AGP Executive Report

Climate Risk Watch: NDRMA says the El Niño forecast has shifted to a more than 90% chance of a very strong event, urging Eswatini to step up preparedness as impacts could intensify from Oct–Dec. Energy & Environment: EEC has launched a tender to add a 10MW hydropower unit at Maguga, aiming to close a financing gap that stalled expansion. Clean Aviation Push: Eswatini Air has joined IATA CO2 Connect to voluntarily report passenger emissions and support efforts to cut “green air gases.” Land & Safety: The Land Management Board warns it may demolish homes built on hills and mountains, citing environmental and safety concerns, while also ordering a halt to construction near cattle dip tanks in Siphocosini Umphakatsi. Governance & Compliance: The Bhunu Mall project faces jail-time risks for statutory non-compliance, after claims the project manager was not properly qualified/registered. Health & Public Risk: Diabetes is rising as a leading cause of death in the region, with Eswatini urged to strengthen screening and prevention alongside HIV/TB. Regional Policy: SADC leaders’ Durban summit backed industrialisation, agriculture and critical minerals, while critics say security and governance plans still lack real delivery.

Energy & Climate Resilience: EEC has opened a tender to add a third 10MW unit at Maguga Hydropower Station, aiming to close a financing gap that stalled expansion. Nuclear Energy Watch: Eswatini says it will seriously investigate nuclear power, but insists on building national nuclear capability first before any infrastructure. Land & Environment Safety: The Land Management Board warns that homes and structures on hills and mountainous areas may face demolition, citing environmental and safety concerns. Water, Livestock & Land Use: LMB has ordered construction to stop near cattle dip tanks at Siphocosini Umphakatsi, after complaints about encroachment on communal grazing land and risks to dip-tank operations. Aviation Emissions: Eswatini Air has joined IATA CO2 Connect to voluntarily report passenger carbon emissions using fuel-burn data. Disaster Risk: NDRMA warns El Niño is now forecast to be very strong, with a 90%+ chance—urging stronger preparedness. Health & Environment Link: Parliament passed a motion to create disease-fighting health fund levies targeting TB, HIV/AIDS and cancer. Governance & Compliance: The Bhunu Mall project faces jail time risks over alleged statutory non-compliance, raising concerns about who is legally qualified to manage construction. Regional Policy: SADC leaders’ Durban summit backs industrialisation, infrastructure, agriculture and critical minerals—while local voices question whether security and governance follow through.

Land & Safety: The Land Management Board (LMB) says it is finalising a policy to strengthen enforcement against homes and other structures built on Eswatini’s hills and mountains, after reports of ongoing construction despite environmental and safety concerns. HIV Prevention: Parliament and NERCHA deepen collaboration on HIV prevention, focusing on drivers of new infections and community-led solutions, with attention on young people and other vulnerable groups. Aviation & Climate: Eswatini Air joins IATA CO2 Connect to voluntarily report passenger carbon emissions using actual fuel-burn data, aiming to cut green air gases. Women in Aviation: ESWACAA launches a Gender Equality Friday initiative to boost women’s participation in aviation and address barriers in technical and leadership roles. Disaster Risk: NDRMA warns of a very strong El Niño risk, with NOAA now putting the chance above 90%, urging stronger preparedness. Health Funding: MPs pass a motion to create a health fund financed through levies to prioritise TB, HIV/AIDS and cancer. Aquaculture Jobs: Government expands inland fish farming via the Maguga Dam project, building on the aquaculture centre to support farmers and improve food security.

Mountain Land Enforcement: The Land Management Board (LMB) says homes and other structures on Eswatini’s hills and mountains may face demolition as it finalises a policy to strengthen enforcement, after reports of ongoing building despite environmental and safety concerns. Aviation Gender Push: Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority (ESWACAA) launched “Gender Equality Friday” to boost women’s participation in aviation, citing low numbers in engineering and air traffic control. El Niño Warning: NDRMA warns the chance of a very strong El Niño has risen to over 90%, urging stronger preparedness as impacts could intensify. Health Funding Move: Parliament and NERCHA deepen HIV prevention collaboration, while MPs also passed a motion to create a health fund supported by levies for TB, HIV/AIDS and cancer. Green Aviation Step: Eswatini Air joined IATA CO2 Connect to voluntarily report passenger carbon emissions using actual fuel-burn data. Land & Livestock Protection: LMB ordered construction to halt near cattle dip tanks at Siphocosini Umphakatsi amid concerns about encroachment on communal grazing land. SADC Regional Agenda: SADC leaders backed industrialisation, infrastructure, agriculture and critical minerals, with King Mswati III taking the SADC security chairmanship.

