AGP Executive Report

Textiles and Jobs: Apparel accounts for more than 80% of Lesotho’s manufacturing value added, but employment has fallen to 30,000–35,000 from as many as 40,000 in 2023. A new sector strategy aims to attract investment and create better jobs. Climate Resilience: A five-year, US$10 million project will support 80 small businesses developing climate solutions in water, energy and agriculture. Food Security: Lesotho is urging that a proposed US$1 billion African seed initiative deliver funding directly to smallholder farmers. King Letsie III is due to address the FAO World Food Forum in Rome on October 12. Water Costs: WASCO’s new connection fees take effect November 1, with a base charge of M3,335.60. Culture: Lesotho has nominated the traditional Basotho hat for possible UNESCO intangible heritage recognition. Currency Pressure: The World Bank says the loti was among regional currencies that fell by up to 7.2% in the second quarter amid energy-price and geopolitical pressures.

NUL Dispute: Suspended Pro-Vice Chancellor Kananelo Mosito has asked the Court of Appeal to require the university to produce records supporting his suspension and the appointment of an investigator, escalating his legal challenge against the council. Textile Jobs: Apparel accounts for more than 80% of Lesotho’s manufacturing value added, but the sector has lost ground: US exports fell by over a third between 2022 and 2023, and employment has dropped to 30,000–35,000 from 38,000–40,000 in 2023. A new strategy aims to attract investment and create jobs. Climate Resilience: A five-year, US$10 million project will support 80 small businesses developing climate solutions in water, energy, food and agriculture. Lesotho has also urged that a proposed US$1 billion African seed fund reach smallholder farmers. Household Costs: WASCO’s new water connection fee takes effect November 1, with a base charge of M3,335.60. Regional Ties: Lesotho and Eswatini plan to strengthen trade, education and agricultural cooperation.

Water Bills: WASCO’s new connection fee takes effect on November 1: M3,335.60 for the first metre, excluding the water meter, plus M10.35 for each additional metre. Climate Resilience: A five-year, US$10 million project will support 80 small businesses developing solutions in water, energy, food and agriculture, aiming to build resilience and create green jobs. Agriculture: Lesotho has urged that a proposed US$1 billion African seed fund deliver grants and flexible financing directly to smallholder farmers and climate-vulnerable countries. Regional Ties: Lesotho and Eswatini want to revive education programmes and expand trade and agricultural cooperation, with progress reviewed annually. Economic Pressures: The loti fell by more than 6% against the US dollar in the second quarter amid regional market turmoil. Shared Rivers: A new survey of the Senqu-Orange basin will assess water quality and ecosystem health across the river system shared by Lesotho and neighbouring countries.

Lesotho Independence & sovereignty: Lesotho marked 60 years of independence in Maseru with King Letsie III and regional leaders, while debate continues on what “sovereignty” means in 2026—from cultural ownership and stronger copyright enforcement to digital rights and data control. Agriculture & food security: Lesotho’s new Ha Foso agricultural food storage facility is temporarily holding farming inputs for summer cropping due to storage shortages, with officials saying a separate announcement will follow once grain storage becomes operational. Water & environment: ORASECOM has started the Fourth Joint Basin Survey (JBS4) on the Senqu River and tributaries, running to December 15, to track water quality and ecosystem health across the Orange–Senqu system. Regional justice leadership: Namibia took over chairmanship of the Southern and Eastern Africa Judicial Administrators’ Association, with Lesotho named vice chair. Sports (Lesotho-linked): Lesotho’s Khiba Herbert Mohoanyane was appointed match commissioner for the Beach Soccer AFCON qualifier in Nigeria, as Ghana’s Black Sharks prepare to face the Sand Eagles. Regional economy & tech: M-Pesa in Lesotho renewed its sponsorship of the Maletsunyane Braai Festival, supporting local enterprise and tourism.

Independence Celebrations: Lesotho marked its 60th Independence Anniversary in Maseru, with King Letsie III and visiting King Mswati III of Eswatini highlighting the “sister monarchies” bond and Lesotho’s role in regional integration. National Identity & Leadership: Prime Minister Sam Matekane urged Basotho to “reclaim” a national identity built on discipline, resilience, vigilance and hard work. Regional Diplomacy: King Mswati III praised Lesotho’s contributions to Southern Africa’s political and economic landscape over six decades, from SADCC’s founding to SADC treaty commitments. Justice System: The Court of Appeal is set for its second session next Tuesday with 45 cases, including a closely watched matter involving National University of Lesotho (NUL) leadership. Energy & Infrastructure: LHDA awarded geotechnical contracts for the proposed 120MW Oxbow Hydropower Scheme, advancing preliminary engineering for a peaking plant to reduce power imports. Business & Finance: Letshego plans a P800m rights offer on the BSE, with major shareholder BPOPF fully underwriting the raise. Sports & Culture: Lesotho will host a FIDE-rated Independence Chess Tournament in Maseru (10–11 Oct), while regional football coverage continues to spotlight AFCON qualifying and international friendlies.

