AGP Executive Report

Cross-border safety and jobs: Lesotho has scaled up the repatriation of citizens from South Africa, with Foreign Affairs Minister Limpho Tau confirming 40 buses dispatched to the Western Cape and KwaZulu-Natal as Basotho flee unrest and report fear of police crackdowns. Roads and compensation: Lesotho’s Ministry of Finance is seeking public input on a new Motor Vehicle Accident Fund Policy to create a modern, sustainable, victim-centred compensation system and reform the 1989 framework. Crime and cross-border links: Two Lesotho nationals face court in Limpopo after a tavern double murder in Ga-Selepe; police say a stolen 9mm pistol and a getaway vehicle were recovered. Public accountability: Lesotho’s Accountability Summit in Maseru pushed faster passport processing (including SMS alerts) and tighter monitoring of payment systems for service providers, with calls for local subcontracting. Regional business pressure from migration: In South Africa’s clothing sector, factory owners warn closures could follow the flight of immigrant workers amid xenophobic violence. Health funding risk: A SADC TB report flags plateauing progress and a “global funding shock,” with Lesotho listed among the highest-incidence countries.

Lesotho Public Finance & Policy: Lesotho’s Ministry of Finance is inviting public comments on a new Motor Vehicle Accident Fund Policy to replace the 1989 Motor Vehicle Insurance Order, aiming for a modern, sustainable and victim-centred compensation system and better road-safety alignment. Cross-Border Justice: Two Lesotho nationals face court in South Africa after a double tavern killing in Limpopo; police say they recovered a stolen 9mm pistol and seized a getaway vehicle linked to the July 2 incident. Accountability & Service Delivery: Lesotho’s Accountability Summit in Maseru is pushing faster public services, including passport processing improvements (including SMS alerts) and tighter monitoring of payments to service providers, with calls for more local subcontracting on major projects. Crime & Community Safety: Lesotho Correctional Services says sexual offences remain the most common crimes, with substance abuse, domestic violence and murder also driving high crime levels. Regional Health Watch: A SADC TB report warns progress is plateauing and funding cuts could derail 2030 targets; Lesotho is flagged with the highest TB incidence in the region. Migration Pressure on Business: South Africa’s xenophobia-linked unrest is disrupting sectors that rely on immigrant labour, with clothing factories warning of collapse as workers flee. Energy Costs & Output: Stats SA reports electricity generation fell 9% year on year in May, with distribution also down in several provinces.

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, aiming for a modern, sustainable, victim-centred compensation system and better road-safety support; the public is invited to submit written comments. Public Service Accountability: A three-day Accountability Summit in Maseru pushed for faster passport processing (including SMS alerts) and tighter monitoring of service delivery, with calls for more local subcontracting on major projects and youth representation in national committees. Crime and Justice: Two Lesotho nationals were arrested in South Africa over a fatal tavern shooting in Ga-Selepe near Mecklenburg; they face murder-related charges and are due in court on July 6. Migration Pressure on Business: In South Africa’s clothing sector, factory owners warn of collapse as immigrant workers flee xenophobic violence, threatening jobs and output in KwaZulu-Natal’s CMT hubs. Regional Health Watch: A SADC TB report flags plateauing progress and a funding shock, with Lesotho still recording the highest TB incidence in the region. Digital Learning Boost: A Dubai-backed Digital School initiative, supported by MBRGI, plans to expand tech-driven education in Lesotho and five other countries, targeting over 500,000 learners and job-bound youth.

Lesotho–South Africa Crime Link: Two Lesotho nationals were arrested in Limpopo over the July 2 tavern shooting in Ga-Selepe, with police seizing a stolen 9mm pistol and an unregistered BMW; the younger suspect faces murder and Immigration Act charges and both are due in Mecklenburg court on July 6. Regional Migration Tensions: Nigeria formally warned South Africa after two Nigerians were allegedly killed around June 28 amid anti-migrant violence, saying “apartheid-style” treatment must be addressed. Public Accountability in Lesotho: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane says the Leadership Forum and National Accountability Summit will become an annual platform, citing passport-processing improvements and calls for skills transfer and youth representation. SACU Trade Push: At the SACU summit, Ramaphosa urged accelerated reforms and regional value-chain work in fertilisers, agrochemicals and seed production, alongside an export strategy for intra-Africa trade. Mining Compensation: The Tshiamiso Trust has paid R2.7bn to mineworkers affected by silicosis and TB, with Lesotho leading beneficiaries so far and more claims expected before the 2029 deadline. Digital Skills Boost: MBRGI and The Digital School plan a three-year digital education push for 500,000+ people across Lesotho and five other African countries, including teacher support and job-ready training. Crime & Health Focus: Lesotho correctional officials say sexual offences remain the most common crime, with substance abuse and domestic violence also driving cases.

