AGP Executive Report

Water Security: A new global map highlights how far many countries still lag on safely managed drinking water, with access far below 20% in several low-income nations and over 2 billion people lacking clean water at home—an issue that matters for Eswatini’s health and resilience as climate pressures rise. Gender Justice in Education: Eswatini is strengthening safeguards against sexual harassment and gender-based violence in higher education through the Litsemba Rising initiative, following findings that one in four women aged 19–24 has experienced sexual violence and that students in higher education face much higher assault risk. Regional Investment Push: Eswatini is ramping up regional partnerships ahead of its second Investment Conference (July 29–31), aiming to attract quality investment and turn collaboration into tangible deals. SACU Reform Momentum: At the 9th SACU Summit, leaders backed reforms and a Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism with an initial N$5 billion to support development projects across member states, with Eswatini’s King urging SACU to deliver measurable outcomes. Culture & Environment Link: The EU-backed Babukisi Foundation and Eswatini Theatre Club received E1m each to co-create heritage narratives, including an environmental conservation-themed visual art project tied to Siswati names of the month.

Afrophobia Warning: A new wave of xenophobia in South Africa is being framed as a direct attack on Ubuntu and African solidarity, with migrants and foreign shop owners repeatedly targeted during outbreaks that spill far beyond South Africa’s borders. Investment Push: Eswatini is stepping up regional partnerships ahead of its second Investment Conference (EIC 2026, July 29–31), aiming to attract investors and turn early “connection” into concrete deals. SACU Reform Drive: At the 9th SACU Summit, leaders—including His Majesty King Mswati III—urged faster reforms and competitiveness, while agreeing to extend the SACU Strategic Plan and set up a Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism with an initial N$5 billion. Culture & Environment Link: The EU awarded E1m each to Babukisi Foundation and Eswatini Theatre Club for heritage projects, including an exhibition tied to Siswati names of the month and environmental conservation. Clean Water Data: A global map highlights where safe drinking water is still out of reach, underscoring the scale of the clean-water gap that many countries still face. Leadership in Tech: MTN Eswatini named Jerry Soko as CEO (effective July 1), citing improved momentum, operational discipline, and stronger customer focus.

SACU Reform Push: At the 9th SACU Summit in Cape Town, President Cyril Ramaphosa urged faster reforms to strengthen regional cooperation as trade patterns shift, with leaders backing progress on regional value chains and an export strategy to boost intra-African trade. Regional Funding for Development: Heads of SACU agreed to set up a Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism with an initial N$5 billion capitalised from the Common Revenue Pool to back development projects across member states. Eswatini Investment Drive: Eswatini is ramping up regional partnerships ahead of its second Investment Conference (July 29–31), positioning the country as a preferred investment destination through early partner alignment and tangible deal-making. MTN Leadership Change: MTN Group appointed Jerry Soko as CEO of MTN Eswatini, effective 1 July 2026, after his acting stint focused on network resilience, customer engagement, and operational discipline. Water Access Data: A global mapping story highlights how safe drinking water remains out of reach for billions, underscoring the scale of clean-water infrastructure gaps. Youth & Social Strain: Eswatini’s State of the Youth Report 2026 links weakened family support, poverty and unemployment to rising youth crime and heavy alcohol consumption.

SACU Reform Push: President Cyril Ramaphosa urged faster reforms at the 9th SACU Summit in Cape Town, warning that protectionism and shifting trade rules demand a stronger regional response, with work underway on regional value chains in fertilisers, agrochemicals and seed production. Regional Investment Drive: Eswatini is rolling out regional partnerships to attract quality investors ahead of its second Investment Conference (July 29–31), with the Investment Promotion Authority stressing early alignment between governments, business and financiers for sustainable outcomes. Sustainable Finance for Development: SACU leaders agreed to set up a Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism with an initial N$5 billion capital, to back development projects across member states and support industrialisation and export promotion. Clean Water Gap (Data): A global mapping update highlights that safe drinking water remains out of reach for billions, underscoring the scale of clean-water infrastructure challenges. Youth & Social Strain: Eswatini’s State of the Youth Report 2026 flags high youth unemployment and heavy alcohol use, linking weakened family support and poverty to rising youth crime and substance abuse. Ezulwini Palazzo Governance: The first board of directors for Ezulwini Palazzo was appointed, aiming to strengthen tourism investment governance and boost jobs and local enterprise support.

