AGP Executive Report

Public Transport & Culture: A fleet of 50 prepaid buses plus 83 trucks for luggage and reeds, supported by water tankers, is being deployed across 18 pickup points to move thousands of maidens for the Shiselweni Reed Dance. Payments & Banking: Standard Bank Eswatini says it will decommission the Unayo wallet platform by Dec 31, 2026, pointing to the Eswatini Payment Switch and a shift to integrated digital banking. Energy & Consumer Safety: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy has started consultations on draft regulations to curb substandard electrical and electronic products and improve energy efficiency, safety, and consumer protection. Women in Agriculture: Applications for the Woman Farmer of the Year Competition close this Friday (Sept 11), with the programme aimed at boosting women-led agribusinesses. Tourism Regulation: The Eswatini Tourism Authority warns that informal “overnight” rentals during festivals can breach bed-levy rules and municipal standards, risking visitor safety and consumer protection. Vehicle Recall: Isuzu RG19 D-Max bakkies exported to eSwatini are under recall over a possible loose brake pedal pivot pin; owners are urged to get free inspections and repairs. Governance & Accountability: MPs are pushing for amendments to allow the Auditor General to audit the Central Bank of Eswatini, citing accountability and legal alignment. Trade & Enterprise: Government backs a move to make the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre a year-round commercial hub, urging businesses to scale production and target regional and international markets.

Electrical Standards Push: Natural Resources and Energy has started nationwide consultations on Draft Regulations to enforce electrical and electronic equipment standards, aiming to curb substandard imports while boosting safety, energy efficiency, environmental sustainability, fair competition and consumer protection. Tourism Compliance Warning: The Eswatini Tourism Authority is cracking down on “overnight” informal accommodation rentals during festivals, saying ungraded, uninspected homes undermine bed-levy rules, municipal standards, fire safety and consumer protection. Vehicle Safety Recall: The National Consumer Commission says Isuzu has recalled about 2,500 RG19 D-Max bakkies (including exports to eSwatini) over a possible loose brake pedal pivot pin; owners are urged to get free inspections and repairs at authorised dealerships. Indigenous Knowledge Value: ICT Minister Savannah Maziya says indigenous crafts, agriculture and medicine contribute over E50m annually, urging better documentation and policy support after mapping found many practices still undocumented. Trade & Industry Momentum: Government backs turning the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre into a year-round commercial hub, while UNDP urges businesses to adopt technology, innovation and resource efficiency to stay competitive. Supply Chain Networking: ASCON welcomed four new member bodies ahead of its 2026 conference in Livingstone, reinforcing cross-border procurement and logistics skills across Africa.

Vehicle Safety Recall: Isuzu has recalled 2,500+ D-Max 2026 bakkies over a possible loose brake pedal pivot pin that could reduce braking performance; affected models sold in multiple countries including eSwatini are being urged to visit authorised dealers for free inspection and replacement. Trade & Industry Push: Government is backing a plan to turn the Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre into a year-round commercial hub, with the Prime Minister urging firms to scale production and compete regionally and globally after the 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair. Local Business Spotlight: Mbabane Municipal Council won “most innovative” and “best exhibitor” at the EITF, reinforcing the push for smarter, sustainable enterprise participation. Regional Logistics: Eswatini Railways showcased a joint exhibition with Mozambique’s CFM and South Africa’s Transnet Freight Rail and Transnet Engineering to promote integrated regional logistics. Security & Environment: Police found explosives at Peak Timbers forest, with preliminary links to suspected illegal mining, prompting an investigation. Finance Watch: Private sector credit in eSwatini rose slightly to E23.8bn in July, but business lending fell in key sectors including manufacturing, agriculture/forestry, construction, transport and real estate. Migration Management: South Africa’s inter-ministerial committee reported improved conditions after violence at Che Guevara, reiterating government responsibility for immigration management and law enforcement. Women’s Entrepreneurship: AWIEF announced 2026 award finalists, adding categories for agricultural innovators and a new Male Ally Award. Culture & Creative Economy: The October International Theatre Festival (Oct 1–3) is set to revive eSwatini theatre with performances plus murals, school events, masterclasses and a street festival.

