AGP Executive Report

Festival Momentum: The MTN Bushfire Festival grounds are already buzzing as crews race to finish House On Fire ahead of this weekend’s sold-out event, with stalls taking shape, phone-charging points going up, and emergency services on site for opening Thursday. Royal Diplomacy: King Mswati III met Abu Dhabi’s Crown Prince, with both sides stressing deeper cooperation across trade, investment and sustainable development. Local Skills Boost: A Swazi robotics team picked up an award at a national competition, adding to a growing push for STEM talent. Civil Service Pressure: Separate coverage shows SRC in Kenya shifting the public wage-bill debate toward productivity, a reminder of the wider regional challenge of getting better services from rising personnel costs. Eswatini Watch: This week’s big Eswatini-linked story remains the Reuters report on the US deportee arrangement—19 migrants detained so far—while other items (like arts committee work and exam-fee planning) point to ongoing domestic institution-building.

Azerbaijan–Africa spotlight: WUF13 in Baku has wrapped up, but international media coverage is still buzzing—highlighting Baku’s urban and climate discussions and the handover to Mexico City. South–South model: A fresh narrative is emerging that Azerbaijan’s engagement with Africa is shifting from “deal-making” toward capacity building and knowledge transfer. Eswatini–Azerbaijan ties: During the same Baku push, Eswatini’s leadership met SOCAR’s Higher Oil School, while AZPROMO and Eswatini’s investment authority traded plans ahead of Eswatini’s July investment conference. Maritime pressure point: A new report argues Russia has used African shipping flags as a sanctions loophole, with Eswatini named among jurisdictions in shipping rankings. Local jobs: Ezulwini Palazzo has started hiring for convention-centre roles, with public applications already flowing. EU message to Eswatini: The EU urged Eswatini to stick with multilateralism as global rules face mounting strain.

Underground healthcare alarm: South Africa’s fast-growing Instagram “aesthetics” scene is under fresh scrutiny after warnings that invasive cosmetic procedures are being done outside regulated settings, with Johannesburg studio Sir Tim Aesthetics (Rivonia, Sandton) failing to respond to safety and qualification questions. Media freedom squeeze: Botswana’s perceived media freedom has fallen sharply—down 20 points in five years—highlighting shrinking civic space across the region. Jobs momentum in Eswatini: Ezulwini Palazzo has started hiring for its food-and-beverage team after public camping for work following the ICC’s April opening. Regional cooperation push: SADC foreign ministers met in South Africa and pledged stronger integration and a unified voice on climate, conflict and rising food/fuel pressures. Eswatini in geopolitics: Reuters reports Eswatini quickly agreed to host US-requested deported third-country migrants, with 19 detained so far, raising legality concerns. Blue-economy security: Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project is set to expand to corridors including Bakassi, alongside graduation of 492 maritime security personnel. EU message to Eswatini: The EU urged Eswatini to uphold multilateralism amid global rule-system pressure.

Jobs & Local Economy: Ezulwini Palazzo International Convention Centre has started hiring, posting food-and-beverage vacancies on LinkedIn after job seekers camped outside the ICC following its April 25 opening—so far, dozens have already applied for roles like hostess and server. Retail Turnaround Watch: Pick n Pay says it’s moving beyond closures and conversions and plans to open seven new stores this year, aiming to grow sales in profitable outlets while shutting or converting weaker ones. Regional Policy & Trade: Southern African foreign ministers met in South Africa and pledged stronger cooperation on food and energy security, regional integration, and a unified global voice. Eswatini in the Spotlight Abroad: The EU urged Eswatini to uphold multilateralism, while Eswatini and Azerbaijan discussed new trade and investment links ahead of Eswatini’s July investment conference. Ongoing Migration Deal: Reuters reports Eswatini quickly agreed to host US “third-country” deportees despite legality questions, with 19 detained so far.

Maritime Security Push: Nigeria’s Deep Blue Project is set to expand to vulnerable coastal and maritime corridors, including the sensitive Bakassi axis, after the graduation of 492 advanced combat personnel—aimed at cutting insecurity and keeping maritime assets fully functional. Regional Diplomacy: Southern African foreign ministers met in South Africa’s Kruger National Park and pledged stronger cooperation on climate, food and fuel prices, and coordinated diplomacy. Eswatini in the Spotlight: The EU urged Eswatini to uphold multilateralism, while Eswatini’s investment diplomacy continues—Azerbaijan and Eswatini discussed trade and investment, and Eswatini invited Azerbaijan to its July investment conference. Education Costs: ECESWA launched a 2026–2031 plan to curb exam fee hikes by modernising assessment and finding new revenue sources. Arts & Culture: ENCAC rolled out nine-month interim committees to professionalise arts associations. Health Funding Pressure (Region-wide): MPs across Anglophone Africa backed more domestic financing for TB as donor support declines.

