AGP Executive Report

Climate Risk & Preparedness: A new report warns Eswatini can’t afford another E3.8bn climate disaster, as El Niño signals for late 2026 raise the stakes for drought, water stress and food insecurity. Shared Water Security: Natural Resources Minister Prince Lonkhokhela says cooperation on the Incomati and Maputo river basins is now an economic necessity for energy, farming and climate resilience across Eswatini, South Africa and Mozambique. Water Quality Pressure: A global drinking-water assessment flags unsafe water as a major public health risk, with African countries dominating the lowest-ranked list. Biodiversity & Wildlife Crime: Court cases show rhino horn trafficking still feeds Chinese markets, with Mozambique and South Africa among key source and transit points. Green Entrepreneurship: GreenCape’s Afri GreenPitch Challenge is calling for green SMEs from Eswatini to pitch solutions in circular economy, waste, renewables, sustainable farming and water management. Health Systems Accountability: At the World Health Assembly, Eswatini joined partners pushing stronger systems and accountability to eliminate cervical cancer, including HPV vaccination and closer-to-community screening. Local Service Delivery: The Eswatini Housing Board launched an NPS-based feedback platform to improve real-time customer service. Energy & Innovation: Science and innovation leaders urge stronger regional cooperation to tackle climate, health, food and water challenges and narrow the digital divide. Electricity Costs Context: A global ranking highlights how electricity prices vary widely, shaped by policy, fuel access and infrastructure.

Science & Digital Transformation: South Africa’s Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Blade Nzimande urged African countries to strengthen science, technology and innovation to speed up sustainable development and close the digital divide, pointing to climate change, health crises, food insecurity, water scarcity and energy shortages as urgent targets. Climate Risk for Eswatini: A new report warns Eswatini cannot afford another E3.8bn climate disaster, as El Niño conditions are increasingly likely later in 2026, with Eswatini Meteorological Services calling for continued monitoring. Shared Water Security: Eswatini’s Natural Resources and Energy Minister Prince Lonkhokhela said cooperation on shared rivers is now an economic and development necessity, highlighting INMACOM’s role in coordinating the Incomati and Maputo basins across Eswatini, South Africa and Mozambique. Women Farmers & Climate Resilience: The Rural Women’s Assembly called for governments to put women smallholder farmers at the centre of food and climate policy, saying rural women already hold solutions for resilient food systems. Health Systems & Cervical Cancer: At the World Health Assembly, Eswatini joined calls for stronger, accountable health systems to eliminate cervical cancer, including wider HPV vaccination and screening closer to communities. Water Safety: A global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many of the lowest-ranked countries in Africa. Conservation Note: A new African savanna elephant, rescued from drought-related culling in Eswatini in 2003, has joined San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s herd.

Science & Digital Transformation: South Africa’s Science Minister Blade Nzimande urged African countries to strengthen science, technology and innovation cooperation to close the digital divide and better tackle climate change, health crises, food insecurity, water scarcity and energy shortages. Health Systems & Cervical Cancer: At the World Health Assembly, Eswatini joined partners calling for stronger, accountable systems to eliminate cervical cancer—expanding HPV vaccination, bringing screening closer to communities and integrating services into primary health care. Housing Board Service Delivery: The Eswatini Housing Board launched a real-time customer feedback platform using the Net Promoter Score approach to improve service delivery and let customers share input via website, SMS, social media and reception tablets. Hospital Staffing Crisis: A parliamentary committee report says Mbabane Government Hospital is suffering critical staff shortages across nearly every department, with doctor-to-patient ratios around 1:100 and long delays in filling vacant posts. Shared Water Security: Eswatini’s Natural Resources Minister says cooperation on shared rivers through INMACOM is now an economic necessity for food security and climate preparedness. Climate Risk Reminder: Eswatini was reminded that El Niño conditions could develop later in 2026, after the country’s past E3.8bn climate disaster costs. Green Entrepreneurship Call: GreenCape’s Afri GreenPitch Challenge invites Eswatini green SMEs working on circular economy, waste, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, mobility and water/wastewater solutions to apply before 30 June.

