AGP Executive Report

Airport Investment: Eswatini’s aviation authority is targeting E12 billion in investment and 20,000 jobs by 2037 as it seeks to turn King Mswati III International Airport into a regional economic hub. Locally owned Datamatics Eswatini is leading data collection for the plan, while UNDP-backed UniPod aims to help businesses develop and produce goods for air cargo. Clean Energy Skills: A government solar-installation programme is inviting applications from young people, with 21 trainees to prepare for a national installer trade test. Industrial Growth: Taiwan has highlighted cooperation in technology and industrial development, including plans for an Industrial Innovation Park in Eswatini; a separate initiative offers the country access to chip-design expertise. Agriculture and Manufacturing: Regional officials say cross-border cooperation is vital to controlling foot-and-mouth disease, with 50,000 vaccines made available to Eswatini and neighbouring countries this year. Separately, the African Union’s seed summit in Ezulwini renewed calls to invest in seed systems and develop stronger markets, while Eswatini’s leather value chain has been identified as a potential E943.8 million opportunity.

Technology and Investment: King Mswati III highlighted Taiwan’s support in technology and other sectors, while Taiwan has offered Eswatini access to chip-design expertise and backed plans for an industrial innovation park. Clean Energy Skills: A government solar-installation programme is recruiting 21 young people for training, opening a path into a growing industry as power costs rise. Airport and Production: ESWACAA is targeting E12 billion in investment and 20,000 jobs by 2037; a UNDP-backed UniPod aims to help firms develop and produce goods for air cargo markets. Agriculture and Manufacturing: The AU is calling for more investment in seeds and genetic resources, while Eswatini’s leather value chain is seen as having E943.8 million in potential. Digital Services: EPTC says residents can now pay for government services at 34 post offices through a partnership with the revenue service.

Taiwan Partnership: During his state visit, King Mswati III backed deeper cooperation in technology, energy and infrastructure. Taiwan’s president welcomed Eswatini’s planned industrial innovation park and called for more Taiwanese investment. Tourism Investment: A new hotel management agreement aims to position Ezulwini Palazzo as a destination for regional and international visitors. Airport Growth: ESWACAA’s strategy targets E12 billion in investment and 20,000 jobs by 2037. UNDP is also backing a university innovation hub to help businesses develop products and build local production for airport cargo. Agriculture: At the AU Seed Summit in Ezulwini, leaders called for investment in seed systems and agro-technology, with Agriculture Minister Mandla Tshawuka highlighting the sector’s potential to create jobs for young people. Retail Ownership: The Citizens Economic Empowerment Council says local entrepreneurs have the skills to take on more retail businesses, but need better access to finance. Livestock: South Africa says it has supplied 50,000 foot-and-mouth disease vaccine doses to Namibia, Eswatini and Lesotho this year, and urged regional coordination to contain outbreaks.

Jobs and local ownership: Eswatini’s unemployment rate reached 34.2% in 2025, the highest among countries with comparable World Bank estimates. Retail leaders say citizen-owned businesses could help create opportunities, but entrepreneurs need access to finance. Airport investment: ESWACAA is targeting E12 billion in investment and 20,000 jobs by 2037 around King Mswati III International Airport. Locally owned Datamatics will collect data for the plan, while a UNDP-backed UniPod aims to help businesses develop and produce goods for air cargo. Agriculture and manufacturing: At the African Seed Summit, leaders called for investment in seed systems and agro-technology to strengthen food security and youth employment. Eswatini’s leather sector could raise the value of hides and skins from E78.7 million to E943.8 million through local processing. Trade and technology: Taiwan’s president called for deeper cooperation with Eswatini, including investment and industrial development; Taiwan is also offering access to its chip-design ecosystem. Household costs: Some transport operators have raised fares by 38.46%, adding pressure on commuters and workers.

Airport & Production: Swati-owned Datamatics will collect data for an E12 billion strategy to develop King Mswati III International Airport as an aviation and trade hub, with up to 20,000 jobs targeted. UNDP is also backing UniPod, a facility for product design, testing and small-scale production to help local firms supply airport cargo. Agribusiness: At the AU Seed Summit in Ezulwini, leaders urged investment in seed research, production and markets, while Agriculture Minister Mandla Tshawuka highlighted technology and funding as routes to youth jobs. Leather Manufacturing: A new joint procurement framework aims to help local firms secure inputs. Processing Eswatini’s hides and skins could raise their value from E78.7 million to E943.8 million. Technology: Taiwan is opening access to its chip-design ecosystem to Eswatini researchers and students. Market Pressures: The World Bank says the lilangeni fell by up to 7.2% in the second quarter amid regional currency pressures, while higher fuel, food and fertiliser costs threaten to lift inflation.

