AGP Executive Report

Textiles and Jobs: Lesotho’s new seven-year plan aims to move factories beyond basic assembly, process more local wool and mohair, and create 70,000 jobs by 2033. The government says temporary relief on US trade access buys time to revive the sector. Police and Press Freedom: Police rejected a video interview with abducted Newsday Media editor Kananelo Boloetse, who is wanted for questioning in an investigation into attempted murder, abduction and death threats. They offered to meet him at a secure venue, including outside Lesotho. Basotho in South Africa: The LMPS urged Basotho to take precautions amid anti-foreigner violence in KwaZulu-Natal. South Africa withdrew its asylum-processing directive after clashes, looting and vehicle fires. Police Welfare: A go-slow is looming as officers protest the government’s reversal on a planned risk-allowance increase; the Home Affairs minister says the proposal still needs further approvals.

Regional Safety: Lesotho police urged Basotho to stay vigilant after anti-foreigner violence in South Africa’s KwaZulu-Natal province. The warning follows riots in Durban and Soweto that saw vehicles torched and shops looted; South Africa has paused its asylum-processing directive and says it will develop a new approach. Police Welfare: A go-slow is looming over a disputed M1,500 risk allowance, while Home Affairs Minister Voeswa Tsheka says improvements still need approval from the finance and public service ministries. Jobs and Industry: Lesotho’s new textiles strategy targets more than 70,000 jobs, US$1 billion in annual exports and US$400 million in investment by 2033, with a shift toward higher-value manufacturing and local wool and mohair processing. Courts: The Court of Appeal is expected to rule Monday on whether it can hear Foliki Mokhutle’s appeal against the denial of bail in the murder case of nurses’ association leader Morephe Santi. Economic Outlook: The World Bank says regional growth has held up despite global pressures; Lesotho’s inflation eased to 2.6% in August, but is projected to rise next year.

Regional Migration: Anti-migrant violence in Soweto and Durban left at least 24 vehicles burned and foreign-owned shops looted. South Africa withdrew its asylum-processing directive after clashes, saying it would find a new way to comply with a Constitutional Court ruling. The unrest is a concern for Basotho living and working across the border. Public Services: Lesotho Correctional Service says rehabilitation and education programmes are available to convicted inmates, not people held on remand. Education: Science and mathematics teachers are urging schools and parents to recognise talents beyond classroom grades and let more learners join innovation fairs. Jobs and Industry: Lesotho’s new textiles strategy targets 70,000 jobs by 2033, alongside expanded exports and local wool and mohair processing. A separate World Bank update says the economy has held up, with inflation easing to 2.6% in August. Police: A dispute over a promised risk-allowance increase has raised the prospect of a police go-slow. Culture: Chinese Wu Opera performers drew a standing ovation at an independence anniversary event in Maseru.

Independence Culture: Chinese Wu Opera performers earned a standing ovation at a Maseru gala marking Lesotho’s 60th anniversary. Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso and senior government leaders attended. Regional Tensions: South Africa withdrew its asylum-processing directive after anti-migrant violence, but clashes and looting continued in Durban. The unrest has affected migrant communities, including Basotho. Jobs and Industry: Lesotho’s new textiles strategy targets more than 70,000 jobs and over US$1 billion in annual exports by 2033, with a shift toward higher-value production and local wool and mohair processing. Economic Outlook: The World Bank says growth in Lesotho has held up despite global pressures. Inflation eased to 2.6% in August but is forecast to rise to 4.4% in 2027. Creative Economy: A proposed digital roadmap aims to help artists reach international markets, while calls for stronger contracts and intellectual-property protections highlight barriers facing local creators.

Regional Safety: Anti-migrant violence continued in Durban for a second day after South Africa withdrew its asylum-processing directive. Basotho are among the migrant communities affected, and Home Affairs says it will devise a fresh process. Animal Health: South Africa says it has made 50,000 foot-and-mouth disease vaccine doses available to Namibia, Eswatini and Lesotho this year, and urged closer regional cooperation. Jobs and Industry: Lesotho’s new textiles strategy targets 70,000 jobs and more than US$1 billion in annual exports by 2033, with a push to process more wool and mohair locally. Public Sector: Police officers are threatening a go-slow after the government reversed an agreed risk-allowance increase. Separately, a forensic report has urged corruption and police investigations into allegations involving NUL’s acting vice-chancellor. Clean Energy and Culture: Lesotho is among eight African countries set to benefit from UK-backed clean-energy projects; a proposed digital roadmap aims to help local artists reach global markets.

