AGP Executive Report

Agriculture: Lesotho urged African leaders to ensure a proposed US$1 billion seed fund reaches smallholder farmers, calling for grants and flexible financing for countries facing climate pressures. The Ha Foso food-storage facility is meanwhile being used temporarily to store farming inputs; the government says it will announce when grain storage begins. Regional Ties: Lesotho and Eswatini plan to revive education programmes and expand trade and agricultural cooperation, with progress to be reviewed annually. NUL Dispute: Suspended Pro-Vice Chancellor Kananelo Mosito has asked the Court of Appeal to require the university council to produce records supporting the appointment of Active Forensics and decisions behind his suspension. Household Costs: Lesotho’s new fuel prices took effect on October 7, with petrol 93 at M28.20 a litre, petrol 95 at M28.60 and diesel at M34.90. Shared Water: A basin survey running through December 15 will assess water quality and ecosystem health across the Senqu, Vaal and Orange river systems, including sites in Lesotho.

Fuel Prices & Cost of Living: Motorists in Maseru rushed to fill up ahead of Lesotho’s fuel price changes coming into effect on 7 October, with petrol 93 rising to M28.20 and petrol 95 to M28.60 per litre, while diesel 50 goes to M34.90 and illuminating paraffin to M25.90. Agriculture & Food Security: The Ministry of Agriculture says the new Ha Foso agricultural food storage facility is temporarily being used for farming inputs for summer cropping due to storage shortages, with grain storage operations expected to start once the facility is fully operational. Independence & Sovereignty: As Lesotho marks 60 years of independence, coverage highlights the push for cultural and digital sovereignty, including moves to strengthen copyright enforcement and protect creators’ royalties. Regional Water Planning: A Senqu Basin survey has begun, running until 15 December 2026, under ORASECOM’s Fourth Joint Basin Survey to track water quality and ecosystem health across shared river systems. Sports—Beach Soccer: Lesotho-linked match coverage notes Lesotho’s Khiba Herbert Mohoanyane appointed commissioner for Ghana’s Black Sharks vs Nigeria’s Sand Eagles in the 2026 Beach Soccer AFCON qualifiers in Kaduna. Sports—Lesotho in the spotlight: Lesotho’s 60th independence celebrations in Maseru drew attention to the kingdom’s regional role in shaping Southern Africa’s political and economic landscape.

Independence Celebrations in Maseru: Lesotho marked its 60th Independence Anniversary at Setsoto Stadium, with King Letsie III praising Eswatini’s “sister monarchy” bond and Prime Minister Sam Matekane urging Basotho to reclaim a national identity built on discipline, resilience and peace. Regional Diplomacy: King Mswati III used the occasion to highlight Lesotho’s role in Southern African integration and pledged continued unity toward AU and SADC goals. Court Watch: The Court of Appeal is set to open its second session next Tuesday with 45 cases, including a closely watched matter involving the National University of Lesotho and suspended Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof Kananelo Mosito. Energy and Infrastructure: The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority awarded geotechnical contracts for the proposed 120MW Oxbow Hydropower Scheme, moving preliminary engineering forward. Sports—Chess: Lesotho will host a FIDE-rated Independence Chess Tournament in Maseru (10–11 Oct) with sections for Open, Development and People with Disability.

Independence at 60: Lesotho marked its 60th anniversary in Maseru with dignitaries, soldiers and police on the ground, while King Letsie III praised the enduring Lesotho–Eswatini bond and Prime Minister Sam Matekane urged Basotho to reclaim a national identity built on discipline, resilience and peace. Regional ties: King Mswati III called Lesotho a key driver of Southern African integration, highlighting shared history and people-to-people links. Court watch: The Court of Appeal is set for its second session next Tuesday with 45 cases, including a closely followed matter involving the National University of Lesotho and Prof Kananelo Mosito. Business and energy: LHDA awarded geotechnical contracts for the 120MW Oxbow Hydropower Scheme, advancing work under the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. Youth and jobs: As Lesotho turns 60, reporting highlights high unemployment among young people and the ongoing national disaster declaration on youth joblessness. Independence chess: Lesotho will host a FIDE-rated Independence Chess Tournament at Lancers Inn Hotel in Maseru on 10–11 October.

