AGP Executive Report

Tea Jobs in Limpopo: Retang Phaahla quit her quantity surveyor role to build Setšong Tea Crafters, turning long-ignored indigenous herbs into a culture-led tea business aimed at community uplift and employment. AI Adoption Watch: A new 2026 map shows the UAE leading AI use (70% of working-age adults), with Singapore close behind (63%), while the US lags despite leading AI development—highlighting that adoption speed can beat model ownership. Independence Integrity Push: As Lesotho heads toward 60 years of independence, a spiritual leader urged Cabinet to prioritise national interest and selflessness, with prayer plans moving beyond Maseru. Sentebale Strategy Reset: Sentebale appointed two new trustees and says it has completed regulator-required actions, while starting work on its 2027–2030 strategy after reaching 35,000+ young people in Q1 2026. Women in Logistics: CILTSA opened a fully funded candidacy programme for 15 women, offering an international logistics qualification and professional designation. Regional Football: Namibia’s Sisqo Shimooshili won a COSAFA EXCO seat, calling it a chance to boost regional football development.

Home Affairs Ethics Push: Lesotho’s Parliament committee has moved to adopt a Code of Conduct and Ethics for MPs, calling for enforceable rules on conflicts of interest, disclosure, and real consequences for breaches—aimed at restoring public trust. Mining Jobs at Risk: Energy and Mining Minister Lejone Mpotjoane says mine closures are tied to a declining global diamond market, with government now looking at alternatives like crushed stone and plans to amend laws so Basotho benefit more. Transport Blocks Healthcare: In Ha Ramakhetheng, residents still face hours-long walks to reach clinics and hospitals because of poor access roads and lack of taxis, leaving the elderly and sick most trapped. Education Under Pressure: Across Africa, the latest reporting flags that over 100 million children remain out of school, while in Lesotho Motimposo’s MP-backed porridge initiative is stepping in where hunger is hitting learners hard. Regional Watch: Zambia is pushing back on US-linked health aid demands tied to critical minerals, underscoring how aid is increasingly becoming “transactional.”

Maternal health accountability: Experts say Africa’s safe childbirth crisis isn’t about missing medical know-how—it’s about weak leadership, coordination and enforcement, with sub-Saharan Africa carrying most of the world’s pregnancy-related deaths and stillbirths. Education access: New figures show over 100 million African children and adolescents still out of school, with progress stalling as population growth outpaces participation. Parliamentary ethics: Lesotho’s National Assembly committee has moved to adopt a Code of Conduct for MPs, pushing for enforceable rules, disclosures and real consequences. Home Affairs budget focus: Deputy Minister Njabulo B Nzuza delivered the Home Affairs Budget Vote, stressing a shift to a modern, secure, citizen-centred department. Local innovation: Abia High School in Lesotho installed a hydroponic system to build practical “smart agriculture” skills. Regional governance: Namibia will host a SADC public accounts workshop, bringing together oversight bodies to strengthen scrutiny and fight corruption.

Home Affairs Budget: Deputy Minister Njabulo B Nzuza used the Budget Vote debate to push a “culture change” agenda for a modern, secure, efficient, citizen-centred Home Affairs. Community Recognition: Zimbabwe engineer Collins Takunda Mnangagwa and PR specialist Takemore Mazuruse both picked up major awards for community-focused leadership. AfCON Qualifiers Draw: The D-Day draw for AfCON PAMOJA 2027 group qualifiers happens Tuesday in Cairo, setting up 12 groups of four with hosts Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda already guaranteed places. Violence and Safety: Free State police are still searching for suspects after a deadly R26 shooting near Tweeling, where victims with Lesotho number plates were ambushed. Lesotho Health Access: At Whitehill in Qacha’s Nek, patients wait for a free boat to Tebellong Hospital—because private crossings are too costly. Regional Trade and Policy: South Africa’s Home Affairs also faces scrutiny around migration systems, while Vodacom ramps up smartphone financing to drive data growth.

