes; Local Football: Former Kaizer Chiefs star Khama Billiat says the result proves Eswatini’s league is strong, while EFA technical director Tomeu Perello Palou insists there’s “no difference in quality” between the two countries’ leagues; Match Build-Up: Nsingizini face a must-win home task in their return tie, with the spotlight also on a Madagascar referee team for the decider; Judiciary: Government and the Law Society of Eswatini have sent condolences after Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala’s death, urging the public to respect the family’s privacy; Mbabane Marathon: MTN MoMo boosts sponsorship to E276,000 and marathon registration is open for the Nov 21 race; Women & STEM: ICT minister Savannah Maziya says women must lead Eswatini’s STEM future, awarding scholarships to top students.

CAF Champions League: Nsingizini Hotspurs host Zimbabwe’s Scottland FC at Somhlolo National Stadium today (3pm) needing at least two unanswered goals to overturn a 1-0 first-leg deficit, with a Madagascar referee team in charge after controversy in Harare. Judiciary & leadership: Government and the Prime Minister have mourned the death of Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala, while the PM urged the public to stop insensitive online commentary and give the family privacy. Politics: PM Russell Mmiso Dlamini has registered to vote ahead of the next national elections, as the EBC expands continuous voter registration. Mbabane Marathon: MTN MoMo boosts its Mbabane Marathon sponsorship to E276 000, as registration opens for the Nov 21 race. Health & access: King Mswati III opened the Khanyisile Hee Yeon Clinic (E200m total project) and demanded a sustainability plan. Sports development: Eswatini will face Turkmenistan in the FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities, with the team set to depart for the main 46th Olympiad soon. Culture: Thousands of Imbali have begun arriving in Shiselweni for Umhlanga’s second leg.

CAF Champions League: Scottland FC carry a 1-0 lead into today’s return against Nsingizini Hotspurs at Somhlolo National Stadium, chasing a rare Zimbabwean win on Eswatini soil. Local Football: Red Rhinos have withdrawn from their Manzini Wanderers Premier League status deal, citing identity, contracts, registration and payments. Judiciary: Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala has died in South Africa after treatment, prompting condolences from Eswatini’s Law Society. Health & Infrastructure: King Mswati III inaugurated the E50m Khanyisile Hee Yeon Clinic (E200m centre) and urged a sustainability plan. Women in STEM: ICT minister Savannah Maziya says women must lead Eswatini’s STEM future as scholarships support young women at Botho University. Sports Events: Mbabane Marathon registration opens for the Nov 21 race, while SAIMSA Games venues include Somhlolo National Stadium and Mavuso Sports Centre. Business & Policy: COMESA Competition and Consumer Protection Regulations 2025 were explained to local stakeholders. Community & Culture: UNESWA Kick-Off Carnival returns to Kwaluseni with MTN Pulse support, and Mbabane launches its October theatre festival push.

South Korea Travel Rules: South Korea says Eswatini citizens can enter with K-ETA instead of a visa, with stays up to 60 days (and the wider K-ETA list now totals 116 countries and territories, including South Africa, Botswana, Morocco, Tunisia, Lesotho, Mauritius, Seychelles). Eswatini Football: Scottland FC arrive in Eswatini ahead of the CAF Champions League second leg against Nsingizini Hotspurs, carrying a 1-0 lead and aiming to progress at Somhlolo National Stadium. Local Sports & Events: Mbabane gears up for the October International Theatre Festival and a 24-hour city vision, while UNESWA’s Kick-Off Carnival returns this Friday with MTN Pulse support. Health & Governance: King Mswati III officially opened the Khanyisile Hee Yeon Clinic, saying it surpasses healthcare access targets by bringing services within five kilometres of Nyonyane. Judiciary: Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala has died in South Africa, ending nearly 11 years at the helm of the judiciary. Regional Security: Eswatini reaffirms its commitment to peace and stability as it assumes SADC chairship for politics, defence and security cooperation.

