AGP Executive Report

Exam Fee Pressure: ECESWA has launched a 2026–2031 strategic plan aimed at stopping big annual exam fee hikes, saying fees will be “cushioned” by modernising assessment and adding other revenue streams so pupils aren’t hit hard. Green Mobility Watch: Uganda’s locally made electric buses are expanding fast in Kampala, with plans to ramp routes from 16 to 45 soon and scale production toward 15,000 electric vehicles by 2030—an easy win for cleaner city travel. Tourism & Jobs Links: Mpumalanga is pushing tourism growth through fresh partnerships after talks at Africa’s Travel Indaba, including meetings involving Eswatini, to attract more visitors and investment. Regional Sports Build-Up: Zimbabwe is set to host the Region 5 Table Tennis Championships in July, with teams including Eswatini expected—good news for regional competition and athlete development. Diplomacy Tension: Taiwan’s Lai Ching-te’s Eswatini trip remains a flashpoint in the wider China–Taiwan influence battle, with renewed debate over how Beijing pressures travel and access.

Green Transport Push: Uganda’s Kiira Motors is ramping up locally made electric buses in Kampala, with routes set to grow from 16 to 45 in a month and plans for 1,500+ buses this year—an upbeat signal for the region’s “clean mobility” tourism appeal. Regional Sports Spotlight: Zimbabwe is set to host the Africa Zone Five Table Tennis Championships at Glen City (July 10–12), with teams including Eswatini, as preparations intensify. Tourism Investment Drive: Mpumalanga is courting South Asian visitors and investors after talks at Africa’s Travel Indaba, including meetings with Eswatini-linked stakeholders. Eswatini Diplomacy Context: A fresh look at Taiwan President Lai’s Eswatini trip highlights how China’s pressure can shape travel plans—an ongoing geopolitical storyline that keeps Eswatini in the spotlight. Local Business & Culture: Eswatini’s EITF 2026 launch points to a green-economy theme, while a separate cultural note shows how regional arts links are widening.

Green Transport Push: Uganda’s Kampala is seeing a rapid rollout of locally made electric buses, with routes set to grow from 16 to 45 in a month and plans to scale to 1,500 electric buses next year as part of a wider e-mobility drive. Regional Sports Spotlight: Zimbabwe is stepping up for the Africa Zone Five Table Tennis Championships in July, with Eswatini among the expected teams—training is already intensifying at Glen City. Tourism & Jobs Drive: Mpumalanga is courting South Asian visitors and investors after talks at Africa’s Travel Indaba, including meetings involving Eswatini, aiming to turn tourism into more employment. Eswatini Policy Signal: Government has launched a green-economy direction for EITF 2026, pushing exhibitors to showcase practical ESG-linked opportunities like recycling and circular production. Regional Watch: Sierra Leone has agreed to receive US “third-country” deportees, with the first group due to arrive soon—another reminder of how migration deals are reshaping travel and policy across Africa.

Sports Tourism Boost: Zimbabwe is set to host the African Union Sports Council Region 5 Table Tennis Championships at Glen City (Mashonaland East) from July 10–12, with teams from across Southern Africa including Eswatini expected to compete—ZTTU says preparations are already underway with national coaches running senior men’s and women’s camps. Green Economy Push: Eswatini’s EITF 2026 has been launched with a clear pivot toward the green economy, spotlighting practical opportunities like recycling, upcycling, circular production and green finance ahead of the Aug 28–Sep 6 trade fair. Culture & Faith Travel: Nazareth Baptist Church leader Lunyazi Lwezulu (Shembe) is due in Eswatini tomorrow for a two-week visit, entering via Lavumisa Border Post and meeting the public. Regional Movement: A separate regional story notes Eswatini is among African countries tied to US “third-country” deportation deals, as other nations receive first groups of deportees. Local Court Update: A 22-year-old pupil facing rape charges was granted E50,000 bail after arguing detention is disrupting his schooling.

