AGP Executive Report

South Africa Immigration Crackdown: South Africa is proposing steep penalties for employers of undocumented workers, with fines of R100,000 per worker for first offences and escalating penalties for repeat cases, potentially reaching R1 million and even jail time—an approach that could hit both businesses and private households. Electricity Tariff Challenge in Lesotho: Lesotho’s High Court is set to deliver a judgment on whether electricity users were charged illegal fees since 2024 after tariff increases, following a case challenging LEWA and LEC’s March 2024 decision and seeking review and possible reimbursement. Anti-Corruption at Borders: A local immigration officer and two South African counterparts were arrested at Ngwenya Border Post after an alleged E100 bribe to unlawfully stamp Zimbabwean passports, with charges under the Prevention of Corruption Act. Regional Trade Talks: South Africa’s CTICC2 will host major SACU meetings from 18–26 June, with Lesotho among expected participants, focusing on customs policy and strengthening intra-regional trade. Digital Access for Lesotho Users: Google is expanding Ask Gemini in Chrome to Lesotho and other African markets, aiming to make AI search and understanding more widely available. Vodacom Investment: Vodacom Group plans major network and IT upgrades after investing R23.6bn in FY2026 to boost resilience and modernise platforms. Lesotho Business Spotlight: Nedbank Lesotho held its annual market day at Maseru Mall, showcasing vehicle, home, solar finance and digital commerce solutions. Public Asset Declarations: Lesotho’s DCEO published names of officials who submitted 2025/26 asset declarations, reinforcing transparency requirements under anti-corruption laws. Lesotho Economic Profile: A feature highlights Lesotho’s richest man, Sam Matekane, tracing his rise from importing donkeys to building a multi-sector conglomerate. Education & Skills: A piece on lifelong learning points to gaps in training access across Africa, with implications for employability and resilience. Women Farmers Call: Southern Africa’s rural women’s assembly urges governments to prioritise women smallholder farmers in food and climate policy.

Electricity Tariff Court Case: Lesotho’s High Court is set to rule on whether electricity users were charged illegal fees after a 2024 tariff increase by LEWA/LEC, with applicants arguing the hike was unlawful and based on outdated financials, and seeking review and possible public reimbursement. Anti-Corruption Declarations: The DCEO has published names of public officials and parastatal heads who complied with 2025/26 asset, interest and liability declarations, including Prime Minister Sam Matekane and multiple cabinet and senior government officials. Banking & Consumer Finance: Nedbank Lesotho hosted its annual market day at Maseru Mall, showcasing vehicle and home financing, solar finance, digital solutions, PocketPOS and eCommerce services. Regional Trade Talks: South Africa will host key SACU meetings at CTICC2 from 18–26 June, with Lesotho among expected participants to discuss customs and ways to strengthen intra-regional trade. Infrastructure & Connectivity: Government launched a M1.4bn road upgrade in Lebakeng, including bridge works, aimed at ending decades of isolation and improving access to services and economic opportunities. UN Africa Appointment: UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Nigerian development expert Ahunna Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa, with experience that includes UN work in Lesotho. Cross-Border Corruption Crackdown: A Lesotho immigration officer and two South African counterparts were arrested at Ngwenya Border Post for allegedly taking an E100 bribe to unlawfully stamp Zimbabwean passports. Local Business & Exports: Fifteen Basotho apparel firms will represent Lesotho at All Fashion Sourcing Cape Town 2026, supported through export-readiness and value-chain programmes.

