AGP Executive Report

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.

Tourism Governance: The Minister of Tourism and Environmental Affairs has appointed the first board of directors for Ezulwini Palazzo, a major conference and business-events facility, with a seven-member team tasked with oversight, operator performance and corporate governance—aimed at boosting Eswatini’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions appeal. Renewable Energy & Investment: Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo secured a R3 billion deal for a 300MW solar power plant in Eswatini with CHiNT Electric, using 120 hectares allocated by King Mswati III—part of efforts to cut reliance on imported electricity. Border Travel Watch: With South Africa’s June 30 immigration deadline looming, travellers entering via Oshoek Border Post from Eswatini report stricter questioning and shorter stays, including seven-day limits for some visitors—raising concerns for cross-border tourism planning. Regional Diplomacy: Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s controversial visit to Eswatini has drawn renewed pressure from mainland China, underlining Eswatini’s unique diplomatic position in the region. Community Health & Giving: MTN Eswatini invested E2.2 million in the 2026 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, expanding healthcare access in remote areas and supporting blood donation drives.

Renewable Energy & Investment: Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo secured a R3bn deal to build a 300MW solar plant in Eswatini with Chinese firm CHiNT Electric, using a 120-hectare site allocated by King Mswati III—aimed at boosting local power generation and reducing reliance on imports. Tourism Infrastructure: The Ezulwini Palazzo’s first board of directors has been appointed, with the facility positioned to strengthen Eswatini’s appeal for international conferences, exhibitions and business events. Community Health for Visitors & Locals: MTN Eswatini invested E2.2m in the 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, expanding healthcare access and blood donation support in remote communities—good news for overall destination readiness. Regional Travel Watch: With South Africa’s June 30 immigration protests looming, Oshoek Border Post travellers report stricter questioning and shorter stays, while township tourism operators warn of cancellations and lost bookings. Cross-Border Safety: Tanzania’s DCEA says it’s working with regional partners, including Eswatini, to track Tanzanian drug traffickers who fled abroad.

Renewable Energy & Investment: Zimbabwean businessman Wicknell Chivayo, now an Eswatini citizen, 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 as the country pushes to cut reliance on imported electricity. Tourism Infrastructure: The first board of directors for Ezulwini Palazzo has been appointed, with the government saying the seven-member team will strengthen governance and help position the venue for international conferences, exhibitions and business events. Border Travel & Visitor Rules: As South Africa’s June 30 immigration deadline nears, travellers entering via Oshoek Border Post from Eswatini report tougher questioning and shorter stays—sometimes as low as seven days—while Eswatini-side processing remains quicker. Regional Diplomacy: Taiwan’s tense relationship with Eswatini remains in focus after a controversial visit by Taiwan’s president, with China warning Eswatini over its continued diplomatic ties. Community Health & Access: MTN Eswatini has poured E2.2m into its 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, expanding healthcare services and blood donation support in remote communities.

EMCU Inquiry: Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini has defended the lawful creation of a commission of inquiry into the Eswatini Medical Christian University, saying it was Cabinet-approved and set to probe maladministration, financial irregularities, governance failures and related misconduct, with a five-member team appointed via Legal Notice No. 98 of 2026. Border Travel Pressure: With South Africa’s June 30 immigration deadline looming, travellers entering South Africa via Oshoek from Eswatini report tougher questioning and shorter stays—sometimes as little as seven days—while Eswatini-side processing remains quicker. Tourism Shock from Protests: Businesses in South Africa’s townships are already seeing cancellations and revenue drops tied to the June 30 anti-immigration demonstrations, threatening a fragile tourism recovery. Ezulwini Palazzo Governance: The first board of directors for Ezulwini Palazzo has been appointed, aiming to strengthen Eswatini’s conference, exhibition and business-event offering and support jobs and local enterprise. Healthcare Access Boost: MTN Eswatini invested E2.2 million in the 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, expanding healthcare services and blood donation support in remote communities. Regional Diplomacy: King Mswati III praised South Africa’s hospitality toward Emaswati and urged calm and non-disruption amid heightened anxieties around immigration protests.