Wildlife Film Legacy: Mike Salisbury, the BBC Natural History Unit producer behind Attenborough’s landmark “Life” series, has died at 84, marking the end of a career that helped push conservation-focused nature TV into the mainstream. Green Economy Push: Eswatini’s EITF 2026 has been launched with a clear pivot to the green economy, with the trade fair set for Aug 28–Sep 6 and a focus on recycling, circular production and green finance. Tourism & Community Culture: Lunyazi Lwezulu (Shembe) is expected in Eswatini for a two-week visit starting tomorrow, entering via Lavumisa Border Post, with public welcome and community engagement planned. Health & Demand Pressure: Lenacapavir HIV prevention injections are rolling out in Eswatini, but early supply has been nearly depleted due to strong demand. Sports Buzz: Hardrock climbed to the top of Zimbabwe’s PSL standings after a standout win, while Mbabane Highlanders’ president Shauwn Mkhize sparked online chatter with a viral match-lead video.

Wildlife Film Legacy: Mike Salisbury, the BBC Natural History Unit series producer behind Attenborough’s landmark “Life” shows, has died aged 84, leaving a big conservation-focused imprint on global TV. Eswatini–Taiwan Politics: New reporting says Beijing is unlikely to block Lai Ching-te’s overseas travel the same way again after his daring, secretive Eswatini trip—an episode that still fuels online debate about sovereignty and pressure tactics. Deportation Deals: While not Eswatini-specific, the wider region is in the spotlight as Sierra Leone confirms it will receive the first US “third-country” deportees, echoing similar arrangements that have drawn human-rights criticism. Tourism & Community Signals: Eswatini’s cultural pull stays visible through regional events and visits, including a major Shembe Church leader’s two-week trip expected soon, plus ongoing sports buzz around Hardrock’s PSL surge and Mbabane Highlanders’ viral spotlight. Health Demand: Eswatini’s HIV prevention injection rollout is growing fast, but early supplies are nearly depleted due to demand.

Green Economy Push: Eswatini has pivoted its trade strategy toward a greener economy, with the 58th Eswatini International Trade Fair (EITF 2026) launched under the theme “Unlocking Green Economy Opportunities for Sustainable Trade Promotion,” spotlighting recycling, upcycling, circular production and green finance. Court & Education: A 22-year-old pupil facing rape charges was granted E50,000 bail after arguing that continued detention is derailing his schooling and health. Tourism-Adjacent Regional Moves: In the wider region, Namibia will host a SADC public accounts workshop in Swakopmund (18–23 May), expected to draw delegates including Eswatini—good news for cross-border business travel. Migration & Travel Politics: The U.S. deportation “third-country” deals keep rolling—Sierra Leone confirmed its first group will arrive May 20, and St Kitts and Nevis says it has received its first transfers from the U.S.

Diplomacy in motion: Azerbaijan’s President Ilham Aliyev is in Baku for WUF13, holding meetings with UN-Habitat and leaders including Eswatini, spotlighting urban development and new partnerships. Arts & culture: Ghana’s Manhyia Palace Museum honoured eight artists at the Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Art Awards, with Eswatini named in MoUs that helped bring international laureates into the programme. Health & travel risk: WHO says it’s supporting Eswatini’s response to Hantavirus after cases were linked to a Dutch-flagged cruise ship, with quarantines and reported deaths raising the stakes for preparedness. Tourism infrastructure: Manzini Mall Phase 2 is moving fast—government has awarded the main contractor, with up to 3,000 jobs expected during construction. Digital payments: e-Mali is expanding cashless options, letting users pay bills and buy airtime from their phones. Regional governance: Namibia will host a SADC public accounts workshop with Eswatini among the delegates.