ASCON Expansion: Africa’s Supply Chain Confederation (ASCON) adds four new member bodies ahead of its 2026 conference (23–25 Sept) in Livingstone, Zambia, with Eswatini among the founding bloc and sponsors backing skills and procurement excellence. Security & Mining: Police say explosives were found hidden in Peak Timbers forest (Pigg’s Peak) and preliminary links point to possible illegal mining, raising pressure on environmental crime enforcement. Trade Fair Momentum: Mbabane City Council won best exhibitor at the Eswatini International Trade Fair, as government pushes to turn Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre into a permanent, year-round trade and investment hub. Regional Logistics: Eswatini Railways (ESR) showcased a joint stand with Mozambique’s CFM and South Africa’s Transnet Freight Rail and Transnet Engineering to promote integrated cross-border logistics. Energy Policy Consultations: MNRE invites stakeholders to comment on proposed Minimum Energy Performance Standards for appliances like fridges, air conditioners and lighting, with workshops starting 8 Sept. Food & Livestock Safety: The Philippines moved to ban FMD-susceptible animal imports from multiple countries including Eswatini, highlighting ongoing regional biosecurity concerns. Business Credit Watch: Private sector credit in Eswatini edged up to E23.8bn in July, but business lending dipped slightly while households drove growth.

Trade & Logistics: Eswatini Railways (ESR) showcased a united Southern Africa logistics push at the 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair, sharing stands with Mozambique’s CFM and South Africa’s Transnet Freight Rail and Transnet Engineering to promote integrated cross-border rail solutions. Business Finance: Central Bank of Eswatini data shows private sector credit edged up to E23.8bn in July, but business lending slipped slightly (down 0.1% month-on-month) with contractions hitting manufacturing, agriculture/forestry, construction, transport and real estate. Energy & Industry Policy: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Energy, with ESERA and the EEA, invited stakeholders to comment on proposed Minimum Energy Performance Standards for appliances like fridges, air conditioners and lighting, with workshops scheduled across regions from 8–11 September. Climate & Risk for Industry: Eswatini braces for a very strong El Niño season (Oct 2026–Mar 2027), with eastern areas potentially exceeding 40°C at peak and rainfall patterns shifting—raising pressure on farming, water and supply chains. Agriculture & Biosecurity: The Philippines moved to ban FMD-susceptible animal imports and related products from at least 23 countries including Eswatini, a reminder that livestock trade rules can tighten quickly. Royal & Environment: King Charles III praised Eswatini’s environmental resilience efforts in his Independence Day message, while King Mswati III reiterated clean-water and emission-reduction priorities. Innovation & Trade Fair Momentum: Mbabane City Council won best exhibitor and most innovative exhibitor at the Trade Fair, as government backed plans to upgrade Mavuso into a permanent trade and investment hub.

Trade Fair Momentum: Mbabane City Council won best exhibitor and most innovative at the 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair, as government pushed plans to turn Mavuso Trade and Exhibition Centre into a permanent, year-round trade and investment hub. Regional Logistics: Eswatini Railways (ESR) showcased a united regional rail push at the fair, teaming with Mozambique’s CFM and South Africa’s Transnet Freight Rail and Transnet Engineering to promote integrated cross-border logistics. Public Works Cash Crunch: Government projects worth about E600m stalled due to slow cash flow, leaving contractors and workers waiting and delaying schools, roads, water infrastructure and livestock dipping tanks. Energy Policy Consultations: MNRE, with ESERA and EEA, invited stakeholders to comment on proposed Minimum Energy Performance Standards for appliances like fridges, air conditioners and lighting. Climate & Agriculture Risk: Eswatini braces for a potentially historic El Niño season, with above-normal temperatures and rainfall shifts that could disrupt farming and water-dependent services. Food & Livestock Safety: The Philippines moved to ban FMD-susceptible animal imports and related products from multiple countries including Eswatini, citing lab-confirmed outbreaks. Water & Emissions Push: King Mswati III announced a Paris Agreement-compliant NDC 3.0 and called for accelerated investment to secure clean water for all by 2030. Consumer Recall: Woolworths recalled WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo after a bacterium was detected; affected batches were sold across several countries including Eswatini.

