AGP Executive Report

Cultural Heritage Training: UNESCO, AUDA-NEPAD and the University of Pretoria are running two Southern Africa courses (11–28 Aug) to build legal and ethical capacity for the return and restitution of cultural property, with Lesotho among nine participating countries. Digital Push: Lesotho hosted a five-day workshop to develop a national AI strategy and a sovereign data centre blueprint, building on draft AI, data management and broadband policy frameworks. Connectivity for Remote Areas: Vodacom Lesotho launched an enterprise satellite broadband service using Starlink, aiming to keep businesses and public institutions online where fibre and towers are hard to deploy. Livestock Disaster Gap: In Mokhotlong, winter livestock deaths have exposed weak disaster preparedness—farmers got warnings, but lack of infrastructure and protection left them unable to save animals during heavy snowfall. Community Land Restoration: The Sebapala Integrated Watershed Management project closed after four years, restoring rangelands and strengthening watershed management through nearly 1,000 volunteer-led efforts. Wine Festival Returns: The Lesotho Wine Festival comes back for its 13th edition on 10 Oct in Maseru, with expanded tastings, food concepts and live entertainment. Regional Leadership Bid: Lesotho says it is ready to serve as Deputy Chairperson (or incoming chair) of SADC’s Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, with the decision expected at an October 2026 summit. SOE Governance Summit: Lesotho hosted an Africa SOE corporate governance summit in Maseru (24–26 Aug) focused on turning state enterprises into global competitors. China Scholarships: Lesotho welcomed Chinese scholarship support aimed at building human capital, with students urged to return skills to national development.

Lesotho–China Education Boost: Lesotho says Chinese scholarships are strengthening human capital, easing the cost of overseas study, and helping graduates take senior roles at home and abroad. Regional Security Leadership Bid: Lesotho has signalled readiness to serve as Deputy Chair of SADC’s Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation (or take the incoming chair), with the decision expected at an October 2026 extra-ordinary summit. Governance for State Firms: Lesotho hosts an Africa SOE corporate governance summit in Maseru, aiming to improve accountability and performance so public enterprises can compete globally. SADC Politics, Defence & Security: Lesotho’s push comes as the bloc’s leadership rotates, with South Africa chair and Eswatini chairing the security organ. South Africa Xenophobia Fallout: South Africa’s Ramaphosa says some anti-foreigner violence is being driven by outside forces and promises arrests and prosecutions. Football Governance Clash: SA’s sports minister Gayton McKenzie demands SAFA return R30m over delays in VAR for the Premier Soccer League. Lesotho in the Spotlight: Lesotho is also mentioned in regional football and travel-access lists, including visa-free options for South African passport holders.

China-Lesotho Education Boost: Lesotho says Chinese scholarships and training are building skilled professionals and easing the cost of overseas study, with students urged to return and contribute to national development. Regional Security Leadership Bid: Lesotho signals it is ready to serve as Deputy Chair of SADC’s Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation, or even take the incoming chair role, with the decision expected at an October 2026 extra-ordinary summit. Trade Facilitation Push: The government launches the Lesotho National Single Window, a World Bank-financed digital platform to let importers and exporters apply for trade licences and permits online through one system, cutting delays and reducing paperwork. Public Enterprise Governance: Lesotho hosts an Africa SOE Corporate Governance Summit in Maseru, focusing on accountability and turning state firms into globally competitive institutions. Health Funding Reality Check: WHO says Africa is still making progress on key health targets despite major cuts to international funding, citing gains in HIV and tuberculosis care. Sports—VAR Money Row: South Africa’s sports minister Gayton McKenzie renews pressure on SAFA over VAR funding, demanding the return of R30 million after no progress. Global Mobility Note: Lesotho appears in visa-free travel lists for South Africans and in global poverty rankings, underscoring the region’s economic and travel challenges.