Creative Economy: Lesotho’s proposed Digital Roadmap aims to help artists reach global markets and build sustainable jobs, but the culture minister says it will need private and development-partner investment. Textile Jobs: A new sector strategy targets more than 70,000 jobs, US$1 billion in annual exports and US$400 million in investment by 2033, with a shift towards higher-value production and local wool and mohair processing. Economic Outlook: Growth across sub-Saharan Africa, including Lesotho, has held up despite global headwinds; domestic inflation eased to 2.6% in August, though it is forecast to rise next year. Climate and Energy: A five-year, US$10 million Lesotho project will support 80 small businesses developing climate-resilience solutions and green jobs. Separately, UK-backed clean-energy funding includes projects in Lesotho among 10 initiatives across eight African countries. Regional Tensions: South Africa withdrew an asylum-processing directive after clashes and looting in Soweto and Durban; the unrest has also frightened migrant families, including Basotho.

Water and Power: Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project is set to lift annual water deliveries from 780 million to 1.27 billion cubic metres, while expanding domestic hydropower capacity. Regional Ties: At Lesotho’s 60th independence celebrations, King Mswati III praised Basotho unity and resilience; the two kingdoms also plan to deepen trade and cultural cooperation. Culture and Events: The Lesotho Wine Festival returns to Maseru on October 10, while the Basotho hat is among crafts nominated for UNESCO recognition. Jobs and Industry: Apparel accounts for more than 80% of manufacturing value added, but sector employment has fallen to 30,000–35,000 amid factory closures and export uncertainty. Climate Resilience: A five-year, US$10 million initiative will support 80 businesses developing climate solutions and green jobs. Economic Pressures: The World Bank says the loti weakened by as much as 7.2% during second-quarter currency turmoil.

Manufacturing: Apparel accounts for more than 80% of Lesotho’s manufacturing value added, but textile employment has fallen to an estimated 30,000–35,000 workers from 38,000–40,000 in 2023. A new sector strategy aims to attract investment, create better jobs and move into higher-value products. Currency Pressures: The World Bank says the loti was among several southern African currencies to lose more than 6% at its worst during second-quarter market turmoil; much of the pressure had eased by August. Climate and Farming: Lesotho is urging that a proposed US$1 billion African seed initiative reach smallholder farmers, while a separate US$10 million project will support 80 local businesses working on climate resilience and green jobs. Travel: Lesotho is among 50 countries whose citizens face a US visa bond requirement, which can reach US$20,000. Culture and Cooperation: The Basotho hat is nominated for UNESCO intangible heritage recognition, and Lesotho and Eswatini plan to deepen trade and cultural ties, with progress reviewed annually.

Textiles and Jobs: Apparel makes up more than 80% of Lesotho’s manufacturing value added and remains its largest formal private-sector employer, but employment has fallen to an estimated 30,000–35,000 from 38,000–40,000 in 2023. The government is validating a strategy to attract investment and move into higher-value production. Climate and Farming: A five-year, US$10 million project will support 80 small businesses developing climate-resilience solutions and green jobs. At an African Union summit, Foreign Minister Limpho Justice Tau urged that a proposed US$1 billion seed initiative deliver funding directly to smallholder farmers. Economic Pressures: The World Bank says the loti weakened by more than 6% in the second quarter amid Middle East conflict, though much of the pressure on African currencies had eased by August. Energy and Regional Ties: The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority awarded contracts for early investigations into the planned 120MW Oxbow hydropower scheme. Eswatini and Lesotho also plan to deepen trade and cultural ties, with annual reviews of progress.