Aviation & Gender: Eswatini Civil Aviation Authority (ESWACAA) launched a “Gender Equality Friday” push at King Mswati III International Airport to boost women’s participation in aviation, citing gaps in engineering, air traffic control and piloting. Digital Finance: Ericsson and MTN Group Fintech completed the Mobile Money Evolved Migration across key markets including Eswatini, aiming for faster performance and a stronger base for Ambition 2030. Health & HIV Prevention: Parliament and NERCHA deepened collaboration on HIV prevention, warning that new infections remain a concern—especially among young people and vulnerable groups. Climate Risk: NDRMA warned that El Niño chances have risen to more than 90% for a “very strong” event, urging stronger preparedness. Environment & Transport Emissions: Eswatini Air joined IATA CO2 Connect to voluntarily report passenger carbon emissions using actual fuel-burn data. Land & Livestock Safety: The Land Management Board ordered construction to stop near cattle dip tanks at Siphocosini Umphakatsi while it reviews encroachment risks to grazing and dip operations. Regional Policy: SADC leaders backed industrialisation, infrastructure, agriculture and critical minerals, while King Mswati III assumed the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation chairmanship.

Aviation & climate action: Eswatini Air has joined IATA CO2 Connect, committing to voluntarily report passenger carbon emissions using standard fuel-burn data as part of efforts to cut green air gases. Disaster risk: NDRMA warns El Niño is now forecast to be “very strong,” with NOAA putting the chance above 90%, urging stronger national preparedness. Land & livestock safety: The Land Management Board ordered construction to halt near cattle dip tanks at Siphocosini Umphakatsi, citing encroachment on communal grazing and risks to dip-tank operations. Health funding push: MPs passed a motion to create a health fund financed by levies (including a possible communication levy) to target TB, HIV/AIDS and cancer amid donor funding gaps. Regional environment & resilience: At the SADC summit, leaders backed industrialisation and agricultural transformation, while Eswatini’s King assumed chairmanship of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. Food systems & jobs: Government is expanding aquaculture via the Maguga Dam project, aiming to grow inland fish farming, cut imports and strengthen food security. Public works & safety: About 250km of untarred roads are set for Probase tarring at an estimated E1.6bn, and a road safety audit contract worth E1.15m was awarded for key road segments.

Climate Risk & Preparedness: NDRMA says the El Niño forecast has strengthened, with a more than 90% chance of a very strong event developing, urging Eswatini to step up readiness. Green Aviation: Eswatini Air has joined IATA CO2 Connect to voluntarily report passenger carbon emissions using fuel-burn data, aiming to cut green air gases. Land & Livestock Safety: The Land Management Board ordered construction to halt near cattle dip tanks at Siphocosini Umphakatsi, citing encroachment on communal grazing land and risks to livestock and dip-tank operations. Food Systems & Water: Government is expanding inland fish farming via the Maguga Dam aquaculture push, building on a new research and production centre to boost local fingerlings and climate-resilient jobs. Health & Environment Link: A Senate discussion on protecting children online comes as diabetes is flagged as a rising killer in the region, highlighting the need for prevention, screening and healthier living. Roads & Environment: AfDB-funded road safety audits are set to start on key routes, aiming to reduce hazards and improve the road environment.

Land & Livestock Safety: The Land Management Board has ordered people to halt construction near cattle dip tanks at Siphocosini Umphakatsi, citing encroachment on communal grazing land and concerns the dips could be closed for unsafe operation. Roads & Environment: Probase Manufacturing, with Exim Bank, assured King Mswati III that about 250km of untarred roads will be paved, with local jobs tied to a 15-year maintenance plan. Climate Risk: NDRMA warns El Niño is now showing a more than 90% chance of becoming “very strong,” urging stronger preparedness. Health Financing: MPs passed a motion to create a health fund financed through levies to target TB, HIV/AIDS and cancer as donor technical assistance ends. Green Aviation: Eswatini Air joined IATA CO2 Connect to voluntarily report passenger carbon emissions and support reductions in green air gases. Housing for Vulnerable Families: DPM Thulisile Dladla handed over six houses to vulnerable families, including child-headed households and elderly residents in unsafe structures. Regional Security & Integration: King Mswati III assumed the SADC Organ chairmanship on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation as SADC leaders backed industrialisation, infrastructure, agriculture and a regional tourism visa.

