AGP Executive Report

Climate & Food Security: A new study warns El Niño heat could kill about 42 Basotho between September and February, with Maseru projected to record the highest toll, while drought and war-related shocks are also flagged as threats to food security. Agribusiness Inputs: Chiefs say government delays in letting traders distribute subsidised seeds and fertiliser closer to farmers are forcing long waits and overcrowding ahead of the summer season. Digital Economy & AI: Lesotho says it is the first country to apply the UN Blueprint for National AI and Data Strategies, starting Phase One of a National Compute Roadmap (2026–2029), with a focus on demand, energy, governance, skills and financing. Cybersecurity Governance: Stakeholders are again scrutinising Lesotho’s Cybersecurity Bill 2026 after earlier versions faced resistance, with consultations aimed at strengthening rules around privacy, expression and digital safety. Trade & Jobs: Lesotho will host an MSME workshop on AfCFTA market opportunities, while a Trans-Atlantic Cotton Partnership announced at UNGA links U.S. cotton to African textile production for the U.S. market. Local Enterprise & IP: The Ministry of Law launches a Mokorotlo Collective Mark project with WIPO support to protect the symbol’s authenticity and help artisans earn better returns. Sports & Morale: Kenya’s Harambee Stars players returned to training after an allowance dispute, and Lesotho’s LHDA injects M300,000 into the Mokhotlong Highlands Marathon to boost tourism and local business.

Cybersecurity Bill 2026: Lesotho has resumed stakeholder consultations on the proposed Cybersecurity Bill 2026, with regulators, banks, law enforcement and service providers pushing for clearer rules before it goes back to Parliament. Treason trial: In the long-running treason case, the defence alleges police tampered with a bullet-damaged door at Police Headquarters, while the matter continues with witness cross-examination and is set to run into early November. El Niño and food security: A new study warns El Niño heat could kill about 42 Basotho between September and February, while officials admit limited funds to prepare; concerns also grow over drought and war-driven pressure on food supplies. Agricultural inputs rollout: Rural chiefs say delays in letting traders distribute subsidised seeds and fertiliser closer to farmers could disrupt the summer planting season. Money Month impact: The Central Bank-led Money Month campaign reached about 701,000 people, urging Basotho to talk openly about budgeting, saving and borrowing and to avoid financial fraud. Trade and jobs: Lesotho will host an MSME workshop on AfCFTA opportunities, focusing on rules of origin, standards, compliance and digital trade tools. Digital strategy: Lesotho says it is the first country to apply the UN AI Blueprint, starting Phase One of a national compute roadmap (2026–2029). Brand protection for artisans: The Ministry of Law and Justice launched the Mokorotlo Collective Mark project with WIPO support to protect authenticity and improve artisans’ bargaining power. Diplomacy and partnerships: China reaffirmed commitment to Lesotho ties, and Lesotho joined a UNGA-announced Trans-Atlantic Cotton Partnership linking US cotton to African textile production for the US market.

Digital Policy & Governance: Lesotho is moving fast on digital rules, with MICSTI wrapping up stakeholder consultations on the Cybersecurity Bill 2026, after Cabinet split the earlier 2024 bill into separate cybercrime and cybersecurity frameworks. Digital Public Infrastructure: Prime Minister Samuel Matekane says Lesotho is the first country to implement the UN AI Blueprint, building on work that includes a government data centre and a Chief Digital Officer, while officials also highlight DPI safeguards for children piloted across ministries. Trade & Industry: A new Trans-Atlantic Cotton Partnership announced at UNGA links U.S. cotton farms with Lesotho and other African textile factories for U.S.-bound apparel, aiming for traceable sourcing and industrial jobs. Water & Climate Resilience: Agriculture Minister Selibe Mochoboroane says drought-tolerant seeds are procured and farmers are urged to plant lucerne and harvest water as El Niño raises heat and drought risks. Local Development & Inclusion: LHDA launched the Mokhotlong Highlands marathon to boost tourism, wellness and local enterprise beyond infrastructure. Rural Hardship: Likhutlong residents still rely on cattle carts for health access and lack piped water and electricity, underlining service delivery gaps. Justice & Accountability: In a treason case, the prosecution continued presenting evidence, while PAC proceedings at QMMH were paused over missing professional qualification reports.