Climate and Farming: Lesotho has urged that the proposed US$1 billion African seed initiative deliver funding directly to smallholder farmers, with grants tailored to climate-vulnerable countries. A separate five-year, US$10 million project will support 80 local businesses developing climate-resilience solutions and green jobs. Regional Ties: Lesotho and Eswatini plan to deepen trade and cultural cooperation, with progress reviewed annually. Water: A joint survey of the Senqu and Orange river systems is underway through December 15, assessing water quality and ecosystem health across the shared basin. Energy: The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority has awarded geotechnical contracts for the proposed 120MW Oxbow hydropower plant, which is intended to strengthen electricity security and reduce reliance on imports. Digital Sovereignty: As Lesotho marks 60 years of independence, stakeholders are pressing for stronger protection of local creative work; the country’s copyright laws date to 1989, and royalty collections have yet to be distributed to artists.

Lesotho Independence at 60: King Letsie III and King Mswati III used the Diamond Jubilee celebrations to underline the “sister monarchies” bond between Lesotho and Eswatini, with calls for unity and deeper regional integration. Hydropower push: The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority awarded two geotechnical contracts for the proposed 120MW Oxbow Hydropower Scheme, moving preliminary engineering forward to cut import dependence and strengthen power supply. Digital and cultural sovereignty: As Lesotho marks 60 years, stakeholders are pressing for stronger protection of creative works and better recognition for Basotho artists, alongside broader debates on internet and data control. Food security logistics: The Ministry of Agriculture says the new Ha Foso storage facility is temporarily holding farming inputs for summer cropping due to space shortages, with grain storage to follow. Governance in focus: The Court of Appeal’s second session starts next Tuesday with 45 cases, including matters involving public institutions and senior officials. Regional development: PM Matekane says UN General Assembly deals will deliver a medical drone centre for medicines, plus textiles, labour and tourism projects. Sports finance: Bantu FC unveiled a new SpinCity Lesotho sponsorship worth M6.30m over three seasons.

Lesotho Independence at 60: King Letsie III praised Eswatini’s “deep and enduring bonds” with the Basotho as the two sister monarchies marked the Diamond Jubilee celebrations at Setsoto Stadium, with King Mswati III also highlighting Lesotho’s role in regional integration and SADC history. Court Watch: The Court of Appeal will hold its second session next Tuesday with 45 cases, including a high-profile matter involving the National University of Lesotho and suspended Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kananelo Mosito. Hydropower Push: The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority awarded geotechnical contracts for the 120MW Oxbow Hydropower Scheme, moving preliminary engineering forward to boost power security. Health, Tech and Security: Prime Minister Matekane announced a medical drone centre for faster delivery of medicines, while China donated RMB 30 million to strengthen the Lesotho Defence Force. Economy & Jobs: As Lesotho marks 60 years, reporting highlights youth unemployment pressures, with the country’s labour figures showing a bleak outlook for young jobseekers. Business & Culture: Women-led fashion brand Thethana was selected as a finalist for Création Africa incubation, aiming to take Basotho-inspired slow fashion further afield. Sports Finance: Bantu FC launched a three-season SpinCity sponsorship worth M6.30m to stabilise player-salary pressure. Media Under Threat: Lesotho Tribune publisher Phafane Nkotsi and reporter Malefo Thinyane received threats tied to the paper’s petroleum investigation.

Fuel Prices & Cost of Living: Petrol is forecast to jump from 7 October, with 95 unleaded projected to rise by about R3.18 a litre, while diesel could climb by roughly R2.80–R3.15—sparking fresh worries about transport and food costs. Energy & Infrastructure: The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority has awarded geotechnical contracts for the 120MW Oxbow Hydropower Scheme, moving preliminary engineering forward to cut import dependence and boost supply security. Health Logistics: Government says it is advancing a drone medicine delivery centre with Zipline, with an environmental assessment planned for Rapokolana and the first drones expected to operate in the second half of 2027. Regional Ties & Independence Celebrations: King Letsie III and King Mswati III used Lesotho’s 60th anniversary to underline strong “sister monarchies” bonds, regional integration, and shared history. Governance & Courts: The Court of Appeal is set for a busy second session with 45 cases, including matters involving the National University of Lesotho’s suspended Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Kananelo Mosito. Security & Justice: Police are pursuing a murder fugitive, Teboho Tšolo, with cooperation between Lesotho and South Africa aimed at arrest and extradition. Business & Jobs: Lesotho’s Inclusive Growth Fund loan facility is struggling—only about M19m of M400m has been disbursed—while authorities plan to boost awareness to improve uptake.