SADC Push for Unity: Southern African foreign ministers meeting at Kruger National Park pledged stronger cooperation, deeper regional integration, and a more coordinated diplomatic voice as climate change, Middle East conflict, and trade and energy disruptions keep pushing up food and fuel prices and threatening food and energy security. EU Urges Multilateralism: In Mbabane, the EU told Eswatini to stay committed to international cooperation and the rules-based system, warning that global power contests and economic coercion are straining the world order. Azerbaijan-Eswatini Dealmaking: During WUF13 in Baku, Eswatini and Azerbaijan explored fresh trade and investment links, including mining cooperation, with Eswatini inviting Azerbaijan to its July investment conference. Local Governance Watch: Eswatini’s exam body ECESWA says it will cushion pupils from steep annual fee hikes through a 2026–2031 plan that seeks new revenue sources. Arts & Culture Momentum: ENCAC launched nine-month interim committees to formalise national arts associations, while US Embassy funding backed four Freedom250 recipients supporting theatre, dance, music, and multimedia storytelling.

Multilateralism Push: The EU urged Eswatini to stand firm on international cooperation during Europe Day, warning that the rules-based system is under pressure from conflict, hybrid threats and economic coercion. Investment Diplomacy: In Baku, Eswatini’s investment team met Azerbaijan’s AZPROMO and invited Azerbaijan to the kingdom’s July Investment Conference, while talks also explored new trade and investment opportunities. Education Costs Watch: ECESWA launched a 2026–2031 strategic plan aimed at stopping steep exam-fee hikes by diversifying revenue and modernising assessment services. Arts Sector Momentum: ENCAC rolled out nine-month interim committees to formalise arts associations, setting up governance and registration work through January 2027. Ongoing Migration Fallout: Reuters reports Eswatini quickly agreed to host US-requested deportees despite legality doubts, with 19 migrants detained so far—an issue still shaping regional and donor politics.

Azerbaijan–Eswatini Dealmaking: In Baku, Azerbaijan’s AZPROMO met Eswatini’s EIPA to map trade and investment links and formally invite Azerbaijan to Eswatini’s Investment Conference in July. Education Costs: ECESWA says it will stop steep annual exam-fee hikes, pledging fees won’t rise “significantly” from 2026–2031 while it looks for other revenue sources. Green Economy Push: Eswatini is positioning its August 28–Sept 6 International Trade Fair around green economy opportunities, recycling and circular production, with ESG-focused participation. Regional Context: Across the region, Uganda is scaling locally made electric buses, while Nigeria’s “Deep Blue” maritime security drive is expanding—showing how transport and security priorities are moving from policy to rollout. Ongoing Watch: Eswatini’s role in a US deportee arrangement remains under scrutiny, with reports of 19 detainees so far.

Regional Trade Tensions: Botswana’s repeated bans on South African fruits and vegetables are being challenged as a SACU problem—non-tariff barriers that protect local producers but raise costs for neighbours and consumers. Maritime Security Push: Nigeria says its Deep Blue Project is paying off, with 492 advanced combat personnel graduating and plans to expand coverage to vulnerable corridors including Bakassi, as it reports zero piracy incidents in territorial waters for four years. Eswatini in Global Deals: New reporting says Eswatini quickly volunteered to host US deported third-country migrants, with 19 detained so far, raising legal questions and highlighting how aid and geopolitics shape decisions. Arts and Housing Focus: ENCAC launched nine-month interim committees to formalise arts associations, while Eswatini’s housing leaders at WUF13 stressed rural-urban migration as a driver of informal settlements. Tech for Teachers: A South African startup is rolling out AI marking for handwritten tests, aiming to cut teachers’ workload and speed feedback.

Deportation deal fallout: Eswatini moved fast to host Trump’s third-country migrant deportees, despite legal doubts—19 migrants are already detained near Mbabane, after Prime Minister Russell Dlamini discussed the proposal with the US embassy and King Mswati III approved it. Arts & culture push: ENCAC has launched nine-month interim committees to professionalise national arts associations, while the US Embassy backed four Freedom250 recipients with funding, rehearsal space and youth sessions. Green economy momentum: Government says the 2026 Eswatini International Trade Fair will shift toward green economy opportunities, pushing exhibitors to show practical ESG-linked value in recycling, upcycling and green finance. Regional diplomacy: King Mswati III continues international outreach, including a visit to SOCAR’s Baku Higher Oil School and participation in UN World Urban Forum housing talks. Local resilience: After storm damage since January, E20 million is earmarked for recovery, including repairs to roads, schools and health facilities.

SACU Trade Tension: Botswana’s repeated agricultural import bans are being flagged as a protectionist break from SACU’s free-trade promise, raising costs for consumers and disrupting regional farmers. Eswatini–US Migration Deal: Eswatini moved fast to volunteer for Trump’s deportee programme, despite legality doubts, with 19 migrants already detained near Mbabane so far. Arts Sector Push: ENCAC has launched nine-month interim committees to register and formalise national arts associations, aiming for elections and long-term governance by January 2027. Regional Diplomacy & Jobs: King Mswati III’s Baku meetings spotlight oil and mining cooperation, while Eswatini’s new metal foundry at Sidvokodvo is set to process scrap and create 500+ jobs. Housing Pressure: At WUF13 in Baku, Eswatini’s leaders and officials tied rapid rural-urban migration to shrinking housing access and growing informal settlements.

