AGP Executive Report

High Court Bail: Five Filipino nationals were granted bail after the High Court said the Crown failed to show they were likely to abscond or interfere with witnesses, despite facing 45 charges linked to immigration, gaming and money-laundering offences. Deportation Scrutiny: Eswatini’s role in receiving U.S. third-country deportees is drawing fresh human-rights and tourism-brand concerns, with reports of more arrivals and detainees held without charge. Tourism & Sports Boost: FNB Eswatini and the Sunshine Tour unveiled a record E2.5m prize pool for the 2026 FNB Eswatini Challenge (Aug 11–15 at Ezulwini Golf and Country Club), with a two-day Pro-Am ahead of the main event. Culture Festival Momentum: The Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival strengthens regional ties with Mozambique and is set for Aug 1–2 at House On Fire in Malkerns, with last year’s event generating E2.5m for SMEs and drawing visitors from 26 countries. Entrepreneur Spotlight: Anele Shabangu launched The BAWSS Cellar, a proudly Eswatini luxury sparkling wine brand aimed at celebrating everyday wins and supporting community impact. Regional Travel Watch: Namibia released an updated visa-on-arrival list of 121 countries, affecting which travellers need visas for entry.

Sports Tourism: FNB Eswatini and the Sunshine Tour have unveiled a record E2.5 million prize pool for the 2026 FNB Eswatini Challenge, up by E500,000 from last year, with the main tournament at Ezulwini Golf and Country Club running Aug 11–15 and a two-day Pro-Am beforehand. Destination Reputation: Eswatini’s tourism image is facing fresh scrutiny after reports of another group of U.S. third-country deportees arriving in the kingdom, raising human-rights concerns and questions about how visitor confidence and branding could be affected. Culture & Events: The Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival has strengthened ties with Mozambique’s creative sector; the 2026 edition runs Aug 1–2 at House On Fire in Malkerns, blending food, fashion, music and entrepreneurship. Diplomatic Welfare: MPs have asked the Public Service Minister to urgently review staffing, working conditions and welfare for officers serving in Eswatini’s high commissions and embassies. Regional Mobility: Zimbabweans continue travelling to South Africa despite unrest, with legal travel documents keeping cross-border trade and transport moving. Immigration Fallout (Eswatini-linked): Eleven more migrants deported from the U.S. have arrived in Eswatini under the third-country deal, with reports of people held without charge.

Sports Tourism Boost: FNB Eswatini and the Sunshine Tour have announced a record E2.5 million prize pool for the 2026 FNB Eswatini Challenge, up by E500,000 from last year, with the main leg at Ezulwini Golf and Country Club from August 11–15 and a two-day Pro-Am ahead of it. Creative Economy & Cross-Border Culture: The Standard Bank Luju Food & Lifestyle Festival has strengthened ties with Mozambique’s creative sector after its 2026 launch in Maputo; Luju’s eighth edition runs August 1–2 at House On Fire in Malkerns under “A Return to the African Future.” Diplomatic Welfare Push: MPs have asked Eswatini’s Public Service Minister to urgently review staffing levels, working conditions and welfare for officers in high commissions and embassies, including travel and family allowances. US Deportations Continue: Another 11 deportees have arrived in Eswatini under the US “third-country” immigration crackdown, with concerns raised about people being held without charge. Travel Policy Watch: Namibia has released an updated visa-on-arrival list of 121 countries and territories, with Nigeria and many others excluded.

Diplomatic Welfare Check: MPs have asked Eswatini’s Public Service Minister to urgently review staffing levels, working conditions and welfare for officers in high commissions and embassies, including outdated structures and foreign-mission service rules, with a report due in 90 days. Tourism & Culture Boost: The Standard Bank Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival has been launched, with last year’s edition generating E2.5 million for small businesses; this year it expands to a full two-day event and adds more local and regional acts, including Chef Sive and headliners Shwi, Zola 7 and Nasty C. Festival as Local Economy: Luju is framed as an economic engine for tourism, entrepreneurship and SMEs, with the Prime Minister stressing that food, fashion and culture sit at the heart of Eswatini’s economy. Regional Travel Context: Zimbabweans are still travelling to South Africa for business despite unrest, with bus operators saying demand and legal cross-border travel remain steady. Cross-Border Policy Watch: Eswatini continues receiving US deportees under a “third-country” arrangement, raising fresh human-rights concerns. Travel Deals: Qatar Airways is running a limited promotion offering double Avios on select bookings through December 15, 2026 (book by July 15).