Independence Celebrations: Lesotho marked its 60th Independence Anniversary in Maseru with King Letsie III and regional leaders in attendance, while Prime Minister Sam Matekane urged Basotho to “reclaim” a national identity built on discipline, resilience and peace. Regional Royal Ties: Eswatini’s King Mswati III praised Lesotho’s role in Southern Africa’s political and economic development and reaffirmed the “sister monarchies” bond between the two kingdoms. Energy & Infrastructure: The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority awarded two geotechnical contracts for the proposed 120MW Oxbow Hydropower Scheme, moving preliminary engineering forward to reduce import dependence. Hydropower Planning: The investigations include a first R6m phase for geophysical work and a larger R100m phase for drilling and testing. Justice System: The Court of Appeal will hold its second session next Tuesday with 45 cases, including matters involving the National University of Lesotho’s suspended Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kananelo Mosito. Business & Jobs: A report highlights youth unemployment pressures as Lesotho turns 60, with statistics showing high joblessness among young people. Sports (Regional): Morocco’s AFCON preparations continued with a 1-1 friendly draw against Mali, while Lesotho’s Independence chess tournament is set for 10–11 October in Maseru.

Independence Celebrations: King Letsie III honoured King Mswati III and the “sister monarchies” bond with Eswatini at Lesotho’s 60th Diamond Jubilee, while Mswati III proposed the historic toast and called for unity and regional integration. National Identity & Jobs: PM Sam Matekane urged Basotho to reclaim a disciplined, resilient identity as Lesotho marks 60 years, amid fresh reminders of youth unemployment and “officially unemployed” graduates. Governance & Courts: Lesotho’s Court of Appeal returns for a second session with 45 cases, including a closely watched matter involving NUL leadership and Prof Kananelo Mosito. Security & Justice: Police say they are closing in on Teboho Tšolo over the murder of Panyane Phiri, with cooperation underway with South Africa for arrest and extradition. Development & Climate: Maseru urged all sectors to plan ahead for El Niño risks through a district action plan. Sports & Community: Lesotho Independence Chess Tournament announced for 10–11 Oct in Maseru, FIDE-rated with sections including disability.

Independence & Royal Ties: King Letsie III used Lesotho’s 60th anniversary celebrations to salute Eswatini’s King Mswati III and the “deep and enduring bonds” between the two kingdoms, while Mswati called the monarchies “sister” partners and pointed to shared history and regional peace. National Identity Push: Prime Minister Sam Matekane urged Basotho to “reclaim” a national identity built on discipline, resilience, vigilance and hard work as the country marks 60 years since independence. Court Watch: The Court of Appeal is set to start its second session next Tuesday with 45 cases, including matters involving public institutions and senior officials. Youth Jobs Pressure: A report highlights the scale of unemployment among young people as Lesotho marks 60 years, including figures from the 2024 Labour Force Survey. Health & Security Projects: PM Matekane says UN General Assembly deals will deliver a medical drone centre for faster medicine delivery, plus cotton, labour and tourism initiatives; China also donated RMB 30 million to strengthen the Lesotho Defence Force. Sports & Community: Chess Federation of Lesotho announced a FIDE-rated Independence Chess Tournament at Lancers Inn, Maseru (10–11 Oct).

Independence at 60: Lesotho marks 60 years with a look back at the moments that shaped the kingdom, from independence in 1966 to coups, raids, and major projects like Katse. Youth unemployment: As the country celebrates, a Maseru youth posted “officially unemployed” after graduation, highlighting the scale of joblessness for young Basotho. El Niño preparedness: Maseru officials urged all departments to plan together for expected El Niño impacts, including drought and food insecurity. Electoral reforms: PM Ntsokoane Matekane called for swift agreement on the legal framework for 2027 elections, including how Basotho abroad will vote. Digital law: MICSTI concluded validation of the Electronic Transactions and Communications Bill to strengthen trust and security in Lesotho’s digital space. Health logistics: Government says talks with Zipline are advanced to launch drone medicine delivery from a Rapokolana hub. Security & justice: Police are closing in on a murder fugitive, Teboho Tšolo, with cooperation between Lesotho and South Africa for his arrest and extradition. Press freedom: Lesotho Tribune publisher and reporter received threats tied to their petroleum investigation.