Border Travel Tightens: With South Africa’s June 30 immigration deadline looming, travellers entering from Eswatini at Oshoek say they’re getting stricter questioning and shorter stays—sometimes just seven days—while Eswatini-side processing remains faster. Township Tourism Hit: South African township tour operators report cancellations and revenue drops as June 30 unrest shakes visitor confidence, with bookings slowing sharply in Johannesburg and Cape Town. Cultural Tourism Boost: Eswatini’s Umhlanga Reed Dance has been ranked among Africa’s most famous festivals, underlining its pull for local and international cultural tourism. New Tourism Governance: The first board for Ezulwini Palazzo has been appointed, aiming to strengthen Eswatini’s conference, exhibition and business-event offering. Health Access Drive: MTN Eswatini’s E2.2m “21 Days of Y’ello Care” campaign expanded healthcare and blood donation support in remote communities. Regional Diplomacy Watch: King Mswati III praised South Africa’s hospitality to Emaswati students amid heightened anxieties tied to anti-immigration protests.

World Cup Tourism Boost: Cape Verde’s historic World Cup run is being celebrated at the Chinese-built Cape Verde National Stadium, the only FIFA-certified venue in the country—good news for football fans planning future trips. Border Travel Tightening: With South Africa’s June 30 immigration deadline looming, travellers crossing at Oshoek (from Eswatini) report stricter questioning and shorter stays—some getting as little as seven days—while Eswatini-side processing stays faster. Regional Tourism Pressure: June 30 demonstrations are already hitting South Africa’s township tourism, with operators in Johannesburg and Cape Town reporting sharp booking drops and cancellations as visitor confidence dips. Eswatini Tourism Governance: The first board for Ezulwini Palazzo has been appointed, with the facility positioned to strengthen Eswatini’s conference, exhibition and business-event tourism. Cultural Pull: Umhlanga Reed Dance has been ranked among Africa’s most famous festivals, reinforcing its role as a major driver of cultural tourism. Wildlife Tourism: Cheetahs have returned to Eswatini after 35 years, with reintroduction efforts at Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve supporting safari experiences. Tech for Travellers: A Starlink Africa guide notes the service is live across much of the region but still absent from South Africa—relevant for cross-border travellers planning connectivity.

Tourism Governance: Eswatini’s Ezulwini Palazzo gets its first board of directors, with Minister Jane Mkhonta-Simelane saying the seven-member team will strengthen governance and help position the venue for international conferences, exhibitions and business events. Cultural Tourism: Umhlanga Reed Dance has been ranked Africa’s 3rd most famous festival, underlining its pull for visitors and boosting Eswatini’s cultural tourism profile. Wildlife & Conservation: Cheetahs have returned to Eswatini after more than 35 years, following the reintroduction of four animals to Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve as part of a regional metapopulation initiative. Regional Travel Watch: At South Africa’s Oshoek Border Post, travellers crossing from Eswatini report tighter questioning and shorter stays ahead of the June 30 immigration deadline—raising concerns for cross-border tourism plans. Connectivity for Visitors: A guide on Starlink availability notes South Africa is still missing from the service map, while many other African countries are live—relevant for travellers planning reliable internet access. Community Health: MTN Eswatini’s E2.2m “21 Days of Y’ello Care” campaign expanded healthcare and blood donation support to remote communities. Sports Tourism: FDH Bank backs Malawi’s TESSAM CUCSA team, with Eswatini among the participating countries in Botswana. Diplomacy & Travel Climate: King Mswati praised South Africa’s hospitality toward Emaswati and urged calm as anxieties rise around immigration protests.

Immigration Pressure on Travel: With South Africa’s June 30 anti-illegal-immigration push looming, travellers entering via Oshoek (from Eswatini) report tougher questioning and shorter stays—some getting as little as seven days instead of the usual 30—while Eswatini-side processing stays quicker, creating border “stamp runs” as visitors return to extend permits. Tourism Fallout: Township tourism operators in South Africa say the uncertainty is already biting: bookings are down sharply in Johannesburg and Cape Town, and cancellations are expected to linger beyond the protests. Royal and Diplomatic Signals: King Mswati III urged Emaswati students in South Africa to stay calm and law-abiding as tensions rise, and he praised South Africa’s hospitality; separately, he backed Eswatini’s continued partnership with the US. Ezulwini Palazzo Governance: Tourism Minister Jane Mkhonta-Simelane appointed the first Ezulwini Palazzo board, setting up oversight for the conference and business-events venue. Wildlife & Culture Boost: Cheetahs have returned to Eswatini after 35 years, and Umhlanga Reed Dance was ranked Africa’s 3rd most famous festival—both strong draws for visitors. Connectivity for Visitors: A guide notes Starlink is expanding across Africa but still not available in South Africa, shaping where travellers may rely on satellite internet.