Agriculture: At the AU Seed Summit in Ezulwini, King Mswati III and African Union officials called for more investment in seeds, research and climate resilience. Agriculture Minister Mandla Tshawuka said technology, funding and better links to markets could help create jobs for young people. Leather Manufacturing: Eswatini could lift the value of its hides and skins from E78.7 million to E943.8 million by processing them locally. A proposed joint procurement framework aims to help small businesses secure more affordable inputs, though the country still lacks a commercial tannery. Technology: Taiwan is offering Eswatini students and researchers access to chip-design facilities and training, without the need to build costly manufacturing plants. Economic Pressures: The World Bank projects Sub-Saharan Africa’s median inflation will rise to 5.5% in 2026, with fuel, food and fertiliser costs posing risks. Eswatini’s currency fell by up to 7.2% against the dollar in the second quarter. Weather Data: A network of 56 new satellite reception stations is now operational across Africa, giving forecasters faster updates that could improve warnings for farms and other vulnerable sectors.

Agriculture & Seeds: At the AU Seed Summit in Ezulwini, Agriculture Minister Mandla Tshawuka said technology, innovation and targeted funding can make farming a viable business for young people. AU officials urged countries to turn seed-sector recommendations into investment and practical action. Leather Value Chain: Eswatini could raise the value of hides and skins from E78.7 million to E943.8 million through local processing. A proposed joint procurement framework aims to help leather businesses secure more affordable inputs; most hides are currently exported raw, and the country lacks a commercial tannery. Technology: Taiwan is offering Eswatini students and researchers access to its chip-design ecosystem, opening a route into semiconductor skills without building costly manufacturing facilities. Business Rules: Draft citizen-empowerment regulations would reserve specified retail businesses with annual turnover below E8 million for targeted citizens, while larger businesses could involve non-citizens through citizen-majority partnerships. Energy: A recent industry report pointed to sugar as a potential source of 107 megawatts, highlighting the sector’s possible role in Eswatini’s energy future.

Value-Added Industry: Eswatini’s leather sector could lift the value of hides and skins from E78.7 million to E943.8 million through local processing, but the country still lacks a commercial tannery. Regional Trade: Eswatini and Lesotho plan to deepen trade ties and review progress annually, with SADC and AfCFTA offering platforms to expand cooperation. Weather Technology: A new network of 56 satellite reception stations is operational across Africa, delivering weather updates every 10 minutes and better tools to warn farmers and businesses of severe conditions. Citizen-Owned Business: Proposed empowerment rules would reserve specified retail businesses with annual turnover below E8 million for targeted citizens, while larger firms could require citizen-majority partnerships. Half of government procurement is also set aside for citizen-owned companies. Infrastructure: MPs want the E2.4 billion housing and infrastructure programme divided among local contractors to spread work and jobs. Currency Pressure: The lilangeni weakened by more than 6% against the US dollar in the second quarter amid regional turmoil, though much of the pressure had eased by August.

Aviation Safety & Forensics: Zimbabwe moved the wreckage of the helicopter crash that killed Wicknell Chivayo to Charles Prince Airport in Harare for forensic checks, with international aviation experts joining the investigation under Annex 13. Trade & Logistics: South Africa’s bulk exports through Port of Ngqura are surging as China expands zero tariffs on African commodities, boosting freight volumes toward industrial hubs. Supply Chains & Skills: Eswatini’s ESPPRA CEO Vusumutiwendvodza Matsebula won Africa’s Supply Chain Management Professional of the Year at the ASCON Awards for modernising systems and mentoring leaders. Agriculture & Food Security: Delegates at Eswatini’s AU Seed Investment Summit toured indigenous and climate-resilient seed and food-processing exhibits, while officials pushed for stronger seed systems ahead of climate shocks. Citizen Economy & Procurement: MPs scrutinised Citizens Economic Empowerment Regulations, including a 50% government procurement set-aside for citizen-owned firms and proposals that could restrict foreign operators on Swazi Nation Land. Energy & Industry: UN Resident Coordinator George Wachira highlighted sugar’s 107MW bagasse power as a base for an energy economy that can improve energy security for industry. Health & Human Rights: A report says children in South Africa are dying in pain due to poor palliative care, with shortages of morphine and weak hospital support highlighted near the Eswatini border. Livestock Disease Impact: The EU suspended fresh meat imports from Namibia over foot-and-mouth disease fears, threatening jobs tied to beef exports. Sports & Hosting: Athletics Eswatini launched Team Eswatini’s cross-country committee to prepare for the 2027 African Cross Country Championships to be hosted in Eswatini.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: South Africa’s Mpumalanga police arrested 22 suspected illegal miners over the weekend under Operation Vala Umgodi, including 13 in Sabie (12 Mozambicans and one from Eswatini), with charges ranging from illegal mining to immigration violations. EU Meat Trade Shock: The EU suspended fresh meat imports from Namibia after a foot-and-mouth disease outbreak, threatening jobs tied to Namibia’s beef exports—an immediate reminder of how animal health rules can hit regional producers. Citizen Economic Empowerment Push: Eswatini MPs scrutinised draft Citizens Economic Empowerment Regulations, including a proposed 50% government procurement set-aside for citizen-owned firms and tighter rules on foreign participation in key retail and construction segments. Construction Local Content Debate: The Construction Industry Council warned foreign contractors took 55% of Eswatini’s registered construction value in 2025/26, raising concerns about skills transfer and value retention. Seed Summit Momentum: At the AU Seed Summit in Ezulwini, leaders stressed climate-resilient and indigenous seed systems, warning Africa must invest in seed markets and avoid using seed supply as a political weapon. Logistics Greener Moves: SMSA Africa expanded its fleet with five Hino 300 diesel-electric hybrid trucks after trial results showing notable fuel savings and lower emissions. Education Reform Pressure: Eswatini education leaders urged delegates at PACTED 2026 to move beyond speeches and tackle what keeps children out of classrooms and graduates out of jobs.

