AGP Executive Report

Gender & Development: Southern Africa’s expanded SGDI scores 58%, with only South Africa, Namibia, Seychelles, Mauritius and Lesotho above 60%, while pressure on women’s rights gains is rising. Justice & Courts: In the Khubetsoana drug case, accused persons are pushing to quash charges before trial, arguing key documents weren’t disclosed; the editorial warns serious allegations must be tested in court. Crime & Sentencing: High Court acting judge ’Manapo Motebele sentenced Moruti Mapola to 30 years for killing Tšeliso Chabalala after a knife fight linked to alleged infidelity. Disability Support: Rotary Club of Maloti and Vodacom Lesotho Foundation donated wheelchairs, crutches and other mobility equipment, reaching 1,500 beneficiaries since 2023. Education & Youth: Econet Telecom Lesotho says its education bridge has topped M100 million since 2011, supporting 2,000+ learners; SABA also ran a spelling competition with business pitches. Business & Tax: Revenue Service Lesotho urged women entrepreneurs to formally register and keep proper records. Sports: Silver Strikers Ladies opened CAF/COSAFA qualifiers with a 2-1 win over Costa Do Sol; Lesotho Defence Force also featured in the group. Diplomacy: Lesotho and India renewed bilateral ties; Lesotho–China held its first quarterly dialogue under a cooperation mechanism. Remittances & Development: A national workshop aims to turn diaspora remittances into productive investment through a practical regulatory and institutional framework. Politics & Elections: Commentary flags AI risks to elections ahead of South Africa’s 2026 local polls, with Lesotho readers watching regional spillovers.

SADC Politics & Security: A new ISS analysis says Durban’s SADC summit set economic priorities, but still lacks a clear geopolitical strategy and credible regional security approach. Lesotho Diplomacy: Lesotho missed the chance to chair the SADC Troika on politics, defence and security after slow constitutional reforms, with Angola recommended to take over from 2027/28. Diaspora & Investment: Lesotho, with the UN Economic Commission for Africa, held a workshop to turn remittances and diaspora skills into a practical investment framework. China Ties: Lesotho and China held their first quarterly dialogue under a bilateral cooperation mechanism to track cooperation projects and reaffirm the One-China principle. AI & Data: Lesotho’s ICT ministry and UN Lesotho are developing a national AI strategy and data centre blueprint through a five-day workshop. Women & Business: Revenue Service Lesotho marked Women in Business, urging formal registration and proper bookkeeping. Justice: The Mahao murder case involving nine LDF members was postponed to December and January for further cross-examination. Sports: Lesotho Defence Force Ladies were named in COSAFA Women’s Champions League qualifying group action, while Lesotho’s Olympic taekwondo athlete Michelle Tau sparked dual-citizenship debate after a passport photo.

Diaspora & Investment: Lesotho is working with the UN Economic Commission for Africa to turn remittances and diaspora skills into development investment through a new practical remittances–investment framework, with a push for better regulation and productive channels. AI & Data Governance: The government, with UN partners, held a workshop to develop a National AI Strategy and Data Centre Blueprint, while UNESCO supports Southern Africa to harmonise data governance rules for smoother cross-border digital activity. SADC Politics: Lesotho missed a chance to chair the SADC Troika on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation due to slow constitutional reforms, with Angola recommended to take over from 2027–2028. Women in Business: Revenue Service Lesotho marked Women in Business, urging formal registration and proper bookkeeping to help enterprises grow. Health & Justice: The Mahao murder trial involving nine LDF members was postponed to December and January dates as cross-examination continued. Sports: Lesotho Defence Force Ladies are set in the COSAFA Women’s Champions League qualifier group, while Lesotho’s Olympic taekwondo athlete Michelle Tau sparked a passport debate online.