Textile Jobs Boost: Lesotho’s Finance Minister says Vishan Clothing and Leo Garments will expand after receiving M100m funding via the Inclusive Growth Facility, targeting about 1,400 new jobs for young people and women. Water Infrastructure Pressure: The Department of Water and Sanitation told Parliament six mega water projects are behind schedule, blaming political instability, community pushback, procurement issues and contractor performance. Digital Governance & AI: Prime Minister Samuel Matekane announced Lesotho is the first country to implement the UN AI Blueprint, moving from readiness work to AI deployment plans. Trade & Cotton Deal: Lesotho joined the UNGA-linked Trans-Atlantic Cotton Partnership, positioning traceable U.S. cotton exports into African production and retail supply chains. Business & Finance Risk: Reports raise alarms over the Central Bank of Lesotho headquarters, with staff alleging shaking, cracks and flooding. Legal & Corporate Watch: Court updates include the Court of Appeal allowing a renewed salary dispute challenge for Rabuka Chalatse, while other bids—like a Standard Lesotho Bank review—were struck out on procedure. Local Economy Signals: Fresh produce prices in Maseru still track South Africa’s Joburg market, with onions easing and potatoes, cabbage and carrots cheaper.

AI & Digital Readiness: Prime Minister Samuel Matekane says Lesotho is the first country to move from assessing readiness to implementing the UN AI Blueprint, after work on computing capacity, data centres, connectivity, skills and financing. Diplomacy & Trade: Lesotho and Tajikistan formalised diplomatic ties at the UN General Assembly, with talks covering trade, industry, tourism, and water/energy cooperation. Water Infrastructure Watch: Parliament heard that delays on Lesotho’s six mega water projects are driven by political instability, contractor underperformance, procurement issues, community disruptions and “construction mafia” influence, with MPs warning that prolonged erratic supply can become state failure. Textiles & Jobs: Finance Minister Matlanyane says two clothing firms (Vishan Clothing and Leo Garments) will expand under the Inclusive Growth Facility, supported by FNB funding, targeting about 1,400 new textile jobs for young people and women. Public Finance & Compliance: PAC proceedings involving Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital were halted after regulators failed to submit reports on doctors’ qualifications, while the committee also followed up on missing funds expected to be deposited into the hospital’s Nedbank account. Governance & Courts: The Court of Appeal reopened a salary dispute involving Senior Judicial Commissioner Rabuka Chalatse, allowing a substantive review of a 2022 judgment. Energy Access Context: A World Bank snapshot shows Southern Africa’s electricity gaps remain stark, underscoring the broader development pressure on power investment.

Water Infrastructure Delays: Lesotho’s Department of Water and Sanitation says political instability and shifting decisions have slowed mega water projects, with contractors’ poor performance also blamed for running behind schedule. Parliament Oversight: In a separate update, Deputy Minister David Mahlobo pointed to criminality, community pushback, procurement issues and “construction mafia” interference as key obstacles to timely completion. QMMH Accountability: Proceedings at the Public Accounts Committee against Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital were halted after the Medical and Nursing Councils failed to submit required reports on doctors’ qualifications and retention certificates, while the committee also followed up on missing M4 million. Textiles Jobs Boost: Finance Minister Dr Rets’elisitsoe Matlanyane says two clothing firms, Vishan Clothing and Leo Garments, will expand with M100m funding via the Inclusive Growth Facility, targeting about 1,400 new jobs for young people and women. Legal & Business Disputes: The Court of Appeal reopened a salary dispute involving Senior Judicial Commissioner Rabuka Chalatse, while it also struck out a Standard Lesotho Bank review bid over procedure; Afriski’s control dispute also continues after an urgent bid was dismissed. Digital Finance Security: An ITU security lab initiative highlights how regulators can better tackle fraud risks in digital financial services, including SIM swaps and identity fraud. China Ties: The Chinese Embassy marked the PRC’s 77th anniversary in Maseru, citing Mafeteng solar progress and new trade steps for Lesotho wool exports. Electricity Access Context: Regional data shows Southern Africa’s power gaps remain huge, underscoring the wider development challenge for countries like Lesotho.

