AGP Executive Report

Eswatini–China/Taiwan Tensions: China’s foreign ministry says betting on “Taiwan independence” will cost Eswatini development opportunities, alleging Taiwan provided NT$25 billion around Lai Ching-te’s visit and that benefits flow to a small group. Regional Governance: A seven-member Eswatini delegation is in Ghana studying land administration reforms for Eswatini’s National Land Policy, focusing on decentralised services, digital land records and reducing disputes. Aviation & Trade: ESWACAA and SADC’s aviation safety body held an ICAO workshop on aircraft and pavement classification ratings, stressing that modern, harmonised air infrastructure supports trade and connectivity. Food Safety in Mbabane: Mbabane Municipal Council seized over 560kg of unsafe food from 21 shops, citing expired, pest-infested, damaged and unlabeled products. Creative Sector Boost: ESWACOS opened applications for a Fund for Creativity and Artist Development, offering up to E5,000 per project for creators and rights holders. Sports Talent Abroad: Nsingizini Hotspurs players Yeki and Thubelihle have flown to Zimbabwe for assessments as local talent attracts foreign interest. Culture & Royals: Afrobeats star Davido visited Eswatini for a royal welcome and performances tied to the opening of the International Convention Centre and King Mswati III’s Ruby Jubilee celebrations.

Food Safety Crackdown: Mbabane Municipal Council says it destroyed over 560kg of unsafe products after inspecting 21 shops in Msunduza, citing expired items, pest-infested goods, damaged stock and missing labels. Public Health & Accountability: Inspectors also educated shop owners on proper handling and storage as part of ongoing citywide checks. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara as chair of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre in Maputo, with priorities including a regional register of fishing vessels and cutting reliance on donor funding. Land Policy Learning Trip: A seven-member Eswatini delegation is in Ghana studying land administration reforms, focusing on decentralised services, digital land records and reducing disputes. Creative Industries Support: ESWACOS opened an application for a creative industries development fund offering grants up to E5,000 for new copyright works, including music, books and promotional/digital distribution costs. Cross-Border Crime Link: A report says FIA offloaded two women at Multan Airport bound for Eswatini and arrested two agents over suspected immigration fraud and bribery. Sports & Community: Mbabane Swallows supporters demanded the club be reclaimed from current management after a tense general meeting.

Border & Compliance: South Africa has rolled out a new traveller declaration system for foreign-registered vehicles, including those from eSwatini, requiring motorists to declare vehicle and travel details to SARS before crossing to avoid delays and enforcement. Local Governance & Revenue: Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg urged state-owned enterprises to lead by example on tax compliance as Eswatini Revenue Service begins a six-month SOE salary review exercise. Land Policy Watch: An Eswatini delegation is in Ghana studying land administration reforms, focusing on decentralised services, digital land records and reducing disputes as it drafts a National Land Policy. Creative Economy: ESWACOS has opened an application call for a creative industries development fund, offering grants up to E5,000 for new copyright works and related production, promotion and distribution. Regional Mobility & Tourism: Justice ministers in Victoria Falls are set to discuss the SADC Tourism UNIVISA, aiming for a unified visa for transit and tourism stays across participating member states. Community & Culture: MTN Bushfire Festival wrapped up in Malkerns, while FNB Eswatini used the event to push digital banking and cashless payments.

Land Policy Watch: A seven-member Eswatini delegation is in Ghana studying land administration reforms, including how Ghana manages customary and statutory land, decentralises services, and digitises land records to cut disputes. Border & Travel Controls: South Africa’s new traveller declaration system starts today, requiring foreign-registered vehicles (including Eswatini) to submit vehicle details and trip info via SARS’s Traveller Management System to avoid delays and enforcement. Festival & Economy: MTN Bushfire Festival has wrapped up, with organisers and Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini pushing to double the event’s economic impact by 2027. Regional Fisheries: SADC ministers reappointed Stanley Ndara to lead the regional fisheries monitoring control and surveillance centre in Maputo, backing stronger action against illegal fishing. Workers’ Rights: The ITUC Global Rights Index adds Eswatini to a list of countries with deep labour-rights violations, alongside Argentina and Panama. Public Safety: Police in Limpopo seized 130 bags of dagga worth about R11m, with preliminary links to Eswatini.