Lesotho–South Africa Migration Ripple: Basotho street vendors in Maseru say the return of workers from South Africa is already squeezing sales and cash flow, as factories slow and remittances risk drying up. Crime & Rehabilitation: Lesotho’s correctional service reports sexual offences remain the most common crimes, with substance abuse, domestic violence and murder also driving high crime levels; officials urged safer home environments and stronger child protection. Mineworker Compensation: The Tshiamiso Trust has paid R2.7bn to gold mineworkers and dependents affected by silicosis and TB, with Lesotho leading beneficiaries; thousands more are expected to claim before the 2029 deadline. Digital Learning Push: MBRGI and The Digital School plan a three-year digital education drive for 500,000+ people across Lesotho and five other African countries, including teacher training and job-ready skills. Regional Trade Agenda (SACU): SACU leaders, including Lesotho’s partners, are urged to accelerate reforms and build regional value chains in fertilisers, agrochemicals, seed, and industrial sectors. South Africa Labour Fallout: Labour groups in Gauteng allege some employers are using the xenophobic climate to dismiss migrant workers via “pseudo-retrenchments,” raising fresh pressure on compliance with labour laws.

Lesotho–South Africa Labour & Remittances: Maseru street vendors say Basotho returning from South Africa is already squeezing demand and cashflow, with factory slowdowns adding pressure on jobs and spending. Mining Compensation: Lesotho-linked ex-mineworkers are still struggling to access benefits from the Tshiamiso Trust, with thousands facing document and legal hurdles despite R2.7bn already paid out. National Accountability Dialogue: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane says the Leadership Forum and Accountability Summit will become an annual public dialogue platform, with citizens pushing for transparency, better service delivery and clearer relations with South Africa. Agriculture & Wool/Mohair: Farmers question how agriculture is being driven; the Agriculture minister cites wool and mohair collections and calls for faster processing and industry upgrades to boost export revenue. Digital Education Push: MBRGI and The Digital School plan to support over 500,000 learners in Lesotho and five other African countries through digital learning spaces, teacher training and job-ready skills. Crime & Rehabilitation: Lesotho Correctional Service highlights sexual offences as a leading crime category, linking many cases to substance abuse and urging stronger child protection at home. Regional Trade/Industry: SACU leaders urge accelerated reforms and value-chain work to strengthen regional cooperation and intra-Africa trade.

Anti-corruption & governance: Nigeria’s ICPC has arrested former Innovation Minister Geoffrey Nnaji at Abuja airport over alleged forged certificates, after he resigned in 2025 and failed to attend investigative interviews. Public accountability in Lesotho: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane says the Leadership Forum and National Accountability Summit should become an annual platform for government–citizen dialogue, with key calls on commercialising agriculture, skills transfer, and youth representation. Mining compensation: Lesotho-linked mineworkers’ claims under the Tshiamiso Trust reached R2.7bn paid out so far, with thousands more expected before the 2029 deadline. Electricity & costs: South Africa’s electricity generation fell 9% year-on-year in May, while distribution also declined in several provinces—another pressure point for business. Regional trade & industry: At the SACU summit, Ramaphosa urged faster reforms and progress on regional value chains and an export strategy to boost intra-African trade. Migration pressure on livelihoods: Lesotho vendors in Maseru fear reduced remittances as Basotho return from South Africa, while South Africa faces ongoing labour-law concerns over alleged unfair dismissals of migrant workers. Digital education push: Dubai’s Digital School, backed by MBRGI, plans to support 500,000+ learners across Lesotho and five other African countries over three years. Agriculture policy: Lesotho farmers raised concerns about slow agricultural growth, as the agriculture minister pointed to wool and mohair collections and urged processing before export to lift revenue. Business consolidation: Varun Beverages announced a merger of its South African subsidiaries Twizza and Bevco to cut costs and create synergies.

