AGP Executive Report

Energy Access Push: Lesotho says it’s on track for universal electricity by 2030, as the Mafeteng solar push gathers pace with the China-backed Ha-Ramarothole Phase II expansion. Solar Expansion: Phase II breaks ground on the 50MW Ha-Ramarothole upgrade, lifting total capacity to 80MW and cutting reliance on costly electricity imports. Border Corruption Crackdown: A Border Management Authority official was arrested over an alleged R600 bribe to illegally stamp a Lesotho national’s passport at Maseru Port of Entry, with charges expected in Ladybrand court. Trade & Jobs Focus: The Trade Ministry highlights progress under the Regional Value Chains Lesotho Plus programme, citing more firms at international trade fairs and training for officials to boost Basotho enterprise growth. Road Safety Policy Input: The Finance ministry is collecting public views on a new Motor Vehicle Accident Fund policy (2026–2031), including how compensation should work for everyone in Lesotho. Youth & Health: World Population Day in Mohale’s Hoek spotlights youth aspirations and maternal health, alongside SRHR support initiatives. LHWP Setback: Lesotho Highlands Water Project compensation claims face a setback after the Constitutional Court ruled the dispute should go through the high court. Visa Update: Japan confirms only three African countries get visa-free entry—Lesotho included—though it depends on machine-readable passports. Culture & Community: A safe initiation practices campaign rolls out nationwide, aiming to reduce preventable injuries and deaths while preserving cultural traditions.

Solar Power Boost: Lesotho has broken ground on Phase II of the China-backed Ha-Ramarothole Solar Power Project in Mafeteng, adding 50MW to take capacity to 80MW and cut costly electricity imports. Border Corruption Crackdown: A Border Management Authority official was arrested for allegedly taking a R600 bribe to unlawfully stamp a Lesotho national’s passport at Maseru Port of Entry, with charges expected in court. Trade and Jobs Push: The Trade Ministry says its Lesotho Plus regional value chains programme is helping Basotho firms grow, with companies taking part in international trade fairs and officials trained to strengthen market access. Motor Accident Fund Consultations: The Finance Ministry is collecting public views on a new Motor Vehicle Accident Fund policy for 2026–2031, including calls for awareness campaigns and fair compensation. Youth and Health: World Population Day events in Mohale’s Hoek highlighted youth aspirations and maternal health, alongside efforts to improve Sexual and Reproductive Health services. LHWP Dam Progress: Polihali Dam construction has reached 50% completion, still on track for reservoir impoundment in the 2027/2028 rainy season. Regional Shockwaves: South Africa’s anti-migrant protests are raising fears of labour shortages and economic blowback, while Lesotho’s visa-free access to Japan remains in the spotlight.

Energy Security: Lesotho has broken ground on Phase II of the China-backed Ha-Ramarothole Solar Power Project in Mafeteng, adding 50MW to take total capacity to 80MW and cutting reliance on electricity imports that cost the country nearly M1 billion a year. Border Integrity: A Border Management Authority official was arrested at Maseru Port of Entry for allegedly taking a R600 bribe to unlawfully stamp a Lesotho national’s passport, with charges expected in Ladybrand court and more arrests possible. Youth & Health: Ahead of World Population Day, Lesotho is marking the occasion with a focus on youth aspirations and maternal health, including the handover of specialized equipment to Nts’ekhe Hospital. SRHR in Schools: In Mohale’s Hoek, a Safe Initiation Practices campaign is rolling out with health promotion for boys and young men during initiation season, aiming to reduce preventable injuries and deaths. Road Safety Policy: The Ministry of Finance is collecting public input on a new Motor Vehicle Accident Fund policy (2026–2031), with stakeholders urged to ensure fair compensation and early awareness campaigns. Regional Trade & Jobs: The Trade Ministry says the Lesotho Plus value chains programme is expanding market access for Basotho enterprises, including participation in international trade fairs. Water Project Legal Setback: Highlands Water Project compensation claims have hit a snag after the Constitutional Court ruled the dispute should proceed through the high court. South Africa Spillover: Anti-migrant protests and xenophobic raids across South Africa are escalating fears of economic blowback, with economists warning labour shortages could hurt sectors that rely on foreign workers. Visa News for Basotho: Japan has confirmed Lesotho as one of only three African countries eligible for visa-free entry, but only for holders of machine-readable passports.