Lesotho Independence & royal diplomacy: As Lesotho marks 60 years of independence, Prime Minister Sam Matekane urged Basotho to reclaim a national identity built on discipline and hard work, while King Letsie III highlighted the deep Basotho–Eswatini bond during the Diamond Jubilee celebrations, including the “Siyinqaba” toast and renewed calls for regional peace and integration. Regional sports & Lesotho’s place in the spotlight: Morocco’s October international window ended with a 1-1 friendly draw against Mali in Tangier, after wins over Gabon and Lesotho in AFCON qualifying—another reminder of how Lesotho’s matches keep shaping regional football narratives. Justice & courts: The Court of Appeal is set for a busy second session next Tuesday with 45 cases, including a matter involving National University of Lesotho leadership. Health logistics & security: Lesotho’s UN General Assembly trip produced plans for a medical drone centre to deliver medicines to remote clinics, while police continue efforts to arrest a fugitive accused in a Phiri murder case. Jobs pressure: A new report flags youth unemployment as Lesotho turns 60, with many graduates facing “officially unemployed” realities. Maseru events: Lesotho will host a FIDE-rated Independence Chess Tournament at Lancers Inn, Maseru, on 10–11 October.

Independence 60 celebrations: King Letsie III used Setsoto Stadium to highlight the “deep and enduring bonds” with Eswatini, as King Mswati III called the two monarchies “sister” partners and praised Lesotho’s role in shaping Southern Africa’s political and economic landscape. National identity push: Prime Minister Sam Matekane urged Basotho to “reclaim” a national identity built on discipline, resilience, vigilance, peace and hard work. Royal toast moment: Mswati III proposed the 60th anniversary toast and led the crowd in “Siyinqaba!” Court watch: The Court of Appeal’s second session starts next Tuesday with 45 cases, including the NUL Council matter involving suspended Pro-Vice-Chancellor Prof. Kananelo Mosito. Youth jobs pressure: Lesotho marks 60 with high youth unemployment, with the Bureau of Statistics reporting 236,576 people out of work and many young job-seekers unable to find work. Security/legal: Police say they’ve traced a murder accused, Teboho Tšolo, and are coordinating with South Africa for arrest and extradition. Sports (regional): Morocco slipped to seventh in FIFA live rankings after a 1-1 friendly draw with Mali. Chess event: Lesotho will host a FIDE-rated Independence Chess Tournament at Lancers Inn, Maseru, on 10–11 October.

Lesotho at 60: As the kingdom marks 60 years of independence, the Maseru Tribune looks back at the moments that shaped modern Lesotho, from independence day in 1966 to coups, raids, foreign troops and major projects like Katse. UN-linked development push: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane says his UN General Assembly trip in New York delivered plans including a Rapokolana medical drone centre for faster medicine delivery, plus cotton, labour and tourism deals. Defence boost from China: China’s PLA has donated RMB 30 million (about M74.5m) to strengthen Lesotho Defence Force readiness. Digital law progress: Lesotho’s ICT ministry has advanced the Electronic Transactions and Communications Bill after a stakeholder validation workshop with UNDP. Maseru planning for El Niño: District officials urged all Maseru sectors to coordinate early on drought and food-insecurity risks, building a district action plan. Justice update: Police say they have traced a murder accused, Panyane Phiri case suspect Teboho Tšolo, and are coordinating with South Africa for arrest and extradition. Threats to press: Lesotho Tribune publisher Phafane Nkotsi and reporter Malefo Thinyane say they received threats tied to the paper’s petroleum investigation. Sports finance: Bantu FC unveiled a three-year M6.30m sponsorship with SpinCity Lesotho.

Electoral Reforms Push: Lesotho’s Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane urged swift action to finalise electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 elections, calling for clarity on the legal framework and noting gaps still to be fixed, including voting for Basotho living abroad. Press Freedom Under Threat: Lesotho Tribune publisher Phafane Nkotsi and reporter Malefo Thinyane received threatening messages tied to the paper’s long-running petroleum investigation, which the outlet says will continue. Digital Law Progress: MICSTI, with UNDP, concluded a stakeholder validation workshop for the Electronic Transactions and Communications Bill 2026, aiming to strengthen trust and security for digital transactions and support cross-border trade. Health Delivery by Drones: Government says talks with Zipline are advanced, with an environmental impact assessment underway for a hub in Thaba Putsoa and plans to launch drone medicine delivery in the second half of next year. Power to Rural Villages: LEWA granted exemptions for seven mini-grid projects to expand electricity access to 70 villages. Church Leadership: URCSA elected Rev Prof B.B. Senokoane as Moderator for the next four years during its General Synod in Maseru. Telecom Boost: Econet Telecom Lesotho was named Lesotho’s fastest mobile network by Ookla based on 1H 2026 consumer performance data.

