AGP Executive Report

Streaming & Film: Apple TV’s Cape Fear reboot is already a global hit, climbing top spots across dozens of countries, including South Africa and Swaziland. Beauty & Pageantry: Miss Universe Zimbabwe finalists and regional delegates (including Eswatini) toured Baradzanwa Cultural Village, spotlighting cultural exchange ahead of the 2027 pageant. Local Arts Funding: ESWACOS has opened applications for its Fund for Creativity and Artist Development (grants up to E5,000) under the CIDF, but creatives are debating whether the amounts match real production costs. Music & Culture: MTN Bushfire Festival wrapped up after three days of performances, fashion, and community connection, with Uncle Waffles and Moonchild Sanelly among the standout acts. Sports & Talent: Hardrock FC in Zimbabwe has raided Eswatini champions Nsingizini Hotspurs again, unveiling forward Thubelihle Mavuso and midfielder Yekisizwe “Yeki” Khumalo. Digital Safety & Media: TikTok reports millions of proactive removals in Sub-Saharan Africa and pushes child online safety and media literacy partnerships.

Central Bank & Economy: The Central Bank of Eswatini says it has boosted gold reserves worth E195 million, aiming to diversify holdings and protect the country from global shocks, with reserves still monitored closely for external stability. Creative Funding: ESWACOS has opened applications for its Fund for Creativity and Artist Development (up to E5,000 per project) under the CIDF, backing music, film, literature and other copyright-linked work—though creatives are debating whether the amounts go far enough. Bushfire Festival Impact: MTN Bushfire Festival 2026 wrapped up after three days of music, culture and fashion, with major visitor numbers and an estimated E121 million annual economic impact; organisers say they’re ready to double that impact by 2027. Music & Royals: Afrobeats star Davido returned to Eswatini for a royal welcome and a high-profile performance tied to the International Convention Centre opening. Digital Safety & Media: TikTok reports large-scale removals for safety guideline violations in Sub-Saharan Africa and highlights child online safety partnerships. Sports Transfers: Hardrock FC in Zimbabwe has unveiled Eswatini champions’ players Thubelihle Mavuso and Yekisizwe “Yeki” Khumalo.

Arts & Culture Funding: ESWACOS has opened applications for its Fund for Creativity and Artist Development, offering grants of up to E5,000 for creators in music, film, literature and other copyright-related work—supporting everything from recording and music videos to publishing, marketing and digital distribution. Music & Entertainment: Davido’s late-April visit to Eswatini brought a royal welcome, including a tour of the International Convention Centre and a meeting with King Mswati III, ahead of his first-ever Eswatini concert. Sports & Community: MTN Bushfire Festival wrapped up with standout performances and fashion-filled festival energy, while organisers say they’re aiming to double the event’s economic impact by 2027. Digital Safety & Media: TikTok reports major proactive removals for guideline violations across Sub-Saharan Africa and highlights child online safety partnerships, including with Eswatini’s First Lady. Regional Spotlight: China’s travel ban on four New Zealand MPs over a Taiwan visit continues to ripple through international politics, with Taiwan and China trading accusations—an issue that also keeps Eswatini’s Taiwan ties in the headlines.

Creative Funding: ESWACOS has opened applications for its Fund for Creativity and Artist Development under the Creative Industries Development Fund, offering grants of up to E5,000 for copyright-linked projects like music recording, music videos, book publishing, marketing and digital distribution—creatives are split on whether the amount is enough to cover real production costs. Festival Economy & Culture: MTN Bushfire Festival continues to ripple through Eswatini, with official figures showing heavy cross-border arrivals tied to the event and organisers pushing for bigger impact by 2027; the festival also spotlighted fashion, performances and youth creativity at House on Fire. Digital Life & Community: A minister warns that social media’s huge followings are replacing real face-to-face ties, leaving networks that feel “shallow” and weakening communal identity. Regional Sports: ZOC is hosting the ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, focusing on women’s leadership, safe sport systems, safeguarding and funding for women in sport. Global Arts Buzz: Spotify’s EQUAL Africa programme has put eSwatini-born singer Zee Nxumalo on a New York billboard, sparking debate online over “paid” accolades.