AI & Data Strategy: Lesotho’s ICT ministry and UN Lesotho are running a five-day workshop in Maseru to shape a National AI Strategy and Data Centre Blueprint, pushing a roadmap for responsible AI and secure digital infrastructure. Regional Data Governance: UNESCO convened Southern Africa policymakers, regulators and experts to harmonise data governance frameworks, with Lesotho among the countries sharing experiences and building a regional roadmap. Justice System: The Mahao murder trial involving nine LDF members, including retired Lt Gen Tlali Kamoli, has been pushed to December and January after cross-examination of a defence witness. Sports & Identity Debate: Olympic taekwondo athlete Michelle Tau sparked online debate after a post appeared to show a South African passport, raising questions about possible dual citizenship. Women & Business: Revenue Service Lesotho urged women entrepreneurs to formally register businesses and keep proper financial records to grow and access support. Tech Connectivity: Vodacom Lesotho and Starlink launched satellite broadband to improve internet access in remote, mountainous areas. International Cooperation: Lesotho and China held their first quarterly dialogue under a bilateral cooperation mechanism to review progress and deepen ties. Football: Silver Strikers Ladies arrived in Gaborone for the CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA qualifier, where they open against Mozambique’s Costa do Sol on Friday.

CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA qualifier: Silver Strikers Ladies have arrived in Gaborone, Botswana for their first match on Friday against Mozambique’s Costa do Sol, with Group B also featuring South Africa’s Mamelodi Sundowns and eSwatini’s Nsingizini Hotspurs; all games are set to be streamed on CAF TV, FIFA+ and COSAFA channels. Jobs and food chain hit: The permanent closure of the Farmer’s Meat Mariental Abattoir will end operations by end-September, threatening more than 100 jobs and disrupting supply from over 100 livestock producers, including EU-accredited suppliers. Court update: Prosecution has begun cross-examination in the Mahao murder trial involving nine LDF members, including Retired Army Commander Lt Gen Tlali Kamoli. Drugs docket under guard: Police say an illegal drugs case involving BNP MP Machesetsa Mofomobe is still in custody under tight security, with the next court appearance set for Aug 25. Digital connectivity: Vodacom Lesotho and Starlink launched satellite broadband aimed at improving internet access in remote, mountainous areas. Independence reflection: Elderly rural residents say 60 years after independence, they still lack roads, water and electricity, leaving them trapped in poverty. Youth and sport: FIFA’s Football for Schools programme will be piloted in 10 primary schools in Mokhotlong, targeting children aged 6–13. Disaster preparedness: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority held a national forum on anticipated El Niño conditions, focusing on food security, health, water and livelihoods.

FMD Support for Livestock: Botswana has donated 100,000 Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccine doses to Lesotho, handed over in Maseru to boost the country’s transboundary animal disease response and protect farmers’ livelihoods. Regional Summit Push: SADC leaders backed industrialisation, infrastructure development, agricultural transformation and a tourism visa push at the 46th summit in Durban, with South Africa taking the chair and Zambia set to host the next summit. Digital Connectivity Boost: Vodacom Lesotho and Starlink launched satellite broadband aimed at closing the digital divide, especially in remote and mountainous areas where fibre and towers are costly. El Niño Preparedness: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority convened stakeholders to plan early action for anticipated El Niño impacts on food security, livestock, water, health and livelihoods. Diaspora as Development Finance: Lesotho is working on a National Diaspora Remittances Investment Framework to turn remittances from household support into productive investment, targeting higher national development funding. Agriculture Cross-Border Learning: Lesotho and Botswana agriculture officials met farmers to share experiences and discuss ways to tackle production and export gaps. Sports Schools Update: Lesotho athletes are among those set to compete in Zimbabwe’s Cossasa Games (Aug 31–Sept 2) for school-level athletics, football, netball and volleyball.