AfCON PAMOJA 2027 Draw: The D-day is here. On Tuesday, 18 May, Cairo will host the draw that splits 48 teams into 12 groups of four, with the top two in each group booking spots for the finals. Kenya, Tanzania and Uganda are guaranteed as hosts, so only one extra team from each host group will qualify. Public Safety: In South Africa’s Free State, police are still searching for suspects after a deadly R26 shooting near Tweeling left three men and a woman dead, with a surviving passenger wounded. Home Affairs Budget: Deputy Minister Njabulo B Nzuza delivered South Africa’s Home Affairs Budget Vote, stressing a shift toward a modern, secure, citizen-centred department. Lesotho Business & Community: Lesotho’s Motimposo learners get a lifeline: a “morning porridge” push after hunger-related incidents, while Lesotho also keeps building regional ties—like a Lesotho TV newsroom exchange with Namibia’s NBC. Regional Economy: Vodacom is pushing smartphone financing to drive data growth, while South Africa’s electricity exports to neighbours are forecast at about R18.8bn.

Violence on the R26: Free State police are still hunting suspects after a deadly ambush near Perdehoek Farm outside Tweeling, where armed attackers allegedly fired on a vehicle with Lesotho number plates; four people were found fatally shot and one passenger was seriously wounded, while the motive and identities of the deceased remain unclear. Home Affairs Budget Focus: Deputy Minister Njabulo B Nzuza used the 2026/27 Home Affairs Budget Vote debate to push a “modern, secure, efficient, citizen-centred” department built on culture change. Tech and Telecom Push: Vodacom is driving smartphone access through prepaid device financing, while also leaning harder into fintech as it reports strong earnings momentum. Migration Pressure in the Region: South Africa’s xenophobia flare-ups are spilling into diplomacy, with Ghana announcing plans to evacuate citizens amid safety concerns. Lesotho Development Watch: Lesotho is set to host another public-private dialogue, and tourism promotion continues at Durban Indaba as winter season interest builds.

India-Africa Summit Kickoff: India is hosting the 4th India-Africa Forum Summit in New Delhi from 28–31 May 2026, aiming to turn political, security, trade and people-to-people ties into fresh deals under the theme “IA Spirit: Innovation, Resilience and Inclusive Transformation,” with a “New Delhi Declaration” expected at the end. Telecom Push in the Region: Vodacom is stepping up smartphone financing for prepaid users through Easy2Own-style repayments, betting devices will drive higher data use and expand digital services. Migration Pressure on Paperwork: South Africa’s Home Affairs is auditing how many Zimbabwe Exemption Permit holders remain active after consultations on ZEP/LEP, as numbers are disputed amid wider documentation and deportation fears. Lesotho on the Ground: Lesotho Television’s newsroom exchange with Namibia’s NBC highlights a push toward digital and integrated media operations. Food Security at School Level: In Motimposo, a porridge initiative is keeping hungry learners in class after recent fainting and hunger-linked incidents. Infrastructure & Access: Heavy rains have damaged Lesotho’s electricity network, while patients in Qacha’s Nek still rely on a free boat to reach Tebellong Hospital.

Vodacom Smartphone Push: Vodacom is stepping up prepaid-to-smartphone financing with Easy2Own—customers pay small daily/weekly amounts, and the phone locks if they miss payments—aiming to boost data use and deepen digital services. ZEP/LEP Audit: South Africa’s Home Affairs is consulting on the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit, saying the approved 178,000 holders are being audited to estimate how many remain active. Labour Rights Under Fire: Fresh claims of “sweatshop” conditions in South Africa’s clothing supply chain are back in the spotlight, including allegations of long shifts and below-minimum pay. Food Security Pressure: Malawi’s farmers face a fertilizer-and-fuel squeeze linked to wider Middle East shipping shocks, raising fears of higher costs and shortages. Lesotho Health Access: In Qacha’s Nek, patients wait for a free boat to reach Tebellong Hospital—because private transport is too expensive. Lesotho Business & Policy: Lesotho will host its fourth public-private dialogue on May 20, with working groups already formed in textiles, agriculture, and tourism.

