AGP Executive Report

Dairy Dispute: Agriculture Minister Selibe Mochoboroane told the Senate the Lesotho National Dairy is working to resolve non-payment to farmers after South African operator Denmar left the plant. Child Rights Watch: The UN Child Rights Committee released findings on Lesotho and six other countries, flagging concerns and recommendations on how children’s rights are protected. Media & Tax Skills: Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) trained journalists on tax reporting, stressing AI as a tool while keeping ethics and fact-checking central. School Meals Strain: After US aid cuts, GroundUp reports Semonkong pupils are getting smaller, less nutritious meals, with delivery records showing sharp drops in maize-meal and cooking oil supplies. MSME Trade Push: Lesotho hosted an AfCFTA-focused MSME workshop, including a B2B seminar linking 40 entrepreneurs with potential buyers. Tourism Boost: Wild Wonder camp is set to expand after a busy Heritage Day weekend at Erfenis Nature Reserve. Regional Mobility: A report notes Kenyans can travel visa-free to Zimbabwe and other African destinations in 2026, highlighting shifting travel access across the region.

School feeding squeeze: Lesotho learners in Semonkong are getting smaller, less nutritious meals after US funding cuts, with maize-meal down 54% per pupil and cooking oil halved; the education ministry says it will investigate. Parliamentary row on inputs: Kueneng’s principal chief Peete Lesaoana Peete accuses MPs and civil servants of sabotaging Prime Minister Sam Matekane’s village-based agricultural input programme by selling subsidised supplies through their own businesses. Media accountability push: Ten Lesotho media houses demand an independent inquiry into the abduction and assault of Newsday editor Kananelo Boloetse, alleging police harassment and lack of accountability. MSME trade push: A Maseru workshop links Lesotho MSMEs to AfCFTA opportunities via a B2B seminar connecting 40 exhibitors to potential buyers. Digital transformation spotlight: Lesotho joins Commonwealth Digital Nexus discussions in London on AI-driven digital transformation and future-ready ecosystems. Regional development: FAO’s GIAHS workshop in Johannesburg builds capacity for recognising and conserving Africa’s agricultural heritage systems, including Lesotho participation.

Media Freedom: Ten Lesotho media houses are demanding an independent Commission of Inquiry into the abduction and assault of Newsday editor Kananelo Boloetse, saying no one has been held accountable and that police are allegedly harassing media while the investigation depends on Boloetse being physically available. MSME & Trade: In Maseru, a three-day AfCFTA-focused workshop ended with a B2B seminar linking about 40 MSMEs to potential buyers, as officials urged entrepreneurs to tackle both market access and finance gaps. Agriculture Heritage: Representatives from 16 African countries, including Lesotho, are in Johannesburg for a FAO-backed capacity-building drive to help communities identify agricultural heritage systems and prepare conservation plans for possible recognition. Digital & AI Skills: Journalists in Maseru were urged to use AI to improve reporting efficiency while keeping human ethics and verification central, as Lesotho also takes part in CTO@125 digital leadership events in London. Infrastructure & Water: The LHDA says it has completed a R2.3bn access road network for Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, aimed at easing heavy transport to Polihali Dam and the transfer tunnel. Regional Security Spillover: South Africa’s Gauteng province reported a tavern shooting death toll rising to 18, including at least two Lesotho nationals, amid wider gang violence linked to illicit mining.

MSME Push for AfCFTA: A three-day workshop in Maseru wrapped its final day with a B2B seminar linking about 40 Lesotho MSMEs to potential buyers, as officials urged firms to tackle two big hurdles: getting finance and reaching markets. Trade Skills for Growth: The wider programme trained roughly 70 MSMEs on export procedures, standards, compliance, and regional trade opportunities under AfCFTA, with UN partners supporting the push. Fuel Shock Warning: Regional reporting highlights how rising diesel prices can hit far beyond transport—raising food, construction and business costs—an issue that matters for Lesotho’s import-dependent economy. Water Infrastructure Watch: South Africa and Zimbabwe are discussing a US$500m dam plan (Thuli Moswa) to supply water to Limpopo’s Musina-Makhado SEZ, underscoring how water security is becoming a major investment priority. Digital & Media Skills: Journalists in Maseru were urged to use AI to improve reporting efficiency while keeping ethics and fact-checking central. Sports & Politics on the Pitch: Morocco’s defender said the squad has “no excuses” ahead of the AFCON qualifier against Lesotho in South Africa.