Digital Connectivity: Vodacom Lesotho, in partnership with Starlink, has launched a satellite broadband solution to boost internet access and close the digital divide in remote, mountainous areas. Climate Preparedness: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority convened stakeholders to prepare for anticipated El Niño conditions, focusing on food security, livelihoods, livestock, water, health and early action. Diaspora Finance: Lesotho is looking to turn diaspora remittances into development investment, with plans to mobilise Basotho savings abroad and shift remittances from household spending toward productive capital. Nutrition Focus: Dr. ‘Mamotheo Mammo Daemane warned that Lesotho’s youth face a triple burden of malnutrition, as a workshop examines childhood overweight and obesity and how schools and food systems can respond. Trade & Jobs: The US Senate moved to extend AGOA to 2028, offering more certainty for eligible apparel and textile exports that include Lesotho. Regional Integration: At the SADC summit, King Mswati III urged full inclusion of landlocked states like Lesotho in the North–South Corridor via feeder routes. Sports: Lesotho Defence Force Ladies are among the teams in Group A for the CAF Champions League–COSAFA qualifiers in Gaborone, with Lesotho also represented by the Lesotho Defence Force Ladies. Business & Governance: Vodacom named Khumo Shuenyane as its next chairman as governance changes continue across the Vodacom–Safaricom group.

SADC Summit Update: South Africa takes over the SADC chairmanship after the 46th summit in Durban, with migration, trade, critical minerals, industrialisation and security set to dominate talks as leaders push for practical regional integration. North–South Corridor: King Mswati III urged full inclusion of landlocked states like Lesotho and Eswatini in the North–South Economic Corridor, stressing feeder routes such as Eswatini’s Ngwenya–Oshoek border gate. Migration Tensions: Anti-migrant group March and March plans a march and picket during the summit’s final day, demanding stricter visa controls and limits on access to public services for undocumented people. Lesotho Independence Mood: As Lesotho nears its 60th independence anniversary, citizens voice frustration over stagnation despite diamond and water wealth. HIV Programme Push: Kenya’s KDF is moving to protect its HIV health programmes as external support declines, aiming for stronger local ownership. AGOA Hope for Lesotho: The US Senate endorsed a two-year AGOA extension, offering potential relief for Lesotho’s textile exports while lawmakers still need to finalise the bill. Royal Philanthropy Twist: Prince Harry reportedly redirected Diana Fund income away from Sentebale to Botswana’s Elephants Without Borders, with satellite-collared elephants named after his children.

AGOA Boost for Lesotho: The US Senate endorsed a two-year extension of AGOA, giving Lesotho’s textile and apparel sector more certainty after the trade deal expired last year; Lesotho is urged to engage the US to secure renewal smoothly. SADC Summit Fallout (Migration): As South Africa takes over the SADC chair, migration is front and centre after anti-migrant protests in Durban, with Lesotho officials saying the issue affects the whole region. Regional Trade Push: India and SACU (including Lesotho) have set a one-year deadline to conclude a preferential trade deal worth up to $17bn, focusing on minerals and lower tariffs while keeping agriculture largely protected. HIV Progress Spotlight: UNAIDS highlights Lesotho among countries that have reached the 95-95-95 HIV targets, underscoring community and health-system partnerships. Local Governance & Courts: Inside Lesotho politics, the Lebona Lephema faction says it will go to court to force an elective conference in the Revolution for Prosperity and challenge leadership decisions. Creative Economy: Création Africa 2 selected 15 Southern African creative businesses (including Lesotho-linked ventures) for incubation and investment-readiness support. Sports: Lesotho Defence Force is drawn into the COSAFA U-20 Women’s qualifier group stage, while Lesotho athletes won medals at the Eswatini National Youth Games.

SADC Summit Focus: South Africa takes over the SADC chairpersonship in Durban, with migration, trade, critical minerals, industrialisation and security on the agenda, as Lesotho’s Foreign Affairs Minister Limpho Tau says the migration issue affects the whole region. Migration Pressure: Ahead of the summit, South Africa faces renewed anti-migrant protests under “March and March” calling for stricter immigration controls and an end to access for undocumented people, while border authorities report 4,229 undocumented entrants intercepted between April and July. Local Governance & Housing: In Diepsloot, protests over undocumented immigrants are reshaping backyard rentals, with landlords reporting lost income and asking tenants for identification to avoid penalties. Water Security: South Africa’s water ministry says the Integrated Vaal River System remains stable, but warns of localised shortages and reliability problems. Lesotho Economy & Trade: The US Senate extends AGOA for two more years, preserving Lesotho’s preferential access that supports the textile and apparel sector. Health & Youth: UNAIDS highlights Lesotho among countries reaching HIV targets, and Lesotho’s Parliament Social Cluster pushes a rethink of the Youth Bill to strengthen real youth participation. Sports: Lesotho’s athletes won medals at Eswatini’s National Youth Games, including gold in the girls’ 1,500m.