Mbabane 24-hour push: The Municipal Council says it’s turning Mbabane into a vibrant night-and-day city, unveiling the October International Theatre Festival (Oct 1–3) with a launch held at the Eswatini Theatre Club. Energy scholarships: Three Eswatini students—Brilliance and Junior Dalingcebo Dlamini (petroleum engineering) and Temabhele Shabangu (chemical engineering, oil and gas)—head to Azerbaijan after SOCAR scholarships secured during King Mswati III’s Baku visit. Disability inclusion: Eswatini is urged to move from plans to budgets under the Costed National Disability Action Plan (2024–2028), with communications officers tasked to drive implementation in ministries. Waste plant scrutiny: PM Russell Dlamini and senators toured the E52m Matsapha National Waste Management Plant and the oxygen facility, flagging issues for parliamentary follow-up. Leadership loss: Chief Justice Bheki Maphalala has died after illness while receiving treatment in South Africa. Tax system upgrade: Business Eswatini and retailers/wholesalers met the Eswatini Revenue Service on practical rollout concerns for e-invoicing. Sports & culture: Eswatini Lifestyle Awards 2026 nominations open; and football fans get a boost as Swallows coach Nsindiso Gama calls for unity behind the club’s rebuild. Security reminder: Police report a Manzini man allegedly scammed out of over E118,000 by phone fraudsters posing as police.

Scholarships for Eswatini energy talent: Three Emaswati students—Brilliance Dlamini, Junior Dalingcebo Dlamini and Temabhele Shabangu—are heading to Azerbaijan for petroleum and oil-and-gas studies after SOCAR scholarships secured following King Mswati III’s Baku visit. Parliament oversight on waste and oxygen: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini and senators toured the E52m Matsapha National Waste Management Plant and the oxygen facility, with lawmakers saying the visit helps them spot issues needing attention. Public safety recall: Isuzu recalled 2,586 D-Max bakkies across nine countries, including eSwatini, over a potential brake pedal fault; repairs are offered at no cost. Tax system push: Business Eswatini urged the Eswatini Revenue Service to keep close engagement as e-invoicing moves toward rollout, warning success depends on costs, integration and clear guidance. Digital finance shift: Standard Bank Eswatini plans to decommission Unayo by Dec 31, 2026, citing a payments landscape now supported by the Eswatini Payment Switch. Migration and deportations spotlight: A report on US deportees in Cameroon notes Eswatini is among African countries accepting “third-country” returns, raising fresh concerns about people sent far from home. Scam alert: Police report a Manzini man allegedly lost over E118,000 after a caller impersonated police and guided him to block his bank account. Sports & culture: Swallows coach Nsindiso Gama urged fans to back the club’s rebuild; Eswatini’s chess hero Simphiwe Dlamini made history by winning the national open; and the Eswatini Comedy Festival returns for its third edition on Sept 25.

Chibuku Super Cup: Eswatini’s football fans are in for a big weekend as the Chibuku Super Cup quarter-finals kick off Saturday with CAPS United vs ZPC Kariba, followed by Sunday’s double-header: Dynamos vs FC Hunters and Highlanders vs MWOS at Barbourfields. CAF U-20 Qualifiers: Eswatini open their COSAFA qualifying campaign against Angola on Saturday, 19 September in Maputo, with the tournament running 18–27 September and only the top two earning CAF U-20 AFCON spots. Green Mamba in Angola: Green Mamba face Primeiro de Agosto in the CAF Confederation Cup second leg on Friday after a 2-0 first-leg loss, but three key players are ruled out through injury/illness as they chase a historic turnaround at a massive 48,000-seater venue. Digital banking shift: Standard Bank Eswatini plans to decommission Unayo by 31 December 2026, saying the move reflects the country’s evolving payments landscape and the rise of integrated digital banking. Tourism rules tighten: The Eswatini Tourism Authority says bed levy compliance will be enforced more strictly and grading will be required for establishments seeking government project consideration. Procurement & corruption: A senator warns procurement violations are draining government funds and should be covered under Eswatini’s whistleblower protection framework. EdTech push: Injini is investing $125,000 in an AI venture builder for early-stage education teams across Southern Africa, including applicants based in Eswatini.