Health Systems & Cervical Cancer: At the 79th World Health Assembly, South Africa and Nepal co-led a side event on cervical cancer elimination, with Eswatini among co-sponsors, urging stronger health systems and accountability—expand HPV vaccination, bring screening closer to communities, strengthen referral pathways, and close treatment gaps. Housing & Public Service Capacity: The Eswatini Housing Board (EHB) rolled out a real-time Net Promoter Score (NPS) customer feedback platform to improve service delivery, while a separate parliamentary probe into Mbabane Government Hospital flagged critical staff shortages across nearly every department, with understaffing and long unfilled posts linked to hiring delays. Water, Health & Children’s Rights: Government officially launched 2026 Children’s Month with a clear call for universal WASH access—safe water, sanitation and hygiene—warning that gaps fuel preventable disease and undermine education and dignity. Regional Water Cooperation: Natural Resources Minister Prince Lonkhokhela stressed that shared water management under INMACOM is now an economic necessity for Southern Africa, linking river governance to food security and climate resilience. Green Economy & Waste Solutions: Green entrepreneurs across Eswatini are invited to pitch in the 2026 FNF Afri GreenPitch Challenge, targeting scalable ideas in circular economy, waste management, renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and water/wastewater. Climate Risk Reminder: A new report warns Eswatini can’t afford to repeat the E3.8bn losses from past El Niño impacts, as El Niño signals for late 2026 raise the need for continued monitoring and preparedness.

Climate Risk for Eswatini: A new report warns El Niño conditions could build later in 2026, urging Eswatini to keep monitoring and prepare for drought and extreme weather after the country’s past E3.8bn climate disaster. Shared Water Security: Eswatini’s Natural Resources Minister says cooperation on the Incomati and Maputo river basins is now an economic necessity, not just an environmental duty, for food security and climate resilience. Safe Drinking Water Watch: A global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many of the lowest-ranked countries in Africa—highlighting gaps in infrastructure, sanitation and wastewater systems. Wildlife & Illegal Trade: Court cases point to a complex rhino horn trafficking network feeding Chinese markets, with Mozambique and South Africa among key source and transit points—raising pressure on regional enforcement. Electricity Costs Context: A global ranking shows huge differences in residential power prices, with Europe and fuel-importing islands topping costs—useful context for energy affordability debates in the region. Community Health & WASH: Government launched Children’s Month with a push for universal water, sanitation and hygiene for every child, linking safe water to fewer preventable diseases and better school attendance.

Disease Surveillance & Trade Risk: South Africa’s foot and mouth outbreaks are spreading across provinces and hitting the beef sector hard, with calls for a mandatory nationwide tracing system to stop wildlife-to-farm spillovers and protect exports. Food Security & Climate Policy: Southern Africa’s rural women farmers are urging governments to put women smallholders at the centre of food and climate policy, arguing they already hold practical solutions for resilient food systems. Water & Health for Children: Eswatini has launched Children’s Month with a clear push for universal WASH access—safe water, sanitation and hygiene—to cut preventable disease and protect education and dignity. Shared Rivers, Shared Future: Eswatini’s Natural Resources Minister says cooperation on Incomati and Maputo river basins is now an economic necessity for energy, farming and climate resilience. Digital Health & Local Access: MTN Eswatini is promoting the Siswati-localised Notsa Health App to help people manage health with reminders and guidance. AI Capacity in Government: ERS has signed an MoU with UNESWA to train 650 staff in AI literacy for smarter, more responsible service delivery. Green Entrepreneurship: GreenCape’s Afri GreenPitch Challenge is inviting Eswatini green SMEs to pitch solutions in waste, water, renewables and sustainable agriculture. Conservation Note: A rescued Eswatini elephant, Sdudla, has joined San Diego Zoo Safari Park’s herd, supporting conservation education and breeding efforts.