Lesotho Trade Boost: Lesotho has launched the Lesotho National Single Window (LNSW), a digital platform meant to streamline trade by letting importers and exporters submit licences, permits and certificates online through one system, cutting delays and costs; the World Bank-funded CAFI Project says 12 ministries and agencies are already connected. Courtroom Fallout in Textiles Fraud: Courts in Lesotho and South Africa have frozen assets linked to a major clothing industry fraud involving CGM Group and Presitex, but respondents have lodged appeals and none of the assets covered by forfeiture orders has yet been realised. UK Migration Pathway: The UK Ancestry Visa scheme is highlighting Commonwealth countries eligible to apply, including Lesotho, offering a five-year route to live and work in Britain for those who can prove a UK-born grandparent. Regional Football: Lesotho Defence Forces’ win over Herentals Queens wasn’t enough to keep the Zimbabwean side in the COSAFA Women’s CAF Champions League qualifiers, while Silver Strikers’ progress hinges on their final group match. Conservation & Royals: Prince Harry has stepped down from African Parks’ board after the charity faced allegations of ranger abuses, with the move framed as part of a governance refresh.

African Parks Exit: Prince Harry has stepped down from the board of wildlife charity African Parks after allegations that its rangers committed human rights abuses, including rape and torture claims involving the Baka community in Congo; the charity says it is doing a “governance refresh” and Harry says he still supports its mission. Trade Facilitation: Lesotho launched the Lesotho National Single Window (LNSW), a World Bank-financed digital platform to let importers and exporters apply for trade licences and permits online through one system, cutting costs and reducing delays. Tourism Push: The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) is holding a tourism sensitisation workshop in Qacha’s Nek to improve service standards, compliance, tourism data reporting and community participation. Justice System Focus: A magistrates’ dialogue in Lesotho is tackling how courts handle Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence cases, including challenges posed by manipulative perpetrators and how protection orders are applied. Regional Health Support: Botswana donated 100,000 foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine doses to Lesotho to help protect livestock and farmers, with both countries urging stronger cross-border disease control. Lesotho–China Talks: Lesotho and China held their first quarterly dialogue in Maseru under a new coordination mechanism aimed at making cooperation “result-oriented and action-focused.”

CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA Qualifier: Silver Strikers Ladies must win their last group match to reach the semifinals after a 0-3 loss to Mamelodi Sundowns, while Sundowns top Group B and only need to avoid defeat against Costa do Sol. Sports Tourism & Adventure: Lesotho’s Maluti Mountains are being pitched as a climbing and hiking destination, with granite routes and panoramic views drawing interest. Regional Football: ZESCO Ndola Girls booked a COSAFA semi-final spot after beating Lesotho Defence Force 1-0, with a decisive goal from Enelesi Phiri. Health & HIV Prevention: The US has delivered nearly 14,000 additional lenacapavir PrEP doses to Lesotho, expanding access to the twice-yearly HIV prevention injection. Refugee Crisis: Refugees say a government freeze on identity cards and travel documents is now in its second year, leaving them stranded without services and opportunities. Agriculture & Livestock: Botswana donated 100,000 FMD vaccine doses to Lesotho to help protect cattle, sheep and goats and strengthen cross-border disease control. Governance & Justice: A magistrates’ dialogue heard warnings that manipulative “narcissist” perpetrators can derail SODV cases by pressuring survivors to withdraw. Business & Sport: Maluti Mountain Cement pledged M100,000 to sponsor the Lesotho International Basketball Tournament in Maseru (Sept 4-6).

Lesotho–China ties: Lesotho and China held their first quarterly dialogue in Maseru under a new coordination mechanism meant to make cooperation “result-oriented and action-focused,” with officials reviewing progress and following up on earlier agreements. Livestock protection: Botswana donated 100,000 foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine doses to Lesotho, as regional efforts intensify to keep outbreaks under control and protect farmers’ cattle, sheep and goats. HIV prevention: The US delivered nearly 14,000 additional lenacapavir PrEP doses to Lesotho, boosting the twice-yearly HIV prevention injection rollout. Justice and rights: A magistrates’ dialogue heard warnings that manipulators and narcissistic abusers can derail sexual and domestic violence cases by pressuring survivors to withdraw. Courts and governance: Former LCA licensing officer Thato Ponya accused government of political interference after his contract was not renewed, while refugees report a second year of identity and travel document freezes leaving them trapped. Sports: Lesotho’s Defence Force lost 1-0 to ZESCO Ndola Girls in the CAF Women’s Champions League–COSAFA qualifier, and Lesotho International Basketball Tournament got a M100,000 sponsor boost from Maluti Mountain Cement.

