AGP Executive Report

Water & Youth Advocacy: Youth delegates at a Tripoli workshop led by ACERWC and UNICEF adopted a call for urgent clean-water infrastructure across Africa, with a Lesotho delegate highlighting the bitter gap between the country’s water reserves and children’s lack of access. Energy & Global Economy: The IMF says the US-Iran ceasefire is welcome, but energy recovery will take time, warning growth risks remain—an issue that matters for import-dependent economies. Electricity Tariffs in Court: Lesotho’s High Court dismissed a challenge to LEWA/LEC electricity tariff increases, but the ruling sets rules for what audited financial statements must be provided in future tariff review applications. Mental Health Policy Push: Lesotho’s Ministry of Health will hold a high-level stakeholder meeting to finalise and strengthen the validated Mental Health Policy. Road Fund Toll Collection: From 1 July 2026, the Road Fund will take over toll gate fee collection and administration from Revenue Services Lesotho. Education Assessment Reform: At the SAAEA conference in Maseru, Prof Paseka Mosia urged assessment to reflect local languages and rural realities instead of colonial-style blueprints. Disability Rights: LNFOD marked Albinism Awareness Day with a call to reject colour-based discrimination and recognise full humanity. Community Support: Quthing district administrator handed over blankets and radios to village crime-prevention committees supporting the Lets’eng-La-Letsie ROLL catchment project. Sports: Comrades Marathon results confirmed George Kusche and Gerda Steyn as winners, with record-breaking performances and large prize payouts.

Electricity Tariffs Court Update: The High Court dismissed a challenge to Lesotho Electricity and Water Authority (LEWA) tariff increases for 2024/25 and 2025/26, but the ruling may shape future tariff review rules, including what audited financial statements LEC must submit. Mental Health Policy Push: Lesotho’s Ministry of Health will hold a high-level stakeholder meeting to finalise and strengthen the Mental Health Policy after its validation in Maseru, inviting organisations and individuals to review and recommend improvements. Education & Assessment Reform: At the SAAEA conference, Prof Paseka Mosia urged assessment systems to stop copying colonial models and reflect rural learners’ realities, while local vendors used the event to sell handicrafts to regional delegates. Road Fund Toll Collection: From 1 July 2026, the Road Fund will take over toll gate fee collection and administration from Revenue Services Lesotho, keeping existing toll structures unless changed. Food Security in Schools: Schools in Lesotho are expanding agricultural production to improve nutrition and give learners practical farming skills. Community Safety in Quthing: A Quthing administrator handed over blankets and radios to village crime prevention committees to support the Lets’eng-La-Letsie catchment ROLL project. Elders Day Reminder: Help Lesotho marked World Elder Abuse Awareness Day in Leribe, calling for stronger protection and respect for older persons.

Education & Inclusion: Lesotho is hosting the 15th SAAEA conference on educational assessment, with delegates discussing AI, inclusion and how to better involve students, teachers and school leaders in assessment reforms. Local Livelihoods: Outside the conference hall in Maseru, Basotho vendors are using the regional gathering to sell handicrafts and bring in income for their families. Mental Health Push: A Lesotho mental health specialist says unemployment, substance abuse, family breakdowns and debt are driving a growing crisis, urging people to seek help and tackle stigma. Electricity Court Challenge: The High Court is set to rule on whether electricity users were wrongly charged illegal fees after tariff increases from 2024, following a case brought against LEWA and LEC. Disability Rights: LNFOD marks International Albinism Awareness Day, calling for an end to colour-based discrimination and better protection for people with albinism. Health Support: Standard Lesotho Bank donates a vehicle and items to Starlight Oasis of Hope Hospice to support home-based palliative care. Governance Watch: DCEO publishes names of officials who submitted asset declarations for 2025/26, including the Prime Minister and Cabinet members.

Electricity Court Challenge: Lesotho electricity users are awaiting a High Court judgment on whether they were charged illegal fees after tariff increases approved by LEWA in March 2024, with SECTION 2 arguing the move was unlawful and based on outdated financial statements, and seeking review and possible reimbursement. Education & Assessment: Lesotho hosted a major Southern African conference on the future of educational assessment, with leaders discussing how to modernise exams and include AI, while calling for stronger participation from students, teachers and school leaders. Mental Health Push: A Lesotho mental health specialist says unemployment, substance abuse, family breakdowns and social strain are driving rising distress, urging national attention to reduce stigma and encourage people to seek help. Disability Rights: LNFOD marked International Albinism Awareness Day, calling for an end to colour-based discrimination and highlighting the “double burden” faced by people with albinism. Health Support Donation: Standard Lesotho Bank is set to hand over a vehicle and items to Starlight Oasis of Hope Hospice to support home-based palliative care. Regional Sports & Events: Namibia will host the CAVB Zone VI senior club championships in December 2026, with Lesotho among expected teams.