Border & travel rules: South Africa’s new traveller declaration system kicks in today, requiring foreign-registered vehicles (including Eswatini) to submit vehicle and driver details via SARS’s Traveller Management System before arrival to avoid delays and enforcement. Regional fisheries: SADC ministers reappointed fisheries monitoring chief Stanley Ndara for a second term, backing efforts to curb illegal fishing and push member states to pay outstanding contributions. Drug crackdown: Three suspects face court after police seized 130 bags of dagga worth about R11m near Hoedspruit; preliminary reports say the haul originated in Eswatini and was being moved through Limpopo. Eswatini politics & society: A five-year mark since the 2021 Mbabane massacre finds fear still gripping the kingdom, with critics saying no one has been held accountable. Labour rights watch: A global union report ranks Eswatini among the worst for workers’ rights, alongside Argentina, Panama and others, citing restrictions on justice, strikes and bargaining. Business & investment: Eswatini’s oil reserve deal with Taiwan is framed as a bid for energy security, but questions remain over affordability and who benefits. Culture & economy: MTN Bushfire Festival ends another edition, with Prime Minister challenging organisers to double its economic impact by 2027.

Drug Bust in Limpopo: Police say three suspects will appear in Hoedspruit court after a R11 million dagga haul—130 bags—was seized during Operation Shanela 2, with investigators saying the consignment originated in Eswatini and was being moved for distribution elsewhere. Border Rules for Swati Travellers: From today, Eswatini travellers entering or leaving South Africa must declare vehicles and goods via SARS’s Traveller Management System to avoid delays at ports of entry. Bushfire Festival Push: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini challenged MTN Bushfire to double its economic impact by 2027, while the festival’s official banking partner, FNB Eswatini, is driving cashless payments at House on Fire. UAE–Eswatini Travel Deal: The UAE and Eswatini signed a mutual visa exemption MoU to make travel easier for citizens and boost people-to-people and business links. Labour Watch: Eswatini’s Commissioner of Labour says May Day developments could put the kingdom on the ILO agenda, with a delegation currently in Geneva.

KwaMagogo Legacy Turns New Corner: The Number 43 KwaMagogo story—once a refuge for South African students fleeing apartheid—has been adapted again, this time into a musical stage production ahead of the 50th anniversary of the 1976 youth uprising, with the 18th Annual Number 43 Legacy Event set to feature lectures, performances and the theatrical work “Magogo Courage.” Press Freedom Warning for Africa: A new global map from Reporters Without Borders shows press freedom at a 25-year low, with most countries now in “difficult” or “very serious” categories—while an Afrobarometer survey flags that even where people support media freedom, perceived freedom of speech is shrinking, with Eswatini among the lowest. Maternal Health Push: UNFPA calls for urgent investment in midwives, saying strengthening the midwifery workforce is key to ending preventable maternal deaths, noting Eswatini’s progress in reducing institutional maternal deaths. ENPF Board Crisis: A confidential legal opinion challenges Labour Minister Phila Buthelezi’s defence of the ENPF board chair appointment, as the fund’s board remains paralysed and Prime Minister Russell Dlamini is now needed to intervene. Bushfire Festival Surge: Ngwenya Border Post is seeing heavy queues as thousands cross for the 2026 MTN Bushfire Festival, with organisers and officials bracing for peak arrivals. UAE–Eswatini Travel Deal: The UAE and Eswatini sign a mutual visa exemption MoU to ease travel and boost people-to-people ties and business.

Visa & Mobility: The UAE and Eswatini have signed a Memorandum of Understanding granting mutual visa exemptions, with officials saying it will boost people-to-people travel, business links and smoother official exchanges. ID & Tech Manufacturing: Turkmen electronics firm Aýdyň Gijeler met Eswatini’s leadership in Abu Dhabi and agreed a major project to produce 1.5 million national ID cards and 500,000 biometric passports, including secure chip technology and land allocation for local production. Bushfire Festival Build-Up: Ngwenya Border Post is seeing heavy queues as thousands cross from South Africa for the 2026 MTN Bushfire Festival, with organisers and officials pointing to a busy, well-managed rush of travellers. Local Creative Economy: ESWACOS says the first royalty distribution for Eswatini creatives is expected in the 2026/27 financial year, after licensing and music tariff work was approved and implemented. Regional Politics & Taiwan: A new Taiwan survey shows overwhelming public rejection of China’s “one country, two systems” and strong opposition to Beijing’s attempts to limit Lai’s diplomacy, including criticism of interference tied to Eswatini. Youth at Bushfire: Over 600 pupils from 42 schools showcased Swazi and regional creativity at the EU Bushfire Schools Festival opening at House on Fire.