National Accountability Summit: Lesotho’s Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane says the Leadership Forum and National Accountability Summit will become an annual platform for government–public dialogue, with key calls including commercialising agriculture for jobs and exports, more skills transfer on construction projects, and youth representation in Sebabatso committees. Mineworker payouts: The Tshiamiso Trust has paid R2.7bn to sick and deceased gold mineworkers’ claims linked to silicosis and TB, with Lesotho leading beneficiaries and thousands more expected to come forward before the 2029 deadline. Electricity squeeze: South Africa’s electricity generation fell 9% year-on-year in May as tariffs kept climbing, while distribution also declined in several provinces—an issue that can hit regional business costs. SACU push for reforms: President Cyril Ramaphosa urged faster SACU reforms at the 9th summit, pointing to regional value chains and an export strategy to boost intra-African trade. Digital learning boost for Lesotho: MBRGI and The Digital School plan to support 500,000+ people over three years across six countries including Lesotho, focusing on school support, digital learning spaces, teacher training and job-ready skills. Migration pressure and labour risk: South Africa’s migration enforcement remains under scrutiny after reports of displaced people needing humanitarian support and allegations that some employers exploit xenophobic tensions to dismiss migrant workers unfairly. Agriculture concerns in Lesotho: Farmers at the Leadership and Accountability Summit questioned how agriculture is being driven for income growth, while the agriculture minister highlighted wool and mohair collections and the need to process before export. Corporate move: Varun Beverages announced a merger of its South African subsidiaries Twizza and Bevco to cut costs and create synergies, with PepsiCo franchise rights spanning Lesotho and Eswatini.

Mineworker Compensation: Tshiamiso Trust has paid R2.7bn to gold mineworkers affected by silicosis and TB, with Lesotho leading beneficiaries (about R1bn paid) and thousands more expected to claim before the 2029 deadline. Cross-Border Labour & Benefits: Lesotho says many former Basotho mineworkers still can’t access benefits owed by 51 foreign companies, citing document hurdles in South Africa; only Tshiamiso has agreed to open a Lesotho office to help. SACU Trade Push: At the SACU summit, President Ramaphosa urged faster reforms and regional value-chain work (fertilisers, agrochemicals, seed, plus automotive and minerals), alongside an export strategy to boost intra-Africa trade. Electricity Pressure in SA: Stats SA reports South Africa’s electricity generation fell 9% year-on-year in May, while distribution also declined in several provinces—an issue that can ripple into regional business costs. Lesotho Economy Mood: Maseru street vendors fear reduced remittances as Basotho return from South Africa, while factory slowdowns and closures tighten household spending. Digital Skills Boost: MBRGI and Dubai’s Digital School plan to support over 500,000 people across Lesotho and five other African countries with digital learning spaces, teacher training, and job-ready skills. Migration Tensions Spill Over: South Africa’s xenophobia and anti-illegal immigration protests are driving fear and evictions, while Lesotho urges citizens in SA to contact embassies and uses buses for potential repatriations. Business & Investment Moves: Varun Beverages announced a merger of its South African subsidiaries Twizza and Bevco to cut costs and create synergies; Letshego shareholders also approved a deal to sell operations in parts of Africa.