Climate Risk Watch: NDRMA says El Niño has a >90% chance of becoming “very strong,” urging Eswatini to step up preparedness as the signal strengthens. Green Aviation: Eswatini Air has joined IATA CO2 Connect to voluntarily report emissions and cut green air gases, including efficiency moves like consolidating airport shuttle trips. Regional Environment & Resilience: At the 46th SADC summit, leaders backed a resilient, sustainable industrialisation push tied to infrastructure, agricultural transformation and critical minerals—framing climate resilience as an economic strategy. Food & Water Security: Government is expanding inland fish farming via the Maguga Dam aquaculture push, aiming to reduce imports, create jobs and strengthen food security. Spring Farming Prep: Farmers are urged to run soil tests after winter and rebuild fertility, moisture and organic matter before planting. Housing & Social Safety: DPM Thulisile Dladla handed over six houses to vulnerable families—safer shelter that also supports healthier living conditions. Children Online Safety: Government is working with ICT and ESCCOM to censor harmful social media content to protect minors.

Renewable Energy Push: UNDP urged Eswatini to use its renewable energy to boost energy security, cut economic risk, and unlock green investment, linking sustainability to jobs and competitiveness. Child Online Safety: Government is working with the ICT ministry and ESCCOM to censor harmful social media content for children, though no clear minimum age was stated. Health & Chronic Disease: Diabetes is now the leading underlying cause of death in South Africa, a warning for Eswatini as non-communicable diseases rise and screening gaps persist. Soil for Spring: Farmers are advised to start spring with soil testing, pH checks, and targeted nutrient and organic matter improvements after winter depletion. Aquaculture Jobs: IFAD data supports Eswatini’s inland fish farming expansion via the Maguga Dam project, aiming to cut imports and strengthen climate-resilient food security. HIV Prevention Concern: NERCHA reported about 4,220 new HIV infections in 2024, up from roughly 4,000, calling for more community-led prevention to hit the 2030 zero target. Street Reintegration: The Deputy Prime Minister will assess people living on streets for family reintegration, and where none exists, work with chiefs and communities to place them in homes. Governance & Accountability: ESCCOM says it uncovered alleged diversion of about E17m into a finance manager’s personal accounts, triggering disciplinary action.

Renewable Energy Push: UNDP urged Eswatini to harness renewable energy to strengthen energy security and build a more resilient, sustainable economy—also calling for green finance and turning “waste” materials into value. Aquaculture Jobs & Food Security: IFAD-backed data supports government’s plan to expand inland fish farming via the Maguga Dam project, aiming to cut imports, create jobs, and improve climate-resilient food supply. Skills for Employment: Taiwan Technical Mission and Eswatini ministries will expand the Upskilling Certification and Skills Showcase in 2027, growing trainee intake and links to formal certification and jobs. Street Reintegration Plan: The Deputy Prime Minister says her office will assess people living on the streets for family reintegration, and where families can’t help, work with chiefs to find homes. HIV Prevention Concern: New findings presented at a Manzini HIV Prevention Indaba show Eswatini recorded about 4,220 new infections in 2024, raising alarm for the 2030 “zero new infections” goal. Water & Cold Risk: An elderly man was found dead in a forest, with residents suspecting recent cold weather.

Cold Snap Impacts Livestock: A freezing weather spell in Hawane killed cattle and left smallholder farmers counting losses of over E60,000, with temperatures reportedly dropping to around 4°C and frost-like conditions proving deadly. Renewables Push for Energy Security: UNDP urged Eswatini to better harness renewable energy to strengthen energy security, boost resilience, and unlock sustainable investment—linking sustainability to competitiveness and practical economic gains. HIV Prevention Concern for 2030: NERCHA reported about 4,220 new HIV infections in 2024, up from roughly 4,000, warning that barriers and social risks—especially among young people and AGYW—could threaten the goal of zero new infections by 2030. SADC Summit Outcomes (Regional Integration): Durban’s 46th SADC summit backed a regional tourism visa and a renewed industrialisation push focused on infrastructure, agriculture, and critical minerals—setting the agenda for the next 47th summit in Zambia. Road Safety for Key Corridors: AfDB-funded road works in Eswatini will get road safety audits and inspections on MR14 and MR21, aiming to reduce design and construction risks and improve the road environment. Circular Economy Opportunity: Eswatini businesses are invited to a circular innovation challenge offering R250,000 for waste-reducing, value-retaining ideas with prototypes ready for testing.

