AGP Executive Report

Royal Diplomacy: King Letsie III has begun a working visit to Ethiopia, where he is also set to lead an African Union gathering on long-term solutions to hunger. Child Protection: Lesotho has launched the US-funded ChildSafe project in Maseru to strengthen child protection and early childhood care, including training caregivers and improving daycare standards. Marathon Milestone: Kamohelo Mofolo finished third in the New York City Marathon in a personal-best 2:06:26, one second ahead of defending champion Benson Kipruto. Trade: Lesotho joined WTO members in backing a renewed Aid for Trade initiative to support developing economies through technical assistance, financing and private-sector partnerships. Local Enterprise: Organisers say the Lesotho Kota Festival will give local vendors and young businesses a platform, while filmmaker Mats’eliso Mohale is urging government investment to help the film industry create jobs and grow.

Child Protection: Lesotho launched the US-funded ChildSafe project to strengthen protection and early-childhood care, with a focus on vulnerable children and safer daycare centres. Local Enterprise: The second Lesotho Kota Festival will showcase food, music and Basotho culture, with organisers expecting local vendors to make up about 90% of participants. Film Industry: Producer Mats’eliso Mohale urged the government to invest in equipment and local talent, saying she missed a chance to make 60 episodes for South Africa’s SABC because resources were lacking. Trade: Lesotho joined WTO members in backing a renewed “Aid for Trade” initiative to support developing economies’ participation in global trade. Athletics: Kamohelo Mofolo took third at the New York City Marathon in a personal-best 2:06:26, beating the defending champion by one second. Travel: Basotho are among citizens of 12 African countries eligible to apply for Danish tourist visas without a host in Denmark.

Child Protection: Lesotho launched the US-funded ChildSafe project in Maseru to strengthen early childhood care and protection, with a focus on vulnerable children and safer daycare centres. Food Security: King Letsie III will convene an African Union gathering in Addis Ababa on November 3 to push for lasting solutions to hunger and nutrition insecurity. Public Service: Minister Moeketsi Mots’oane urged public servants to turn strong policies into action ahead of Lesotho hosting the African public administration conference in December. Sport: Kamohelo Mofolo claimed third at the New York City Marathon in 2:06:26, a personal best and a major podium finish in just his second marathon.

Marathon Milestone: Lesotho’s Kamohelo Mofolo, 21, took third at the New York City Marathon in a personal-best 2:06:26, edging defending champion Benson Kipruto for a place on the podium. Cross-Border Vehicles: Nearly 2,900 motorists have joined a planned class action against South Africa’s tax authority over new rules for foreign-registered vehicles, including cars from Lesotho; drivers have reported impoundments and fines. Rural Water: A rehabilitated water system has brought clean tap water to Masuoaneng in Qacha’s Nek, ending long walks to unsafe springs for residents. The project cost M250,000. Army Trial: Former army chief Tlali Kamoli denied ignoring the military chain of command or ordering gunfire near two homes during cross-examination in the bombings trial. Foreign Relations: Lesotho and Indonesia are working on a formal framework for cooperation in agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, tourism, ICT and trade.

Water Access: A rehabilitated M250,000 system has brought clean tap water to Masuoaneng in Qacha’s Nek, ending residents’ long walks to unsafe springs. In Mafeteng, work is also advancing on a project to improve water supplies after severe shortages. Foreign Relations: Lesotho and Indonesia are exploring cooperation in agriculture, manufacturing, renewable energy, tourism, ICT and trade, with talks under way on a formal framework. Kamoli Trial: Retired army chief Tlali Kamoli denied bypassing the military chain of command and ordering shots fired near two homes as cross-examination continued in the 2014 bombings case. Government and Rights: The Law Ministry is developing a plan to implement UN recommendations on women’s, children’s and disability rights, and enforced disappearances. Economy: The Central Bank has launched financial literacy and loan-access campaigns across all ten districts, including guidance on using livestock, vehicles and equipment as collateral. Matekane’s Fourth Year: Public finances have improved, but unemployment remains high, growth is slowing and the Prime Minister faces a looming challenge within his party ahead of the next election.