Royal Welcome: King Mswati III praised South Africa’s warm hospitality to Emaswati, urging students and documented travellers to keep studying peacefully amid anxieties linked to anti-immigration protests. Border Travel Impact: As South Africa’s June 30 deadline for undocumented immigrants nears, travellers entering via Oshoek report stricter questioning and shorter stays—sometimes just seven days—while Eswatini-side processing remains quicker. Tourism Governance: The first board of directors for Ezulwini Palazzo has been appointed, with the facility positioned to boost conferences, exhibitions, business events, jobs, and local enterprise growth. Wildlife Tourism Boost: Cheetahs have returned to Eswatini after more than 35 years, with four animals reintroduced to Royal Jozini as part of a regional conservation initiative. Culture on the Map: Umhlanga Reed Dance has been ranked among Africa’s most famous festivals, reinforcing its pull for cultural tourism. Connectivity for Travellers: A guide notes Starlink is live across much of Africa but still not available in South Africa—useful for planning cross-border connectivity. Health & Community: MTN Eswatini invested E2.2m in the 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, expanding healthcare access and blood donation support in remote areas.

Border Travel Disruption: As South Africa’s June 30 deadline for undocumented immigrants nears, travellers crossing from Eswatini at Oshoek Border Post report tougher questioning, shorter stays (as low as seven days), and long queues—while Eswatini-side processing stays fast, pushing some visitors to return just to extend or re-stamp passports. Tourism Shock in SA Townships: With June 30 protests looming, township tourism operators say uncertainty is already driving cancellations and cutting revenue, threatening a fragile post-pandemic recovery. Ezulwini Palazzo Governance: Eswatini’s Tourism and Environmental Affairs Minister has appointed the first board for Ezulwini Palazzo, setting up oversight for the conference and business-events facility expected to boost jobs and investment. Wildlife Tourism Boost: Cheetahs have returned to Eswatini after more than 35 years, with four animals reintroduced to Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve in a phased conservation effort. Cultural Spotlight: Umhlanga Reed Dance has been ranked Africa’s third most famous festival, reinforcing its pull for cultural tourism. Community Health Push: MTN Eswatini invested E2.2m in the 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, expanding healthcare access and blood donation support in remote areas.

Diplomacy & Sovereignty: China is reacting sharply after Taiwan President Lai Ching-te’s controversial May visit to Eswatini, with Beijing warning the kingdom not to “pull chestnuts out of the fire” for Taiwan independence. Tourism Impact: South Africa’s June 30 immigration protests are already hitting township tourism, with operators reporting booking drops and cancellations that could linger beyond the unrest—good to watch for regional spillover into Eswatini travel plans. Tourism Governance: The Ezulwini Palazzo has appointed its first seven-member board, with the government saying the venue will boost conferences, exhibitions, jobs and local enterprise. Wildlife Tourism: Cheetahs have returned to Eswatini after more than 35 years, with four cats reintroduced to Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve as part of a wider conservation push. Community Health: MTN Eswatini invested E2.2m in the 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, expanding healthcare access and blood donation support in remote areas. Sports & Regional Links: FDH Bank donated K100m to support CUCSA games participation, with Eswatini among the teams.

Tourism & Safety: Johannesburg and Cape Town township tour operators say June 30 immigration-related protests have already cut bookings—Soweto Tours reports a third of revenue lost versus last year, with cancellations likely to linger. Diplomacy & Sovereignty: Taiwan’s tense ties with Eswatini are back in focus after a controversial visit by Taiwan’s leader, drawing China’s warning to Eswatini over “One-China” alignment. Tourism Development: Eswatini’s Ezulwini Palazzo board has been appointed, with the government saying the seven-member team will strengthen governance and boost conferences, exhibitions and business travel. Wildlife Tourism: Cheetahs have returned to Eswatini after 35 years, with four animals reintroduced to Royal Jozini Private Game Reserve as part of a wider conservation push. Culture & Visitor Appeal: Umhlanga Reed Dance is ranked Africa’s third most famous festival, reinforcing its pull for cultural tourism. Connectivity for Travellers: A Starlink Africa guide notes the service is live in many countries but still absent from South Africa—relevant for cross-border travellers planning rural routes. Community Health: MTN Eswatini invested E2.2m in its 21 Days of Y’ello Care campaign, expanding healthcare access in remote areas.