Corruption at Borders: A local immigration officer and two South African counterparts were arrested at Ngwenya Border Post after allegedly taking an E100 bribe to unlawfully stamp Zimbabwean passports, with charges laid under the Prevention of Corruption Act—another reminder that cross-border enforcement is tightening. UN & Africa Policy: UN Secretary-General António Guterres appointed Nigerian development expert Ahunna Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa, taking over from Cristina Duarte; her UNDP role covers support to 46 African countries, including experience coordinating work in Ethiopia, Uganda and Lesotho. Telecom Investment: Vodacom Group says it invested R23.6bn in FY2026 to boost network resilience, spectrum value and IT modernisation, including expansion and customer-growth progress in Ethiopia. Lesotho Business Spotlight: Lesotho’s richest man, Sam Matekane, is profiled from early donkey imports to building the Matekane Group of Companies across mining, aviation, property and more. Regional Trade Talks: SACU meetings are set for Cape Town (CTICC2) from 18–26 June, with Lesotho among expected participants to discuss customs and ways to strengthen intra-regional trade. Lesotho Export Push: Fifteen Basotho apparel firms will represent Lesotho at All Fashion Sourcing Cape Town 2026, supported through the RVCL+ project to improve export readiness and market access. Infrastructure for Connectivity: A M1.4bn road project in Lebakeng (Matlali–Lebakeng) aims to upgrade routes to bitumen, add school access roads and build major bridges, with completion targeted for February 2030. AI in the Region: Google expands “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, including Lesotho in the broader rollout list—another step toward more AI-enabled browsing across the region.

UN Africa Appointment: UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Nigerian development expert Ahunna Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa, taking over from Cristina Duarte of Cabo Verde. Eziakonwa brings nearly 30 years of UN experience, including senior roles at UNDP overseeing support to 46 African countries, and past postings in Ethiopia, Uganda and Lesotho. Regional Trade & SACU: South Africa will host key SACU meetings at CTICC2 from 18–26 June, with leaders and officials from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa set to discuss customs and ways to boost intra-regional trade. Lesotho Infrastructure: A M1.4 billion road project in Lebakeng (Matlali–Lebakeng) aims to upgrade a 45km route to bitumen standard and build bridges over multiple rivers, targeting completion in February 2030. Lesotho Business & Finance: The Central Bank of Lesotho is pushing financial literacy in Quthing, highlighting the upgraded Lesotho Switch (LesSwitch) and the CBL Investment Portal to improve money management and modern payments. Vodacom Investment: Vodacom Group plans major network and IT upgrades after investing R23.6 billion in FY2026 to boost resilience, spectrum value and service innovation. Local Economy Spotlight: Lesotho’s richest man, Sam Matekane, is profiled for building his Matekane Group from early donkey importing into a multi-sector conglomerate spanning mining, aviation, property and more. Women & Food Security: The Rural Women’s Assembly urges governments to put women smallholder farmers at the centre of food and climate policy, with Lesotho represented at the regional dialogue.

SACU Trade Talks: South Africa’s Cape Town will host key Southern African Customs Union meetings at CTICC2 from 18–26 June, with Lesotho among expected participants to discuss regional economic cooperation, customs policy and ways to boost intra-SACU trade. Lesotho Infrastructure: A M1.4bn road project in Lebakeng (Matlali–Lebakeng) is set to end decades of isolation, upgrading a 45km route to bitumen and adding bridges over major rivers, with completion targeted for February 2030. Financial Inclusion: The Central Bank of Lesotho is pushing financial literacy in Quthing, highlighting the Lesotho Switch (LesSwitch) and the CBL Investment Portal to improve money management and modern payments. Digital Economy: Lesotho’s MICSTI has started a digital studio at Makoanyane Square in Maseru, aimed at skills for digital marketing, entrepreneurship and content creation. Local Business Spotlight: Spar says it will lean harder into own-brand/private-label products to lift margins and growth, with private label already at about 22% of sales. Regional Development Finance: Lesotho officials visited Uganda to study microfinance via the Emyooga model, focusing on savings and credit cooperatives as a blueprint for financial inclusion. Health & Risk: WHO reports a surge in Bundibugyo Virus Disease in DRC, keeping the outbreak risk “very high,” with insecurity affecting surveillance and contact tracing. Women & Food Security: Southern Africa’s Rural Women’s Assembly urges governments to put women smallholder farmers at the centre of food and climate policy, with Lesotho delegates attending. Business & Trade Events: Fifteen Basotho apparel firms will represent Lesotho at the All Fashion Sourcing Cape Town 2026 exhibition (14–16 July) to expand exports and jobs. Tech Rollout: Google expands Ask Gemini in Chrome to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, adding Lesotho to the broader Africa rollout list. Wealth Profile: A profile highlights Lesotho’s richest man, Sam Matekane, tracing his rise from importing donkeys to building a multi-sector conglomerate.