Trade Fair & Local Industry: Mbabane City Council won “most innovative” and “best exhibitor” at the Eswatini International Trade Fair, as government backed plans to turn Mavuso into a permanent, year-round trade and investment hub. Regional Rail Logistics: Eswatini Railways (ESR) brought Transnet Freight Rail, Transnet Engineering and Mozambique’s CFM to showcase a united Southern Africa logistics push at the EITF. Public Works Cash Crunch: Government projects worth about E600m have stalled over slow cash flow, leaving contractors and workers unpaid and delaying schools, roads, water infrastructure and livestock dipping tanks. Energy & MSMEs: EU officials warned rising energy costs are eroding MSME competitiveness, while commerce leaders urged firms to move from survival to growth, productivity and competitiveness. Energy Policy: MNRE invited stakeholders to comment on proposed Minimum Energy Performance Standards for appliances like fridges, air conditioners and lighting. Climate & Water Planning: King Mswati III announced a 2035 emissions-cut target and called for accelerated investment to secure clean water for all by 2030. Weather Risk: Eswatini braces for a potentially historic El Niño season, with eastern areas facing very high temperatures. Food & Livestock Safety: Philippines imposed an FMD-related import ban that includes Eswatini, affecting susceptible animals and animal products. Consumer Recall: Woolworths/WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo recalled after bacterial contamination concerns, including sales across Eswatini.

Energy & Industry Policy: Eswatini is inviting stakeholders to comment on proposed Minimum Energy Performance Standards for appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners and lighting, with consultation workshops running 8–11 September across Hhohho, Manzini, Shiselweni and Lubombo. Power & Investment: Prime Minister Russell Dlamini says Eswatini wants energy partnerships that deliver local ownership, jobs and skills, while targeting over 1,000MW of domestic generation by 2030 and opening the sector to Independent Power Producers as developers and owners, not just contractors. Trade & Logistics: Eswatini Railways (ESR) showcased a united regional logistics push at the 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair by bringing together Mozambique’s CFM and South Africa’s Transnet Freight Rail and Transnet Engineering. MSME Competitiveness: Government urged MSMEs to move from survival to growth, productivity and competitiveness, while the EU warned rising energy costs could undermine development gains. Agribusiness & Climate Resilience: Agriculture leaders called for green production and high-value crops, plus agro-processing and value-chain upgrades to unlock sustainable trade. Weather Risk: Eswatini braces for a potentially historic El Niño season, with above-normal temperatures and drought concerns. Public Services Pressure: E600m in government projects is stalled due to slow cash flow, hitting schools, roads, water infrastructure and livestock dipping tanks. Consumer Recall: Woolworths recalled WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo after a bacterium was detected; customers are advised to stop using and return for a refund.