Diplomacy: President Mohamed Ould Cheikh El Ghazouani sent King Letsie III congratulations on Lesotho’s national day, pledging to strengthen bilateral ties. Elections & governance: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane urged swift completion of electoral reforms ahead of 2027, stressing clarity on the legal framework for voting, including diaspora voting and pending laws in Parliament; Speaker Tlohang Sekhamane warned Basotho may reject democracy if it fails to deliver bread, jobs and curb corruption. Digital law & services: MICSTI and UNDP concluded validation of Lesotho’s Electronic Transactions and Communications Bill 2026, aiming to boost trust and security for digital transactions; Lesotho also moved to amend the draft electronic transactions act. Health logistics: Government is in advanced talks with Zipline to use drones to deliver medicines to health facilities, with an Environmental Impact Assessment planned and first flights expected in the second half of next year. Energy access: LEWA granted exemptions for seven rural mini-grid projects to expand electricity to 70 villages. Business & jobs: The Inclusive Growth Fund loan facility is struggling with uptake—only M19m disbursed out of M400m—prompting plans to intensify public awareness. Media & accountability: Lesotho Tribune publisher and reporter received threats over their petroleum investigation, which the paper says will continue. Telecom: Econet Telecom Lesotho was named Lesotho’s fastest mobile network by Ookla (Speedtest Verified) for 1H 2026.

Electoral Reforms Push: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane urged swift action to finalise Lesotho’s electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 elections, calling for clarity on the legal framework and outstanding issues like diaspora voting. Petroleum Probe Threats: Lesotho Tribune publisher Phafane Nkotsi and reporter Malefo Thinyane received social-media threats tied to the paper’s long-running petroleum investigation, which the outlet says will continue. Digital Law Update: MICSTI and UNDP concluded stakeholder validation for Lesotho’s Electronic Transactions and Communications Bill 2026, aiming to strengthen trust, security, and cross-border digital trade. Health Delivery by Drone: Government is advancing a partnership with Zipline to deliver medicines by drone, with an environmental assessment underway and plans to launch in the second half of next year. Electricity Access: LEWA granted exemptions for seven rural mini-grid projects that could expand power to 70 villages. Church Leadership: URCSA elected Rev Prof B.B. Senokoane as Moderator for the next four years. Business Finance Slowdown: The M400 Inclusive Growth Fund loan facility is struggling with uptake, with only M19m disbursed so far, blamed largely on limited awareness. Sports Spotlight: Relebohile Mofokeng’s brace for Bafana Bafana against Eritrea drew praise from Pitso Mosimane as Lesotho’s football story stays linked to the wider regional AFCON qualifiers.

Electoral Reforms: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane urged swift action to finalise Lesotho’s electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 elections, saying stakeholders must agree early on the legal framework, including how Basotho in the diaspora will vote. Press Freedom Under Threat: Lesotho Tribune publisher Phafane Nkotsi and reporter Malefo Thinyane received threats linked to the paper’s long-running petroleum investigation, which the outlet says will continue. Digital Law Update: MICSTI and UNDP concluded validation of Lesotho’s Electronic Transactions and Communications Bill 2026, aimed at strengthening digital trust and enabling cross-border digital trade. Health Logistics: Government is advancing a partnership with Zipline to deliver medicines by drone, with an Environmental Impact Assessment planned and the first drones expected in the second half of next year. Rural Power Expansion: LEWA granted licence exemptions for seven rural mini-grid projects to expand electricity access to 70 villages. Church Leadership: URCSA elected Rev Prof B.B. Senokoane as Moderator for the next four years. Food Security Pressure: Parliament heard concerns that school meals have shrunk and become less nutritious after US funding cuts, with the education ministry set to investigate. Business Finance Bottleneck: Uptake of the M400 Inclusive Growth Fund loan facility remains low, with only M19m disbursed so far due to limited awareness.