Tourism & Economy: South Africa’s July tourist arrivals hit 991,696 (+12% y/y), with African visitors driving faster growth; Eswatini is also trending upward in regional hospitality numbers. Local Business & Tech: Eswatini’s retail and wholesale firms are stepping up for the e-invoicing pilot with the Eswatini Revenue Service, signalling readiness for digital tax administration. Governance & Integrity: MPs are pushing for an Auditor General audit of the Central Bank of Eswatini, via a proposed amendment to the CBE Order. Anti-Corruption: A senator warns procurement violations are draining government coffers and should be covered under Eswatini’s whistleblower protection framework. Energy & Consumer Safety: Draft regulations target substandard electrical products and energy efficiency, while the ETA tightens bed-levy compliance and warns “overnight” rentals without grading. Sports: Green Mamba face Angola’s Primeiro de Agosto in a must-win CAF tie, but three key players are ruled out; Musona’s hamstring keeps him sidelined. Community & Rights: EU support continues for human rights and civic space work as Eswatini marks 50 years of partnership. Culture & Events: Ocean Summer Vibes is postponed to Oct 24; BK Lodge Pop Up Flea stall bookings close in four days. Health & Finance: CBE reports gross official reserves rising to E10.4bn (+3.9% m/m) alongside private credit growth.

Vehicle Safety: Isuzu recalls over 2,500 D-Max 2026 bakkies in Eswatini and across the region after a brake pedal pivot pin may loosen, reducing braking performance; owners are urged to visit authorised dealers for free inspection and replacement. Disability Sports: Eswatini is set to debut at the FIDE Chess Olympiad for People with Disabilities in Samarkand (Sept 9–18) with a five-member team backed by the ESRC. Youth Innovation: MTN Eswatini launches the 2026/27 PachiPanda Challenge (ages 18–35) calling for sustainable solutions for the green economy. Business & Trade: Government backs a plan to turn Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre into a year-round commercial hub, pushing firms to scale production and chase regional and global markets. Finance & Inclusion: The Central Bank of Eswatini wins international recognition at the AFI Global Financial Inclusion Awards for SME finance and digital financial services work. Health & Community: Taiwan Medical Mission provides free care to 377 people in Mhlangatane, including screenings, medication, wheelchairs and rice support. Sports (Local): Moneni Pirates end an 11-year trophy drought, beating Mbabane Highlanders AM 4-2 on penalties to lift the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup. Public Safety (Health): Parents are warned to watch for vape devices disguised as everyday items as schools reopen.

Independence Celebrations: King Charles III congratulated King Mswati III and Eswatini on the country’s 58th Independence Day, praising the UK–Eswatini partnership and highlighting Eswatini’s environmental efforts. Migration Management: South Africa’s Inter-Ministerial Committee says progress on the five-point migration plan is improving, reporting 86,596 foreign nationals processed for deportation and repatriation between June and August, with most entering illegally. Border Deportees Clarified: Government says US “third-country” deportees in Eswatini are not prisoners and may move under supervision, following public concern after they appeared at the Umhlanga Reed Dance. Local Economy & Finance: Central Bank of Eswatini officials won recognition at the AFI Global Financial Inclusion Awards, while private sector credit rose to E23.8bn in July but business lending dipped. Sports (Eswatini): Nsingizini Hotspurs coach Mandla Qhogi insists Scottland can be overturned in the CAF Champions League return leg after a 1-0 first-leg loss. Football (Cup Drama): Moneni Pirates ended an 11-year trophy wait, beating Mbabane Highlanders 4-2 on penalties to lift the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup. Public Health: Parents are warned to watch for vaping devices disguised as everyday items as schools reopen. Security: Police found explosives in Peak Timbers forest, with investigations pointing to possible links to illegal mining. Business & Governance: Eswatini Medical Christian University council alleges an investigator tried to divert E10m in a High Court challenge. Culture & Events: OITF is set to revive Eswatini theatre with an October festival featuring productions, murals, school events and workshops.