Digital Life vs Real Community: Communications minister Samuel Nartey George says social media “communities of following” are replacing face-to-face ties, leaving people with huge follower counts but shallow relationships. Copyright & Royalties: ESWACOS is pushing local creators forward—royalty distribution is expected in 2026/27, and a new Fund for Creativity and Artist Development offers up to E5,000 per project for music, books, videos and digital promotion. MTN Bushfire Festival Impact: Festival arrivals surged through Ngwenya Border Post, and the event is estimated to generate about E121 million annually; FNB and MTN also backed digital banking and aim to double Bushfire’s economic impact by 2027. Women in Sport: ZOC is hosting the ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, with safeguarding, leadership, financing and online abuse on the agenda. Afrobeats Royal Visit: Davido’s Eswatini stop brought Afrobeats energy with a royal welcome and a performance tied to the opening of the International Convention Centre. Creative Youth Spotlight: The EU Bushfire Schools Festival opened at House on Fire with music, dance, poetry and drama led by heritage expert Allington Ndlovu. Geopolitics & Media: China’s ban on four New Zealand MPs over a Taiwan visit and renewed “dollar diplomacy” claims involving Eswatini keep international attention on the region.

Sports & Gender Equality: ZOC is hosting the ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, bringing together 10 Southern African National Olympic Committees to push safer sport, women in leadership, coaching roles, safeguarding, and digital safety. Music & Royals: Davido’s historic Eswatini visit drew a royal welcome, with Prince S.G. Dlamini sharing moments from the International Convention Centre tour and a performance tied to the king’s Ruby Jubilee celebrations. Creative Funding: ESWACOS has opened applications for a Fund for Creativity and Artist Development, offering up to E5,000 per project for recording, music videos, books, digital distribution, marketing, and professional growth. Festival Buzz: MTN Bushfire Festival wrapped up with big performances and fashion-forward energy, while FNB and MTN highlighted digital banking and plans to grow the festival’s economic impact by 2027. Digital Safety & Media: TikTok reports major safety enforcement across Sub-Saharan Africa and boosts Africa partnerships, while a new Afrobarometer profile shows press freedom and speech are increasingly constrained—Eswatini is among the lowest. Entertainment Spotlight: Zee Nxumalo defends her Spotify EQUAL Africa billboard in New York, shutting down trolls with a “you can’t pay for accolades” message.

Eswatini–Taiwan Tensions: China’s foreign ministry says betting on “Taiwan independence” will cost Eswatini development opportunities, accusing Taipei of “dollar diplomacy” and alleged NT$25 billion funding tied to royal benefits. Royal & Music Spotlight: Davido’s historic Eswatini visit brought a royal welcome, including a tour of the new International Convention Centre in Ezulwini and a first-ever concert in the kingdom. Creator Support: ESWACOS opened applications for a Fund for Creativity and Artist Development, offering up to E5,000 per project for recording, music videos, books, digital distribution, marketing and professional growth. Bushfire Festival Buzz: MTN Bushfire Festival wrapped up with big crowds, fashion on full display, and major local and regional performances—while the festival director vowed to double its economic impact by 2027. Digital Safety & Media: TikTok reports millions of removals for guideline violations across Sub-Saharan Africa and highlights partnerships and media literacy efforts, including child online safety discussions involving Eswatini’s First Lady. Copyright Royalties: ESWACOS says first royalty distributions are expected in the 2026/27 financial year as licensing operations begin. Border Energy: Ngwenya Border Post saw heavy queues as travellers poured in for Bushfire, turning the entry point into part of the festival experience.

MTN Bushfire Festival buzz at Ngwenya Border: Thousands of travellers poured into eSwatini ahead of the 2026 MTN Bushfire Festival at House on Fire, with long queues, heavy traffic, and even telecom vendors selling SIM cards to keep visitors connected. Bushfire Festival wraps with big creative energy: The festival ended after three days of music, fashion, and cultural showcases, spotlighting acts like Uncle Waffles and Moonchild Sanelly, and reinforcing Bushfire as a major arts-and-community hub. FNB goes cashless at Bushfire: FNB Eswatini used the festival to push digital banking, rolling out ATMs, speedpoint devices, and onsite support, plus a gaming-themed activation tied to its “Get in the Game” swipe campaign. Local creatives finally see royalty progress: ESWACOS says first royalty distributions are expected in the 2026/27 financial year, after licensing operations began in January and music tariffs were approved in late 2025. Open call for ESWACOS creative fund: ESWACOS launched an application drive for creators and rights holders, offering grants up to E5,000 for recording, publishing, marketing, and digital distribution of new copyright works. Zee Nxumalo billboard sparks debate: The eSwatini-born singer defended her Spotify EQUAL Africa New York billboard against “paid” claims, saying “you can’t pay for accolades, you earn them.” Youth creativity at Bushfire Schools Festival: Over 600 pupils from 42 schools took part in the 2026 EU Bushfire Schools Festival opening at House on Fire, with heritage expert Allington Ndlovu guiding performances in music, dance, poetry, drama, and storytelling.