Immigration & Travel Links: Eleven more people deported from the US have arrived in Eswatini as part of a “third-country” deal, with 19 deportees already sent since July 2025 and many held without charge; the latest group’s nationalities weren’t confirmed. Tourism & Culture: Eswatini’s Standard Bank Luju Festival is set to expand into a full two-day event for the first time, after last year’s edition generated E2.5 million for small businesses and drew visitors from 26 countries. Power & Investment: A Zimbabwean businessman’s R3 billion solar project in Eswatini—an IPP with CHiNT Electric—aims to cut reliance on imported electricity, with a 120-hectare site allocated by King Mswati III. Regional Travel Policy: Namibia has released an updated visa-on-arrival list of 121 countries, excluding Nigeria and many others—useful for planning regional trips. Local Economy & Jobs: Luju’s growth is framed as a boost for SMEs, traders, designers, chefs and accommodation providers.

Visa & Deportations: Eswatini has received an 11-person new batch of deportees from the United States, the latest in a “third-country” deal that has already sent 19 people to the kingdom since July 2025, with reports that some detainees may have legal protections and others held without charge in high-security prison. Tourism & Safety Ripple Effects: The wider coverage also highlights how the US uses visa bans and cash incentives to push African countries into receiving deportees—an issue that can affect perceptions of regional stability for travellers. Local Business & Culture: The Standard Bank Luju Festival was officially launched at Malandelas, with last year’s event generating E2.5 million for small businesses and this year expanding into a full two-day festival, adding more regional acts and culinary programming. Energy Investment: Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo secured a R3 billion deal for a 300MW solar plant in Eswatini with CHiNT Electric, aiming to cut reliance on imported electricity. Governance Watch: Eswatini Medical Christian University’s council challenged the PM’s commission of inquiry, arguing Cabinet approval wasn’t properly proven.

US Deportations to Eswatini: Eleven more migrants deported from the United States have arrived in Eswatini under Trump’s “third-country” crackdown, bringing the total to 19 sent since July 2025; two have been repatriated while 17 remain in high-security prison without charge, and authorities say a convoy processed the new arrivals at the main airport. Visa Rules for Namibia: Namibia has updated its visa-on-arrival list for 121 countries and territories, with Nigeria excluded and 28 African countries included—useful for travellers planning onward trips in the region. Regional Travel Context — SA Clothing Sector: Reports from KwaZulu-Natal say clothing factories are under pressure as immigrant workers flee xenophobic violence and retailers cut orders after “sweatshop” raids—an indirect reminder that labour and safety issues can affect business travel and tourism planning. Renewable Energy Investment: Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has secured a R3bn, 300MW solar project in Eswatini with CHiNT Electric, aiming to reduce reliance on imported electricity—good news for long-term infrastructure that supports tourism growth. Culture & Tourism: Eswatini’s Luju Festival is set to expand into a full two-day event, with last year’s edition generating E2.5m for small businesses and drawing visitors from 26 countries.

Tourism & Culture: Eswatini’s Standard Bank Luju Festival is set to expand into a full two-day event for the first time, after last year’s edition generated E2.5 million for small businesses and drew 10,000+ visitors from 26 countries; this year’s line-up includes Shwi Nomtekhala, Zola 7, Nasty C and regional acts, with Chef Sive among the culinary workshop highlights. Energy Investment: Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has secured a R3 billion deal for a 300MW solar power plant in Eswatini with CHiNT Electric, using a 120-hectare site and aiming to cut reliance on imported electricity. Regional Diplomacy: Nigeria’s former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has received Letters of Credence as High Commissioner to South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini, clearing the way for formal duties across the region. Public Safety & Travel Context: Reports linked to US immigration enforcement describe deportees being sent to countries including Eswatini, raising concerns about legal protections—an issue that can affect regional perceptions and visitor confidence. Business & Jobs (Regional): South Africa’s clothing sector faces pressure as raids and xenophobic fears drive immigrant workers to flee, with factory closures threatening jobs and supply chains.