Electricity Court Challenge: Lesotho’s electricity users are awaiting a High Court judgment on whether they were unlawfully charged after tariff increases in 2024/25 and 2025/26, with the case arguing LEWA relied on outdated financials and should have consulted the public. Public Asset Declarations: The DCEO has published the names of officials and parastatal heads who submitted 2025/26 asset, interest and liability declarations, including Prime Minister Sam Matekane and cabinet members, as part of transparency and accountability efforts. UN Peace Message: UN Secretary-General António Guterres marked the 100-day countdown to the International Day of Peace, stressing that peace is built not only in negotiations but also in classrooms and communities. Finance & Consumer Access: Nedbank Lesotho held its annual market day at Maseru Mall, showcasing vehicle and home financing, solar finance, and digital solutions through partners and dealers. Sports (Regional): Kenya’s Sammy Henia-Kamau was released by Hull City, while Lesotho’s name also featured in FIFA World Cup “never played” lists and in regional football coverage. Global Note (Pope Travel): Pope Leo XIV’s return from Spain to Rome was delayed after a technical issue, with Spain’s King Felipe VI offering his jet.

Electricity Court Challenge: Lesotho’s High Court is set to deliver a judgment on whether electricity users were charged illegal fees after tariff increases in 2024, following a case by SECTION 2 against LEWA and LEC that argues the hike was unlawful and based on outdated financial statements. UN Peace Message: UN Secretary-General António Guterres marks the 100-day countdown to the International Day of Peace, saying peace is built not only in talks but in classrooms and communities. Anti-Corruption Declarations: The DCEO has published names of public officials and parastatal heads who submitted asset, interest and liability declarations for 2025/26, including Prime Minister Sam Matekane and cabinet ministers. SACU Trade Meetings: CTICC2 in Cape Town will host major SACU summits and ministerial talks next week, with Lesotho among expected participants, focusing on regional customs and trade cooperation. Regional Diplomacy: UN chief António Guterres appoints Nigerian Ahunna Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa, succeeding Cristina Duarte. Menstrual Health Push: Qacha’s Nek marks Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day with school activities, pad-distribution and efforts to break stigma.

UN Presence in Eswatini: UN Resident Coordinator George Wachira says the UN is not shrinking its work in Eswatini, but restructuring operations—more agencies are now covered, while some representatives are based in nearby countries (including arrangements that also cover Lesotho). Comrades Marathon 2026: Thousands of runners are taking on the 99th Comrades Up Run today, with the route confirmed as a record-short 85.777km due to roadworks, and elite athletes including Lesotho’s Bongmusa Mthembu and other contenders aiming to upset the favourites. Lesotho Spotlight—Roads: In Qacha’s Nek, Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane launched a M1.4bn Matlali–Lebakeng road upgrade to bitumen standard, plus new school access and major bridges, targeting completion in 2030. Menstrual Health in Qacha’s Nek: Machabeng Government Hospital marked Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day with lessons, stigma-breaking activities, and donations of sanitary towels and soap to local schools. Regional Trade: Cape Town will host key SACU meetings at CTICC2 from 18–26 June, with Lesotho among expected participants.

UN Appointments: UN Secretary-General António Guterres has named Nigerian development expert Ahunna Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa, replacing Cristina Duarte of Cabo Verde. Eziakonwa brings nearly 30 years of UN leadership, including senior roles at UNDP overseeing support to 46 African countries, and experience that includes postings in Ethiopia, Uganda and Lesotho. Regional Politics: South Africa is set to bill countries for the costs of deporting their citizens as it tightens immigration enforcement amid rising anti-immigration protests. Lesotho in the spotlight: A new M1.4 billion road project in Lebakeng (Matlali–Lebakeng) aims to upgrade a 45km route to bitumen, add a 1.4km link to Melikane Combined School, and build major bridges—targeting completion in 2030. Health & community: Machabeng Government Hospital marked Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day with school activities, pad-use education, and donations of sanitary towels and soap. Business & connectivity: Vodacom says it invested R23.6 billion to boost network resilience and modernise IT platforms. Sports: Lesotho’s Maluti Mountains get a canyoning feature, while regional football coverage includes Kenya’s international debut stories and World Cup build-up.