Electoral Reforms Push: Lesotho’s Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane urged swift action to finalise electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 elections, warning that unresolved laws and gaps—especially around diaspora voting—could undermine certainty and trust. Digital Law Update: MICSTI and UNDP concluded a two-day validation workshop for Lesotho’s Electronic Transactions and Communications Bill 2026, aiming to strengthen digital trust, security, and cross-border digital trade. Health Delivery by Drones: Government says talks with Zipline are at an advanced stage, with an Environmental Impact Assessment planned for Ha Rapokolana and expectations that drones could start delivering medicines to health facilities in the second half of next year. Investigative Press Under Threat: Lesotho Tribune publisher Phafane Nkotsi and reporter Malefo Thinyane received social-media threats tied to the paper’s long-running petroleum investigation, with the outlet saying it will continue reporting. Church Leadership: Rev Prof B.B. Senokoane was elected Moderator of URCSA for the next four years during the church’s General Synod in Maseru. Electricity Access: LEWA granted licence exemptions for seven rural mini-grid projects expected to expand power to 70 villages. Business Funding Slowdown: The M400 Inclusive Growth Fund loan facility is struggling with uptake—only M19m disbursed so far—blamed largely on limited awareness. Telecom Win: Econet Telecom Lesotho was named Lesotho’s fastest mobile network by Ookla, based on 1H 2026 consumer performance data. Agriculture Pressure: Farmers face rising costs and El Niño-linked drought risk, with planting decisions under strain as fertiliser and diesel prices bite. Dairy Crisis: The Senate heard government is working to resolve non-payment to farmers at the Lesotho National Dairy after Denmar’s departure.

Electoral Reforms Push: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane urged swift finalisation of Lesotho’s electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 elections, saying laws must be settled early for certainty, including how Basotho in the diaspora will vote. Investigative Press Under Threat: Lesotho Tribune publisher Phafane Nkotsi and reporter Malefo Thinyane received threatening messages tied to the paper’s long-running petroleum investigation, but the outlet says it will continue. Digital Law Progress: MICSTI and UNDP concluded a validation workshop on Lesotho’s Electronic Transactions and Communications Bill 2026, aiming to strengthen digital trust and support cross-border digital trade. Health Supply by Drone: Government is advancing a partnership with Zipline to deliver medicines by drone, with an Environmental Impact Assessment underway and hopes for first flights in the second half of next year. Church Leadership: URCSA elected Rev Prof B.B. Senokoane as Moderator for the next four years during its General Synod in Maseru. Rural Power Expansion: LEWA granted exemptions for seven rural mini-grid projects to expand electricity access across 70 villages. Food Security Worry: Reports say school meals in Semonkong have shrunk and become less nutritious after US funding cuts, prompting an education ministry investigation. Dairy Crisis: Agriculture Minister Selibe Mochoboroane told the Senate the Lesotho National Dairy payment crisis is being addressed after Denmar’s exit.

Electronic lawmaking: Lesotho has concluded a two-day validation of its Electronic Transactions and Communications Bill 2026 with UNDP, aiming to strengthen digital trust, security and cross-border interoperability before refinement by government. Digital economy update: The ministry also moved to amend the draft electronic transactions act, keeping the legal framework aligned with today’s digital reality. Health delivery by drones: Prime Minister Sam Matekane says talks with Zipline are advanced, with an Environmental Impact Assessment underway for a hub in Thaba Putsoa and hopes to launch drone medicine deliveries in the second half of next year. Rural power expansion: LEWA granted license exemptions for seven mini-grid projects covering 70 villages, designed to speed electricity access while keeping projects within the regulatory framework. Jobs and finance gap: Uptake of the M400 Inclusive Growth Fund loan facility remains very low—only M19m disbursed so far—prompting plans to intensify public awareness. School meals hit: After US funding cuts, Lesotho’s school feeding programme in Semonkong is delivering smaller, less nutritious meals, with education authorities saying they will investigate. Telecom milestone: Econet Telecom Lesotho was named Lesotho’s fastest mobile network by Ookla based on 1H 2026 Speedtest Verified results. Justice and accountability: Ten Lesotho media houses demand an independent inquiry into the abduction and assault of Newsday editor Kananelo Boloetse, saying no one has been held accountable. Democracy debate: National Assembly Speaker Tlohang Sekhamane warned Basotho may reject democracy if it fails to deliver bread, jobs and curb corruption.

Lesotho Dairy Crisis: Agriculture minister Selibe Mochoboroane told the Senate the Lesotho National Dairy is being worked on after farmers went unpaid since July, following South African operator Denmar’s exit, with ownership and management questions still in dispute. Court Update: Lefa Mabusane was sentenced to an effective three years in prison after conviction for aggravated assault linked to a 2024 strangling incident. Connectivity Boost: Econet Telecom Lesotho was named Lesotho’s fastest mobile network by Ookla/Speedtest Verified, citing real-world performance and ongoing 4G/5G upgrades. Education Shock: GroundUp reports school meals in Semonkong have shrunk and become less nutritious since US funding cuts, prompting a ministry investigation. Media & Accountability: Ten Lesotho media houses called for an independent inquiry into the abduction and assault of Newsday editor Kananelo Boloetse, saying no one has been held accountable. Tax Skills for Journalists: Revenue Services Lesotho trained journalists on tax reporting, including how to use AI ethically. MSME Trade Link-Up: Lesotho MSMEs met potential buyers in a B2B seminar tied to AfCFTA opportunities.