Bushfire Festival push: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has urged MTN Bushfire to double its economic injection for next year, after last year’s E121.2 million impact, setting expectations of at least E242 million as the country targets “mega” growth. Border bustle: Ngwenya Border Post is seeing heavy queues and packed arrivals as festivalgoers stream in for the 2026 MTN Bushfire Festival, with officials and police working to keep traffic moving. Youth at the heart: Cultural expert Allington Ndlovu led over 600 pupils from 42 schools at the EU Bushfire Schools Festival, showcasing music, dance, drama and storytelling under “Art in Action: Future in the Making.” Visa deal for easier travel: The UAE and Eswatini have finalised a mutual visa waiver agreement, aimed at boosting people-to-people links and unlocking more business, investment and trade. Creative economy update: ESWACOS says the first distribution of royalties is expected in the 2026/27 financial year, after licensing operations began in January. Regional media freedom: Afrobarometer’s latest findings show perceived freedom of speech is especially low in Eswatini (18%), highlighting a widening gap between rights on paper and what people feel in practice.

UAE–Eswatini Deal: Eswatini signed a visa-free travel agreement with the UAE, as both sides also explored stronger bilateral cooperation. Border Watch: From June 1, Eswatini travellers entering or leaving South Africa must declare vehicles and personal goods via South Africa’s Traveller Management System to cut delays. Creative Economy: ESWACOS says the first royalty payouts for Eswatini creatives are expected in the 2026/27 financial year, after licensing and music tariffs were approved. Bushfire Festival Rush: Ngwenya Border saw heavy queues as thousands crossed from South Africa for MTN Bushfire Festival (today–Sunday), with vendors selling SIM cards to help visitors stay connected. Local Finance Boost: IDCE declared a E14.5m dividend for FY ending June 30, 2025, citing a turnaround and targeted support for agriculture and productive businesses. CIT Security Update: Fidelity and Ox Nché-backed new armoured cash-in-transit vehicles are being rolled out as CIT robberies decline, with claims of no attacks on newly deployed trucks.

Border Watch: Eswatini travellers heading to South Africa will from 1 June have to declare their vehicles and personal goods, with SARS pushing people to use its online Traveller Management System to cut delays at entry points. Public Safety & Security: Springbok prop Ox Nché has partnered with Fidelity Services Group to launch next-generation armoured cash-in-transit vehicles, as CIT robberies in South Africa remain a major threat despite a reported 13% drop in 2025. Culture & Community: The Ngwenya Border Post saw heavy traffic as thousands crossed from South Africa for the MTN Bushfire Festival, with queues building on the SA side. Local Governance & Services: University of Eswatini is hiring an external debt collector to recover about E100 million in long-outstanding debts after internal recovery efforts became too costly. Regional Politics: Zimbabwe’s constitutional debate continues after public consultation, with renewed arguments over whether to keep direct presidential elections or move to a parliamentary system.

Border Rules for Emaswati Travelers: From June 1, Eswatini travellers entering or leaving South Africa must declare their vehicles and personal goods via SARS’s Traveller Management System to cut delays at entry points. Court Fight Over Eswatini Mobile Pay: Former Eswatini Mobile CFO Enock Dube has taken the dispute to the Industrial Court, seeking reinstatement and claiming over E2.2 million in alleged outstanding payments. World Book Day 2026: Eswatini marked the day under “Promoting SiSwati Stories in the Digital Age,” with government stressing copyright protection to grow the creative economy. UAE–Eswatini Ties: King Mswati III met Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince, with both sides pledging deeper cooperation across trade, investment and sustainable development. Eswatini–Taiwan Labour Links: Taiwan says it is assessing whether to recruit workers from Eswatini, with national security, health and employment rights as key conditions. UNESWA Debt Recovery: University of Eswatini has hired an external debt collector to recover about E100m in long-outstanding debts. Regional Context: South Africa’s press-freedom survey flags low perceived freedom of speech in Eswatini (18%), while a new study finds 200,000-year-old grass bedding in Border Cave on the SA–Eswatini border.