Infrastructure & Connectivity: Lebakeng residents may soon see relief after the M1.4 billion Matlali–Lebakeng road project was launched, upgrading a 45km route to bitumen, adding a 1.4km link to ’Melikane Combined School, and building major bridges over key rivers, with completion targeted for February 2030. Regional Trade: South Africa’s Cape Town will host major SACU meetings at CTICC2 from 18–26 June, bringing together heads of state, ministers and officials from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa to push customs and trade cooperation. Digital Economy: Lesotho’s Central Bank is rolling out financial literacy in Quthing, while the Ministry of MICSTI has started a digital studio in Maseru to boost digital content creation and skills for entrepreneurship and marketing. Finance & Payments: The Central Bank also highlighted the upgraded Lesotho Switch (LesSwitch) and the CBL Investment Portal during outreach, stressing easier transfers and ATM access across mobile money platforms. Trade & Jobs for Local Firms: Fifteen Basotho apparel businesses are set to represent Lesotho at All Fashion Sourcing Cape Town 2026, supported through the RVCL+ export-readiness programme. Health & Social Impact: Machabeng Government Hospital marked International Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day with school debates, demonstrations on pad use and disposal, and donations of sanitary towels and soap to primary schools. Tech & Access: Google expanded Ask Gemini in Chrome to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with Lesotho included in the broader rollout list.

Road & Connectivity: Lesotho’s Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane has launched the M1.4bn Matlali–Lebakeng road project, upgrading a 45km route to bitumen, adding a 1.4km link to ’Melikane Combined School, and building major bridges over the Tsoelike, Lijabatho, ’Melikane and Senqu rivers; the contract is with China International Water and Electric Corporation, targeting completion in Feb 2030. Digital Economy: In Maseru, MICSTI Minister Nthati Moorosi led the sod-turning for a new digital studio at Makoanyane Square and signed digital policies under E-Government Phase II, aimed at skills, digital marketing and entrepreneurship. Financial Inclusion: The Central Bank of Lesotho is pushing financial literacy in Quthing, highlighting the upgraded Lesotho Switch (LesSwitch) and the CBL Investment Portal to boost interoperable mobile money and ATM access. Energy Deal: Lesotho signed a $6.2bn Project Kobong deal with Convalt Energy for a 1,200MW hydropower plant plus an AI data centre, with hopes of shifting from importing electricity to exporting. Governance & Data: Finance Minister Dr Rets’elisitsoe Matlanyane says Lesotho’s digital census achieved very good coverage despite snow and network disruptions, supporting better policy and resource allocation. Politics: The IEC accepted a court ruling ordering reinstatement of four deregistered parties, signalling continued legal checks on electoral administration. Regional Business & Tech: Google expanded Ask Gemini in Chrome to Lesotho and other African markets, while Lesotho’s diplomatic ties with Qatar and a Uganda microfinance study visit point to continued partnership-building.