Climate Risk for Eswatini: A warning note says El Niño conditions could build later in 2026, urging continued monitoring after the country’s costly E3.8bn climate disaster a decade ago. Water Security & Health: Government launched Children’s Month with a push for universal WASH access, stressing safe water, sanitation and hygiene as key to protecting children’s health and schooling. Shared Rivers, Shared Growth: Natural Resources Minister Prince Lonkhokhela says cooperation on the Incomati and Maputo watercourses is now an economic necessity for food security and climate preparedness. Safe Drinking Water Gap: A new Environmental Performance Index assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked. Conservation & Wildlife: San Diego Zoo Safari Park welcomed Sdudla, an African savanna elephant rescued from culling in Eswatini during drought, supporting conservation and education efforts. Green Entrepreneurship Call: GreenCape and partners invite Eswatini green entrepreneurs to pitch in the 2026 Afri GreenPitch Challenge, targeting circular economy, waste, renewables, farming, mobility and water management. Regional Public Health Tech: Eswatini is among countries meeting in Nairobi on safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, alongside Ebola preparedness discussions. Trade & Customs Skills: WCO-backed training supports customs officials across several countries, strengthening rules-of-origin knowledge that helps preferential trade agreements work in practice.

Climate Risk Watch: Eswatini is warned it can’t afford another E3.8bn climate disaster as El Niño conditions may build later in 2026, with meteorological monitoring urged. Water Security: Shared rivers are framed as an economic lifeline: Eswatini’s Natural Resources Minister says cooperation under INMACOM is key for food security, energy and climate resilience across the Incomati and Maputo basins. Safe Water Crisis: A new Environmental Performance Index assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked. Conservation & Wildlife Crime: Court cases show rhino horn trafficking still feeds Chinese markets, with Mozambique and South Africa prominent source and transit points. Green Business Push: Green entrepreneurs in Eswatini are invited to pitch for the Afri GreenPitch Challenge, targeting circular economy, waste, renewable energy, sustainable farming and water management. Local Governance & Jobs: The UN launches a 2026–2030 cooperation framework for Eswatini, prioritising climate resilience, inclusive governance and MSMEs. Policy & Inflation: The Central Bank of Eswatini keeps a cautious stance on interest rates amid imported inflation pressures. Regional Fisheries: SADC renews leadership for its fisheries monitoring centre in Maputo to strengthen action against illegal fishing.

Climate Risk & Preparedness: Eswatini can’t afford another E3.8bn climate disaster as El Niño signals for late 2026 rise, with meteorological agencies urging continued monitoring. Water Security & Health: A new global drinking-water assessment flags unsafe water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked—highlighting the need for safer supplies and sanitation. Shared Rivers: Eswatini’s Natural Resources Minister says cooperation on the Incomati and Maputo river basins is now an economic necessity, linking water governance to food security and climate resilience. Wildlife Crime: Court cases show a pipeline of illegal rhino horn shipments into China, with Mozambique and South Africa among key source and transit points. Conservation & Species: San Diego Zoo Safari Park welcomed Sdudla, an African savanna elephant rescued from culling in Eswatini in 2003, supporting conservation and education. Regional Fisheries: SADC renewed leadership for its fisheries monitoring centre in Maputo to better tackle illegal fishing and strengthen vessel registers. Children’s WASH: Government launched Children’s Month with a push for universal water, sanitation and hygiene for every child. Green Business Funding: Green entrepreneurs in Eswatini are invited to pitch for the Afri GreenPitch Challenge, targeting circular economy, waste, renewables, farming, mobility and water management.