SADC Rule-of-Law Row: Lesotho’s opposition says its push to have SADC address alleged government non-compliance with court orders was left out of the agenda at the bloc’s Durban summit, despite warnings that constitutional reforms are being undermined. Refugee Crisis: Refugees in Lesotho say a government freeze on issuing identity cards and travel documents is now in its second year, leaving them “trapped” and unable to access banking, healthcare, education and referrals. HIV Prevention Boost: The US delivered nearly 14,000 more lenacapavir doses to expand Lesotho’s twice-yearly HIV prevention injection rollout. Livestock Health Support: Botswana donated 100,000 foot-and-mouth disease vaccine doses to help protect Basotho farmers and livestock. Lesotho–China Cooperation: Lesotho and China held their first quarterly dialogue in Maseru to make cooperation “result-oriented and action-focused,” including follow-ups on earlier agreements. Courts and GBV: A magistrates’ dialogue heard warnings that narcissistic, manipulative abusers can pressure survivors to withdraw SODV cases. Sports—COSAFA Qualifiers: ZESCO Ndola Girls reached the CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA semis after beating Lesotho Defence Force 1-0; Lesotho’s teams also featured in qualifier coverage. Business & Community: Econet Telecom Lesotho says its education support has topped M100 million, while SABA ran a spelling competition with business pitches for learners.

CAF Women’s Champions League–COSAFA Qualifier: ZESCO Ndola Girls booked a semi-final spot after Enelesi Phiri scored the only goal in a 1-0 win over Lesotho Defence Force, keeping a clean sheet and topping Group A on goal difference ahead of a decisive group clash. HIV Prevention: Lesotho received nearly 14,000 more lenacapavir PrEP doses from the US, boosting the twice-yearly HIV prevention injection rollout that began in March. Refugee Crisis: Refugees say a government freeze on identity cards and travel documents has dragged on for a second year, leaving them unable to travel, access money, healthcare, education, or referrals. Politics & Rule of Law: The opposition’s bid to raise alleged government non-compliance with court orders at the SADC summit was left off the agenda, though it says it remains hopeful. Sports & Identity: Lesotho Taekwondo Association confirmed Michelle Tau has been released to represent South Africa after a formal request. Business & Youth: Econet Telecom Lesotho says its education support now tops M100 million, backing over 2,000 learners since 2011, while SABA ran a spelling competition paired with business pitches for high school students. Justice: A High Court acting judge sentenced Moruti Mapola to 30 years for the murder of Tšeliso Chabalala after a knife fight linked to allegations of infidelity. Health & Support: Rotary and Vodacom donated mobility and medical equipment for persons with disabilities, reaching over 1,500 beneficiaries since 2023.

SADC Summit Snub: Lesotho’s opposition says its rule-of-law grievances over alleged non-compliance with court orders were left out of the agenda at the 46th SADC Heads of State meeting in Durban, though it insists it remains hopeful SADC will act. Refugee Crisis: Refugees in Lesotho report being effectively trapped after a government freeze on identity cards and travel documents entered its second year, cutting them off from banking, education, healthcare and referrals. HIV Prevention Boost: The US delivered nearly 14,000 more lenacapavir PrEP doses to expand Lesotho’s twice-yearly HIV prevention injection rollout. RFP Internal Tension: Revolution for Prosperity leader Sam Matekane faces a party challenge over a circular requiring members to seek headquarters approval before holding gatherings outside constituencies. LCA Political Interference Claim: Former LCA chief licensing officer Thato Ponya alleges political interference cost him his job, as he questions his own 2021 appointment and challenges his contract non-renewal. Justice and Court Updates: Ex-magistrate Peter Murenzi returns to practice and appeared in the M5 billion Mofomobe drug case, while a High Court sentenced Moruti Mapola to 30 years for murder after a knife-fight linked to alleged infidelity. Community and Business: Spring Jump Off is set for 5 September in Maseru, and Econet’s education support tops M100 million, backing thousands of Basotho learners since 2011.