Energy & Investment: Lesotho has signed a $6.2bn Project Kobong deal with Convalt Energy for a 1,200MW hydropower plant plus an AI data centre, aiming to shift the country from importing electricity to exporting it. Digital Economy: The Central Bank of Lesotho is pushing financial literacy in Quthing, highlighting the upgraded Lesotho Switch (LesSwitch) and the CBL Investment Portal to boost safer payments and investing. Digital Skills & Jobs: Lesotho’s MICSTI has started a digital studio at Makoanyane Square in Maseru, part of e-Government Phase II to train young people in digital marketing and entrepreneurship. Governance & Accountability: Government will hold a National Leadership Retreat (June 21–23) and an Accountability Summit (July 1–3) to improve service delivery and transparency. Financial Inclusion: A Lesotho delegation studied Uganda’s Emyooga microfinance model, focusing on SACCOs, savings, affordable credit and income generation for women and farmers. Policy & Elections: The IEC accepted a court ruling ordering reinstatement of four political parties, after deregistration disputes. Labour & Migration Risk (Region): South Africa’s proposed Employment Services Amendment Bill could fine employers up to R100,000 per undocumented foreign domestic worker, raising compliance pressure for households and businesses. Crime & Security (Region): Gunmen killed 12 people in an informal settlement near Johannesburg, with suspicions of links to illegal mining. Women & Food Security: Southern Africa’s Rural Women’s Assembly urged governments to put women smallholder farmers at the centre of food and climate policy to tackle hunger and shocks. Tech Rollout (Region): Google is expanding Ask Gemini in Chrome to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, including Lesotho in the supported locales list. Business Leadership (Region): Coca-Cola Beverages Africa appointed a new GM for Namibia, signalling continued investment in the bottler’s growth plans.

Energy Deal: Lesotho has signed a $6.2bn agreement with US firm Convalt Energy for Project Kobong—an estimated 1,200MW hydropower plant plus an AI data centre—aimed at shifting the country from importing electricity to becoming a power exporter. Digital Economy: The Central Bank of Lesotho is rolling out deeper financial literacy outreach in Quthing, highlighting the upgraded Lesotho Switch (LesSwitch) that links mobile money platforms and enables ATM use across the country. Govt Capacity: Lesotho’s MICSTI has broken ground on a new digital studio in Maseru and signed digital policies, pushing skills for digital marketing and entrepreneurship under the E-Government programme. Public Accountability: Government announced a National Leadership Retreat (June 21–23) and an Accountability Summit (July 1–3) to improve service delivery and strengthen transparency. Finance & Data: Finance Minister Matlanyane says the 2026 digital census achieved very good coverage despite snow, network disruptions and harsh terrain, supporting better planning and resource allocation. Regional Learning: A Lesotho delegation studied Uganda’s microfinance model, praising the Emyooga programme’s cooperative-based savings and credit approach for grassroots inclusion. Diplomacy: Lesotho met Qatar’s ambassador to discuss cooperation in education, infrastructure, governance and parliamentary affairs.

Lesotho Energy & Tech Deal: Lesotho has signed a $6.2bn agreement with US firm Convalt Energy for the 1,200MW Kobong hydropower project plus an AI data centre, aiming to cut power imports and position the country as a future electricity exporter. Digital Skills Push: In Maseru, MICSTI Minister Nthati Moorosi led the sod-turning of a new digital studio at Makoanyane Square and signed digital policies, linking the move to NSDP II and youth training in digital marketing and entrepreneurship. Census Confidence: Finance Minister Rets’elisitsoe Matlanyane says the completed 2026 digital census maintained “very good coverage” despite snow, network disruptions and harsh mountain weather. Public Accountability: Government announced a National Leadership Retreat (June 21–23) and an Accountability Summit (July 1–3) to improve service delivery and strengthen transparency. Water Infrastructure Progress: LHDA reports a key milestone at Polihali Dam, with rockfill placement and concrete works advancing toward 2027 reservoir inundation. Local Roads: Maseru City Council’s temporary road refurbishment in Ha Ts’osane has been welcomed by motorists for improving safety and reducing vehicle damage. Corruption Focus: DCEO DG Sello Mants’o says corruption harms Basotho by blocking access to services and wasting funds meant for healthcare, education and infrastructure. Regional Business Interest: Zipline says it is in advanced talks with Lesotho to expand drone deliveries across Africa.