Water Supply: Work on rehabilitating Rasebala Dam is moving ahead to improve water supplies in Mafeteng, which suffered severe shortages during the 2024 drought. Likuena: Goalkeeper Katleho Mathetsa has made Lesotho’s provisional 35-player squad for November’s AFCON qualifying double-header against Gabon; the final squad is yet to be named. Cricket: Lesotho finished fourth in the Abuja regional tournament after a three-run loss to Gambia. Coach Dzikamai Mavhiko says a dedicated ground and more support for players are needed. Athletics: Mamoroallo Tjoka is back racing after her suspension ended, taking second in the Kimberley half-marathon and a 10km race in South Africa. Regional Role: Lesotho’s appointment to lead the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation marks a shift in its regional standing, with calls for continued reform at home. Political Search: Police say the hunt continues for treason-accused BCM leader Tšepo Lipholo, whose whereabouts remain unconfirmed.

Water Supply: Work on rehabilitating Rasebala Dam is moving ahead to improve water supply in Mafeteng, where a severe 2024 drought prompted emergency tanks and boreholes. Youth and Jobs: JP Dynasty is taking economic and political education tours to young people across Lesotho; it says the initiative has reached eight districts as about 7,000 graduates enter the job market each year. Lipholo Search: Police say they are still looking for treason-accused politician Tšepo Lipholo, whose whereabouts remain unconfirmed after reports he left South Africa. Business: Maseru textile entrepreneur Teboho Kobeli says closer coordination across Africa’s cotton industry could help Lesotho move from basic garment assembly to making finished products. Justice: Retired High Court judge Ts’eliso Monaphathi’s reported 116 unfinished matters have renewed scrutiny of delays in Lesotho’s courts.

Water and Power: Lesotho’s partnership with South Africa under the Lesotho Highlands Water Project is set to expand water transfers, while the next phase could boost hydropower and reduce Lesotho’s reliance on imported electricity. Regional Ties: Prime Minister Sam Matekane’s Qatar visit included talks with the Qatar Diamond Exchange on possible cooperation in the diamond trade. Community Compensation: The High Court ordered the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority to pay M89.9 million to 20 community associations within 90 days for losses linked to the Katse and Mohale dams, after years of delay. Public Safety: Parliament’s law and public safety committee says it will recommend more funding for police, citing shortages of vehicles, fuel, equipment and staff. Regional Leadership: Lesotho’s selection to chair the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation brings a greater regional role—and renewed pressure to sustain reforms and accountability at home.

Water and Power: A planned expansion of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project could raise annual water transfers to South Africa from about 780 million to 1.27 billion cubic metres. Lesotho is also expected to gain hydropower capacity and reduce its reliance on electricity imports. Community Compensation: The High Court has ordered the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority to pay nearly M90 million to 20 community associations within 90 days for losses linked to the Katse and Mohale dams, after more than 13 years of delays. Regional Role: Prime Minister Sam Matekane’s election as incoming chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation marks a step up in Lesotho’s regional standing. Business Finance: The Central Bank and the CAFI project are promoting the use of movable assets as loan collateral to help small businesses access credit.

Regional Leadership: Lesotho’s election as incoming chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation marks a return from years of regional scrutiny. The role brings a responsibility to sustain political and security reforms at home. Ruling Party Tensions: RFP founding member Lebona Lephema is reportedly weighing a new party if his bid for deputy leadership fails. He has consulted disgruntled ABC members, though two named figures deny involvement. Dam Compensation: The High Court ordered the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority to pay M89.9 million to 20 community associations within 90 days for losses linked to the Katse and Mohale dams, after more than 13 years of delays. Public Spending: Maseru’s Royal Palace remains unfinished 16 years after work began; projected costs have topped M354 million against an original M160 million budget. Investment Links: Qatar Diamond Exchange chairman Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad bin Faisal Al Thani met Prime Minister Sam Matekane and Foreign Minister Limpho Tau to discuss possible cooperation in the diamond trade. Farm Prospects: Research suggests October planting can maximise bambara groundnut yields, while local producers are being urged to meet rising pork demand.

Water Project Compensation: Lesotho’s High Court ordered the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority to pay M89.9 million to 20 community associations within 90 days for losses linked to the Katse and Mohale dams, after years of delays. In a separate dispute, the court gave the authority and Seinoli Trust until November 17 to negotiate access to project data. Public Spending: The Royal Palace in Maseru remains unfinished 16 years after construction began; projected costs have risen from M160 million to more than M354 million, with warnings the final bill could top M500 million. Utilities: LEWA withdrew approval for WASCO’s proposed water connection charges, saying regulatory procedures were incomplete; existing rates remain in force. Safety: Police in Limpopo are investigating the killing of a 23-year-old Lesotho national found at a dumping site in Giyani. Jobs and Growth: Prime Minister Sam Matekane urged foreign investors in Doha to help diversify the economy, boost exports and create jobs. A local farmer also says unmet pork demand offers Basotho an opening to expand production.