Digital Learning Push: MBRGI, via The Digital School, is rolling out a tech-driven education initiative for 500,000+ people across Mauritania, Nigeria, Lesotho, Zambia, Namibia and Angola—covering school support, digital learning spaces, teacher capacity and job-market readiness. SACU Trade Agenda: At the 9th SACU Summit in Cape Town, President Ramaphosa urged faster reforms to strengthen regional cooperation, advance value chains (fertilisers, agrochemicals, seed) and industrial sectors (automotive, batteries), and agreed on an export strategy to boost intra-AfCFTA trade. Lesotho Farmers’ Concerns: Farmers told the Leadership and Accountability Summit that agriculture’s growth “engine” is moving too slowly; the Agriculture Minister pointed to wool and mohair collections (M900m, 2m sheep annually) and urged earlier processing to raise export revenue. Maseru Vendors Feel the Pinch: Street vendors in Maseru say Basotho returning from South Africa could cut remittances and hit already-stressed local factories, reducing customer spending. Cross-Border Safety Measures: Lesotho urged citizens in South Africa to contact embassies if unsafe and provided buses for possible repatriations amid planned anti-illegal immigration marches. Media & Finance Skills: CAFI and the Central Bank of Lesotho ran a workshop to help journalists cover economic issues, investment opportunities, entrepreneurship and financial inclusion more accurately.

Digital Skills Push: MBRGI and The Digital School launched a sustainable digital learning initiative targeting 500,000+ people across Mauritania, Nigeria, Lesotho, Zambia, Namibia and Angola, with support for schools, digital learning spaces, teacher training and youth job-market readiness. Cross-Border Economic Shock: UNCTAD warned that the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz may ease oil markets, but vulnerable economies will still face slower, uneven recovery as freight and other costs remain above pre-disruption levels. Maseru Business Pressure: Maseru street vendors say Basotho returning from South Africa is already hitting sales and savings, especially where remittances are expected to fall amid factory slowdowns and closures. Accountability Summit: Lesotho civil society and youth groups welcomed the National Dialogue and Accountability Summit, urging transparency, better coordination between budgets and results, and faster action on corruption and service delivery. Ex-Mineworkers Still Stuck: The Labour Ministry said thousands of former Basotho mineworkers remain unable to access benefits owed by 51 foreign companies due to legal and document hurdles, with efforts underway to improve access. Regional Trade Funding: SACU heads agreed to set up a new regional innovative funding mechanism with an initial N$5 billion to back development projects across member states. Media & Finance Literacy: CAFI and the Central Bank of Lesotho ran a workshop to help journalists cover economic issues, investment opportunities, entrepreneurship and financial inclusion more accurately.

Cross-Border Migration & Business Impact: Maseru street vendors say Basotho returning from South Africa is already squeezing sales and cash flow, as factories slow and remittances risk falling. National Accountability Push: Public and civil society groups welcomed Lesotho’s National Dialogue and Accountability Summit, urging transparency, better coordination between budgets and results, and faster action on corruption and service delivery. Mining Benefits Bottleneck: Thousands of former Basotho mineworkers still can’t access benefits owed by 51 foreign companies, with document hurdles tied to South Africa’s Master of the High Court slowing claims. Regional Trade & Funding: SACU leaders agreed to set up a N$5 billion innovative funding mechanism to back cross-border industrial and infrastructure projects, financed via the Common Revenue Pool. Media & Financial Inclusion: CAFI and the Central Bank of Lesotho trained journalists to report more effectively on economic issues, investment opportunities, entrepreneurship and financial inclusion. SACU/Lesotho Infrastructure Jobs: Mpilo Maseru Central roads and bridges sod-turning points to a two-year project and local employment, with major road and bridge allocations. South Africa Migration Tensions Spill Over: Lesotho urged citizens in South Africa to contact embassies and satellite offices, with buses prepared for possible repatriations ahead of planned anti-immigration marches. Skills for Growth: A Lesotho workshop for mathematics teachers targets improved learner performance, linking stronger maths to future science, technology and economic development.

Migration & Business Risk: An economist says South Africa can’t “deport its way out” of migration, calling mass expulsions illegal and economically ineffective, while Lesotho urges Basotho in South Africa to contact embassies and uses buses for possible repatriations amid anti-immigrant marches. Regional Trade & SACU Funding: SACU leaders approved a R5 billion regional innovative funding mechanism to back cross-border industrial and infrastructure projects, with Lesotho among the beneficiaries, as SACU also pushes industrialisation and value-chain work. Lesotho Infrastructure Jobs: Acting PM Justice Majara sod-turns the Mpilo Maseru Central roads and bridges project, targeting safer city movement and youth employment over two years. Financial Inclusion & Media Skills: CAFI and the Central Bank of Lesotho run a workshop to improve journalists’ coverage of economic issues, investment opportunities, entrepreneurship and financial inclusion. Economy Watch (South Africa): South Africa’s trade balance slipped into a May deficit as oil import costs rose, with analysts linking the outlook to oil prices and logistics reforms. Tech & Creative Growth: Google launches a Ksh129.5m equity-free fund for African indie game studios, offering mentorship and support to scale for global markets. Education for Productivity: Mathematics teachers in Lesotho attend training aimed at improving learner performance and strengthening problem-solving skills.