Border Corruption Crackdown: A Border Management Authority official was arrested in Maseru for allegedly taking a R600 bribe to fraudulently endorse a Lesotho passport at the Maseru Port of Entry, just as South Africans protested tougher immigration enforcement on June 30. Visa Rules for Basotho Travellers: Japan has confirmed Lesotho is one of only three African countries eligible for visa-free short stays, but only for holders of ICAO-standard machine-readable passports. Motor Accident Fund Policy Consultations: Lesotho’s Finance Ministry is collecting public views on a new Motor Vehicle Accident Fund policy (2026–2031), with officials urging early awareness so victims understand compensation and reviews if funds are too low. World Population Day Focus on Youth: Lesotho will mark World Population Day in Mohale’s Hoek with youth and maternal health at the centre, including support to Nts’ekhe Hospital with maternal care equipment and supplies. LHWP Dam Progress: Polihali Dam construction has reached 50% completion under LHWP Phase II, with the project still aiming for reservoir impoundment in the 2027/2028 rainy season. Trade and Enterprise Push: The Trade Ministry says the Regional Value Chains Lesotho Plus programme is boosting Basotho businesses through value-chain support, training, and access to international trade fairs. Safe Initiation Practices Campaign: A nationwide campaign on safer initiation practices has launched in Phamong, Mohale’s Hoek, bringing health and community leaders together to reduce preventable injuries and deaths while preserving cultural traditions.

Xenophobia and migration crisis in South Africa: Anti-immigration protests escalated as demonstrators went door-to-door, forcibly removing suspected undocumented migrants and handing them to police, with fears of further violence driving thousands to flee. Lesotho nationals caught in the fallout: Lesotho’s repatriation effort has scaled up, with Foreign Affairs confirming at least 40 buses sent to bring home Basotho citizens from the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal amid safety concerns. Court case linked to illegal mining: Defence for three Lesotho nationals accused in the Cleveland mass shooting denies they were involved in illegal mining, saying the men were targeted due to Basotho nationality and infighting in the settlement; the State plans to oppose bail. Jobs and business pressure: Economists warn that migrant departures could hurt South Africa’s labour markets and informal economy, even as protests claim to protect jobs. Lesotho health and youth protection: A Safe Initiation Practices campaign launched nationwide, involving ministries and traditional leaders to reduce preventable injuries and deaths during initiation season. Trade and enterprise support: The Trade Ministry says the Regional Value Chains Lesotho Plus programme is boosting Basotho firms’ competitiveness, market access and jobs. Water project progress: Polihali Dam construction under LHWP Phase II has reached 50% completion, with reservoir impoundment still targeted for 2027/28. Local governance and assets: LNDC says it is owed about M50 million in unpaid rent and plans to remove tenants misusing its properties. World Population Day in Lesotho: Lesotho will mark the day in Mohale’s Hoek with a focus on youth aspirations and maternal health, including equipment handovers to Nts’ekhe Hospital. Youth and SRHR: Thamae LEC Primary launched a youth club to empower girls with Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights knowledge and safer discussion spaces. Sports and youth opportunity: Vodacom Lesotho sponsors the Mountain Runners race in September to promote healthy living and stimulate the local economy.

Safe Initiation Practices: Lesotho’s Ministry of Health, with WHO support, has launched a multisectoral male engagement initiative in Phamong (Mohale’s Hoek) to promote safer initiation during the season, involving health education, disease prevention, and stronger referral links between initiation schools and clinics, while urging boys to focus on sexual and reproductive health, healthy relationships and mental wellbeing. Trade & Jobs: The Trade Ministry says the EU- and BMZ-backed Regional Value Chains Lesotho Plus (RVCL+) programme is boosting Basotho enterprise competitiveness, with 102 companies taking part in eight international trade fairs and 114 public officials trained in trade policy and value chain development. Highlands Water Project Compensation: Compensation claims over LHWP dam losses face a setback after the High Court (as Constitutional Court) ruled the dispute should proceed through the High Court, not constitutional jurisdiction, affecting more than 3,000 individuals and 889 businesses. Public Finance & Policy: The Ministry of Finance is inviting public comments on a proposed Motor Vehicle Accident Fund policy to create a modern, sustainable, victim-centred compensation system and reform the 1989 framework. Youth & SRHR: Thamae Primary launched an Ithate Youth Club to equip girls with age-appropriate SRHR and GBV awareness, including puberty, menstrual health, hygiene, self-esteem and safer decision-making. Infrastructure Progress: Polihali Dam construction under LHWP Phase II has reached 50% completion, with the project still aiming for reservoir impoundment in 2027/2028.