Human Rights: Lesotho has been urged to make measurable progress on outstanding UN recommendations, with officials warning that repeated unresolved concerns raise questions about accountability and implementation. Health: The Health Ministry and WHO called for stronger mental-health support and safe, respectful care, urging the public to listen without stigma. Farming and Jobs: A Berea farmer says rising festive-season pork demand offers Basotho producers a chance to grow local supply, create jobs and reduce reliance on imports. Water: LEWA withdrew approval for WASCO’s revised connection charges, keeping existing rates in force. Separately, the High Court gave the LHDA and Seinoli Trust until 17 November to negotiate over data on communities affected by the Highlands Water Project. Investment: At a Doha forum, Prime Minister Sam Matekane called for investment that diversifies the economy, boosts exports and creates jobs. Football: Lesotho’s under-15 side lost 1-0 to Sierra Leone at the FIFA youth tournament in Azerbaijan.

Youth Football: Lesotho’s under-15 side lost 1-0 to Sierra Leone in the FIFA U-15 World Cup and Festival, ending its run in the tournament. Water Project Dispute: The High Court has given the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority and Seinoli Trust until 17 November to negotiate over data needed to assess compensation for communities affected by the Highlands Water Project. Investment and Jobs: At the World Investment Forum in Doha, Prime Minister Sam Matekane called for foreign investment to diversify Lesotho’s economy, boost exports and create jobs. Water Charges: Regulator LEWA withdrew approval for WASCO’s revised connection fees, saying procedural requirements were incomplete; existing charges remain in force. Technology and Farming: The government is developing an AI chatbot to provide farmers with agricultural advice, while upgrading computing facilities to support research and locally relevant AI. Regional Leadership: Matekane was elected incoming chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. Tourism: Lesotho visitor numbers to South Africa rose nearly 22% year-on-year in September, helping offset a wider drop in overseas arrivals.

Water Project: The High Court has given the LHDA and Seinoli Trust until 17 November to negotiate over data needed to assess whether communities affected by the Lesotho Highlands Water Project were adequately compensated. Water Charges: LEWA withdrew approval for WASCO’s revised connection fees, saying regulatory procedures were incomplete; existing charges remain in force. Investment and Jobs: At a forum in Doha, Prime Minister Sam Matekane called for investment to diversify the economy, grow exports and create jobs. In Qacha’s Nek, an eight-kilometre Thamathu road extension is expected to create up to 200 jobs and improve access for remote communities. Regional Leadership: Matekane was named incoming chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. Agriculture and Technology: The government is developing an AI chatbot to give farmers agricultural advice, with no launch date yet announced.

Water Project Accountability: Lesotho families affected by the Highlands Water Project are asking the High Court to compel the LHDA to release data needed to assess whether they were adequately compensated. The Seinoli Trust says it has sought the information since 2023. Community Safety: A new initiative in Maseru, Mafeteng and Mokhotlong aims to prevent violence and strengthen local peacebuilding, with a focus on women and young people. Investment and Regional Role: At the World Investment Forum in Doha, Prime Minister Samuel Matekane called for stronger links between foreign investors and local businesses. He has also been named incoming chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation. Farm Support: The government is developing an AI chatbot to give farmers agricultural advice, with no launch date announced. Infrastructure: Work has begun on an eight-kilometre extension of the Thamathu road in Qacha’s Nek, expected to create up to 200 jobs and improve access to remote communities.

Investment: At the World Investment Forum in Doha, Prime Minister Samuel Matekane urged stronger partnerships between local and international businesses, saying investment should strengthen local firms and supply chains rather than deepen reliance on aid. Local Business: LNDC is inviting manufacturers to showcase products at its Maseru exhibition from November 4 to 6. Technology: Econet’s AI expo opens at Maseru Mall today, running through October 30 with robotics, virtual reality and Sesotho-supported AI services. Infrastructure: The government has allocated M390 million for an eight-kilometre extension of the Thamathu Road in Qacha’s Nek; the project is expected to create up to 200 jobs. Connectivity: Vodacom Lesotho is calling for a national response to vandalism of telecoms sites, warning that attacks are disrupting services used by businesses, schools and emergency responders. Regional Ties: Lesotho and Eswatini parliamentarians called for easier movement among their countries and Botswana.