SACU Reform Push: President Cyril Ramaphosa urged SACU to accelerate reforms at the 9th Summit in Cape Town, warning that protectionism and shifting trade patterns demand faster cooperation, stronger export strategy under AfCFTA, and progress on regional value chains in fertilisers, agrochemicals, seed, automotive and green minerals. Regional Funding for Development: Heads of SACU agreed to set up a Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism with an initial N$5 billion from the Common Revenue Pool, to back development projects across member states while work continues on governance and access rules. Local Governance & Tourism: Eswatini’s Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs appointed the first board for Ezulwini Palazzo, aiming to improve governance of the conference and events facility and boost jobs, local enterprises and investment. Youth & Social Strain: Eswatini’s State of the Youth Report 2026 flags heavy alcohol use among youth, rising youth crime risks, and deep pressures from weakened family structures, poverty and unemployment. Clean Water Data Spotlight: A global mapping story highlights how safe drinking water remains out of reach for billions, underscoring the scale of water infrastructure gaps that many countries still face. Leadership Update (Business): MTN Eswatini confirmed Jerry Soko as CEO from 1 July 2026, after an acting stint focused on operational discipline and customer engagement.

Energy & Leadership: MTN Group has confirmed Jerry Soko as CEO of MTN Eswatini, effective 1 July 2026, after his seven-month acting stint focused on network reliability, customer engagement and operational discipline. Regional Trade & Industry: At the 9th SACU Heads of State summit in Cape Town, leaders pushed a “re-imagined” SACU agenda aimed at competitiveness, industrialisation and trade facilitation, including a new Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism capitalised at N$5 billion. Agriculture & Biodiversity: South Africa’s SABIO BEECON 2026 spotlighted pollinators for food security and rural transformation—an angle that matters for the region’s farming resilience and ecosystem health. Water & Climate Risk: A data-driven look at safe drinking water access highlights how clean-water infrastructure gaps remain severe in many low-income countries, underscoring the stakes for climate-stressed communities. Youth & Social Environment: Eswatini’s State of the Youth Report 2026 flags high youth unemployment (56%) and heavy alcohol use, linking weakened family support, poverty and limited opportunities to rising youth-related harm. Governance & Anti-Corruption: SADC anti-corruption agencies agreed reforms to strengthen transparency, procurement integrity and asset recovery, including moving faster to electronic procurement systems.

SACU Reform Push: At the 9th SACU Heads of State summit in Cape Town, leaders backed a re-imagined agenda and tasked the new Executive Secretary, Dumsani Masilela, to drive reforms aimed at making the bloc more competitive and delivering real outcomes like jobs, investment and modernised borders. Regional Funding for Development: The summit also agreed to set up a Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism with an initial N$5 billion, drawn from SACU’s Common Revenue Pool, to support projects across member states. Water Access Gap: A data-driven look at safe drinking water shows millions still lack safely managed services, underlining the scale of clean-water infrastructure challenges. Youth & Social Strain: Eswatini’s State of the Youth Report 2026 flags high youth unemployment and heavy alcohol use, linking weakened family support and poverty to rising youth crime risks. Agriculture Innovation: The Eswatini Solutions Marketplace 2026 is calling for home-grown climate-smart and productivity-boosting ideas, including soil-health solutions like Nutri Plum made from chicken feather waste. Energy Governance: South Africa’s Nersa acting chairperson appointment highlights ongoing renewable-energy regulatory work that also affects regional partners including Eswatini. MTN Leadership: MTN confirmed Jerry Soko as CEO of MTN Eswatini from 1 July 2026, with a focus on network resilience and customer experience.

Cheetah Comeback: Cheetahs have returned to Eswatini for the first time in over 35 years after four animals were reintroduced to Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve, part of a wider Southern African Cheetah Metapopulation effort to restore large carnivores. Water Access Map: A new global look at safe drinking water shows millions still lack safely managed services, underlining the scale of clean-water infrastructure gaps that Eswatini and the region can’t ignore. SACU Funding Push: SACU Heads of State agreed to set up a Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism with an initial N$5 billion capital to back development projects across member states, with governance and access rules to be worked out next. Agriculture & Pollinators: At SABIO BEECON 2026, leaders focused on “Pollinators for Food Security, Economic Growth and Rural Transformation,” highlighting how bees support productivity and rural livelihoods. Local Innovation for Farms: The Eswatini Solutions Marketplace 2026 is calling for home-grown fixes to climate stress, low yields, post-harvest losses and weak value addition, including soil-improving fertiliser ideas. Business Leadership: MTN Eswatini confirmed Jerry Soko as CEO effective 1 July 2026, after months as acting CEO, with a focus on network resilience and customer experience.