Water Infrastructure Watch: Lesotho’s mega water projects are running behind schedule as Parliament hears delays tied to community pushback, poor workmanship, procurement hurdles, and alleged “construction mafia” influence, with Deputy Water and Sanitation Minister David Mahlobo blaming criminality as the biggest obstacle to timely completion. Procurement & Funding Pressure: The Department of Water and Sanitation told lawmakers it is also dealing with funding gaps and revised completion dates, while outlining steps to reduce disruptions by consulting communities and training local suppliers to bid through main contractors. Textiles Jobs Boost: Finance Minister Dr Rets’elisitsoe Matlanyane says two clothing firms—Vishan Clothing and Leo Garments—will expand after M100m funding via the Inclusive Growth Facility, targeting about 1,400 new textile jobs for young people and women. Central Bank Building Risk: Central Bank of Lesotho staff allege the new headquarters has cracked, flooded and could collapse, echoing earlier reporting about structural defects and management silence. Legal Developments: The Court of Appeal reopens the Rabuka Chalatse salary dispute for a substantive review, while it struck down a separate Standard Lesotho Bank review bid over procedure. Trade & Regional Context: Southern Africa’s electricity access gaps remain stark, and AGOA’s extension to 2028 is framed as fresh trade certainty for exporters and investors.

Textile Jobs Boost: Lesotho’s Finance Minister says FNB funding under the Inclusive Growth Facility will help Vishan Clothing and Leo Garments expand, creating about 1,400 new jobs for young people and women. Parliament Oversight: The Public Accounts Committee halted talks with Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital after the Medical Council and Nursing Council failed to submit required reports on doctors’ qualifications, while it also followed up on M4 million expected to be deposited into the hospital’s Nedbank account. Court Watch: The Court of Appeal reopened a key salary dispute involving Senior Judicial Commissioner Rabuka Chalatse, allowing him to challenge a 2022 ruling on Grade K remuneration. Banking/Legal: The Court of Appeal struck out a review bid against Standard Lesotho Bank after finding procedural missteps in how the petition was filed. Energy Access Gap: A World Bank snapshot shows huge electricity shortfalls across Southern Africa, with access as low as 15.6% in Malawi, underscoring the scale of the region’s power challenge. Governance & Risk: Reports claim Lesotho’s Central Bank headquarters has been cracking and flooding, with staff warning it could collapse—raising serious business continuity concerns. Tourism & Culture: Ghana’s Kacstone Records and Sister Kingdom Network took part in Lesotho’s tourism summit in Maseru, pushing cultural tourism and intra-Africa travel links. Regional Finance: Central banks across Africa are expected to keep interest rates high for longer, citing energy, food-price and currency risks.

Textile Jobs Boost: Lesotho’s Finance Minister says FNB funding under the Inclusive Growth Facility will help Vishan Clothing and Leo Garments expand, creating about 1,400 new textile and clothing jobs for young people and women. Parliament Oversight: The Public Accounts Committee halted proceedings with Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital after the Medical Council and Nursing Council failed to submit required reports on doctors’ qualifications and retention certificates, while it also followed up on M4 million expected to be deposited at Nedbank. Legal Pressure on Banks: The Court of Appeal struck down a Moletsane Standard Lesotho Bank review bid for procedural reasons, while another salary dispute at Chalatse’s Grade K case was reopened for substantive review. Governance & Risk: Reports allege Lesotho’s Central Bank headquarters has cracked, flooded and shaken, with staff fearing collapse. Tourism & Culture: Kacstone Records and the Sister Kingdom Network joined a Lesotho Tourism Pitso in Maseru to push cultural tourism and intra-African economic cooperation. Energy Access Context: A World Bank snapshot shows large electricity gaps across Southern Africa, underscoring the wider development challenge.

Public Finance & Compliance: Lesotho’s PAC has halted QMMH proceedings after the Medical Council and Nursing Council failed to submit reports on doctors allegedly practising without required qualifications, while the committee also followed up on a reported M4 million expected to be deposited into QMMH’s Nedbank account. Central Banking & Inflation Risks: Key African central banks are expected to keep interest rates high for longer as energy, food-price and exchange-rate pressures persist, with the US policy stance adding further risk. Textiles & Jobs: Lesotho’s Finance Minister says two clothing firms—Vishan Clothing and Leo Garments—will expand under the Inclusive Growth Facility, with funding expected to create about 1,400 new jobs for young people and women. Legal & Governance: The Court of Appeal has opened a fresh path in the Rabuka Chalatse Grade K salary dispute by granting leave to challenge its 2022 judgment, while another appeal bid involving Standard Lesotho Bank was struck from the roll over procedure. Energy Access: A World Bank snapshot shows huge electricity gaps across Southern Africa, from 15.6% access in Malawi to over 90% in South Africa. Trade & Payments: Saudi Arabia exits the China-led mBridge digital currency platform, as Africa deepens yuan payment links through authorised clearing arrangements. Health & Social Policy: SAAPA calls for stronger alcohol regulation in Lesotho after reports of underage drinking, including children as young as nine or 10.