Diplomatic Appointments: Lesotho’s region watches as the Council of Ministers approves new ambassadors for Spain’s posts in Angola, the Philippines, Madagascar and South Sudan, signalling fresh diplomatic momentum across Southern Africa. Sports and Pay Disputes: Athletes are still waiting on prize money tied to the 2025 Soweto Marathon, while a Morocco–Ghana friendly on Oct. 4 hangs in the balance over unpaid player dues. Media and AI Ethics: Journalists in Maseru were urged to use AI to improve reporting efficiency and accuracy, but with ethics and fact-checking staying firmly in human hands. Local Skills for Livelihoods: In Berea, farmers received training to build fishery project management skills, with a push to commercialise and tap wider export opportunities. Youth and Trade: Lesotho is hosting an MSME workshop on AfCFTA opportunities, and LEAP is backing young entrepreneurs with funding, training and mentorship. Infrastructure Progress: LHDA says it has completed a R2.3bn access road network for LHWP Phase II, easing logistics for the Polihali Dam and tunnel works. Regional Security Shock: South Africa’s latest mass shooting near Johannesburg left 18 dead, including two Lesotho nationals, as authorities investigate gang-linked violence.

Queer Rights & Family Acceptance: In Teyateyaneng, Basotho man “Pat” Noosi says his family’s acceptance of his relationship helped him build a life openly and even secure practical support after his partner’s death. Tourism Economy: South Africa welcomed 6.6 million international tourists in the first seven months of 2026, but overseas arrivals still lag pre-pandemic levels, with regional visitors masking a bigger spending shortfall. AfCON Build-up (Lesotho vs Morocco): Morocco’s Issa Diop says the squad has “no excuses” ahead of the away qualifier in Bloemfontein against Lesotho. Lesotho Business & Trade: A three-day MSME workshop in Maseru urges small firms to use AfCFTA and regional trade deals to reach wider markets. Digital & Policy Links: Lesotho is in London for CTO@125, focusing on AI-driven digital transformation and inclusive digital ecosystems. NUL Leadership Crisis: The National University of Lesotho’s acting vice-chancellor dispute deepens again after the Council moves to suspend Professor Kananelo Mosito despite a Court of Appeal order. Inflation Watch: The Central Bank of Lesotho raised its interest rate to 7.00% to rein in inflation amid rising costs and El Niño-linked risks. Regional Security Shock: South Africa’s mass shootings continue to dominate headlines, including a Wedela tavern attack that has killed 18, with reports that Lesotho nationals were among the dead.

El Niño and drought planning: Lesotho is preparing for worsening heat and drought linked to El Niño, with warnings that climate impacts are already hitting food, water and livelihoods. Youth and business support: The LEAP programme is backing young Basotho entrepreneurs with funding, training and mentorship, while a new three-day MSME workshop in Maseru urges firms to use AfCFTA to sell across Africa. Digital and regional tech diplomacy: Lesotho is in London for CTO@125, focusing on AI-driven digital transformation and building more inclusive digital ecosystems. Economy and inflation: The Central Bank of Lesotho raised its interest rate from 6.75% to 7.00% to rein in inflation amid higher energy, fuel and food risks. Governance and legal battles: At the National University of Lesotho, the leadership dispute deepened after the Council suspended acting VC Kananelo Mosito again, despite a Court of Appeal order. Infrastructure progress: LHDA says it has completed a R2.3bn access road network for LHWP Phase II, supporting Polihali Dam and tunnel works. Regional security shock: South Africa’s mass shootings left 18 dead in a Johannesburg-area tavern attack, with at least two victims identified as Lesotho nationals.