Regional diplomacy at 60: King Letsie III and Eswatini’s King Mswati III used Lesotho’s Diamond Jubilee Independence celebrations to underline “sister monarchies” ties, pointing to shared history, people-to-people links, and regional integration. Court watch: The Court of Appeal is set for a busy second session next Tuesday with 45 cases, including a high-profile matter involving the National University of Lesotho and suspended Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kananelo Mosito. Health logistics: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane says Lesotho is moving toward a Zipline drone medicine delivery programme, with an environmental assessment at Rapokolana and a first drone expected in the second half of 2027. Security and justice: Police say they have traced a murder fugitive, Teboho Tšolo, and are coordinating with South Africa for arrest and extradition; the case is postponed to February 4, 2027. Economy and jobs: Lesotho’s 60th birthday comes amid youth unemployment concerns, while the Inclusive Growth Fund loan facility has disbursed only M19m of M400m so far due to low awareness. Energy access: LEWA granted licence exemptions for seven rural mini-grid projects to expand electricity to 70 villages. Climate planning: Maseru urged all sectors to prepare for El Niño with early, coordinated district action plans.

Royal Diplomacy: King Letsie III used Lesotho’s 60th Independence celebrations to honour Eswatini’s King Mswati III, stressing enduring ties rooted in shared heritage and people-to-people links. Sister Monarchies: Mswati III called the two kingdoms “sister monarchies,” pointing to historical friendship and announcing Eswatini’s naming of a road after King Moshoeshoe II. Regional Politics & Courts: The Court of Appeal will hold a busy second session next Tuesday with 45 cases, including matters involving public institutions and suspended NUL Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Kananelo Mosito. Youth & Jobs Pressure: As Lesotho marks 60 years, reporting highlights youth unemployment and the “officially unemployed” reality facing graduates. Governance & Democracy: PM Matekane urged swift electoral reforms ahead of 2027, while the National Assembly Speaker warned Basotho may reject democracy if it doesn’t deliver bread, jobs and curb corruption. Security & Justice: Police are pursuing a fugitive linked to the murder of former Bantu FC official Panyane Phiri, with efforts underway to arrest him in South Africa. Digital Law & Services: MICSTI says Lesotho has validated an Electronic Transactions and Communications Bill to strengthen digital trust and cross-border trade, while government also pushes drone medicine delivery plans. Media Under Threat: Lesotho Tribune publisher and reporter received threats tied to the paper’s long-running petroleum investigation.

Independence at 60 and youth jobs: As Lesotho marks 60 years, a new look at the country’s milestones comes alongside fresh figures showing youth unemployment remains a major worry, with many young people leaving school only to find no work. Youth unemployment and national pressure: The coverage highlights how the kingdom’s job crisis has been treated as a national disaster, with unemployment among young Basotho still alarmingly high. Governance and elections: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane urged swift action to finalise electoral reforms ahead of 2027, warning that Basotho may lose faith in democracy if it doesn’t deliver bread, jobs and curb corruption. Health and delivery systems: Matekane also announced a medical drone hub for Rapokolana, aimed at speeding medicine delivery to remote clinics, with the first drones expected by mid-2027. Security and justice: Police say they are closing in on a murder fugitive, Teboho Tšolo, with cooperation underway between Lesotho and South Africa for his arrest and extradition. Energy access: LEWA granted licence exemptions for seven rural mini-grid projects to expand electricity to dozens of villages. Investigations under threat: Lesotho Tribune publisher Phafane Nkotsi and reporter Malefo Thinyane received threats linked to the paper’s long-running petroleum investigation. Business and finance: Government admitted slow uptake of the M400 million Inclusive Growth Fund, with only a small portion disbursed so far, blaming limited awareness.