Food Security Push: At Motimposo Primary in Qacha’s Nek, MP ‘Makatleho Motsoasele’ has stepped in to serve warm soft porridge to learners every morning after hunger-related fainting and even blood-vomiting reports—an urgent response to wider food insecurity affecting 524,000 Basotho. Sports Money Row: The Soweto Marathon’s top finishers, including Lesotho’s Joseph Seutloali, are still waiting for prize money months after drug-test delays were cited, with a court battle over race ownership now suspected behind the hold-up. Energy Exports: South Africa’s electricity minister says R18.8bn is expected from power sales to eight neighbours, including Lesotho, as Eskom performance improves. Regional Costs Shock: A new AU/AfDB-linked report flags Zimbabwe’s fuel hikes as among Africa’s steepest, spotlighting how oil-price shocks hit businesses and households hardest. Lesotho Infrastructure & Access: Maseru’s FSC “Stadium of Life” opens with sustainably sourced timber, while in Qacha’s Nek patients still rely on a free boat to reach Tebellong Hospital when private transport is too costly. Weather Disruption: Heavy rains and snow have damaged Lesotho’s power network, leaving some areas without electricity as repairs continue.

DSAC Budget Vote: Deputy Minister Peace Mabe told Parliament the Sport, Arts and Culture Department will get R6.617bn for 2026/27, including R1.341bn for recreation and sport promotion, framing culture as the “stories and songs” that build cohesion. Immigration Tensions: A fresh debate argues South Africa’s immigration problem is being handled with “carelessness,” warning that unemployment pressure can’t justify xenophobic violence. Digital ID & Finance: ID4Africa’s panel says eKYC is improving, but many systems get stuck halfway—raising costs and blocking access for low-risk customers. Lesotho Business & Trade: Lesotho will host its fourth public-private dialogue (May 20) with World Bank support, aiming to turn sector working groups into practical growth plans. Healthcare Access: In Qacha’s Nek, patients still wait on the Senqu River for a free hospital boat because private crossings are too expensive. Sustainable Infrastructure: Maseru’s FSC Stadium of Life opens—Africa’s first stadium built with sustainably sourced timber. Electricity Disruption: Heavy rains and snow have damaged LEC infrastructure, leaving some areas without power.

Healthcare Access: In Qacha’s Nek, patients at Whitehill in Qacha’s Nek are already queuing on the Senqu River for a free boat to Tebellong Hospital—because private boats charge, and for many Basotho, getting care starts with waiting. Telecom Pricing: Nepal Telecom has revised international call charging to a 60-second pulse for dozens of destinations, including Lesotho—effective from Jestha 1. Sports Revival: Malawi’s national basketball teams are set to return after 14 years, with a Four-Nation Tournament in Lesotho in September. Business & Culture: “Gatsheni” the Pietermaritzburg TikTok shoe repair sensation is turning a small workshop into a national brand. Regional Trade & Infrastructure: South Africa unveiled a R12.5bn plan to overhaul six land borders, including Maseru Bridge and Ficksburg. Vodacom Momentum: Vodacom lifted its Vision 2030 customer ambition to 275m after adding 26m customers, with fintech driving growth. Lesotho Climate & Power: Heavy rains and snow have damaged electricity infrastructure, with LEC assessing losses and restoring supply where roads allow.

HIV Supply Crunch: In Eswatini, demand for the twice-yearly HIV prevention injection lenacapavir is outpacing stocks, with clinics reporting near-depleted supplies after rapid uptake—raising fears of missed prevention for vulnerable communities. Vodacom Momentum: Vodacom says it has lifted its long-term customer target to 275 million by 2030 after adding 26 million customers to reach 237.3 million, with financial services and fintech driving earnings growth; Lesotho is cited among markets performing strongly. Lesotho Power Disruptions: Heavy rains and snow have damaged Lesotho’s electricity infrastructure, leaving areas without power as LEC assesses transformer and transmission pole losses and works to restore supply. Food–Fertiliser Shock: Across the region, farmers brace for a food crisis as fertilizer flows are disrupted, with Malawi warning that availability—not just price—could hit small markets hardest. Regional Tensions: South Africa’s xenophobia flare-up continues to spill over, with Ghana announcing plans to evacuate 300 citizens from SA amid safety concerns. Local Business & Growth: Lesotho pushes tourism at Durban Indaba, highlighting Afriski and winter events as it eyes higher arrivals. Fintech Expansion: Araxi shareholders back its acquisition of an 80% stake in Pay@, approved by competition authorities, setting up a bigger payments push across Southern Africa including Lesotho.