Papal Travel Disruption: Pope Leo XIV’s flight home from Spain was delayed after a technical problem, but King Felipe VI stepped in with his private jet, getting the pope back to Rome hours later. Electoral Integrity in Focus: South Africa’s IEC says only “living” citizens will be allowed to vote in the 4 November local government elections, with voter registration set for 20–21 June and warnings about threats from groups behind anti-illegal immigrant protests. Regional Trade Talks: CTICC2 in Cape Town will host major SACU meetings from 18–26 June, with Lesotho among expected participants discussing customs and ways to boost cross-border trade. Lesotho Development: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane launched a M1.4bn road project in Lebakeng, upgrading the Matlali–Lebakeng route to bitumen and building bridges to end decades of isolation. Menstrual Health Day: Machabeng Government Hospital marked Menstrual Hygiene Day with school activities, debates and pad donations to help break stigma. Business & Wealth: A profile highlights Lesotho’s richest man, Sam Matekane, from donkey importing to billionaire status and political leadership. Tech for Users: Google expands “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, including Lesotho, aiming to make browsing more AI-assisted.

Elections Watch: South Africa’s IEC says local government polls are being planned in the “most challenging pre-electoral climate” in 30 years, with voter disillusionment at record lows and strict checks to stop “dead” citizens and non-citizens from voting. Infrastructure & Jobs: In Lebakeng, Qacha’s Nek, government launched a M1.4bn road upgrade to bitumen standard and new bridges, aiming to end decades of isolation and improve access to services and markets. Regional Trade: CTICC2 in Cape Town will host major SACU meetings from 18–26 June, with Lesotho among expected participants to discuss customs and trade cooperation. Health & Education: Machabeng Government Hospital marked Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day with school activities, stigma-breaking talks, and donations of sanitary towels and soap. Sports: Lesotho’s runner Dikeledi Majara is among elite Comrades up-run hopefuls, while Lesotho’s football teams continue to face tough regional tests ahead of major tournaments. Tech & Connectivity: Google expands “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, including Lesotho, boosting AI search access across the region.

Education & Skills: Namibia is ranked 4th on the continent for participation in formal, non-formal and informal education and training, with the ILO urging lifelong learning as a policy priority as technology and work patterns change. Weather Watch (SA): South Africa faces a cold, wet and windy spell, with a yellow warning for damaging winds in parts of the Eastern Cape and advisories for very cold conditions in the Northern and Western Cape. Migration Policy (Ireland): Lesotho is indirectly affected by Ireland’s updated visa rules, with Minister Colm Brophy saying the changes align Ireland with UK/Schengen practices and include visa requirements introduced for Lesotho nationals in 2025. Digital Push in Lesotho: In Maseru, the Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation, Nthati Moorosi, led a sod-turning for a new digital studio at Makoanyane Square and signed digital policies under the E-Government Project Phase II. Women Farmers & Food Security: The Rural Women’s Assembly of Southern Africa calls for governments to put women smallholder farmers at the centre of food and climate policy, highlighting Lesotho’s participation in the regional dialogue. GBV Spotlight: A Lesotho-focused piece warns that gender-based violence thrives behind fear and silence, urging stronger action to break the cycle. Tech for Users: Google’s Ask Gemini in Chrome rollout expands to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with Lesotho included in the broader supported locales. World Cup Focus (Regional): Mexico and South Africa kick off the 2026 World Cup in Group A at Estadio Azteca, with attention on how the opener could shape the tournament’s early momentum.

Weather Watch: SA Weather Service warns of wet conditions in the Western and Northern Cape and damaging winds in the Eastern Cape, with very cold, wet and windy conditions also expected over parts of the Northern and Western Cape. Global Peace Index: Iceland tops the Global Peace Index 2026 while the UK drops further down the rankings, as the report flags worsening peacefulness driven by conflict. World Cup Kick-off: Mexico and South Africa open the 2026 FIFA World Cup in Mexico City, with FIFA and coaches pointing to a big return for Bafana Bafana after years away. Lesotho Tech & Finance: Lesotho’s Central Bank steps up financial literacy in Quthing, highlighting the Lesotho Switch and modern payment access. Digital Push: MICSTI Minister Nthati Moorosi sod-turns a Maseru digital studio and signs digital policies to boost content creation and skills. GBV Spotlight: A Lesotho media piece renews calls to break the silence around gender-based violence. Diplomacy & Cooperation: Lesotho strengthens ties with Qatar and highlights Uganda’s microfinance model as a potential template for financial inclusion. Sports (Women): Zambia’s Copper Queens win the Four Nations and say they’re on track for WAFCON.