Climate Risk Watch: Eswatini is urged to keep preparing as El Niño conditions could develop later in 2026, after the kingdom’s past E3.8bn climate disaster showed how drought and extreme weather can quickly hit water, food and livelihoods. Water Security & Regional Cooperation: Natural Resources Minister Prince Lonkhokhela says shared river management is now an economic necessity, not just an environmental duty, as INMACOM brings Eswatini, South Africa and Mozambique together to protect the Incomati and Maputo basins. Safe Drinking Water: A new global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked—highlighting the need for better infrastructure, sanitation and wastewater systems. Children’s WASH Push: Government has launched 2026 Children’s Month with a clear call for universal WASH access, warning that unsafe water and poor sanitation undermine health and schooling. Green Business Funding: Green entrepreneurs from eSwatini are invited to pitch in the FNF Afri GreenPitch Challenge, targeting circular economy, waste management, renewable energy, sustainable farming and water/wastewater solutions. Wildlife Conservation Link: A rescued Eswatini elephant, Sdudla, has joined the San Diego Zoo Safari Park herd, supporting conservation and education efforts. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC renewed the board of its fisheries monitoring and surveillance centre in Maputo, with Eswatini’s Boy Ronald Mavuso among the directors as the region tackles illegal fishing.

Climate Risk Watch: Eswatini is warned it can’t afford another E3.8bn climate disaster as El Niño conditions may build later in 2026, with meteorological services urging continued monitoring. Water Security & Regional Growth: Shared rivers are framed as an economic lifeline, with Eswatini pushing cooperation under INMACOM to protect the Incomati and Maputo basins for food security and climate resilience. Safe Drinking Water: A new global assessment flags unsafe water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked—highlighting infrastructure and sanitation gaps. Children’s WASH Push: Government has launched 2026 Children’s Month calling for universal water, sanitation and hygiene access to protect children’s health and schooling. Local Climate Adaptation Funding: A $30m Southern Africa programme will back community-led adaptation in Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe through grants to local groups from 2027–2032. Conservation & Wildlife: San Diego Zoo Safari Park welcomed Sdudla, a male African savanna elephant rescued from culling in Eswatini during drought. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC renewed the board for its fisheries monitoring centre in Maputo, with Eswatini’s Boy Ronald Mavuso on the team to tackle illegal fishing. Digital Skills for Revenue Service: ERS signed an MoU with UNESWA to train 650 employees in AI literacy, supporting responsible use as the country’s digital systems grow.

Climate Risk Watch: A new warning says Eswatini can’t afford another E3.8bn climate disaster as El Niño signals for late 2026 rise, urging continued monitoring and preparedness. Water Security: Southern Africa’s shared rivers are being framed as an economic lifeline, with Eswatini, South Africa and Mozambique pushing coordinated management under INMACOM. Safe Drinking Water: A global assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many African countries among the worst performers. Children’s WASH: Government has launched Children’s Month with a clear call for universal water, sanitation and hygiene for every child. Community Support: Deputy PM Thulisile Dladla, MP Mduduzi Matsebula and Eswatini Mobile’s CEO served meals and food packs to children at Mahlatsini NCP, highlighting local resilience for orphaned and vulnerable children. Regional Fisheries: SADC renewed leadership for a fisheries monitoring and surveillance centre in Maputo to better tackle illegal fishing and strengthen vessel governance. Digital Capacity: ERS signed an MoU with UNESWA to train 650 employees in AI literacy for responsible use in public service.

Monetary Policy & Inflation: Eswatini’s Central Bank says it will keep a cautious stance, avoiding aggressive interest rate hikes to cushion households from imported inflation pressures. Shared Water Security: Natural Resources Minister Prince Lonkhokhela says cooperation on shared rivers is now an economic necessity for Southern Africa, linking better water governance to food security and climate preparedness. Safe Water for Children: Government launched 2026 Children’s Month with a strong push for universal WASH access, warning that unsafe water and poor sanitation keep children out of school and trapped in preventable illness. Regional Climate Adaptation Funding: A new $30m locally led climate adaptation programme will support community groups in Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe from 2027 to 2032, targeting tailored solutions for water and livelihoods. Wildlife Conservation Link: A rescued Eswatini-born African savanna elephant, Sdudla, has been welcomed to San Diego Zoo Safari Park, supporting education and breeding efforts. AI Skills for Tax Work: The Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU with UNESWA to train 650 staff in AI literacy through the UNESWA AI Academy. Fisheries Governance: SADC renewed leadership for the regional fisheries monitoring centre in Maputo, keeping focus on tackling illegal fishing and improving vessel registers.