Creative Funding: ESWACOS has opened an application drive for its creative industries development fund, offering grants up to E5,000 for new copyright works—covering music recording, music videos, books, promotional materials, marketing, digital distribution, and linked professional development. Royalties Update: ESWACOS says the first royalty distribution is expected in the 2026/27 financial year, after licensing operations began in January following approved music tariffs. Bushfire Festival Buzz: MTN Bushfire 2026 wrapped up at House on Fire, with big performances, fashion moments, and a festival economy push—plus reports of heavy traffic and thousands crossing Ngwenya Border Post for the event. Digital Banking at Bushfire: FNB Eswatini used the festival to drive cashless payments, rolling out ATMs, speedpoint devices, and onsite support. Music Spotlight: Uncle Waffles (Swazi DJ/producer) is set to join Asake on his “In God We Trust” world tour. Press Freedom Lens: A new Afrobarometer profile shows support for media freedom across Africa, but perceived freedom of speech is especially low in eSwatini.

MTN Bushfire Festival: House on Fire in Malkerns is buzzing as the 2026 MTN Bushfire Festival kicks off, with crowds pouring in and Ngwenya Border Post seeing heavy queues as travellers arrive for the music, art and fashion-filled weekend. Festival growth & banking: FNB Eswatini is using the event to push cashless digital banking, while festival director Jiggs Thorne says the Prime Minister has challenged MTN Bushfire to double its economic impact by 2027. Creative rights: Eswatini creatives may finally see royalties soon—ESWACOS says the first royalty distribution is expected in the 2026/27 financial year after licensing and tariffs were approved. Local culture spotlight: The EU Bushfire Schools Festival opened at House on Fire with youth performances led by heritage expert Allington Ndlovu, putting young voices at the centre of the arts. Music & global buzz: Swazi-born singer Zee Nxumalo hits back at trolls after her Spotify EQUAL Africa billboard in New York, insisting “you can’t pay for accolades, you earn them.” Arts beyond borders: A musical stage production is bringing Eswatini’s KwaMagogo story to life ahead of the 1976 youth uprising anniversary.

MTN Bushfire Festival: House on Fire in Malkerns wrapped up after three days of music, fashion and culture, with big-name sets including Uncle Waffles and Moonchild Sanelly, plus talks and cultural showcases that kept the vibe going. Festival economy push: MTN Bushfire director Jiggs Thorne says he’s accepted Prime Minister Russell Mmiso Dlamini’s challenge to double the festival’s economic impact by 2027, as attendance hits about 23,000. Digital banking at Bushfire: FNB Eswatini used the festival to drive cashless payments, rolling out ATMs, speedpoint devices and support teams for thousands of visitors. Border buzz: Ngwenya Border Post saw heavy queues and excitement as travellers poured in for Bushfire, turning the entry point into part of the experience. Royalties for creatives: ESWACOS says the first royalty distribution for Eswatini creatives is expected in the 2026/27 financial year, after licensing and music tariffs were approved and operations began in January. Taiwan ties under scrutiny: New reporting highlights growing concerns around Taiwan’s relationship with Eswatini, including questions about governance, accountability and the 2021 pro-democracy crackdown. Oil reserve debate: World Bank-linked reporting questions whether Eswatini can afford a $300m Taiwan-backed strategic oil reserve amid poverty and high unemployment. Youth and culture: The EU Bushfire Schools Festival opened at House on Fire with youth performances led by heritage expert Allington Ndlovu, putting young voices at the heart of the main Bushfire build-up.

Bushfire Festival build-up at House on Fire: Crews are racing to finish stages, camping, the global food village and barn marketplace ahead of the MTN Bushfire Festival this weekend. Ngwenya Border rush: Thousands of travellers poured into Eswatini through Ngwenya Border Post as festivalgoers queued for entry, with MTN vendors selling SIM cards to keep people connected. Local creatives get paid: ESWACOS says the first royalty distribution for Eswatini creatives is expected in the 2026/27 financial year, after music tariffs were approved and licensing began in January. World Book & Copyright Day: Eswatini marked the day under “Promoting SiSwati Stories in the Digital Age,” with government stressing copyright protection for creators in the digital era. KwaMagogo comes to life: The Number 43 KwaMagogo story—once a refuge for students fleeing apartheid—has moved from book to stage production for the 1976 uprising anniversary. Press freedom squeeze (including Eswatini): Afrobarometer reports perceived media freedom is shrinking, with Eswatini among the lowest on complete freedom of speech. Uncle Waffles on the global stage: Swazi DJ Uncle Waffles is set to join Asake on the “In God We Trust” world tour, bringing more regional spotlight to international Afrobeats fans.