Vodacom’s earnings surge: Vodacom says full-year revenue rose to ZAR167.7bn and EBITDA to ZAR62.6bn, boosted by digital financial services and strong regional performance, with Lesotho among the standouts. The group added 26 million customers to reach 237.3 million and has doubled down on growth, lifting its Vision 2030 ambition to 275 million users. Fintech expansion: Araxi shareholders have overwhelmingly backed its acquisition of an 80% stake in Pay@ Group, a payments aggregator serving retailers and mobile point-of-sale across Southern Africa, including Lesotho—expected to close in May. Trade & transport push for Lesotho: A World Bank mission reviewed progress on Lesotho’s Integrated Transport, Trade and Logistics Project, focusing on procurement, customs facilitation and the Smart One Stop Border Post. Disaster relief groundwork: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority is collecting data on flash floods and snow impacts, as government urges communities to avoid building in risky areas. Sports with a local feel: A timber football stadium in Lesotho is completed, while BOSMA’s masters softball tournament is set for 14–16 June in Jwaneng with teams from Botswana, Lesotho and South Africa. Education pressure across Africa: New analysis warns that after years of progress, the number of out-of-school children is rising again, with over 100 million still missing education.

Africa Forward Summit: In Nairobi, President William Ruto pushed a “win-win” Africa–France partnership built on sovereign equality and mutual respect, while French President Emmanuel Macron sparked backlash by demanding silence from a noisy audience and calling it a “total lack of respect.” Health Funding Shock: A USAID exit is exposing how fragile donor-funded health systems have become, with experts urging African governments to take stronger ownership of financing. Lesotho Transport Push: A World Bank implementation support mission reviewed progress on Lesotho’s Integrated Transport, Trade and Logistics Project, focusing on faster procurement and border-post improvements. Disaster Relief: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority is collecting data on flash floods and snow damage to plan relief for affected families. Digital & Service Delivery: A Lesotho Senate motion urges Parliament to adopt AI to speed up public services like passports and improve legislative responsiveness. Vodacom Momentum: Vodacom’s strong subscriber surge—plus Lesotho’s role in group performance—kept Vision 2030 ambitions rising, while fintech Araxi advanced its Pay@ acquisition. Regional Tensions: Across Southern Africa, xenophobia warnings and diplomatic sparring continue to dominate headlines, with South Africa and neighbours trading blame and calls for protection.

Africa–France Tensions: Emmanuel Macron snapped at a noisy audience in Nairobi, demanding silence and calling it a “total lack of respect,” even as President William Ruto used the same Africa Forward Summit to push a “win-win” partnership based on sovereign equality and mutual investment. Lesotho Policy Push: In Maseru, Chief Peete Lesaoana Peete urged Parliament to adopt AI to speed up public services like passports and improve how laws are drafted. Disaster Relief: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority is collecting data on damage from flash floods and snow, as Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane calls for cooperation and warns against building in unsafe areas. World Bank Support: A World Bank mission reviewed progress on Lesotho’s transport, trade and logistics project, focusing on procurement and border systems. Vodacom Momentum (Regional): Vodacom reported strong growth—26 million new customers to March 2026—boosting confidence in its Vision 2030 targets, with Lesotho among key performers.

Vodacom Momentum: Vodacom has more than doubled its Vision 2030 customer growth pace, adding 26-million subscribers to reach 237.3-million users across eight markets, and now lifts its long-term ambition to 275-million customers by 2030. Vodacom Lesotho & Digital Push: The group’s strong start is backed by double-digit earnings and service revenue growth, with Lesotho flagged among the standouts—while Vodacom Lesotho also marks its 30th anniversary with a renewed focus on connectivity and digital inclusion. Fintech Expansion: Araxi shareholders have overwhelmingly approved its 80% acquisition of Pay@, setting up a major payments push across Southern Africa, including Lesotho, after competition approval. Regional Pressure Point: South Africa’s xenophobia flare-ups continue to spill into diplomacy, with several African countries warning citizens to stay cautious and remain indoors. Local Business Angle: Standard Lesotho Bank backed a China trade symposium, reinforcing support for Basotho firms sourcing and trading with China.