World Cup Kick-off: South Africa’s Bafana Bafana open the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Mexico at Estadio Azteca, with coach Hugo Broos saying the team is focused on how to handle Mexico’s movement and solidarity. Team News: Bafana get a boost as central defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi and left back Aubrey Modiba are set to be available for the curtain-raiser. Diplomacy: Lesotho’s Deputy Prime Minister Justice Nthomeng Majara met Qatar’s non-resident ambassador to discuss deeper cooperation in development, governance and parliamentary affairs. Finance & Inclusion: The Central Bank of Lesotho is running financial literacy outreach in Quthing, highlighting the upgraded Lesotho Switch (LesSwitch) and the CBL Investment Portal. Digital Push: MICSTI Minister Nthati Moorosi led a sod-turning for a new digital studio in Maseru and signed digital policies at Makoanyane Square. Energy Deal: Lesotho signed a $6.2bn agreement with Convalt Energy for Project Kobong—1,200MW hydropower plus an AI data centre—aiming to shift the country from importing electricity to exporting. Governance: The IEC accepted a court ruling to reinstate four political parties, signalling compliance with the rule of law. Weather: Very cold, wet and windy conditions are expected in parts of the region, with damaging winds flagged for parts of the Eastern Cape.

Digital Push in Maseru: MICSTI Minister Nthati Moorosi led a sod-turning for a new digital studio at Makoanyane Square and signed digital policies, saying it supports NSDP II goals and will train young people in digital marketing and entrepreneurship. Politics & Courts: The IEC accepted a court ruling ordering the reinstatement of four deregistered parties—BDC, BBTM, BDNP and LEFF—saying it will comply with the judgment. Accountability Drive: Government announced a National Leadership Retreat (June 21–23) and an Accountability Summit (July 1–3) to improve service delivery and create a direct channel for citizens to engage leaders. Justice in Military Case: Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane said action must be taken against commanders after two Special Forces Unit members were sentenced for the 2014 murder of Lisebo Tang and related charges. Energy Deal: Lesotho signed a $6.2bn agreement with Convalt Energy for Project Kobong—1,200MW hydropower plus an AI data centre—aimed at reducing dependence on South African electricity. Weather Watch: Lesotho is expected to see cool conditions with fog and showers in parts, with cold along the Lesotho border.

Court Orders Action in Army Murder Case: Lesotho’s Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane says action must be taken against commanders of two Special Forces Unit soldiers sentenced to 20 years for murder, 10 for attempted murder and four for malicious damage, linked to a 2014 shooting near Lt Gen Tlali Kamoli’s home. Elections Update: The IEC in Maseru has accepted a court ruling to reinstate four political parties deregistered under the Electoral Act, after they challenged the decision in court. Accountability Push: Government will hold a National Leadership Retreat (June 21–23) and an Accountability Summit (July 1–3) to improve leadership, transparency and service delivery, with citizens invited to engage. Weather for June 10: Cool to mild conditions with fog and isolated showers expected in parts of the region, including light rain in Limpopo and frost possible in some areas. Football (Regional): Kenya’s Harambee Starlets beat Lesotho 6-0 in the Four Nations play-offs, while Kenya and Lesotho are set to meet again in the third-place match after earlier results.

World Cup Opener: South Africa’s Bafana Bafana face hosts Mexico at Estadio Azteca on Thursday, 16 years after the 2010 opener ended 1-1 in Johannesburg, with Hugo Broos aiming to turn continental momentum into a strong start. Lesotho in the Spotlight: Lesotho’s women’s teams continue to be tested in the region, including Starlets’ push for redemption after earlier setbacks. Weather Watch: Fog, cloudy skies and isolated showers are expected in parts of the country, with cool to cold conditions and frost possible in some areas. Community & Corrections: Mohale’s Hoek Correctional Services says community support is key to inmate rehabilitation after Lesotho Red Cross winter clothing donations. Crime Update: Police in Mossel Bay have arrested two suspects over the murder of a Mozambican national during anti-immigrant unrest, with more cases still under investigation. Energy & Tech Deal: Lesotho is set to sign a major $6.2bn hydropower and AI data centre partnership, with plans that could reshape the country’s power outlook.