Arts & Culture: Eight artists were honoured at the 2nd Asantehene Otumfuo Osei Tutu II Art Awards in Kumasi, with five Ghanaians plus two British and a Seychellois recognised for contemporary creativity and cultural impact. Regional Governance & Tourism: Namibia is set to host a SADC public accounts workshop in Swakopmund (18–23 May), expected to draw about 100 delegates including Eswatini—good news for regional conference tourism. Eswatini Spotlight: Eswatini’s e-Mali is expanding cashless payments, letting users pay bills and buy airtime from phones. Health Watch: WHO says it is supporting Eswatini’s response to a Hantavirus situation linked to a cruise ship, with reported deaths and quarantines. Sports Buzz: Hardrock climbed the PSL standings after a standout win over Bulawayo Chiefs, while Mbabane Highlanders’ president Shauwn Mkhize went viral with a dramatic team-lead video. Travel Context: A week of coverage also flagged rising costs and ongoing travel rule chatter, but the latest Eswatini-linked items are mostly arts, digital payments, and health.

Taiwan Tensions at WHO: The World Health Assembly again rejected a bid to invite Taiwan as an observer, with China saying it’s the 10th straight year and blaming “separatist” politics for the dead end. Diplomatic Pushback: Canada’s Michael Chong said Ottawa “won’t be dictated to” during a Taiwan visit that includes a meeting with President Lai Ching-te. Eswatini Tourism Angle: A fresh wave of attention is still swirling around Lai’s earlier secretive trip to Eswatini, underscoring the kingdom’s unusual role as a Taiwan partner in Africa. Regional Meetings: Namibia is set to host a SADC public accounts workshop in Swakopmund, with Eswatini among expected delegates—good news for regional travel and conferences. Culture & Travel: Shembe Church leader Lunyazi Lwezulu is due in Eswatini for a two-week visit via Lavumisa. Local Economy: Manzini Mall Phase 2 is moving ahead, with a major contractor named and up to 3,000 jobs expected during construction.

Regional Oversight: Namibia is set to host a SADC Public Accounts Committee peer review and training workshop in Swakopmund from 18–23 May, with about 100 delegates expected, including representatives from South Africa, Malawi, the Seychelles, Lesotho, Zimbabwe and Eswatini—aimed at strengthening how public spending is scrutinised and corruption is tackled. Faith & Community Travel: Nazareth Baptist Church leader Lunyazi Lwezulu (Shembe) is due to arrive in Eswatini tomorrow for a two-week visit, entering via Lavumisa Border Post and meeting the public at the border. Tourism & Jobs Boost: Manzini Mall Phase 2 has moved forward with the main contractor awarded (Manzini JV), targeting completion by October 2027 and up to 3,000 jobs during construction. Cost Pressure: Households are bracing for higher living costs as electricity, fuel and transport charges keep climbing, with commuters already facing fare adjustments on some routes. Health Watch: WHO says it’s supporting Eswatini’s response to Hantavirus after cases were linked to a Dutch-flagged cruise ship.

World Cup Buzz: Crumlin community members surprised Cape Verde-linked Roberto Lopes with a send-off ahead of this summer’s FIFA World Cup, after the 33-year-old Shamrock Rovers midfielder qualified through his father’s line and now heads to the US. PSL Momentum: Hardrock climbed to the Premier Soccer League summit with a strong win over Bulawayo Chiefs, powered by Eswatini international Neliswa Dlamini’s standout strike. Cost-of-Living Pressure: Households are bracing for more pain as electricity, fuel and transport costs keep climbing, with fears that food prices may follow. Deportation Deals: Sierra Leone says it will accept hundreds of West Africans deported by the US under “third-country” agreements, with the first group due to arrive May 20—an issue that has also touched Eswatini in earlier US transfers. Tourism & Jobs: Manzini Mall Phase 2 is moving forward with a major contractor and up to 3,000 jobs expected during construction. Health Watch: WHO says it’s supporting Eswatini’s response to a Hantavirus outbreak linked to a cruise ship.