Lesotho school feeding hit: After US aid cuts, Lesotho learners in Semonkong are getting smaller, less nutritious meals, with maize-meal down 54% per pupil at St Leonard Primary and cooking oil supplies halved; the education ministry says it will investigate. Health services crisis: Parliament’s Social Cluster chair warns that two cases of expectant mothers giving birth without assistance at Berea Hospital and Mahobong Health Centre point to broader failures in patient care, with calls for tougher action against misconduct. Media freedom under pressure: Ten Lesotho media houses demand an independent inquiry into the abduction and assault of Newsday editor Kananelo Boloetse, saying no one has been held accountable and police are harassing management. Agricultural inputs implementation row: Kueneng principal chief accuses MPs and civil servants of sabotaging Prime Minister Sam Matekane’s plan to bring subsidised farm inputs to villages, saying implementation keeps failing. AfCFTA MSME push: Lesotho hosts an MSME workshop with a B2B seminar linking about 40 exhibitors to buyers, aiming to improve access to markets and finance. Regional sport spotlight: Morocco beat Lesotho 2-0 in AFCON 2027 qualifiers, while Bafana Bafana’s Relebohile Mofokeng scored twice in a 5-0 win over Eritrea. Southern Africa education impact: Roger Federer’s foundation says it has supported early preschool education for millions across Southern Africa, including Lesotho.

Media Accountability: Ten Lesotho media houses have demanded an independent Commission of Inquiry into the abduction and assault of Newsday editor Kananelo Boloetse, saying no one has been held accountable and criticising police and the Home Affairs and Police minister. AFCON 2027 (Lesotho): Morocco beat Lesotho 2-0 in Bloemfontein, with Brahim Díaz scoring before half-time and Azzedine Ounahi doubling the lead late, keeping the Atlas Lions perfect in Group A. AFCON 2027 (Regional shocks): Ghana were stunned 4-2 by Gambia after leading 2-0, while Nigeria lost 3-0 to Guinea-Bissau—results that add pressure on coaches and federations. Business & Trade (Lesotho): A Maseru workshop’s final day featured a B2B seminar linking about 40 MSMEs to potential buyers under AfCFTA support, targeting market access and export readiness. Public Spending: Lesotho’s government spending on detention and deportation of undocumented foreigners topped R1bn over seven years, with costs rising sharply in recent financial years. Sports (South Africa): Bafana Bafana thrashed Eritrea 5-0 in Cairo as Relebohile Mofokeng scored twice.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Morocco kept their perfect start going, beating Lesotho 2-0 in Bloemfontein with goals from Brahim Díaz (45’) and Azzedine Ounahi (82’), leaving Lesotho still searching for their first point. Morocco-Ghana Friendly in Trouble: Morocco has cancelled the Oct 4 friendly against Ghana after Ghana reportedly cited an internal dispute over players’ financial dues, with some players refusing to travel. Regional Football Shocks: Ghana were stunned at home, losing 4-2 to Gambia after leading 2-0, while Nigeria were thrashed 3-0 by Guinea-Bissau. Lesotho Energy Access: LEWA granted seven licence exemptions to One Power Africa to install mini-grids in seven rural communities, aiming to expand electricity where the main grid may not reach soon. Media & AI Skills: A Maseru tax journalism workshop urged reporters to use AI to improve speed and accuracy, but stressed ethics and fact-checking must stay with journalists. Sports & Injuries Spillover: Manchester United’s Noussair Mazraoui was forced off during Morocco’s Lesotho win, adding to the club’s injury worries.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Morocco kept their perfect start going, beating Lesotho 2-0 in Bloemfontein with goals from Brahim Díaz (45th) and Azzedine Ounahi (82nd), leaving the Atlas Lions on six points and Lesotho still searching for their first win. Injury Watch (Lesotho tie): The match also brought fresh concern for Manchester United, with Morocco defender Noussair Mazraoui forced off after an awkward challenge, while United already faced multiple injury setbacks during the international break. Local Energy Access: LEWA handed One Power Africa seven licence exemptions to install mini-grids in rural communities across Lesotho, aiming to expand electricity access where national grids may not reach soon. Media & Tech: A Maseru tax journalism workshop urged reporters to use AI to improve speed and accuracy, but stressed that ethics and fact-checking must stay with journalists. Sports Off the Pitch: Athletes are still waiting on unpaid prize money linked to the Soweto Marathon, and a Morocco-Ghana friendly is reportedly in doubt over players’ pay disputes. Human Rights: The UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances published findings covering Lesotho and other countries, outlining concerns and recommendations.