South Africa Security Crisis: A bar attack west of Johannesburg has left 18 dead after one victim died in hospital; police say two of the deceased are Lesotho nationals and the motive is still unclear, with gang turf wars and possible retaliation among theories. Regional Water Talks: South Africa and Zimbabwe are discussing a $500m Thuli Moswa dam to supply water to the Musina-Makhado Special Economic Zone, highlighting how water shortages and climate risk are pushing cross-border infrastructure planning. Lesotho Highlands Water Project Update: Polihali Dam construction is reported at 53% and Phase II overall at 56.7%, with impoundment expected in July 2027 and delivery targets stretching into 2028/29. Inflation Watch: The Central Bank of Lesotho raised its interest rate by 25 basis points to 7.00% to help contain rising prices amid regional and global cost pressures. NUL Leadership Fight: The National University of Lesotho’s acting vice-chancellor says a new Council suspension has no lawful effect after a Court of Appeal order reinstated him, deepening the governance dispute. Governance & Elections: The IEC has ordered a three-tier audit of the voters’ roll and election technology ahead of the 2028 National Assembly elections. Cybersecurity Bill: Stakeholders are again consulting on the Cybersecurity Bill 2026 after earlier versions faced pushback over concerns including privacy and freedom of expression. Climate Preparedness: Lesotho is preparing for hotter, drier conditions linked to El Niño, with drought-resistant seeds and advice to stock animal feed and water.

El Niño and drought planning: Lesotho is bracing for a hotter, drier summer, with the government urging farmers to use drought-tolerant seeds, grow lucerne for feed, and stock water and animal feed as forecasts warn of below-normal rains and above-average temperatures. Climate finance and jobs: A new USD$10m PARS project was launched to turn climate adaptation ideas into clean jobs, with youth and entrepreneurs pushed to develop locally driven solutions. Water project update: Polihali Dam construction is reported at 53% and Phase II at 56.7%, with impoundment targeted for July 2027 and delivery plans extending into 2028/29. Economy and inflation: The Central Bank of Lesotho raised its interest rate by 25 basis points to 7.00% to rein in rising prices, while warning inflation could climb again. Governance and courts: The National University of Lesotho leadership fight deepened after the Council suspended acting VC Kananelo Mosito again, despite a Court of Appeal order. Business and trade: Lesotho will host an AfCFTA workshop to help MSMEs sell across Africa, while the CAFI project received a “satisfactory” World Bank mid-term review in most areas. Security and justice: A treason trial involving senior figures was postponed to November, and police are accused of tampering with evidence in the case. Humanitarian support: Vodacom Lesotho Foundation refurbished St Angela Home, improving conditions for 53 children with disabilities.

Lesotho Highlands Water Project: Polihali Dam construction has passed the halfway mark, with the dam at 53% and Phase II overall at 56.7%, after a South Africa oversight visit; impoundment is now expected in July 2027. Inflation watch: The Central Bank of Lesotho raised its interest rate by 25 basis points to 7.00% to rein in rising prices, citing risks from energy costs, bad weather and global shocks. El Niño pressure on livelihoods: A new study projects about 42 deaths from El Niño heat in Lesotho between September and February, while the government is also preparing for hotter, drier conditions with drought-tolerant seeds and advice on feed and water. NUL leadership standoff: The National University of Lesotho crisis deepened again as the Council moved to suspend acting VC Kananelo Mosito days after a Court of Appeal order. Elections and voter roll: The IEC has ordered a three-tier audit of the voters’ roll and election technology ahead of the 2028 National Assembly elections. Trade and jobs: Government and partners will run a workshop to help MSMEs sell across Africa under AfCFTA rules, standards and digital trade. Cybersecurity Bill: Stakeholders are again scrutinising the Cybersecurity Bill 2026 over concerns about rights and freedoms. Red Cross controversy: An opinion piece questions the political links of the new LRCS board president ahead of El Niño preparedness. Business and community: Vodacom Lesotho Foundation refurbished St Angela Home, improving living conditions for 53 children.