Eswatini in the spotlight: King Charles III praised Eswatini’s environmental efforts in his Independence Day message, highlighting resilience and protection of the kingdom’s natural heritage while reaffirming UK ties through the Commonwealth. Local governance & trade: Mbabane City Council won best exhibitor and most innovative at the Eswatini International Trade Fair, as government backed plans to turn Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre into a permanent, year-round trade and investment hub. Economy & credit: Central Bank data shows private sector credit inched up to E23.8bn in July 2026, but business lending slipped slightly while households drove most of the growth. Sports (CAF): Nsingizini Hotspurs lost 1-0 away to Scottland FC in the CAF Champions League first leg; coach Mandla Qhogi said the early red card hurt but the tie is still alive for the second leg. Football (CAF results): Full first-leg Champions League preliminary results included Scotland FC beating Nsingizini 1-0 and Gaborone United drawing Young Africans 1-1. Culture: Eswatini’s October International Theatre Festival (OITF) is set for Oct 1–3, aiming to revive theatre with productions, murals, school events and workshops.

CAF Champions League (Eswatini): Nsingizini Hotspurs coach Mandla Qhogi stayed upbeat after a 1-0 first-leg loss to Scottland FC in Harare, despite an early red card that left his side chasing for most of the match; he said the job is “only half done” with the return leg in Eswatini still to come. CAF Champions League (Zimbabwe): Scottland FC’s Norman Mapeza admitted his side could have done more after winning 1-0, and revealed Knowledge Musona missed the game with a hamstring injury, not discipline. Local Football: In the 8Bet Trade Fair Cup final at Mavuso Sports Centre, South African coaches Selaotse “Sly” Mosala and Floyd “Mourinho” Mogale faced off, with Mosala’s Moneni Pirates winning 4-2 on penalties after a 1-1 draw. International Relations: Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev sent King Mswati III Independence Day congratulations, citing “favorable conditions” for stronger ties after the King’s WUF13 visit to Baku. Governance & Trade: Mbabane City Council won best exhibitor and most innovative exhibitor at the Eswatini International Trade Fair, as government pushed for a permanent, year-round Mavuso trade hub. Money Laundering: Eswatini improved its FATF technical ratings after four upgrades, moving closer to full compliance and reducing the risk of greylisting. Child Welfare: Mercy Mission is appealing for urgent public and business support after donor losses threaten its Orphan 7 and Imam Development Program across 14 countries.

US Diversity Visa/Green Card Lottery: The US State Department says Nigeria is the only African country barred from DV-2026, while 49 other African nations are eligible; the programme drew 20.8m qualified entries and the US registered about 129,516 prospective applicants, with selectees required to complete processes by Sept 30, 2026. CAF Champions League drama: Scottland FC’s Knowledge Musona was left out of the squad for the clash with Nsingizini Hotspurs after a substitution incident that drew sponsor Wicknell Chivayo’s warning over disrespect to the technical team. Eswatini football abroad: Green Mamba’s CAF Confederation Cup tie took a hit as CD Primeiro de Agosto beat them 2-0 in the first leg, setting up a return in Luanda. Local governance & trade: Mbabane City Council won best exhibitor and most innovative exhibitor at the Eswatini International Trade Fair, as government pushed plans to turn Mavuso into a permanent trade and investment hub. Money-laundering safeguards: Eswatini secured four upgrades in FATF-style testing, moving to satisfactory ratings on 32 of 40 standards and reducing greylisting risk. Independence Day diplomacy: UAE leaders sent congratulations to King Mswati III, while Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev also wrote to the King, citing improving bilateral relations. Sports spotlight: Hayley Hoy led Eswatini’s medal haul at Africa Aquatics Zone IV in Botswana, winning five medals. Court update: The High Court granted 25 Chinese nationals leave to execute an earlier release order after immigration and related charges tied to raids on alleged illegal online gambling centres.