Bushfire Festival build-up & border rush: Ngwenya Border Post is buzzing as thousands pour in for the 2026 MTN Bushfire Festival at House on Fire, with long queues, heavy traffic and visitors snapping photos before the music, art and food take over. Local creatives get paid: ESWACOS says the first royalty distribution for Eswatini rights holders is expected in the 2026/27 financial year, after music tariffs were approved and licensing began in January. KwaMagogo story goes stage: The Number 43 Legacy Event is set to bring the KwaMagogo exile-home story to life through lectures, performances and a theatrical production titled Magogo Courage ahead of the 1976 youth uprising anniversary. Taxi style spotlight: Zinhle “MaSibal’khulu” Dhlamini is turning heads in uMdlalo waManzi, winning with her customised clean minibuses and proving women can thrive in the taxi industry. Youth creativity at Bushfire Schools: Over 600 pupils from 42 schools showcased culture through music, dance, poetry and drama at the EU Bushfire Schools Festival opening, led by Allington Ndlovu. Press freedom pressure: Afrobarometer reports shrinking civic space across Africa, with perceived freedom of speech especially low in Eswatini (18%). Music tour news: Asake announces his “In God We Trust” world tour, with Swazi DJ Uncle Waffles joining on select dates.

MTN Bushfire Festival Build-Up at House on Fire: The countdown is on as crews race to finish stages, camping, the global food village and the barn marketplace ahead of the three-day music takeover. Ngwenya Border Rush: Thousands of festivalgoers poured into Eswatini through Ngwenya Border Post, with long queues and heavy traffic on the South African side as passport counters worked flat out. Bushfire Schools Showcase: Over 600 pupils from 42 schools filled House on Fire with music, dance, poetry, drama and storytelling under the theme “Art in Action: Future in the Making,” led by heritage expert Allington Ndlovu. Local Creatives’ Royalties: ESWACOS says the first royalty distribution is expected in the 2026/27 financial year after music tariffs were approved and licensing began in January. Eswatini in the Spotlight for SiSwati Stories: World Book and Copyright Day 2026 celebrated “Promoting SiSwati Stories in the Digital Age,” with government stressing copyright protection for creators. Uncle Waffles Joins Asake: Afrobeats star Asake announced his “In God We Trust” world tour, with Swazi DJ/producer Uncle Waffles as a special guest on select dates.

MTN Bushfire Festival: House On Fire is gearing up for a three-day music takeover, with stages packed from today to Sunday and festival crews already building the grounds, plus phone-charging points and big brand activations. Border Buzz: Thousands of visitors are flooding in via Ngwenya Border ahead of the festival, with long queues and heavy traffic expected to keep rolling. Youth Creativity: Zimbabwean cultural expert Allington Ndlovu opened the 2026 EU Bushfire Schools Festival at House on Fire, bringing music, dance, poetry, drama and storytelling from 42 schools under “Art in Action: Future in the Making.” Royalties for Creatives: ESWACOS says the first royalty distribution is expected in the 2026/27 financial year, after licensing operations began in January with approved music tariffs. SiSwati Stories: Eswatini marked World Book and Copyright Day 2026 under “Promoting SiSwati Stories in the Digital Age,” pushing stronger copyright protection for creators. Music on the Move: Afrobeats star Asake announced his “In God We Trust” world tour, with Swazi DJ Uncle Waffles as a special guest.

MTN Bushfire Festival: House On Fire is set to turn into a three-day music takeover from today to Sunday, with Uncle Waffles, Moonchild Sanelly, Young Stunna, Kokoroko, Msaki, Jesse Clegg and Kabelo Mabalane on the main stage, amapiano heat at Corona Firefly, and a Bring Your Fire Zone built for art and dance energy. Royalties for local creatives: ESWACOS says the first royalty distribution for Eswatini rights holders is expected in the 2026/27 financial year, after draft music tariffs were approved and licensing began in January. Bushfire border rush: Ngwenya Border Post saw long queues as thousands crossed from South Africa ahead of the festival, with MTN vendors selling SIM cards to keep visitors connected. World Book & Copyright Day: Eswatini marked the day under “Promoting SiSwati Stories in the Digital Age,” with government stressing copyright protection as key to growing the creative economy. Local hip hop: Lyrikal Busta denied beef rumours with Young Zesh, saying his latest diss-style releases were about defending himself and his artists through music. Arts, culture & festivals beyond Eswatini: Malawi’s Inkosi M’mbelwa V urged higher standards for the Umthetho Cultural Festival and promised it will keep culture growing and tourism on the map.