Wildlife Restoration: Cheetahs have returned to Eswatini for the first time in over 35 years after four animals were reintroduced to Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve, marking a major step in restoring large carnivores and rebuilding a founder population. Water Access: A new global map highlights where safe drinking water is still out of reach, showing that billions still lack safely managed water services—an issue that matters for Eswatini’s public health and water planning. Agriculture Innovation: The Eswatini Solutions Marketplace 2026 is calling for home-grown solutions to climate change, post-harvest losses, low productivity and weak value addition, including examples like Nutri Plum, an organic fertiliser made from chicken feather waste. Regional Trade & Development: At the 9th SACU Summit, leaders agreed to set up a Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism with an initial N$5 billion to back development projects across member states, alongside calls for reforms to keep SACU competitive. Governance & Compliance: EEMPA says anyone bringing an international act to Eswatini must first get a permit, aiming to improve event safety and coordination. Youth & Social Environment: Eswatini’s State of the Youth Report 2026 flags heavy alcohol use among youth and links rising social problems to weakened family support, poverty and unemployment.

SACU Funding for Development: Heads of State at the 9th SACU Summit agreed to set up a Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism with an initial N$5 billion, drawn from the Common Revenue Pool, to back development projects across all SACU member states. King’s Reform Push: His Majesty King Mswati III used the summit to challenge SACU to reform and deliver tangible results—industries, investment, markets, modernised borders and jobs—so citizens can see real outcomes. Water Access Data: A new global map highlights where safe drinking water is still out of reach, showing huge gaps between countries and reinforcing the need for clean-water infrastructure planning. Youth Under Pressure: Eswatini’s State of the Youth Report 2026 flags 56% youth unemployment and high alcohol abuse, linking the pressures to poverty, unemployment and weakened family support. Agriculture Innovation Call: The Eswatini Solutions Marketplace 2026 is inviting home-grown ideas to tackle climate stress, post-harvest losses and low productivity, including examples like Nutri Plum fertiliser made from waste. Wildlife Return: Cheetahs have returned to Eswatini after more than 35 years, with four animals reintroduced to Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve as part of a regional restoration effort. Ezulwini Palazzo Governance: Tourism and Environmental Affairs Minister Jane Mkhonta-Simelane appointed the first Ezulwini Palazzo board, aiming to strengthen governance and boost jobs and investment through the venue.

SACU Reform Push: Leaders at the 9th SACU Summit in Cape Town backed a “re-imagined SACU Agenda,” extending the Strategic Plan to 2028/29 and giving new Executive Secretary Dumsani Masilela a mandate to drive reforms and a regional innovative funding mechanism. Water Access Map: A new global data map highlights how safe drinking water remains out of reach for billions, underscoring the scale of clean-water infrastructure gaps. Youth & Social Strain: Eswatini’s State of the Youth Report 2026 flags 56% youth unemployment and high alcohol abuse, linking weakened family support, poverty and joblessness to rising youth crime risks. Wildlife Comeback: Cheetahs have returned to Eswatini after 35 years, with four animals reintroduced to Royal Jozini as part of a wider metapopulation restoration effort. Agriculture Innovation: The Eswatini Solutions Marketplace 2026 is calling for home-grown ideas to tackle climate impacts, low productivity, post-harvest losses and weak value addition. Governance & Compliance: Eswatini also moves on corporate governance capacity, with a national convention of company secretaries set to strengthen transparency and accountability.

Safe Water Gap: A new data map shows that more than 2 billion people worldwide still lack safely managed drinking water, with access often far below 20% in several low-income countries—highlighting how clean-water infrastructure gaps persist even as progress continues elsewhere. SACU Reform Push: At the 9th Southern African Customs Union summit in Cape Town, leaders—including Eswatini’s King Mswati III and President Nandi-Ndaitwah—back a “re-imagined” SACU agenda, extending strategic plans and giving the new Executive Secretary Dumsani Masilela a mandate to drive reforms amid food and energy volatility. Cheetahs Return: Cheetahs have been reintroduced to Eswatini’s Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve after more than 35 years, with translocated females released in January and males added in April as part of a regional restoration effort. Agriculture Innovation: Eswatini launched the Solutions Marketplace 2026 to back local innovators tackling climate change, low productivity, post-harvest losses and weak value addition. Youth & Alcohol: The State of the Youth Report 2026 warns that heavy alcohol use is high among young people, linked to weakened family support, poverty and unemployment.