Climate & Energy Policy: King Mswati III unveiled Eswatini’s Paris-aligned NDC 3.0, targeting a 2.24 million-tonne emissions cut by 2035, and called for accelerated investment to secure clean water for all by 2030. Power & Investment: PM Russell Dlamini said Eswatini aims to exceed 1,000MW of domestic generation by 2030 and is opening the electricity sector to Independent Power Producers as developers and owners, not just contractors. Energy Costs for Industry: The EU warned rising energy prices are eroding MSME competitiveness, while Government urged firms to move from survival to growth, productivity and value addition. Energy Efficiency Standards: MNRE, with ESERA and EEA, invited stakeholders to comment on proposed Minimum Energy Performance Standards for appliances like fridges, air conditioners and lighting. Weather Risk to Production: Eswatini braces for a very strong El Niño season (Oct 2026–Mar 2027), with eastern areas facing above-normal heat and heightened drought risk. Food & Livestock Trade: The Philippines imposed a temporary ban on FMD-susceptible animals and meat products from 23 countries including Eswatini, citing lab-confirmed outbreaks. Consumer Recall: Woolworths recalled WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo in affected batches sold across several countries, including Eswatini, after bacteria contamination concerns. Business & Growth Signals: CSO reported GDP reached E96.6bn in 2025 with 4.8% real growth, driven mainly by the tertiary sector.

Animal Health & Trade Controls: Eswatini is named among 23 countries hit by the Philippines’ temporary ban on FMD-susceptible animals and related products, after lab-confirmed foot-and-mouth disease reports. Energy Policy & Industry Competitiveness: Eswatini invited stakeholders to comment on proposed Minimum Energy Performance Standards for appliances, while EU officials warned rising energy costs are eroding MSME competitiveness. Power Sector Investment Model: PM Russell Dlamini said Eswatini targets 1,000MW by 2030 and is opening the electricity sector to Independent Power Producers as developers, investors and owners—pushing local jobs and skills, not just contracting. MSME Growth Agenda: Commerce minister Manqoba Khumalo urged businesses to move from survival to growth, productivity and competitiveness, with digitalisation and agro-processing flagged as key frontiers. Climate & Supply Risks: Eswatini braces for a potentially historic El Niño season, with forecasts pointing to hotter conditions and major planning pressure for agriculture and operations. Product Recall: Woolworths recalled WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo sold across multiple countries including Eswatini, after a bacteria contamination finding. Agribusiness Value-Add: Agriculture officials urged green production and high-value crops, plus agro-processing, to unlock trade and higher incomes. Finance Inclusion Leadership: Central Bank Governor Dr Phil Mnisi was appointed chair of an African financial inclusion policy initiative, boosting Eswatini’s voice on digital finance and cross-border payments. Local Business Expansion: Shoprite’s acquisition of Vida e Caffè—operating in Eswatini among other markets—signals continued retail growth into coffee and convenience.

Cartel Spotlight: South Africa’s Madlanga Commission put faces to the alleged “Big Five” cartel, naming Katiso “KT” Molefe, Steve Motsumi, Ignatius Mothakathi, Andrew “Boy” Mthethwa and the late Jothan “Mswazi” Msibi, with Molefe facing multiple charges tied to an engineer’s death and a disputed Transnet tender. Livestock & Trade Controls: Eswatini is among 23 countries hit by the Philippines’ temporary FMD-related import ban on susceptible animals and specific meat products/by-products, citing lab-confirmed outbreaks. Energy Policy Consultations: MNRE, ESERA and EEA invited stakeholders to comment on proposed Minimum Energy Performance Standards for appliances like fridges, air conditioners and lighting, with workshops across Hhohho, Manzini and Shiselweni. Power & Industrialisation Push: PM Russell Dlamini says Eswatini targets 1,000MW+ domestic generation by 2030 and is opening the energy sector to IPPs as developers/investors/owners, not just contractors, while calling for “Africa First” local ownership. Business Costs & Competitiveness: EU and UNDP speakers warned rising energy costs are squeezing MSMEs, urging smarter efficiency and technology that makes business sense. Climate Risk: Eswatini braces for a potentially historic El Niño season, with forecasts pointing to hotter conditions and drought pressure. Consumer Recall: Woolworths recalled WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo after a bacterium was detected; the product was sold across several countries including Eswatini. MSME & Agribusiness Direction: Government urged MSMEs to move from survival to growth and competitiveness, while agriculture leaders pushed green production, high-value crops and agro-processing for stronger trade. Regional Finance Role: Central Bank Governor Dr Phil Mnisi was appointed AfPI chair, giving Eswatini a bigger voice on Africa’s financial inclusion agenda. Fuel Prices: Eswatini announced fuel price increases effective 3 Sept 2026, citing global oil market pressures.