Water & Health: Eswatini’s Children’s Month launch put fresh focus on universal water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH), warning that unsafe water and poor sanitation fuel preventable disease and keep children—especially girls—out of school. Shared Rivers & Climate Resilience: Natural Resources Minister Prince Lonkhokhela said cooperation on the Incomati and Maputo river basins is now an economic necessity for Southern Africa, linking shared water management to food security and climate preparedness. Safe Drinking Water Crisis: A new global assessment on drinking-water quality highlights that unsafe water remains a major public health risk, with many of the lowest-ranked countries in Africa facing weak infrastructure and limited sanitation. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC renewed leadership for the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre in Maputo, keeping Stanley Ndara as chair as the region pushes harder against illegal fishing. Biodiversity & Conservation: A drought-rescued African savanna elephant from Eswatini, Sdudla, was welcomed to San Diego Zoo Safari Park to support education and breeding efforts. Digital Skills for Public Service: The Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU with UNESWA to train 650 staff in AI literacy through the UNESWA AI Academy. Governance & Integrity: A new MD for EPTC was tasked with restoring integrity, professionalism and financial sustainability at the state-owned telecoms firm.

Water Safety Watch: A new Environmental Performance Index assessment flags unsafe drinking water as a major public health risk, with many of the worst-ranked countries in Africa still relying on unprotected wells, rivers and seasonal sources. Regional Wildlife & Drought Impacts: A rescued Eswatini elephant, Sdudla, has been welcomed to San Diego Zoo Safari Park, highlighting how drought pressures can push wildlife into culling—then into conservation rescue. Children’s Health & WASH: Government has launched 2026 Children’s Month with a clear call for universal water, sanitation and hygiene, warning that unsafe water and poor sanitation fuel disease and keep children—especially girls—out of school. Climate Adaptation Funding: A $30 million locally led climate adaptation initiative is set to support communities in Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe, channeling resources to farmer groups and local enterprises to respond to worsening drought and water stress. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC has renewed leadership for its fisheries monitoring and surveillance centre in Maputo, with Eswatini’s Boy Ronald Mavuso among board members focused on tackling illegal fishing and improving vessel registers. Digital Skills for Service Delivery: The Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU with UNESWA to train 650 staff in AI literacy, aiming to strengthen responsible use of technology in national systems.

Wildlife & Conservation: A rescued Eswatini-born African savanna elephant, Sdudla, has been welcomed to San Diego Zoo Safari Park, where he’ll join a genetically managed herd and help mentor younger males. Water, Sanitation & Health: Eswatini officially launched 2026 Children’s Month with a clear call for universal access to safe water, sanitation and hygiene for every child, linking WASH gaps to disease, school absenteeism and barriers to girls’ education. Digital Skills for Public Service: The Eswatini Revenue Service signed an MoU with the University of Eswatini to train 650 employees in AI literacy through a UNESWA AI Academy programme. Governance & Integrity: A new managing director for EPTC was unveiled with a mandate to restore integrity, cut unnecessary spending and strengthen financial sustainability. Climate Resilience Funding: A $30m Southern Africa locally led climate adaptation initiative is set to reach communities in Eswatini, Zambia and Zimbabwe starting 2027. Regional Fisheries Oversight: SADC renewed leadership for the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre, keeping Eswatini’s Boy Ronald Mavuso on the board.