UN Diplomacy on Gaza: At the UN General Assembly, leaders clashed sharply over Israel’s Gaza war, with calls for arms limits and sanctions alongside warnings that Palestinian statehood is being undermined on the ground. Foreign Affairs: Lesotho’s Ahmed Attaf met Angola’s Tete António, stressing deeper bilateral ties and coordination on Middle East impacts, Sahel security and Western Sahara. Climate & Food Security: Lesotho warned of worsening El Niño heat and drought, with drought-tolerant seeds and fodder advice; a study projects El Niño could kill about 42 Basotho by early 2027. Governance & Elections: The IEC ordered a three-tier audit of the voters’ roll and election technology ahead of 2028. Cybersecurity Law: Stakeholders scrutinised the Cybersecurity Bill 2026, seeking fixes before it returns to Parliament. Justice: In the treason case, the defence accused police of tampering with evidence; the trial continues. Economy & Trade: Lesotho launched an AfCFTA-linked MSME workshop and announced a USD$10m climate adaptation project using innovation and entrepreneurship. LHWP Controversy: Natural Resources Minister Mohlomi Moleko denied allegations over an “unqualified” RFP appointee tied to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project.

El Niño Drought Watch: Lesotho is bracing for a hotter, drier summer as the government secures drought-tolerant seeds and urges farmers to stock lucerne fodder and collect water, with climate forecasts pointing to higher chances of below-normal rains from October to December. Food Security Pressure: Officials warn that El Niño-linked heat has already triggered severe drought before, and a new study projects heat could kill dozens of Basotho between September and February, while hunger risks remain high. Election Readiness: The IEC has ordered a three-level audit of the voters’ roll and the technology behind it ahead of the 2028 National Assembly elections, checking voter records, server security, and system performance. Cybersecurity Bill Scrutiny: Stakeholders are reviewing Lesotho’s Cybersecurity Bill 2026 in Maseru, after earlier versions faced resistance and Cabinet split the 2024 proposal into separate cybercrime and cybersecurity laws. LHWP Appointment Row: Natural Resources Minister Mohlomi Moleko rejects claims he appointed an “unqualified” RFP Women’s League member to an LHWP-linked advisory post. Digital Future: Lesotho says it is the first country to apply the UN AI Blueprint, starting Phase One of a National Compute Roadmap (2026–2029). Justice in Treason Case: The treason trial continues as the defence alleges police tampered with evidence, while the case has been pushed to early November for further proceedings.

Climate & Food Security: Lesotho is bracing for a hotter, drier summer as El Niño-linked heat and drought threaten crops and livestock, with officials urging farmers to use drought-tolerant seeds, plant lucerne for fodder, and stock up on water and animal feed. Disaster Risk: A new study projects El Niño heat could kill about 42 Basotho between September and February, with Maseru expected to be hardest hit. Agriculture Inputs: Concerns are growing that delays in letting traders distribute subsidised seeds and fertiliser closer to rural communities could disrupt timely access during the summer planting season. Governance & Elections: The IEC has ordered a three-tier audit of the voters’ roll and election technology ahead of the 2028 National Assembly elections. Cybersecurity Law: Stakeholders are again scrutinising Lesotho’s Cybersecurity Bill 2026, after earlier versions faced resistance and the government split the 2024 proposal into separate cybercrime and cybersecurity laws. Justice: In the treason trial, the defence alleges police tampered with evidence at Police Headquarters, while the case has been pushed to November for continuation. LHWP & Appointments: Natural Resources Minister Mohlomi Moleko rejects claims he appointed an “unqualified” RFP member to an LHWP-linked advisory role. Digital & Innovation: Lesotho says it is the first country to apply the UN AI Blueprint and has started Phase One of a national compute roadmap. Water & Community Support: Vodacom Lesotho Foundation has refurbished St Angela Home for children with disabilities, and the LHDA has funded the Mokhotlong Highlands Marathon to boost tourism and local enterprise.