Textile Jobs Boost: Lesotho’s Finance Minister says FNB funding under the Inclusive Growth Facility will help Vishan Clothing and Leo Garments expand, creating about 1,400 new textile and clothing jobs for young people and women. Public Service Delivery Push: In Quthing, the Minister of Public Service urged civil servants to improve service delivery and tackle workplace incivility, including delays in post-retirement pay. Central Bank Building Risk: Central Bank staff allege the new headquarters has cracked, flooded and shook, raising fears of possible collapse, with claims of earlier reported defects. Courtroom Pay Dispute: The Court of Appeal has reopened a legal path in the Grade K salary battle involving Senior Judicial Commissioner Rabuka Chalatse, allowing a review challenge to proceed. Afriski Control Fight: The Court of Appeal dismissed an urgent bid to fast-track a dispute over control of Afriski Mountain Resort and its shareholder Jala Holdings. Food Prices Watch: Fresh produce prices in South Africa’s Joburg market eased for onions, with potatoes, cabbage and carrots also cheaper—key for Maseru shoppers. Inclusive Infrastructure: Roads Directorate launched inclusive traffic signals with countdown timers and audible buzzers for visually and hearing-impaired pedestrians. Water Safety Alarm: Residents in Thaba Chweu blame the municipality for contaminated water, citing unsafe test results and sewage pollution. Data for Growth: Lesotho became the first African country to validate a Data Value Creation Blueprint, aiming to turn data into an economic and public-service asset.

Textile Jobs Boost: Lesotho’s Finance Minister says two clothing firms, Vishan Clothing and Leo Garments, will expand after receiving M100m support via the Inclusive Growth Facility, with expectations of about 1,400 new jobs for young people and women. Central Bank Building Risk: Central Bank of Lesotho staff allege the new headquarters has cracked, flooded and shook, with fears it could collapse, while the bank disputes defects and says the building was handed over in 2019. Court Watch: The Court of Appeal reopens the Rabuka Chalatse Grade K salary dispute, allowing him to challenge a 2022 judgment, while separately striking out a Standard Lesotho Bank review bid over a procedural misstep. Business & Trade: Lesotho’s fresh produce market remains tied to South Africa’s Johannesburg prices, with onions easing from last week’s peak and other vegetables also cheaper. Governance & Service Delivery: A minister urged Quthing public servants to improve service delivery and tackle workplace incivility, including delays in post-retirement pay. Public Safety & Inclusion: Roads Directorate has launched inclusive traffic lights with countdown timers and audible buzzers for visually and hearing-impaired pedestrians on Kingsway. Regional Context: SADC welcomed AGOA’s extension to December 2028, saying it gives exporters and investors more certainty. Legal/Corporate Dispute: Afriski Mountain Resort control remains contested after the Court of Appeal dismissed an urgent bid to fast-track an appeal and stay a High Court order. Social Issues: SAAPA calls for stronger alcohol regulation, citing underage drinking as young as nine or 10.

Public Service Delivery: Lesotho’s Public Service Minister Moeketsi Mot’soane urged Quthing civil servants to improve service delivery, tackle workplace incivility, and noted Public Service Day will be celebrated at district level with marathons. Forced Labour & Human Rights: A Lesotho man’s account highlights debt bondage and forced labour at illegal South African mines, where passports are seized and workers are beaten and kept underground until “debts” are paid. Alcohol Regulation: SAAPA called for stronger alcohol laws in Lesotho after reports of children as young as nine and 10 consuming alcohol, pushing for a higher legal drinking age and tighter controls near schools. Jobs & Enterprise Support: Finance Minister Matlanyane said First National Bank funding under the Inclusive Growth Facility is expected to create at least 1,400 jobs, including expansion plans at Vishan Clothing and Leo Garments. Digital Economy: Lesotho became the first African country to validate a Data Value Creation Blueprint, aiming to use data to drive innovation and better public services. Inclusive Transport: Roads Directorate launched inclusive traffic lights with countdown timers and audible buzzers for visually and hearing-impaired pedestrians. Health System Risk: Government’s planned shutdown of the HM-PIU unit threatens clinic operations and jobs, with major risks to water, power, sanitation and medical waste services. Sports Funding: STANLIB pledged M250,000 to sponsor Vodacom Premier League Man of the Match awards, boosting player incentives for the 2026/27 season. Tourism Push: The Tourism Pitso in Maseru urged practical partnerships to turn Lesotho’s tourism assets into investable businesses and sustainable local livelihoods.