Cold Snap Impacts Livelihoods: Eswatini’s recent freezing weather has killed cattle in Hawane, with smallholder farmers reporting losses of over E60,000 after temperatures reportedly fell to around 4°C. Drought Watch: The Eswatini Meteorological Service has issued an El Niño Advisory for 2026–27, warning of higher drought risk and possible knock-on effects for water, agriculture, public health, disaster risk reduction, energy infrastructure and the natural environment. Renewables for Resilience: UNDP urged Eswatini to harness renewable energy to strengthen energy security and economic resilience, and to turn waste and nature-based opportunities into investment and jobs. HIV Prevention Pressure: New community findings presented at a Manzini HIV Prevention Indaba show about 4,220 new HIV infections in 2024, up from roughly 4,000, raising concern for the 2030 “zero new infections” goal. Governance & Accountability: ESCCOM says an investigation found alleged diversion of about E17 million into a finance manager’s personal accounts, linked to invoice bank-detail changes and alleged misuse of commission funds. Wildlife Note: A “snake” sighting in Kruger National Park was identified as a giant legless skink—found across South Africa, Eswatini, Mozambique and Zimbabwe.

SADC Diplomacy: Eswatini’s role in the SADC Organ Troika Heads of State and Government summit in Durban is being praised, with Malawi’s Second Vice-President Enoch Kanzingeni Chihana thanking the Kingdom for stepping in to lead SADC election observation missions and supporting regional cooperation. Cold-Weather Fallout: A freezing cold snap has killed cattle in Hawane and pushed government to relocate 114 street children and vulnerable people to temporary shelters, as temperatures reportedly dropped to around 4°C. Drought Warning: Meteorologists have issued an El Niño advisory for 2026–27, raising drought risks that could hit water, agriculture, public health, energy and the natural environment. Renewables & Waste-to-Value: UNDP urges Eswatini to use renewable energy for energy security and resilience, and to turn “waste” into value through sustainable agriculture, eco-tourism and green finance. HIV Prevention Pressure: New HIV infection figures for 2024 show Eswatini still needs stronger, community-led prevention to stay on track for zero new infections by 2030. Wildlife & Habitat: A Kruger National Park sighting shows how even “snake-like” animals can be misunderstood—highlighting the importance of careful wildlife awareness around protected habitats.

Severe Cold & Drought Watch: Eswatini is bracing for extreme weather after a cold front pushed temperatures to around 4°C, killing cattle in Hawane and forcing the relocation of 114 street children and vulnerable people into temporary shelters with food and warm clothing; at the same time, an El Niño advisory raises drought fears for the 2026–27 season, with risks to water, agriculture, health, disaster preparedness, energy and ecosystems. Energy Security & Jobs: UNDP urged Eswatini to lean on renewable energy to strengthen energy security and unlock sustainable investment, while unions in South Africa warned Eswatini could face higher electricity costs if Eskom restructuring or privatisation goes ahead. HIV Prevention Pressure: NERCHA reported about 4,220 new HIV infections in 2024, up from roughly 4,000, highlighting barriers that are undermining progress toward zero new infections by 2030. Circular Economy Push: A R250,000 circular innovation challenge invites Eswatini and regional businesses with circularity prototypes to cut waste and keep value. Governance & Safety: Government says it will review protocols after a video raised security concerns at Matsapha Correctional Centre, and the PM says authorities are within rights to investigate TLC amid serious allegations.

Cold Snap Impacts Livelihoods: Eswatini Meteorological Service reports a freezing front that hit Hawane, dropping temperatures to around 4°C and killing cattle, with smallholder farmers facing losses of over E60,000. Disaster Response for the Vulnerable: After the same cold weather warning, government relocated 114 street children and other vulnerable people to temporary shelters, supplying food and warm clothing while assessments continue. Drought Watch for Farmers and Water: An El Niño advisory for 2026–27 raises drought risk across Southern Africa, with Eswatini urged to monitor rainfall and temperatures and prepare for impacts on water, agriculture, health, energy and the natural environment. Waste Burning Warning: The Eswatini Environmental Authority says poor waste management and open burning are fuelling air pollution, public health risks and wildfires, urging communities to change how waste is handled. HIV Prevention Pressure: Eswatini recorded about 4,220 new HIV infections in 2024, up from roughly 4,000, adding urgency to reach zero new infections by 2030.