Lesotho Highlands Water Project Compensation: The High Court of Lesotho (sitting as the Constitutional Court) has ruled that thousands of villagers and businesses seeking compensation over dam losses must take their dispute through the high court, saying they have other legal remedies under existing law. Water Infrastructure: Polihali Dam construction under LHWP Phase II has hit 50% completion, with the project still on track for reservoir impoundment in the 2027/2028 rainy season. State Assets & Jobs: The Lesotho National Development Corporation says it is owed about M50 million in unpaid rent and plans to remove tenants misusing properties to make room for genuine investors. Youth & Health: Thamae LEC Primary School launched the Ithate Youth Club to equip girls with Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights knowledge and create a safer space to discuss wellbeing, with parent meetings also planned. World Population Day: Lesotho will mark World Population Day at Qalakheng in Mohale’s Hoek with a focus on youth aspirations and maternal health, including a handover of specialised hospital equipment to Nts’ekhe Hospital. Road Safety Policy: Government is seeking public input on a new Motor Vehicle Accident Fund Policy to improve fair, timely compensation for road crash victims. Sports & Economy: Vodacom Lesotho is sponsoring the Mountain Runners Athletics Club race on 5 September, aiming to boost healthy living, youth opportunities and local tourism.

Lesotho Highlands Water Project: Polihali Dam construction under LHWP Phase II has hit 50% completion, with the project still on track for reservoir impoundment in the 2027/28 rainy season, as major earthworks and concrete works advance. Local Governance & Jobs: The Lesotho National Development Corporation says it is owed about M50 million in unpaid rent and is preparing to remove tenants misusing its properties to improve revenue collection and make space for genuine investors. Youth & Health: Thamae LEC Primary School launched the Ithate Youth Club to equip girls with Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights knowledge and create a safer space to discuss issues, with parent meetings also planned. Public Input: Lesotho’s Ministry of Finance is seeking written comments on a proposed Motor Vehicle Accident Fund Policy aimed at a modern, victim-centred compensation system. World Population Day: Lesotho will mark World Population Day 2026 in Mohale’s Hoek with a focus on youth aspirations and maternal health, including a handover of specialised hospital equipment to Nts’ekhe Hospital. Regional Context: South Africa’s clothing sector faces pressure as raids and xenophobic violence drive immigrant workers to flee, raising fears of factory closures and job losses. Visa Rules: Namibia has updated its visa-on-arrival list, excluding more than 60 countries including Nigeria. Education Opportunity: Rhodes Scholarship applications are open for SADC candidates, including Basotho, with a deadline of August 3.

Sports & Youth: Vodacom Lesotho has partnered with the Mountain Runners Athletics Club to sponsor the September 5 “Mountain Runners” race in Maseru, aiming to boost healthy living, youth opportunities and local business as categories include 5km, 10km and 21km. Financial Literacy: NUL and the Central Bank of Lesotho (CBL) have launched a structured financial literacy programme after rising consumer complaints, targeting gaps in understanding contract terms and improving how Basotho make informed financial decisions. Public Accountability: Lesotho’s three-day Accountability Summit in Maseru is pushing faster passport processing (including SMS alerts) and tighter monitoring of payment systems for service providers, with citizens directly raising concerns to senior officials. Road Safety Policy: The Ministry of Finance is seeking public input on a new Motor Vehicle Accident Fund policy to create a modern, victim-centred compensation system and reform the current 1989 framework. Inclusion: Lesotho is strengthening collaboration to improve access for persons with disabilities, with stakeholders flagging remaining gaps in implementation and the need for more training and public awareness. Regional Context: Lesotho’s repatriation of citizens from South Africa has scaled up amid safety concerns, with Limpho Tau confirming 40 buses deployed to bring Basotho home.