AGOA Boost for Lesotho Textiles: The US Senate has extended the African Growth and Opportunity Act for two more years, preserving Lesotho’s preferential access that underpins its textile and apparel exports and jobs. RFP Party Turmoil: In Lesotho politics, the Lephema faction says it will take Prime Minister Sam Matekane and the Revolution for Prosperity to court, demanding an elective conference and pushing to remove deputy leader Nthomeng Majara. SADC Chair Handover: South Africa is set to assume the SADC chair at the Durban summit, with migration, trade, critical minerals, industrialisation and security on the agenda. Court Clears Self-Defence Claim: The High Court acquitted Makoebetane Qalabatsane after finding the Crown failed to disprove his self-defence account in a stabbing case. NUL Succession Fight Heads to Court of Appeal: Pro-Vice-Chancellor Kananelo Mosito challenges NUL’s early contract termination and alleges contempt of a June 1 order tied to acting vice-chancellor succession. Youth Bill Review: Parliament’s Social Cluster Committee chair Mokhothu Makhalanyane calls for a rethink of the Youth Bill so it centres youth development and real participation in decision structures. Food Prices Watch: Lesotho vegetable market prices stayed mostly steady, with tomatoes up and potatoes down in the 7–14 August period. HIV Progress Spotlight: UNAIDS highlights Kenya’s near 80% drop in new HIV infections since 2010, alongside other countries including Lesotho that have reached 95-95-95 targets.

AGOA Boost for Lesotho Textiles: The US Senate has extended the African Growth and Opportunity Act for two more years, preserving Lesotho’s preferential market access that underpins the textile and apparel sector and jobs. RFP Party Fight in the Spotlight: In Lesotho politics, the Lephema-aligned faction says it will take Prime Minister Sam Matekane and the Revolution for Prosperity to court, demanding an elective conference and pushing to remove deputy leader Nthomeng Majara. Parliament Accountability Clash: Opposition leaders reject government arguments for not complying with court orders, insisting binding decisions must be implemented. NUL Court Case Heats Up: National University of Lesotho Pro-Vice-Chancellor Kananelo Mosito has taken his dispute to the Court of Appeal, alleging officials defied a June 1 order and obstructed campus access. High Court Self-Defence Ruling: The High Court acquitted Makoebetane Qalabatsane after accepting his self-defence claim in a stabbing case. Youth Bill Review: A parliamentary committee chair says the proposed Youth Bill should be reframed around youth development and real participation in decision structures. Local Economy Watch: Lesotho vegetable prices in Maseru and other centres moved in narrow ranges, with tomatoes up and potatoes down over 7–14 August. Sports: Lesotho’s Olympic taekwondo athlete Michelle Tau faces questions after posting what appears to be a South African passport, sparking a dual-citizenship debate.

RFP Internal Crackdown: Prime Minister Sam Matekane has barred Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) officials from holding unsanctioned party activities, including “chillas,” as Lebona Lephema pushes to build support for a leadership challenge. Opposition Pushback on Courts: Leader of the Opposition Mathibeli Mokhothu says the government can’t use pending litigation to ignore binding court orders, warning the real issue is whether decisions are actually implemented. NUL Court Fight: Fired National University of Lesotho (NUL) Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Kananelo Mosito has taken his termination to the Court of Appeal, alleging campus obstruction and contempt linked to the appointment of an acting vice-chancellor. Public Accounts Committee Limits: PAC chair Dr Ts’eliso Moroke says PAC cannot prosecute, urging the DCEO and police to act on alleged misuse of public funds. LEC Forensic Audit: The Office of the Auditor-General has spent about M12 million on a forensic audit into Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC) irregularities. Businesswoman vs LDF: A Maseru businesswoman is suing the Lesotho Defence Force for over M6m over unpaid military jersey debt dating back to 2013. Electricity Promise: Matekane reiterated plans to electrify every household by 2030 and announced work on the Moitšupeli-Mpatana road. Sports: Eswatini leads the athletics medal table after day one of the National Youth Games, with Lesotho picking up medals.