Citizen Economy Push: MPs are scrutinising regulations under the Citizen Economic Empowerment Act, including a proposal that no foreign business may operate on Swazi Nation Land, as lawmakers push for emaSwati ownership and control of economic opportunities. Standards & Trade Readiness: ESWASA represented Eswatini at the ISO Annual Meeting in Paris, focusing on standards for resilient trade, food safety, cybersecurity, digital transformation and climate change. Taiwan Partnership Deepens: Ambassador Vulindlela Kunene formally began his Taiwan tenure, highlighting cooperation in health, agriculture, education, skills and investment, with a stronger shift toward industrialisation, energy security and technology transfer. Sugar-to-Power Energy Plan: UN Resident Coordinator George Wachira says Eswatini’s sugar cogeneration base (107MW from bagasse) can anchor an energy economy, reduce blackouts and imports, and support independent power frameworks. Food Security Agenda: At the AU Seed Summit in Ezulwini, delegates are arriving for a push on climate-ready seed systems and seed sovereignty to protect food production and cut reliance on imports. Construction Local Content Concern: The Construction Industry Council warns foreign contractors took 55% of registered construction value in 2025/26, citing local capacity gaps in high-value, technical projects. Hospitality Investment Signal: PSPF says its Hilton Garden Inn investment is “really pumping,” boosting confidence in Royal Swazi Spa as a potential next hospitality play.

Construction & Local Value: Foreign contractors took 55% of Eswatini’s registered construction project value in 2025/26, handling E6.13bn versus E16.9m the year before, and the Construction Industry Council warns this could widen gaps in local capacity and skills transfer. Economy Watch: Eswatini’s real GDP growth strengthened to 6.5% in Q2 2026, up from 6.1% in Q1, with primary, secondary and tertiary sectors all expanding. Materials & Trade Leak: Eswatini is importing locally made building blocks—cement/concrete blocks from South Africa worth about E6m—adding pressure on local manufacturers and government cash flow. Food Prices: The Eswatini Competition Commission reports food prices stayed mostly stable between August and September, though onions and some beans packs rose. Agriculture Policy: EWADE has paused new farmer intake into the Hamba Ubuye Revolving Fund for 2026/27 as it scales maize production and livelihoods. Business & Governance: Business Eswatini rejected Maloma Colliery’s bid to rejoin, refunding over E249,000 amid membership disputes. Cybercrime: A Manzini court sentenced a 19-year-old to 12 years for facata-related cyber fraud and money laundering totalling about E12,086. Industry & Events: Over 1,200 delegates have registered for the AU Regional Seed Summit in Ezulwini, and Sakha Live FM appointed Wilson B. Nkosi as board chairman.

Zimbabwe-Eswatini regional ties: King Mswati III and King Letsie III used Lesotho’s 60th celebrations to underline “sister monarchies” bonds, with Eswatini even naming a Mbabane road after King Moshoeshoe II. Mining & beneficiation: Malawi, Kenya and Eswatini state mining firms are set to share priorities at African Mining Week’s National Mining Companies Forum, pushing mineral potential into bankable projects and value addition. Media & business readiness: Eswatini’s new free-to-air station Sakha Live FM appointed broadcaster Wilson B. Nkosi as board chair, while MTN launched Hybrid Direct Internet Access to keep businesses online during fibre cuts and outages. Economy & construction pressures: CSO data shows Eswatini GDP growth at 6.5% in Q2; meanwhile reports say the kingdom is importing cement/concrete building blocks, raising concerns for local manufacturers and cash flow. Private sector governance: Business Eswatini rejected Maloma Colliery’s bid to rejoin and refunded over E249,000. Cybercrime: A Manzini court sentenced a teenager to 12 years for facata-related fraud and money laundering. Agriculture support: EWADE paused new farmer intake into Hamba Ubuye Revolving Fund as it scales maize production. Culture & skills: The October International Theatre Festival brought 150+ regional artists for masterclasses, with funding still flagged as the biggest hurdle for producers.