Deportation deal fallout: Eswatini moved fast to host deported third-country migrants under a US programme linked to President Trump, even as senior sources say there were legal doubts—19 people are already detained near Mbabane, after Prime Minister Russell Dlamini met the US charge d’affaires in private and King Mswati III agreed quickly, with the US also a top donor for HIV/AIDS. Health & rights pressure: The wider regional context is grim—Ghana is facing a drop in condoms after Pepfar funding ended, with workers warning of rising teenage pregnancies and more HIV cases. Local governance & jobs: Eswatini is also pushing ahead on development—commissioning a E750m metal foundry expected to create 500+ jobs, while officials say inflation and global shocks are squeezing businesses and consumers. Arts & culture: The US Embassy backed four Freedom250 recipients, funding creatives and youth sessions through the America 250 initiative. Diplomacy & environment: King Mswati III continues to link housing, people-centred cities, and resilience to global forums, including WUF13 in Baku.

Mining & Energy Deal: King Mswati III met AzerGold chairman Zakir Ibrahimov in Baku, pushing for mineral exploration, value addition, and “responsible” partnerships that include technology transfer, local skills, and high environmental standards. Education & Skills Link: The same trip highlighted SOCAR’s Baku Higher Oil School, where the King toured facilities and urged future study opportunities for Eswatini students. Green Economy Push: Eswatini launched EITF 2026 with a green-economy theme, spotlighting recycling, upcycling, circular production, and green finance. Urban Housing Focus: At WUF13, the King urged the UN to put people at the centre of city development, warning that housing, dignity, and resilience must guide solutions. Health Funding Pressure: African MPs backed a drive to cut donor reliance in the TB fight by boosting domestic financing. Arts & Culture Support: The US Embassy announced four Freedom250 recipients for theatre, dance, music, and multimedia storytelling, with funding and youth sessions at American Corners.

TB Financing Push: Anglophone Africa’s MPs meeting in Cape Town pledged to cut reliance on shrinking donor support by boosting domestic funding for tuberculosis programmes. Royal Education Links: King Mswati III toured SOCAR’s Baku Higher Oil School, praising its modern training and urging future study opportunities for Eswatini students. Green Economy Pivot: Government launched EITF 2026 with a green-economy theme, pushing exhibitors to showcase practical ESG-driven opportunities like recycling, upcycling and green finance. Arts Funding Boost: The US Embassy announced four Freedom250 recipients, funding local creatives with support for rehearsals, technical production and youth sessions at American Corners. Storm Recovery Costs: After January’s storms, government set aside E20m for humanitarian help and repairs, with damage reported to schools and health facilities. Climate & Housing Focus: At WUF13 in Baku, Eswatini’s housing leadership highlighted rural-urban migration as a driver of informal settlements and shrinking access to decent homes.

World Urban Forum in Baku: Eswatini’s King Mswati III used WUF13 to push a simple message: put people at the centre of urban development, with housing tied to dignity, safety and resilience. Diplomatic push: In the same Baku meetings, leaders including Eswatini’s delegation discussed partnerships and preparations for WUF13, while global statements highlighted the forum’s scale and focus on safe, resilient cities. Energy and investment talks: The King also invited Azerbaijan’s SOCAR and mining firms to invest in Eswatini, pointing to the kingdom’s planned Strategic Oil Reserve and possible fuel supply partnerships. Local pressures at home: Eswatini’s housing and services are under strain from rural-urban migration, with informal settlements growing as infrastructure struggles to keep up. Economy under strain: Business leaders warn inflation and global shocks are squeezing costs and consumer spending, even as some firms keep expanding. Arts and culture: Austria’s embassy confirmed about E200,000 to support women artists and arts managers through a micro-seed programme. Regional governance: Senator Dr Linda Nxumalo was elected SADC Women’s Caucus chairperson, with climate and the blue economy on the agenda.

Arts & Culture: Eight artists were honoured at the 2nd Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Art Awards in Kumasi, with five Ghanaians, two British and a Seychellois among the laureates—showing how regional cultural ties are being formalised through awards linked to UNESCO and partners. Local Economy & Cost of Living: Businesses in Eswatini say inflation pressures are already biting, with rising oil and transport costs feeding uncertainty for both profitability and household spending. Urban Development Diplomacy: Eswatini’s King Mswati III took part in Leaders’ Statements at WUF13 in Baku, as housing and resilient cities stay on the global agenda. Housing Pressure: Minister Appolo Maphalala warned that rural-urban migration is worsening housing access and driving informal settlements. Women in the Arts: Austria has confirmed about E200,000 to support five women artists and arts managers through a micro-seed programme. Disaster Response: Government set aside E20m for storm recovery since January, with damage reported to schools and health facilities.