Electronic Transactions Bill: Lesotho has concluded a two-day stakeholder validation workshop on the Electronic Transactions and Communications Bill 2026, aimed at strengthening digital trust, security, and interoperability for local and cross-border e-commerce. Electronic Transactions Act Update: The ministry is also moving to amend the draft act, following feedback before it heads further into the legislative process. Drones for Medicines: Prime Minister Sam Matekane says government is in advanced talks with Zipline to deliver medicines by drone, with an Environmental Impact Assessment planned for Ha Rapokolana and the first drones expected in the second half of next year. Electricity Access: LEWA has granted licence exemptions to One Power Lesotho for seven rural mini-grid projects that will expand power to 70 villages. Democracy Under Pressure: National Assembly Speaker Tlohang Sekhamane warned Basotho may reject democracy if it fails to deliver bread, jobs, and curb corruption ahead of the 2028 election dialogue. Inclusive Growth Fund Slowdown: Uptake of the M400m IGF loan facility remains very low, with only M19m disbursed so far, blamed on limited awareness. Corruption at Borders (Regional): South Africa’s Border Management Authority says anti-corruption efforts must extend to airports and seaports, warning officials of serious consequences. Media Safety: Ten Lesotho media houses demand an independent inquiry into the abduction and assault of Newsday editor Kananelo Boloetse, saying no one has been held accountable.

Dairy Crisis in Parliament: Agriculture Minister Selibe Mochoboroane told the Senate the Lesotho National Dairy is being worked on after farmers went unpaid since July, following South African operator Denmar’s departure, with ownership and a long-running dispute also raised. Court Update: Lefa Mabusane was sentenced to an effective three years in prison after a Maseru court convicted him of aggravated assault linked to an April 2024 strangling case. Connectivity Boost: Econet Telecom Lesotho was named Lesotho’s fastest mobile network by Ookla/Speedtest Verified for 1H 2026, as it expands 5G and strengthens 4G. Media & Tax Skills: Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) trained journalists on tax reporting, including how to use AI responsibly while upholding ethics and verification. Health Services Alarm: Parliament’s Social Cluster warned of poor maternity care after two cases of unattended births at Berea Hospital and Mahobong Health Centre, including one death later found in a river. Sports Spotlight: Bafana Bafana’s Relebohile Mofokeng shone in a 5-0 win over Eritrea, scoring twice as Mosimane pushed for more goals.

Health Crisis in Lesotho: Parliament’s Social Cluster chair Mokhothu Makhalanyane warns that cases of expectant mothers giving birth without assistance at Berea Hospital and Mahobong Health Centre point to a wider breakdown in care, calling for stronger action against misconduct by health workers. Agriculture Inputs Implementation: Kueneng principal chief Peete Lesaoana Peete accuses MPs and civil servants of sabotaging Prime Minister Sam Matekane’s plan to bring subsidised agricultural inputs to villages, saying traders are being used to sell supplies instead of reaching communities directly. School Feeding Hit by US Cuts: GroundUp reports Lesotho learners in Semonkong are getting smaller, less nutritious meals after US funding ended, with maize-meal deliveries down sharply and cooking oil supplies halved; the education ministry says it will investigate. MSME Trade Push: Lesotho hosts an AfCFTA-focused MSME workshop, including a B2B seminar linking about 40 exhibitors with potential buyers to tackle market access and finance barriers. Regional Sports Spotlight: Morocco beat Lesotho 2-0 in AFCON 2027 qualifying in Bloemfontein, while South Africa’s Relebohile Mofokeng scored twice as Bafana Bafana thrashed Eritrea 5-0. Media Freedom: Ten Lesotho media houses demand an independent inquiry into the abduction and assault of Newsday editor Kananelo Boloetse, alleging police have not been held accountable.

AFCON Qualifiers Shockwaves: Morocco beat Lesotho 2-0 in Bloemfontein with Brahim Díaz and Azzedine Ounahi scoring, keeping the Atlas Lions perfect in Group A. Regional Football Upsets: Ghana collapsed after leading 2-0 to lose 4-2 to Gambia, while Nigeria were thrashed 3-0 by Guinea-Bissau—both results piling pressure on coaches and squads. South Africa on Track: Bafana Bafana routed Eritrea 5-0 in Cairo, with Relebohile Mofokeng netting twice as South Africa consolidated top spot in Group D. Lesotho Media Under Fire: Ten Lesotho media houses demanded an independent inquiry into the abduction and assault of Newsday editor Kananelo Boloetse, saying no one has been held accountable and police have allegedly harassed the outlet. Trade & Jobs Push: Lesotho’s MSME workshop on AfCFTA opportunities continued with a B2B seminar linking 40 exhibitors to potential buyers, targeting market access and finance. Tech & Policy: A UN-backed workshop in Johannesburg brought together 16 African countries, including Lesotho, to build capacity for recognising and conserving Africa’s agricultural heritage systems.