Diplomatic Appointments: Nigeria’s former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode has received his Letters of Credence and is set to assume duties as High Commissioner to South Africa, Lesotho and Eswatini, after agrément was granted. Tourism & Culture Boost: Eswatini’s Standard Bank Luju Festival has been officially launched, with last year’s edition generating E2.5 million for small businesses and this year expanding into a full two-day event for the first time, adding more opportunities for traders, designers, chefs and accommodation providers. Energy Investment: Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has secured a R3 billion deal for a 300MW solar power plant in Eswatini with Chinese firm CHiNT Electric, aiming to cut reliance on imported electricity. Local Governance & Oversight: The Eswatini Medical Christian University (EMCU) council has challenged the Prime Minister over a commission of inquiry, arguing Cabinet approval was not properly proven, as the High Court dispute continues. Regional Travel Context: Reports on South Africa’s anti-illegal immigration protests and related disruptions highlight how cross-border movement and tourism planning across the region can be affected.

Luju Festival & Tourism Jobs: Eswatini’s Standard Bank Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival is being positioned as a tourism and SME engine, with last year’s edition generating E2.5 million for small businesses and drawing 10,000+ visitors from 26 countries; this year it expands into a full two-day event for the first time, adding more opportunities for traders, designers, chefs and accommodation providers. Renewable Power Investment: Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has secured a R3 billion deal for a 300MW solar project in Eswatini as an Independent Power Producer with CHiNT Electric, aiming to cut reliance on imported electricity and strengthen generation capacity. Court Fight Over EMCU Inquiry: The Eswatini Medical Christian University (EMCU) Council has challenged the Prime Minister over an inquiry, arguing Cabinet approval for the commission hasn’t been properly proven, setting up a legal showdown over governance and financial management. Regional Travel Context: A major AFP report highlights how US immigration policy is using visa bans and third-country deportation deals, with deportees including a Cambodian man sent to Eswatini—raising concerns about post-arrival treatment and rights. Cross-Border Migration Pressure: Reports from South Africa describe xenophobic-linked fears and evictions affecting foreign nationals, with knock-on impacts for regional movement and livelihoods—an issue that can spill into travel planning and tourism confidence.

Tourism & Culture: The Standard Bank Luju Festival is set to grow into a full two-day event for the first time, with last year’s edition generating E2.5 million for small businesses and drawing over 10,000 visitors from 26 countries; this year’s lineup includes Shwi Nomtekhala, Zola 7 and Nasty C, plus local acts and culinary workshops at Malandelas. Energy Investment: Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has secured a R3 billion deal for a 300MW solar power plant in Eswatini with CHiNT Electric, using a 120-hectare site allocated by King Mswati III—aimed at reducing reliance on imported electricity. Governance Watch: Eswatini Medical Christian University (EMCU) is in court with the Prime Minister over a commission of inquiry, with EMCU council challenging whether Cabinet actually authorised the probe. Cross-Border Travel: After South Africa’s June 30 anti-immigration deadline, travellers entering via Oshoek Border Post report stricter questioning and shorter stays (as low as seven days), creating long queues and repeat border trips. Regional Security: Tanzania’s DCEA says it is intensifying cross-border efforts to track Tanzanian drug traffickers who fled to southern Africa, including cooperation with Eswatini.

Tourism & Culture: The Standard Bank Luju Festival is set to grow into a full two-day event for the first time, with last year’s edition generating E2.5 million for small businesses and drawing 10,000+ visitors from 26 countries; this year’s line-up includes Shwi Nomtekhala, Zola 7, Nasty C and regional acts, plus culinary workshops featuring Eswatini’s Chef Sive. Energy Investment: Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has secured a R3 billion deal for a 300MW solar power plant in Eswatini, aiming to cut reliance on imported electricity and strengthen generation capacity. Border & Visitor Experience: As South Africa’s June 30 crackdown on undocumented immigrants looms, travellers crossing at Oshoek report stricter questioning, shorter stays (sometimes as low as seven days), and longer queues—while Eswatini-side processing remains quicker. Governance Watch: Eswatini Medical Christian University’s inquiry is headed for a legal fight, with EMCU challenging whether Cabinet properly authorised the probe. Regional Context: King Mswati III urged Emaswati in South Africa to stay calm and law-abiding amid heightened anxieties around anti-immigration protests.