Climate & Food Security: A new study warns El Niño heat could kill about 42 Basotho between September and February, with Maseru, Berea and Leribe among the hardest hit, while the disaster agency admits it lacks money to prepare. Governance & Elections: The IEC has ordered a three-tier audit of the voters’ roll, checking records, the security of election technology, and whether systems work reliably ahead of the 2028 vote. Justice & Rule of Law: In the treason trial linked to the 2014 Police Headquarters raid, the defence alleges police tampered with a bullet-damaged door; the case is now set to run into November. Politics: The ABC will hold a special conference on 30 October after leadership turmoil and resignations shake its NEC. Digital Policy: Stakeholders are scrutinising the Cybersecurity Bill 2026, while Lesotho also moves ahead with UN AI Blueprint implementation and a national compute roadmap. Economy & Trade: Lesotho is set to host an MSME workshop on AfCFTA opportunities, and a Trans-Atlantic Cotton Partnership aims to link U.S. cotton to African textile production for the U.S. market. Social Impact: Vodacom Lesotho Foundation has refurbished St Angela Home for children with disabilities, improving safety and living conditions.

TRC and treason trial updates: Former South African justice minister Jeff Radebe told the Khampepe TRC inquiry he knew of no formal or informal deals to stop delayed prosecutions, while Lesotho’s treason case continues as the prosecution presents more testimony about the 2014 Police Headquarters raid and alleged torture. Cyber and digital governance: Lesotho is pushing ahead with Digital Public Infrastructure, including DPI safeguards for children, and stakeholders have been scrutinising the proposed Cybersecurity Bill 2026 as it takes shape. Climate and water security: With El Niño risks rising, the agriculture ministry says drought-tolerant seeds are procured and farmers are urged to plant fodder and harvest water; meanwhile, water projects face delays blamed on instability, procurement issues and even “criminality,” as Parliament hears updates on mega-project setbacks. Jobs and trade: Lesotho is set to benefit from a Trans-Atlantic Cotton Partnership linking U.S. cotton to African textile production for the U.S. market. Rural hardship spotlight: A remote Likhutlong community still relies on cattle carts for health access and basic services, underscoring gaps in transport and infrastructure. Sports admin: Kenya’s Harambee Stars allowance dispute is reported to have triggered a training boycott, with payments later confirmed.

AFCON Qualifiers: A new Africa Cup of Nations qualifying cycle starts today with 48 teams in 12 groups, but the continent is still waiting on a decision over the last title decider after Senegal were stripped and Morocco were handed the trophy following a protest; Morocco then begin Group A at home before hosting Lesotho on 29 September. Heritage Day (South Africa–Lesotho ties): South Africa’s 24 September Heritage Day is being marked as a shared Basotho cultural moment, with Sesotho language and traditions crossing the border and reflecting the deep links between the two countries. Lesotho in global tech: Lesotho says it is the first country to move from readiness testing to implementation of the UN AI Blueprint, with Prime Minister Matekane pointing to work on computing power, data, skills and financing. Water delivery pressure: South Africa’s water authorities report delays on major projects, blaming political instability, contractor performance, procurement issues and disruptions—issues that will resonate for Lesotho’s own water planning. Regional mobility rules: The UK has published an airport transit visa list that includes Lesotho, meaning travellers may be denied boarding if they transit without the right visa. Sports & culture: Lesotho’s tourism push continues through regional cultural summits, including Ghanaian heritage promotion in Maseru, while cycling gears up for the MTN Khemani Road Classic in Mankayane on 26 September. Governance watch: Questions are mounting after Lesotho Highlands Water Commission appointment claims tied to the ruling RFP, with allegations reported as a developing story.