NUL Leadership Clash: The National University of Lesotho’s fired Pro-Vice-Chancellor, Prof Kananelo Mosito, has taken his contract termination to the Court of Appeal, alleging contempt over a June 1 order and obstruction at the Roma campus. Court & Accountability: The Public Accounts Committee says it cannot prosecute, urging the DCEO and police to act where investigations point to criminal breaches. Public Finance Scrutiny: The Office of the Auditor-General spent about M12.0m on a forensic audit into Lesotho Electricity Company issues, drawing criticism over budget adequacy. Business & Justice: A Maseru businesswoman has sued the Lesotho Defence Force for over M6m, claiming unpaid balances from a 2013 jersey supply damaged her business. Land Settlement: LAA and LHDA have agreed a M121m settlement to end a long-running ground rent dispute. Creative Economy Under Pressure: Basotho creatives say AI is replacing their work while Lesotho’s copyright law still lags behind, leaving many unpaid “fixes” instead of proper commissions. Women’s Livelihoods: A Maseru weaving group says it survives but struggles to find buyers, with marketing and costly equipment limiting growth. Agriculture Risk Planning: Farmers are being urged to prepare for El Niño with earlier planting, better water management and climate-smart practices. SADC Focus: Prime Minister Matekane will represent Lesotho at the SADC summit in Durban, pushing for chairing of the Troika from 2027–2028.

AI & Copyright Clash: Basotho creatives say AI is cutting into paid design and photography work, while Lesotho’s copyright law still dates back to 1989. Women’s Livelihoods: Weavers in Maseru’s Hatoa Mose Mosali say they keep traditional skills alive but struggle to find buyers, face costly equipment, and can’t afford exhibitions. Youth & Sport: The Sharing Olympism Forum in Maseru brings African youth together to compete fairly through debates, quizzes and essays. Regional Politics: Lesotho’s PM will represent the country at SADC’s 46th summit in Durban, with Lesotho pushing for the SADC Troika chair role. Public Finance & Accountability: PAC chair Dr Ts’eliso Moroke says PAC can’t prosecute, urging cases to be handled by DCEO and LMPS; meanwhile, the Auditor-General’s office spent M12m on a forensic audit into LEC. Courts & Governance: NUL’s Prof Kananelo Mosito challenges his early termination and alleges contempt over a court-protected succession process; in another case, the LDF faces a M6m lawsuit from a businesswoman over unpaid jersey orders. Agriculture: The agriculture ministry reviews its Smart Subsidy and insurance pilot, while farmers are urged to prepare for El Niño with climate-smart actions. Health: UNAIDS highlights Lesotho among countries hitting the 95-95-95 HIV targets, stressing community partnerships.

Lesotho Tourism Reform: Lesotho’s tourism and hospitality sector has adopted a first-ever joint, three-year reform roadmap, with a time-bound action plan targeting inefficiencies, weak market visibility, skills shortages and infrastructure gaps, and pushing for clearer laws to protect the industry and products. Basotho Business Support: The Basotho Business Community (We Care) Fundraising Initiative is rallying support for ‘Nete Leotlela’s reconstructive surgeries, setting a goal of M1 million ahead of an Aug 29 festival at Manthabiseng Convention Centre. Wool & Mohair Training: In Quthing, beneficiaries of the WaMCoOP culling exchange programme are asking for training on caring for newly distributed hybrid rams and bucks, after monitoring flagged issues like diarrhoea linked to feeding and mites when hybrids mix with local animals. Regional Pressure Point: A SADC assessment says the bloc is improving on security, agriculture and regional mobility, but is falling short on growth and jobs, with youth unemployment and incomplete integration still major problems. Mining Tragedy Link: Lesotho says its citizens are among 14 illegal miners who died in a Rustenburg disused mine collapse in South Africa, though numbers are still being confirmed via the Lesotho embassy.