CAF Football: Nsingizini Hotspurs coach Mandla Qhogi said church noise in Harare disrupted sleep ahead of today’s CAF Champions League opener against Scottland FC, adding they’ll adapt to the bigger pitch and rely on their possession style. Independence Day Diplomacy: UAE leaders sent congratulations to King Mswati III on Eswatini’s Independence Day, while Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev also wrote praising “favorable conditions” for stronger Azerbaijan–Eswatini ties after King’s WUF13 visit. Money & Governance: Eswatini cleared four hurdles in a money-laundering test, improving FATF ratings on 32 of 40 standards and reducing the risk of greylisting. Courts: The High Court granted 25 Chinese nationals leave to execute an earlier order for release after convictions tied to raids on alleged illegal online gambling centres. Local Economy: Government projects worth about E600m have stalled due to slow cash flow, leaving contractors and workers unpaid and services like schools, roads and water at risk. Social Welfare: The DPM’s office says it’s stepping up awareness after cases of child neglect, warning neglect reports will be taken to court. Sports Business: Eswatini Stock Exchange unveiled its Kwakhanya 2030 capital markets strategy to make the exchange a driver of wealth creation. Regional Security: SADC Troika is set to consider Zambia’s post-election crisis after receiving a preliminary observer report.

Government Finance Crunch: About E600m in approved public projects has stalled due to slow cash flow, leaving contractors and workers unpaid and delaying schools, roads, water infrastructure and livestock dipping tanks. High Court Immigration Ruling: The High Court granted 25 Chinese nationals leave to execute an earlier judgment ordering their release after arrests linked to alleged illegal online gambling and immigration offences. Trade Fair Spotlight: Eswatini Railways (ESR) showcased a regional logistics push at the EITF, bringing together Transnet Freight Rail and Transnet Engineering plus Mozambique’s CFM to market cross-border rail solutions. Sports—CAF Drama: Green Mamba’s CAF Confederation Cup tie is off to a tough start after losing 2-0 to Primeiro de Agosto in Luanda; the return is set for September. Local Football Discipline: Scotland FC benefactor Wicknell Chivayo warned Knowledge Musona after a substitution incident went viral, stressing respect for the technical team. Climate Watch: Meteorologists warn El Niño could drive above-normal temperatures, with parts of Eswatini possibly exceeding 40°C. Energy Policy: Stakeholders are invited to comment on proposed Minimum Energy Performance Standards for appliances, with workshops across the regions. Consumer Recall: Woolworths and the National Consumer Commission recalled WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo due to bacterial contamination risk.

Women’s Rights Under Pressure: A SHE & Rights panel warns that an anti-rights backlash is using “family values” and “sovereignty” language to dilute women’s equality and health rights. Immigration Activism: South African activist Phakelumthakathi Ndabandaba says he will meet QwaQwa residents in Phuthaditjhaba on 5 September to plan a 23 September march over concerns about undocumented foreign nationals. Food & Health Safety: Eswatini’s National Consumer Commission flags a Woolworths recall of WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo after a bacterium was detected; buyers should stop using and return for a refund. Weather Watch: Eswatini braces for a potentially historic El Niño season, with forecasters warning of above-normal temperatures and a high chance of severe conditions. Football Focus: Nsingizini Hotspurs face CAF Champions League pressure after a domestic scheduling clash; meanwhile, Scottland FC begin their CAF campaign against Nsingizini Hotspurs in Harare on Sunday. Energy Policy: MNRE invites stakeholders to comment on proposed Minimum Energy Performance Standards, with workshops across the country.