Theatre & Skills Exchange: Over 150 regional artists from South Africa, Mozambique, Zimbabwe and Botswana are in Eswatini for the October International Theatre Festival, running masterclasses in acting, writing, dance and production, with visiting performances at the Eswatini Theatre Club and support framed as cultural diplomacy. Tax & Investment Climate: Eswatini was ranked among the world’s most taxed countries, but Finance Minister Neal Rijkenberg says the headline figure is inflated by SACU revenue—putting the kingdom’s effective tax burden closer to about 18% of GDP. Business & Mining Membership Dispute: Business Eswatini has rejected Maloma Colliery’s bid to rejoin and is refunding more than E249 000 after citing outstanding subscription obligations. Economy Watch: CSO data shows real GDP growth strengthening to 6.5% in Q2 2026. Construction Pressure: Eswatini is importing cement/concrete building blocks worth millions, raising concerns that local manufacturers are being undercut. Cybercrime Sentencing: A Manzini court jailed a 19-year-old facata scam suspect for 12 years after losses of over E12 000. Agriculture & Food Security: EWADE will pause new farmer intake into Hamba Ubuye for 2026/27, while Eswatini welcomed its first resident FAO representative and prepares for the AU Seed Summit with 984 delegates registered. Telecom Resilience: MTN Eswatini launched MTN Hybrid Direct Internet Access to reduce downtime risks from fibre cuts and power disruptions. Local Finance: Ezulwini Municipality reported revenue up to E69.5m and a E41m surplus, alongside infrastructure gains.

Cybercrime & Consumer Safety: Manzini Magistrate’s Court sentenced a 19-year-old to 12 years (plus a E24,000 option) for the Facata scam, convicting him on eight counts after defrauding four victims of about E12,086, as ESCCOM pushes “Tivikele, Stay Safe Online” tips. Theatre & Skills Development: The October International Theatre Festival is underway in Mbabane with visiting artists running acting, writing, dance and production masterclasses, while local producers say funding remains the biggest hurdle. Water & Industry Workforce Impact: Over 300 Mbikwakhe residents have been forced to use unsafe, muddy stream water since June after a borehole pump failed, affecting households and workers linked to nearby Matsapha textile factories. ICT for Business Continuity: MTN Eswatini launched MTN Hybrid Direct Internet Access to reduce downtime risks from fibre cuts, power outages and upstream route failures. Education & Recognition: MPs urged proper recognition and portability of Sebenta National Institute qualifications, including trade testing and practical competency assessments. Agriculture & Food Security: EWADE paused new farmer intake into the Hamba Ubuye Revolving Fund as it scales maize production and livelihoods, reporting strong yields and sales progress. Energy & Trade Partnership: Eswatini and Taiwan pledged deeper cooperation on a Strategic Fuel Reserve and an Industrial Innovation Park to boost energy security and industrial investment. Economy & Local Services: Eswatini’s GDP grew 6.5% in Q2 2026, and Ezulwini Municipality reported E69.5m revenue with a E41m surplus alongside infrastructure gains. Regional Business Watch: Simbisa Brands said Eswatini delivered the strongest growth in its group results, while Guala Closures completed its Metal Crowns acquisition across East Africa.

Cybercrime Crackdown: Manzini Magistrate’s Court jailed 19-year-old Ngwane Park man Mpendulo Brian Kunene for 12 years after a facata scam conviction on eight counts of cybercrime and money laundering, with losses put at E12,086 and a fine option of E24,000. Water & Industry Impact: Mbikwakhe residents (over 300) have been forced to draw drinking water from the muddy Lutsantsama stream since June after a borehole pump failed and borehole water was declared unsafe, affecting workers at nearby Matsapha textile factories. Digital Resilience for Business: MTN Eswatini launched MTN Hybrid Direct Internet Access to keep enterprises online during fibre cuts, power outages and upstream infrastructure disruptions. Food Security & Agriculture: EWADE paused new farmer intake into the Hamba Ubuye Revolving Fund for 2026/27 while scaling commercial maize support; Eswatini also welcomed its first locally based FAO representative. Local Economy & Infrastructure: Ezulwini Municipality reported revenue rising to E69.5m with a E41m surplus, alongside infrastructure gains. Creative Industries: October International Theatre Festival opened in Mbabane with calls for artists to unite and workshops highlighting that funding remains the biggest hurdle for producers.