Cross-border safety and reintegration: Lesotho has scaled up the repatriation of citizens fleeing unrest in South Africa, with Foreign Affairs Minister Limpho Tau confirming at least 40 buses dispatched mainly to the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal. Public accountability: The Leadership Forum and National Accountability Summit in Maseru is set to become an annual dialogue platform, with the Prime Minister pointing to faster passport processing and new SMS alerts for applicants. Financial literacy push: NUL and the Central Bank of Lesotho launched a structured financial literacy programme to reduce consumer complaints driven by people signing contracts without understanding terms. Road safety policy: The Ministry of Finance is seeking public input on a new Motor Vehicle Accident Fund Policy to create a modern, victim-centred compensation system. Disability inclusion: Lesotho continues expanding access to services for persons with disabilities, with stakeholders calling for better training and stronger public awareness, especially for deafblind inclusion. Environment & conservation: IUCN secured nearly US$5m in GEF funding for Southern Africa projects, including the Orange–Senqu Water Fund spanning Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa. Sports and local economy: Vodacom Lesotho sponsors the Mountain Runners race in Maseru (Sept 5) to promote healthy living and boost local business.

Cross-border safety & jobs: Lesotho has scaled up the repatriation of citizens fleeing unrest in South Africa, with Foreign Affairs Minister Limpho Tau confirming 40 buses dispatched to the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal as Basotho describe hiding from police crackdowns and say many won’t return under undocumented conditions. Local economy under strain: In KwaZulu-Natal, clothing factory owners warn the sector could collapse as immigrant workers flee xenophobic violence, after retailers pulled business following February “sweatshop” raids—leaving many CMT factories dependent on non-South African labour. Roads & compensation: Lesotho’s Ministry of Finance is inviting public input on a new Motor Vehicle Accident Fund policy to replace the 1989 framework, aiming for fair, timely compensation and stronger governance. Public accountability: The Leadership Forum and National Accountability Summit in Maseru continues to push faster passport processing and better service delivery, with citizens directly raising concerns to senior officials. Disability inclusion: Lesotho also highlighted ongoing efforts to expand access for persons with disabilities, including better communication and training for professionals.

Accountability in Lesotho: Lesotho has launched a three-day Accountability Summit in Maseru to speed up public service delivery, with officials promising fixes including faster passport processing (now four days) and an SMS alert system for printing updates, while citizens also pushed for better rural planning and skills transfer. Disability inclusion: Lesotho is expanding access for persons with disabilities across education, justice and communication, but stakeholders say gaps remain—especially for deafblind people—calling for more training and public awareness. Crime and rehabilitation: Correctional officials report sexual offences remain the most common crimes, with substance abuse and domestic violence also driving offending, as community meetings focus on prevention and reintegration. Road safety policy: The Ministry of Finance is seeking public input on a new Motor Vehicle Accident Fund policy to replace the 1989 framework and deliver fair, timely compensation for victims and families. Regional migration pressure: Across the region, xenophobia and anti-migrant violence in South Africa continue to spill over into diplomacy and livelihoods, with Lesotho-linked concerns raised amid claims of police coordination with protest groups. Health watch (SADC TB): A SADC TB report warns progress is plateauing and funding cuts could jeopardise 2030 targets, with Lesotho flagged as having the highest TB incidence in the region.

Motor Vehicle Accident Fund Policy: Lesotho’s Ministry of Finance is drafting a new Motor Vehicle Accident Fund Policy to replace the 1989 Motor Vehicle Insurance Order, with a focus on fair, timely compensation for road crash victims and better funding sustainability; the public is invited to submit written comments. Accountability and service delivery: Lesotho’s three-day Leadership Forum and National Accountability Summit in Maseru pushed for faster public services, including passport processing improvements (SMS alerts and a four-day turnaround target), with the Prime Minister saying the dialogue will become an annual platform. Disability inclusion: Government and disability stakeholders say Lesotho is expanding access for persons with disabilities, but gaps remain—especially for deafblind people—calling for more training and stronger public awareness. Crime and rehabilitation: Correctional officials report sexual offences remain the most common crimes, with substance abuse and domestic violence also driving offending, urging parents to protect children. Regional health pressure: A SADC TB report warns progress is plateauing as funding cuts and regional crises threaten 2030 targets; Lesotho is flagged with the highest TB incidence in the region. Xenophobia spillover fears: Reports from South Africa describe violence and fear driving immigrant workers to flee, while Lesotho’s leaders face rising cross-border tensions.