Energy Policy & Standards: MNRE, with ESERA and EEA, invited stakeholders to comment on proposed Minimum Energy Performance Standards for fridges, air conditioners and lighting—workshops run across Hhohho, Manzini, Shiselweni and Lubombo. Power & Industry Readiness: PM Russell Dlamini says Eswatini targets 1,000MW+ domestic generation by 2030 and has opened the electricity sector to IPPs as developers/investors/owners, not just contractors—aimed at jobs, skills and industrialisation. Energy Costs Pressure: EU officials warned rising energy costs are eroding MSME competitiveness and urged partnerships that protect productivity and value chains. MSME Financing Focus: Commerce Minister Manqoba Khumalo pushed MSMEs to move from survival to growth, calling for financing models matched to real business needs and stronger market access. Weather Risk: Eswatini braces for a historic El Niño season; forecasters warn of above-normal temperatures, with eastern areas potentially exceeding 40°C, while rainfall patterns remain under close monitoring. Fuel Prices: Petrol, diesel and illuminating paraffin prices rise from Sept 4, driven by global crude and supply constraints. Solar Uptake: ESERA launched an embedded generation online application platform (up to 2MW) to speed approvals and improve transparency. Consumer Safety: Woolworths recalls WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo after bacteria contamination concerns, affecting sales across several countries including Eswatini. Broadcasting & Jobs: ESCCOM granted two new free-to-air commercial radio licences, expected to expand content diversity and create roles across the media value chain. Agribusiness & Trade: Agriculture leaders urged green production and high-value crops, plus agro-processing, to unlock sustainable trade opportunities. Economy Snapshot: CSO reports 2025 GDP at E96.6bn with 4.8% real growth, led by a stronger tertiary sector. Energy Efficiency for Business: UNDP urged firms to cut inefficiencies and invest smarter in areas like refrigeration, irrigation, logistics and energy management rather than simply raising prices.

Energy Policy & Investment: PM Russell Dlamini says Eswatini aims to exceed 1,000MW of domestic generation by 2030 and has opened the electricity sector to IPPs as developers, investors and owners—not just contractors—linking power security to industrialisation. Local Power Transition: Eswatini also launched an embedded generation online application platform (up to 2MW) to speed approvals and improve transparency for rooftop solar participation. Business Competitiveness: EU officials warn rising energy costs are eroding MSME competitiveness, while UNDP urges firms to cut inefficiencies and invest smarter in practical solutions like refrigeration, irrigation, logistics and energy management. MSME Finance & Growth: Commerce Minister Manqoba Khumalo calls for MSMEs to move from survival to growth, and government urges financiers to rethink MSME lending around real business needs, records and market access. Agriculture & Trade: Agriculture leaders push green production and high-value crops, plus agro-processing and green bio-economy options to unlock higher value from farming. Consumer & Safety Alerts: Woolworths recalled a shampoo batch after a bacterium was detected; separately, Ford issued a Ranger airbag recall affecting vehicles sold across the region including Eswatini. Digital & Jobs: ESCCOM awarded free-to-air commercial radio licences to SakhaLive FM and Icon Connect Radio, expected to expand content and create roles across the broadcasting value chain. Economy Snapshot: CSO reports 2025 GDP at E96.6bn with 4.8% real growth, driven mainly by the tertiary sector. Food Supply Watch: Police and NMC investigate suspected white maize smuggling after maize consignments were intercepted at Ngwenya Border Gate.