Mental Health Push: South Africa’s Health Minister Aaron Motsoaledi is set to keynote the East and Southern Africa mental health workshop in Johannesburg, with eSwatini among participating countries tasked to map out rapid mental health landscape plans ahead of a Kigali summit. Border Rules for eSwatini Travellers: From June 1, people travelling between eSwatini and South Africa must declare vehicles and personal goods using SARS’s online Traveller Management System to cut delays at entry points. Workplace Fight at Eswatini Mobile: Former Eswatini Mobile CFO Enock Dube has taken the matter to the Industrial Court, claiming over E2.2m in unpaid dues and seeking reinstatement after his contract ended in June 2025. Cash Security Upgrade: Springbok prop Ox Nché has partnered with Fidelity Services to roll out next-generation armoured cash-in-transit vehicles, aimed at better protection amid ongoing CIT crime risks affecting both South Africa and eSwatini. UNESWA Debt Recovery: The University of Eswatini is hiring an external debt collector to pursue about E100m in long-outstanding recoverable debts after internal efforts became too costly. UAE-Eswatini Diplomacy: Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled received King Mswati III in the UAE, reaffirming plans to deepen cooperation across trade, investment and other sectors. Local Crime Update: A TEBA employee and an accomplice were remanded over an alleged armed robbery in Mbabane involving more than E120,000. Sports & Culture: The MTN Bushfire Festival grounds are in full build-up for this weekend’s sold-out event, while local football coverage highlights Nsingizini Hotspurs’ league success.

UNESWA Debt Recovery: The University of Eswatini (UNESWA) has hired an external debt collector to chase about E100m in long-outstanding debts after internal efforts became too costly and difficult. Energy Security Debate: Eswatini has signed a $300m deal with Taiwan to build the Phuzumoya Strategic Oil Reserve, but critics question affordability amid poverty and high unemployment. Taiwan–Eswatini Labour Talks: Taiwan says it is still assessing whether to recruit workers from Eswatini, with a focus on upgrading vocational training centres first. Regional Diplomacy: King Mswati III met Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled during a UAE visit, with both sides pledging deeper cooperation across trade, investment and sustainable growth. Local Business & Services: Eswatini Mobile is running town-by-town vendor and customer engagement, highlighting improved No Frills bundles and renewed free data rewards. Public Safety & Law: Senators questioned proposed E5m corporate fines under the Critical Infrastructure Protection Bill, arguing penalties may be unrealistic for ordinary firms. Crime & Courts: A TEBA employee in Mbabane was remanded over an alleged E120,000 armed robbery. Festival Update: MTN Bushfire Festival preparations are in full swing, with the grounds and services ramping up ahead of the sold-out event.

Tourism & jobs push: African Parks, backed by major donors, is opening a Rwanda academy to train local conservation staff and wants to lift African tourist numbers from 59% of last year’s 188,000 visitors. Public service pressure: Kenya’s SRC is shifting the wage-bill debate toward productivity, launching a June 17–19 national conference in Nairobi. Mbabane crime: A TEBA employee and an accomplice were remanded after an armed robbery allegedly netted over E120,000 at the March 2 heist. Festival build-up: MTN Bushfire preparations are in full swing, with wristbands, a cashless Howler system, MoMo payments and early collection sites rolling out ahead of the sold-out weekend. Regional immigration heat: South Africa’s “March and March” is demanding more Immigration Officers as anti-foreigner protests continue, while KZN leaders urge unity but insist on lawful residency. Eswatini-Taiwan energy gamble: Eswatini signed a $300m deal with Taiwan for a strategic oil reserve, drawing questions amid poverty and unemployment.

UAE–Eswatini Diplomacy: Abu Dhabi Crown Prince Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed received King Mswati III in the UAE, reaffirming strong ties and exploring deeper cooperation across sectors. Taiwan–Eswatini Scrutiny: Taiwan says it’s still assessing recruitment of Eswatini workers while upgrading vocational training; the relationship remains under growing criticism amid renewed speculation. Russia’s Oil Money & Flags: A new report argues Russia has used African shipping registries as a sanctions loophole, with “African flags” appearing more often as its shadow fleet expands. Immigration Tensions in South Africa: As anti-migrant protests flare, South Africa’s defence minister rejects a “Trump wall” approach, pushing regional partners to share border responsibility. Competition & Telecom: Eswatini’s competition watchdog weighs how exclusive supply deals can help or harm markets, while UCC answers taxation and sovereignty concerns as Starlink seeks a licence. Health Watch: Demand for long-acting HIV prevention injections is outpacing supply in parts of Africa, with Eswatini among the first rollout countries. Sports: Nsingizini Hotspurs wrapped up the MTN Premier League season as treble winners, defending the title after edging Rangers.