Luju Festival: The Standard Bank Luju Food and Lifestyle Festival is positioning itself as more than entertainment, with Friday’s launch at Malandelas highlighting its growing tourism and SME impact. Reports say the 2025 edition generated E2.5 million for small businesses, and this year’s Luju expands into a full two-day festival for the first time in eight years—opening more opportunities for traders, designers, chefs and accommodation providers. Festival Line-up: Organisers also unveiled a bigger August programme, with Shwi Nomtekhala, Zola 7 and Nasty C headlining, plus local and regional acts and culinary workshops featuring Eswatini’s Chef Sive. EMCU Court Fight: Eswatini Medical Christian University (EMCU) has challenged the Prime Minister over a commission of inquiry, arguing Cabinet approval wasn’t properly proven, while the PM says the probe was lawfully set up under Legal Notice No. 98 of 2026. Cross-Border Travel: With South Africa’s June 30 immigration deadline looming, travellers entering via Oshoek report stricter questioning and shorter stays, which could affect regional tourism plans.

Cross-Border Travel Update: With South Africa’s June 30 immigration deadline looming, travellers entering South Africa via the Oshoek Border Post from Eswatini are reporting tougher questioning and shorter stays—some getting as little as seven days instead of the usual 30—while Eswatini-side processing remains quicker. Renewable Energy Investment: Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has secured a R3 billion deal to build a 300MW solar power plant in Eswatini with Chinese firm CHiNT Electric, using a 120-hectare site allocated by King Mswati III, as the kingdom pushes to cut reliance on imported electricity. Tourism & Spotlight: Cape Verde’s historic FIFA World Cup run is drawing global attention, with tourism highlighted as a key beneficiary—also putting Eswatini’s name in the spotlight as part of the same World Cup qualifying group. Local Events: The Standard Bank Luju Festival has been launched for August, with headliners including Shwi Nomtekhala, Zola 7 and Nasty C, plus Eswatini’s Chef Sive featuring in culinary workshops.

World Cup Tourism Boost: Cape Verde’s historic FIFA World Cup run ended in the round of 32 after a valiant showing against Argentina, but the spotlight is expected to lift tourism interest in the West African island nation. Festival & Culture: The Standard Bank Luju Festival (8th edition) has been launched at Malandelas, with Shwi Nomtekhala, Zola 7 and Nasty C headlining, plus Eswatini’s Chef Sive joining culinary workshops—set for a weekend run in August. Renewable Energy Investment: Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo secured a R3 billion deal for a 300MW solar power plant in Eswatini with Chinese firm CHiNT Electric, using a 120-hectare site allocated by King Mswati III. Governance & Education: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini defended the EMCU commission of inquiry in court, citing maladministration and financial irregularities, with a five-member panel tasked to investigate and recommend fixes. Border Travel Rules: After South Africa’s June 30 immigration deadline, travellers entering from Eswatini at Oshoek report stricter questioning and shorter stays (sometimes just seven days), while Eswatini-side processing remains quicker. Regional Diplomacy Watch: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s controversial visit to Eswatini has drawn renewed criticism from mainland China, keeping the country’s unique diplomatic position in focus.

Renewable Energy Investment: Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo has secured a R3bn deal to build a 300MW solar power plant in Eswatini with China’s CHiNT Electric, using a 120-hectare site allocated by King Mswati III—aimed at boosting local electricity supply and cutting reliance on imports. Tourism & Border Travel: With South Africa’s June 30 immigration deadline looming, travellers entering via Oshoek Border Post report tougher questioning and shorter stays (sometimes as low as seven days), while Eswatini-side processing remains quicker—creating extra border trips and potential disruption for visitors. Regional Tourism Pressure: South African township tourism is already seeing cancellations and revenue drops ahead of the June 30 protests, with operators warning the uncertainty could linger well beyond the demonstrations. Governance Watch: Eswatini’s PM Russell Mmiso Dlamini defended the EMCU commission of inquiry, saying it was properly gazetted and mandated to investigate financial and governance failures. Diplomatic Tensions: A report says Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s controversial visit to Eswatini drew condemnation from mainland China, highlighting the kingdom’s unique role as Taiwan’s last African ally.