Accountability in Action (Lesotho): Lesotho’s three-day Leadership Forum and National Accountability Summit in Maseru put citizens face-to-face with senior officials, with government saying passport processing has been improved (including SMS alerts) and new applications now take about four days. Public Service Delivery: The Prime Minister also pledged tighter monitoring of payment systems for service providers and pushed for local subcontracting so smaller businesses benefit from major projects. Justice and Courts: Chief Justice Sakoane Peter Sakoane said the summit also included the Judiciary, pointing to efforts to cut case delays and improve court infrastructure, including accessibility for people with disabilities. Disability Inclusion: Separate coverage highlighted ongoing work to expand access for persons with disabilities, while stakeholders warned that gaps remain—especially for complex disabilities like deafblindness. Crime and Prevention: Lesotho Correctional Service officials said sexual offences remain among the most common crimes, with substance abuse and domestic violence also driving offending, urging parents to protect children. Regional Context (South Africa): Basotho leaders and church voices urged peace amid rising regional migration tensions and xenophobic violence across South Africa. SADC/Regional Cooperation: SACU leaders, including Lesotho’s partners, called for accelerated reforms and export-focused industrial strategies at the SACU summit.

National Accountability Summit: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane says the Leadership Forum and National Accountability Summit will become an annual platform for public dialogue, with key issues including commercialising agriculture for jobs and exports, and faster skills transfer when companies build in Lesotho. Judiciary & service delivery: Chief Justice Sakoane Peter Sakoane calls the summit a historic chance for Basotho to engage directly with government institutions, noting the push to deliver justice within three months in most cases and progress on court delays and more accessible court infrastructure. Disability inclusion: Lesotho is strengthening access to education, justice and communication for persons with disabilities, but stakeholders warn gaps remain—especially for deafblind people—and call for more training and public awareness. Crime & rehabilitation: A Lesotho Correctional Service officer says sexual offences remain among the most common crimes, with substance abuse, domestic violence and murder also driving high crime levels; parents are urged to protect children. Children’s welfare: Queen Masenate urges investment in children, praising Beautiful Gate Lesotho’s 25-year work supporting vulnerable children through education, healthcare and psychosocial services. Regional migration tensions: Basotho National Party leader Machesetsa Mofomobe alleges South African police are collaborating with anti-migrant protest groups, warning of rising diplomatic strain. Economy & remittances: Maseru street vendors fear returning Basotho from South Africa will reduce remittances and hit already-struggling factories and local spending. Digital learning push: MBRGI and The Digital School plan to support over 500,000 learners across Lesotho and five other African countries over three years, including teacher training and job-ready skills.

Crime & Justice in Focus: Sexual offences remain among the most prevalent crimes in Lesotho, with substance abuse, domestic violence and murder also driving the country’s high crime rate, officials told a community crime prevention meeting in Motimposo. Disability Inclusion: Lesotho is expanding access to services for persons with disabilities, with ministries, the Lesotho Mounted Police Service and disability groups pushing better inclusion in education, justice, communication and public services—while admitting implementation gaps remain. National Accountability Momentum: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane says the Leadership Forum and National Accountability Summit should become an annual platform for public dialogue, with Basotho raising priorities like skills transfer, youth representation and faster, more accountable service delivery. Children’s Investment: Queen ‘Masenate urged greater investment in children, praising Beautiful Gate Lesotho’s 25-year work supporting vulnerable children through family strengthening, education, healthcare and psychosocial services. Regional Context: Reports from South Africa continue to fuel Basotho concerns over xenophobia and migration enforcement, with calls for stronger, coordinated regional responses. Culture & Faith: Langham Preaching Day in Lesotho brought Christians together to renew commitment to Bible exposition and discipleship.