SACU Fiscal Pressure: The World Bank projects Eswatini will run one of Africa’s biggest fiscal deficits in 2026, with spending forecast to outstrip revenue by 5.2% of GDP and debt rising to 47.9%—a gap the budget says will be bridged through borrowing. Youth & Social Strain: The State of the Youth Report 2026 flags 56% youth unemployment and heavy alcohol use, linking weakened family support, poverty and joblessness to rising youth crime and substance abuse. Biodiversity Return: Cheetahs are back in Eswatini after 35 years, with four animals reintroduced to Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve as part of a regional restoration effort. Governance for Growth: Tourism and Environmental Affairs has appointed the first Ezulwini Palazzo board, aiming to strengthen oversight and boost jobs and investment. Event Rules: EEMPA says promoters must get permits before hosting international acts, to improve safety and coordination. Green Innovation in Agriculture: The Eswatini Solutions Marketplace 2026 is calling for local climate-smart and productivity solutions, including ways to cut post-harvest losses and improve value addition. Regional Trade Reform: SACU leaders gave Masilela a mandate to implement a “re-imagined” agenda focused on customs modernisation and regional economic resilience.

Sovereignty & diplomacy: Eswatini’s tense ties with Taiwan are again in the spotlight after a controversial May 2026 visit by Taiwan’s Lai Ching-te, drawing sharp condemnation from mainland China over the One-China policy and Eswatini’s status as Taiwan’s last African ally. Fiscal pressure: A World Bank forecast says Eswatini could rank among Africa’s top 10 governments spending more than they collect in 2026, with a projected deficit of 5.2% of GDP and debt rising to 47.9%—a gap expected to be covered largely through borrowing. Wildlife restoration: Cheetahs have returned to Eswatini for the first time in over 35 years, with four animals reintroduced to Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve as part of the Southern African Cheetah Metapopulation Initiative. Youth & social environment: The State of the Youth Report 2026 flags heavy alcohol use among youth and links weakened family structures, poverty and unemployment to rising youth crime and substance abuse. Governance & tourism infrastructure: The first board for Ezulwini Palazzo has been appointed, aiming to strengthen governance of the tourism investment and support jobs and local enterprises.

Cheetahs Return: Four cheetahs have been reintroduced to Eswatini’s Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve after more than 35 years, marking a major step in restoring large carnivores and building a founder population. Youth & Alcohol Harm: The State of the Youth Report 2026 flags that over a third of young people are heavy alcohol consumers, linking weakened family support, poverty and unemployment to rising youth crime and social strain. Youth Job Crisis: The same report says youth unemployment sits at 56%, with joblessness hitting hardest among less educated young people and those in rural areas. Agriculture Innovation: The Eswatini Solutions Marketplace 2026 is calling for home-grown solutions to climate change, low productivity, post-harvest losses and weak value addition, including examples like Nutri Plum organic fertiliser. Governance & Compliance: Preparations are underway for Eswatini’s first National Convention of Company Secretaries, spotlighting stronger transparency and accountability as organisations face rising governance pressure. Tourism Governance: The first board of directors for Ezulwini Palazzo has been appointed, aiming to improve oversight of the tourism and conference facility and boost jobs and local enterprise support. Regional Trade Push: Eswatini is part of SACU summit discussions in Cape Town on a re-imagined agenda for customs modernisation, industrialisation and regional value chains. Anti-Corruption Reform: SADC member states adopted reforms to strengthen anti-corruption agencies, including more independent funding and faster moves to electronic procurement to cut corruption opportunities. Green Energy Business: A South African waste-to-wealth story shows how farm waste can be turned into charcoal briquettes, pointing to practical pathways for greener livelihoods.

Cheetahs Return to Eswatini: Four cheetahs have been reintroduced to Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve after more than 35 years, with two females released in January and two males added in April—part of a wider Southern African Cheetah Metapopulation effort to restore large carnivores. Agriculture Innovation for Climate Resilience: The Eswatini Solutions Marketplace 2026 is calling for home-grown fixes to climate change impacts, low productivity, post-harvest losses and weak value addition, highlighting examples like Nutri Plum, an organic fertiliser made from chicken feather waste. SME Funding Push: Government has committed about E80 million to an AeTrade/AFSIA initiative to help small businesses access finance and new export markets across Africa. Youth and Social Pressure: The State of the Youth Report 2026 flags high youth unemployment (56%) and heavy alcohol consumption, linking risks to weakened family support, poverty and limited opportunities. Regional Trade and Customs Reform: SACU leaders, including Eswatini’s King Mswati III, backed reforms under a re-imagined SACU Agenda, aiming to strengthen regional integration amid supply-chain and food/energy volatility. Tourism Governance: The first Ezulwini Palazzo board was appointed, tasked with oversight and governance for the conference and events facility expected to boost jobs and local enterprise.