Border & Trade Security: A South African creator shared footage of a damaged South Africa–Lesotho border fence at the official crossing, showing a long-standing gap and claims that Lesotho nationals approached the group to help smuggle goods. Business & Jobs: Lesotho’s Inclusive Growth Facility is set to support textiles expansion, with FNB funding M100m for two enterprises (Vishan Clothing and Leo Garments), expected to create hundreds of additional jobs. Regional Market Access: SADC says AGOA has been extended to December 2028, giving exporters more certainty and time to build value-added capacity for the US market. Capital Markets Integration: SADC is pushing a new Exchange Gateway to connect regional stock exchanges and enable cross-border trading. Public Finance & Services: Lesotho’s Loan Bursary Fund says it has already paid allowances to thousands of students and is processing applications via the Bokamoso e-Portal. Digital Transformation: Lesotho becomes the first African country to validate a Data Value Creation Blueprint, aiming to turn data into an economic asset. Inclusive Infrastructure: Roads Directorate has launched inclusive traffic signals with countdown timers and audible buzzers for pedestrians with visual and hearing impairments.

AGOA Extension: SADC says the US has extended AGOA to December 2028, giving Southern African exporters more certainty and time to build value-added trade, especially in textiles, agriculture and minerals. Jobs & Industry: Lesotho’s Finance Minister says FNB funding under the Inclusive Growth Facility will support textiles and clothing enterprises, with plans to create at least 1,400 jobs through Vishan Clothing and Leo Garments expansions. Inclusive Finance & Youth: Lesotho’s Loan Bursary Fund update shows allowances already being paid via the Bokamoso e-Portal, with funding projected to support 22,034 students in 2026/27. Health & Infrastructure Risk: A shutdown of Lesotho’s Health Maintenance Project Implementing Unit from 30 September threatens clinic operations, jobs and essential services like water, power and sanitation. Transport Accessibility: Roads Directorate has launched inclusive traffic signals with countdown timers and audible buzzers at the State Library intersection, set to expand along Kingsway. Tourism Push: The Tourism Pitso calls for turning Lesotho’s tourism assets into products, businesses and investment that create local livelihoods. Regional Markets: SADC is advancing a cross-border “Exchange Gateway” to connect stock exchanges and enable wider regional trading. Remittances Resilient: New IFAD data suggests remittances to low- and middle-income countries are still rising despite tighter migration controls.

SADC Capital Markets Integration: Southern Africa is moving toward cross-border investing with the SADC Exchange Gateway, using a smart order router to link participating exchanges and open up regional trading access. Lesotho Independence & Land Reform: As Lesotho marks 60 years, the shift from chief land allocations to local councils is reshaping land tenure and triggering pressure on arable fields, raising housing and climate-risk concerns. Health Services Under Threat: Lesotho faces a major service disruption risk after government ordered the shutdown of the HM-PIU unit that keeps 226 clinics and hospitals running, with fears for water, power, sanitation and jobs. Inclusive Transport Upgrade: The Roads Directorate has launched inclusive traffic lights with countdown timers and audible buzzers for visually and hearing-impaired pedestrians, starting on Kingsway. Education Funding: Finance Minister clears the air on bursaries/loan bursary support, with the Loan Bursary Fund set to back about 22,034 students in 2026/27 via the Bokamoso e-Portal. Tourism Push: The Tourism Pitso in Maseru is calling for practical partnerships to turn Lesotho’s tourism assets into investable businesses and local livelihoods. Digital Transformation Milestone: Lesotho becomes the first African country to validate a Data Value Creation Blueprint, aiming to turn data into an economic and public-service asset. Football Sponsorship: STANLIB injects M250,000 into the Vodacom Premier League for Man of the Match awards, boosting player incentives for the 2026/27 season. Sports Participation Constraints: Lesotho will compete in only eight codes at the AUSC Region 5 Youth Games due to budget limits, with mainstream athletics largely excluded. Remittances Resilient: Despite tighter migration controls, remittances to low- and middle-income countries keep rising, with IFAD reporting no major drop in flows. Prison Contraband Probe: A commission hears that over 100,000 cellphones were seized in prisons between 2023 and 2026, pointing to an illicit prison economy. LGBTIQ+ Census Inclusion: Lesotho’s 2026 census includes questions on gender identity and sexuality, with community groups saying it’s the first time they feel counted. Royal Heritage in VR: A new 360-degree VR experience, “Kings of Lesotho – The Royal Succession Story,” will open to the public from 23 September, blending history with tourism potential.