King Mswati III Takes $5.1m US Deportee Deal as Eswatini Economy Feels South Africa's Pull

Economy · Eswatini

—The stakes. Eswatini remains Africa’s last absolute monarchy, with King Mswati III ruling above the constitution and political parties excluded from elections.

—The date. As of September 6, 2026, the economy is shaped by sugar exports, SACU revenue transfers, and a controversial US deportee agreement.

—The trade. For marketing year 2024/25, South Africa took most of Eswatini’s sugar exports, making the economy highly exposed to its larger neighbour.

—The deal. Reuters reported that Eswatini agreed to accept up to 160 third-country nationals deported from the United States in exchange for $5.1 million, under a memorandum signed on 14 May 2025.