Military Justice: Lesotho’s Chief Justice says action must be taken against commanders linked to the Special Forces Unit after Corporal Tjekane Sebolai and Corporal Selone Rats’iu received long prison terms for the 2014 murder of Lisebo Tang, attempted murder and malicious damage—highlighting concerns about training that prioritises obedience over the law. Public Accountability: Government announces a National Leadership Retreat (June 21–23) and an Accountability Summit (July 1–3) to push results-oriented service delivery and give citizens a direct channel to question leaders. Anti-Corruption: The DCEO warns that corruption drains funds from healthcare, education, roads and water, drives bribes for documents, and leads to poor-quality procurement. Legal Reform: Lesotho’s Law Reform Commission consults stakeholders to modernise outdated and discriminatory laws, aiming to better align the legal system with constitutional rights. Energy & Digital Investment: Lesotho signs a $6.2bn deal with Convalt Energy for a Kobong 1,200MW hydropower project plus a green-powered AI data centre, with feasibility and approvals still pending—positioning Lesotho to cut electricity imports and potentially export power. Infrastructure Works: Maseru City Council’s temporary road refurbishment in Ha Ts’osane is welcomed by motorists for improving safety and reducing vehicle damage. Regional Business Links: Dubai Chambers meets Lesotho’s Prime Minister and ministers to discuss boosting trade and investment ties, including a proposed Dubai–Lesotho Business Forum.

Lesotho Energy & Digital Push: Lesotho has signed a binding $6.2bn deal with Convalt Energy for a Kobong hydropower project and an integrated AI data centre, with the aim of boosting generation capacity, reducing electricity imports, creating jobs and positioning the country as a future power exporter—though feasibility, financing and approvals are still pending. Hydropower Progress: The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority says Polihali Dam Phase II has hit another milestone, with rockfill placement and key concrete works advancing toward planned reservoir inundation in 2027. Anti-Corruption Focus: Lesotho’s DCEO says corruption harms Mosotho by blocking access to services and draining funds meant for healthcare, education, roads and water, while also driving poor-quality procurement. Local Business & Trade Links: Dubai Chambers met Lesotho’s Prime Minister to discuss strengthening trade and investment ties, including a proposed Dubai–Lesotho business forum. Roads & Economic Activity: Maseru City Council’s temporary road refurbishment in Ha Ts’osane has been welcomed by motorists for improving safety and easing transport of people and goods. Legal Reform: Lesotho’s Law Reform Commission is consulting stakeholders to update laws that are outdated or discriminatory, with a focus on equality, human dignity and access to justice.

Hydropower + AI investment: Lesotho has signed a US$6.2bn deal with Convalt Energy for a 1,200MW Kobong hydropower project plus a green-powered AI data centre, aimed at cutting electricity imports, boosting jobs and local enterprise, and potentially turning Lesotho into a power exporter—though feasibility, financing and approvals are still pending. Energy infrastructure progress: The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority says Polihali Dam Phase II is advancing, with rockfill placement and upstream concrete curb reaching elevation 2020, and construction now at about 45% overall. Local governance + roads: Maseru City Council’s temporary road refurbishment in Ha Ts’osane has been welcomed by motorists as a timely fix for potholes and rainy-season hazards, improving safety and reducing vehicle wear. Anti-corruption message: The DCEO says corruption hits Mosotho through stolen funds and denied services, including bribes for passports and licences, and pushes poor-quality procurement that wastes public money. Legal reform push: Lesotho’s Law Reform Commission is consulting stakeholders to modernise outdated and discriminatory laws, with a focus on equality, non-discrimination and access to justice. Regional business diplomacy: Dubai Chambers met Lesotho’s Prime Minister and ministers in Johannesburg to discuss trade and investment cooperation, including a proposed Dubai–Lesotho Business Forum. South Africa migration spillover: Anti-migrant protests continue in South Africa as President Ramaphosa promises action against illegal migration while warning against vigilantism; the unrest has also triggered diplomatic moves by affected countries. Sports note: Namibia denied involvement in any 2028 AFCON co-hosting bid, contradicting claims from South African sports officials.