Macroeconomy: Eswatini’s GDP hit E96.6bn in 2025, with real growth of 4.8% (up from 3.0% in 2024), driven mainly by a 6.0% expansion in the tertiary sector. Energy & industry: UNDP urged businesses to protect profits by cutting inefficiencies and investing smarter, with practical moves like better refrigeration, irrigation, logistics and energy management—plus renewables only when they make business sense. Energy partnerships: Government called for energy deals that build jobs, skills and indigenous companies, pushing IPPs to act as developers, investors and owners. Solar rollout: Eswatini opened an embedded generation online application platform (up to 2MW) to speed approvals and improve transparency; Namibia also launched a similar rooftop solar portal (up to 500kW). Enterprise finance: Commerce officials urged financiers to rethink MSME lending, saying viable businesses still struggle due to mismatched financing models, weak records and limited market access. Broadcasting jobs: ESCCOM handed operating licences to SakhaLive FM and Icon Connect Radio, expected to widen content and create roles across the radio value chain. Agribusiness security: Police and the National Maize Corporation are investigating suspected white maize smuggling at Ngwenya Border Gate after two consignments were intercepted. Retail expansion (regional): Shoprite reported 12.2% earnings growth and agreed to buy coffee chain Vida e Caffè, which already operates in Eswatini among other countries. Culture & talent: Eswatini Praise launched with 100+ gospel auditions in hours, while tourism leaders said the Reed Dance is pushing visitor numbers and revenue higher.

Energy Ownership Push: PM Russell Mmiso Dlamini urged Africa to move from participation to ownership, calling for energy partnerships that create jobs, transfer skills, and build indigenous companies. Embedded Solar Digitisation: Eswatini and Namibia opened online portals for rooftop solar/embedded generation applications, aiming to cut red tape and speed approvals. Broadcasting Jobs Boost: ESCCOM granted free-to-air commercial radio licences to SakhaLive FM and Icon Connect Radio, expected to widen content and create roles across the media value chain. MSME Finance Focus: Government urged financiers to rethink MSME lending so funding matches real business needs, alongside better records, credit assessment, and market access. Maize Smuggling Probe: Police and the National Maize Corporation investigated suspected white maize smuggling at Ngwenya Border Gate, with trucks detained and monitoring tightened. Shoprite Coffee Expansion: Shoprite reported earnings growth and agreed to buy Vida e Caffè (and a stake in R&A Cellular), strengthening its coffee and quick-service restaurant push across the region including Eswatini. Youth Tech for Farmers: A young innovator is using AI tools to help smallholder farmers manage climate risks and improve decision-making and farm records. Aviation Service Recognition: RENAC honoured long-serving staff with service awards, highlighting skills and professionalism in Eswatini’s aviation sector.

Aviation & Jobs: RENAC honoured 21 employees with long-service awards and recognised a retiring captain, underscoring skills retention in Eswatini’s air services. MSME Finance: Government urged banks and financiers to redesign MSME lending so it matches real business needs—linking credit assessment, records, finance literacy and market access to move firms from survival to growth. Energy Transition: ESERA and the Eswatini Energy Regulatory Authority opened a rooftop solar embedded-generation application portal (up to 2MW), aiming to cut red tape and boost participation in the green economy. Broadcasting Expansion: ESCCOM granted two free-to-air commercial radio licences to SakhaLive FM and Icon Connect Radio, expected to widen content and create jobs across the media value chain. Trade & Enterprise Ecosystem: Commerce minister called for an integrated enterprise growth ecosystem that connects training, finance, standards and markets. Food Security Enforcement: Police and the National Maize Corporation launched a probe after suspected maize smuggling syndicates were linked to intercepted white maize consignments at Ngwenya Border Gate. Consumer Safety: South Africa’s NCC issued a Ford Ranger airbag recall affecting 2,275 double-cabs sold in the region, including Eswatini, urging owners to get free inspections and repairs. Tourism Revenue: Reed Dance tourism pushed international visitor numbers up and revenue to E1 billion, benefiting hospitality and local vendors. Industrial Park Push (Taiwan): Taiwan proposed funding an Eswatini science/technology park and industrial park concept to deepen business ties and investment.