Premier League Buzz: Hardrock are back on top after Neliswa Dlamini’s stunning 31st-minute strike and Washington Navaya’s early penalty as they swept Bulawayo Chiefs at Barbourfields. Deportation Deals: Sierra Leone says the first flights of U.S. “third-country deportees” will land in Freetown on May 20, taking up to 300 ECOWAS citizens a year—an arrangement that has already drawn criticism across Africa, including where Eswatini has been named before. Cost-of-Living Pressure: Households are bracing for more pain as electricity, fuel and transport costs keep climbing, with fears that food prices could follow. Tourism & Jobs: Manzini Mall Phase 2 is moving ahead with an E2 billion contractor deal, promising up to 3,000 jobs during construction. Health Watch: WHO says it’s supporting Eswatini’s emergency response after Hantavirus cases were identified on a cruise ship. Digital Payments: e-Mali is expanding cashless options, letting people pay bills and buy airtime from their phones.

Deportation Deals: Sierra Leone has agreed to take in hundreds of West Africans deported by the U.S., with the first flight due May 20 carrying 25 people from Senegal, Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria, under a deal allowing up to 300 ECOWAS citizens per year (max 25 monthly), raising fresh concerns that “third-country” transfers can leave deportees stuck between weak protections and forced returns. Eswatini Diplomacy & Travel: A renewed debate is swirling around Taiwan leader Lai Ching-te’s secretive trip to Eswatini, after earlier overflight denials linked to China pressure—keeping Eswatini in the spotlight for international travel and recognition politics. Cost of Living & Mobility: Locals are bracing for higher transport fares on key routes, while households report mounting pressure from electricity and fuel hikes. Health & Tourism Safety: WHO says it is supporting Eswatini’s response to Hantavirus after cases linked to a cruise ship, as public health readiness becomes a travel-relevant concern. Digital Payments: e-Mali is expanding cashless options, letting users pay bills and buy airtime from phones.

Deportation Deals: Sierra Leone has agreed to accept hundreds of West Africans deported by the U.S., with the first flight due May 20 carrying 25 people from Senegal, Ghana, Guinea and Nigeria—another “third-country” arrangement that has drawn criticism across Africa, including for cases where deportees are later forced back home. Cost-of-Living Pressure: Households are buckling under higher electricity, fuel and transport costs, with fears of more food price hikes as businesses struggle to absorb rising operating expenses. Eswatini in the Spotlight: A fresh Sky News op-ed revisits President Lai Ching-te’s high-profile Eswatini trip, framed as a response to Chinese pressure over overflight denials. Local Transport & Safety: Commuters face higher bus/taxi fares on some routes, while parents worry afternoon exam classes are leaving pupils stranded after dark. Tourism & Jobs: Manzini Mall Phase 2 contractor work is set to create up to 3,000 jobs, with completion targeted for October 2027.

Statistics & Governance: Uganda’s UBOS boss Dr Chris Mukiza praised President Museveni for backing statistical independence, as Eswatini’s Central Statistics Office benchmarks for its 2027 National Population and Housing Census. Tourism & Jobs: Manzini Mall Phase 2’s main contractor is now in place—an E2bn Manzini JV (J&E Construction + WBHO)—with completion targeted for Oct 2027 and up to 3,000 jobs expected during construction. Health & Travel Safety: WHO says it’s supporting Eswatini’s response to Hantavirus after cases were identified on the Dutch-flagged cruise ship MV Hondiu; reports mention deaths and quarantined passengers. Digital Payments: e-Mali is expanding cashless payments, letting users pay utilities and buy airtime from their phones. Public Concerns: Parents and teachers are worried about exam candidates attending late afternoon classes and getting stranded after dark. Regional Travel Infrastructure: South Africa unveiled a R12.5bn plan to overhaul six land borders, including Beitbridge, which could shape cross-border visitor flows. HIV Supply: Lenacapavir PrEP demand is outpacing supply in parts of Africa, with Eswatini’s rollout facing near-depleted initial stocks.