Cross-border safety for Basotho: Lesotho has urged citizens in South Africa to contact embassy and satellite offices if they feel unsafe, with five buses readied for possible repatriations as anti-immigrant marches loom. SACU funding push: SACU Heads of State agreed to set up a Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism with an initial N$5 billion (from the Common Revenue Pool) to back development projects across member states, including Lesotho, as leaders also stress industrialisation and export promotion. CBL fraud warning: The Central Bank of Lesotho says it has detected bogus investment schemes falsely claiming CBL authorisation, naming several platforms and urging the public to verify licences directly with the CBL before investing. Regional business capacity: The CAFI project, in partnership with the CBL, trained journalists to report better on economic issues, investment opportunities, entrepreneurship and financial inclusion—aimed at helping Basotho understand policies and market trends. Regional labour and migration pressure: Coverage around South Africa’s June 30 immigration deadline highlights rising fear and exploitation concerns for migrants, with businesses and communities bracing for disruption.

Lesotho Finance Watch: The Central Bank of Lesotho (CBL) has warned Basotho against fraudulent investment schemes and unlicensed operators falsely claiming CBL authorisation, naming several suspected scams and urging people to verify any licence directly with the CBL before depositing money. SACU Funding Push: At the 9th SACU Summit, leaders agreed to set up a Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism with an initial R5 billion (from the Common Revenue Pool) to back cross-border industrial and infrastructure projects across SACU members, including Lesotho, with governance and access criteria to be worked out. SACU Reform Mandate: SACU leaders also gave their new Executive Secretary Dumsani Masilela a mandate to implement the “re-imagined SACU Agenda,” extending the Strategic Plan to 2028/29 and focusing on regional competitiveness amid global uncertainty. Local Infrastructure & Jobs: Lesotho’s Acting Prime Minister Justice Nthomeng Majara led the sod-turning for the Mpilo Maseru Central roads and bridges project, a multi-million Maloti upgrade expected to run for two years and create youth employment. Regional Trade Signals: India said its FTA talks with Israel and the GCC are temporarily stalled due to the West Asia crisis, but negotiations continue with SACU and other blocs—relevant for Lesotho’s trade outlook. Migration Tensions Spillover: South Africa’s June 30 anti-immigration deadline is driving business anxiety, including tourism cancellations, while activists and officials trade blame over protest planning and security.

SACU Regional Push: SACU leaders approved a R5 billion regional development fund to finance cross-border industrial and infrastructure projects across Namibia, Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho and South Africa, with financing planned through the Common Revenue Pool from 2027/28 and 2028/29. SACU Reform Mandate: The union also gave new Executive Secretary Dumsani Masilela a mandate to implement the “re-imagined SACU Agenda” and extend the Strategic Plan to 2028/29, as leaders warned global shifts demand stronger regional coordination. Lesotho Infrastructure & Jobs: Acting PM Justice Nthomeng Majara sod-turned the Mpilo Maseru Central roads and bridges project, a multi-million Maloti upgrade (9km and four bridges) aimed at cutting accidents and creating youth employment over two years. Central Bank Fraud Warning: The Central Bank of Lesotho warned the public about bogus investment schemes and unlicensed entities falsely claiming CBL authorisation, urging people to verify licences directly with the CBL. Agriculture Finance Uptake: Lesotho Post Bank urged Berea farmers to use its tractor financing promotion, noting the initiative is under-utilised despite government support. Payments & Trade Tech: Afreximbank-linked reporting highlights growing use of local-currency settlement systems like PAPSS to reduce reliance on the US dollar and euro in cross-border trade.