Hydropower + AI investment: Lesotho has signed a $6.2bn deal with US firm Convalt Energy for a 1,200MW Kobong hydropower project plus a green-powered AI data centre, with feasibility and approvals still pending but construction expected to start in 2029—potentially transforming Lesotho from an electricity importer into a regional exporter. Energy infrastructure progress: The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority says Polihali Dam Phase II is advancing, with rockfill placement and key concrete works reaching elevation 2020, targeting reservoir inundation in 2027. Local business & transport: Maseru City Council’s temporary road refurbishment in Ha Ts’osane has been welcomed by motorists for improving safety and reducing vehicle wear during the rainy season. Legal reform: Lesotho’s Law Reform Commission is consulting stakeholders to review outdated or discriminatory laws, with a focus on equality, non-discrimination and better access to justice. Regional trade ties: Dubai Chambers met Lesotho’s Prime Minister and ministers to discuss strengthening trade and investment cooperation, including a proposed Dubai–Lesotho business forum. Governance & integrity: The DCEO says corruption drains funds meant for services like healthcare, education and water, and pushes poor-quality procurement through non-merit contracting.

Lesotho–UAE Trade Talks: Dubai Chambers met Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane in Johannesburg to explore stronger trade and investment ties, with a push for a Dubai–Lesotho Business Forum and cooperation in logistics, infrastructure and the digital economy. Big Investment Deal: Lesotho signed a binding agreement with Convalt Energy for the Kobong Hydropower and AI Data Centre project worth about 98bn maloti (US$6.2bn), pairing 1,200MW hydropower with a green-powered AI data centre in Mokhotlong—aimed at boosting energy independence and jobs (still subject to feasibility and approvals). Security & Jobs: PM Matekane pledged to recruit 500 more soldiers into the Lesotho Defence Force, citing threats from drug trafficking and substance abuse, as 547 recruits completed training. Digital Push in Rural Areas: Lesotho urged youth to embrace technology at the Digital Innovators Summit, while Econet Telecom Lesotho handed over a telecoms tower and a kitchen at Senekane Primary School to improve connectivity and community services. Regional Migration Pressure: South Africa’s President Ramaphosa promised action on illegal migration amid anti-immigrant protests, stressing law enforcement must be state-led and not vigilante. Regional Health Watch: Kenya and Uganda launched a joint assessment at Busia One Stop Border Post with ECSA-HC to review Ebola preparedness, screening systems and procedures. Water & Health Concerns: A report highlights unsafe drinking water risks across many African countries, underlining the link between water quality, public health and economic development.

Cross-border Health Security: Kenya and Uganda launched a joint Ebola preparedness assessment at the Busia One Stop Border Post with ECSA-HC, checking screening gaps and Standard Operating Procedures to reduce the risk of outbreaks crossing borders. Migration Pressure in the Region: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged rising tensions over illegal migration and promised action through authorised officials, as protests and xenophobic violence concerns continue to ripple across neighbouring countries. Big Lesotho Investment Push: Convalt Energy signed a $6.2bn (98bn maloti) deal with Lesotho for 1,200MW hydropower plus a green AI data centre in Mokhotlong—aimed at energy independence and new digital jobs. Trade & Investment Linkages: Dubai Chambers met Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Matekane in Johannesburg to explore stronger trade and a possible Dubai–Lesotho business forum. Security & Youth Focus: Lesotho’s PM Ntsokoane Matekane pledged 500 more LDF recruits to tackle drug trafficking and substance abuse. Education & Connectivity: LSMTA unveiled Lesotho’s PAMO 2026 team, while Senekane Primary received a telecom tower and kitchen to boost learning and community access.