Gender Equality Watch: Southern Africa’s expanded Gender and Development Index scores 58%, with only South Africa, Namibia, Seychelles, Mauritius and Lesotho above 60%, while pressure on women’s rights gains is rising. Justice & Rights: The Khubetsoana drug case faces a push to quash charges before trial, with the court urged to protect fair-trial rights while keeping serious allegations for full hearing. Local Courts: A farmer in Mokhotlong was sentenced to 30 years for killing a fellow villager after a knife fight linked to alleged marital infidelity. Legal Battle at Home: A former NSS officer is taking a 12-year fight for reinstatement to the High Court, challenging his transfer and dismissal as unlawful. Health Support: Rotary and Vodacom backed a third donation drive for people with disabilities, delivering wheelchairs, crutches, walking frames and other assistive devices to hundreds nationwide. Education & Youth: Econet Telecom Lesotho says its education bridge has topped M100 million since 2011, supporting over 2,000 learners; SABA also combined spelling with business pitches to spur youth entrepreneurship. Business & Women: RSL marked Women in Business, urging formal registration and proper bookkeeping for growth. Sports & Community: Maseru braces for Spring Jump Off on Sept 5, with major South African and local acts; Silver Strikers Ladies opened CAF/COSAFA qualifiers with a 2-1 win over Costa Do Sol. Diplomacy: Lesotho and India reaffirm ties as India marks 80 years since independence, while Lesotho and China held their first quarterly dialogue under a bilateral cooperation mechanism. Remittances Plan: Lesotho, with UN ECA, ran a workshop to turn diaspora remittances and skills into productive investment through a practical national framework. Infrastructure Spotlight: Polihali Major Bridges—Senqu Bridge in Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 2 was recognised at the CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Awards.

SADC Diplomacy: Lesotho missed out on chairing the SADC Troika on politics, defence and security after slow constitutional reforms, with Angola recommended to take over from 2027-28. Diaspora & Investment: Lesotho, with the UN Economic Commission for Africa, held a workshop to turn remittances and diaspora skills into a practical investment framework, stressing better rules and stronger engagement. AI & Data: Lesotho’s ICT ministry and UN Lesotho are running a Maseru workshop to shape a National AI Strategy and Data Centre Blueprint. China Ties: Lesotho and China held their first quarterly dialogue under a bilateral cooperation mechanism, focusing on follow-up to high-level visits and cooperation priorities. Court Update: The Mahao murder trial involving nine LDF members was postponed to December and January, as cross-examination continued. Women in Business: Revenue Service Lesotho marked Women in Business, urging formal registration and proper bookkeeping. Sports: Lesotho Defence Force Ladies were drawn into the COSAFA Women’s Champions League qualifier group alongside ZESCO Ndola Girls and hosts Gaborone United. Community & Justice: A man accused of vandalising a DMA house in Lepereng was denied bail.

Diaspora & Investment: Lesotho is pushing to turn diaspora remittances into development investment, with an ECA-backed workshop mapping a practical remittances–investment framework and calling for better data on who the diaspora is and where they are. Digital Strategy: The ICT ministry and UN Lesotho are drafting a National AI Strategy and Data Centre Blueprint in a Maseru workshop, aiming for responsible AI and secure digital infrastructure. Lesotho–China Ties: Foreign Affairs and the Chinese Embassy held the first quarterly dialogue under a bilateral cooperation mechanism, focusing on political trust, high-level exchanges and follow-up to FOCAC outcomes. Women in Business: Revenue Service Lesotho marked Women in Business in Maseru, urging formal registration and proper bookkeeping to help enterprises grow. Justice & Safety: A man accused of maliciously damaging a DMA-built home was denied bail and will return to court on 1 September, while an LDF murder case involving Brigadier Mahao was postponed to December and January. Sports: Lesotho Defence Force Ladies face Gaborone United Ladies in COSAFA Women’s Champions League qualifiers, with Lesotho Defence Force Ladies listed among group opponents. Infrastructure: Mokhotlong’s Mabunyaneng and Khubelu bridges reached practical completion, securing permanent access along the A1 highway ahead of the Polihali dam.

National AI push: Lesotho’s ICT ministry and UN Lesotho are running a five-day Maseru workshop to shape a National AI Strategy and Data Centre Blueprint, with leaders urging a careful, forward-looking approach. Data governance for the region: UNESCO is backing Southern Africa to harmonise data governance, bringing Lesotho and neighbours together to build a roadmap for smoother cross-border data flows and AI readiness. Court update—Mahao murder trial: The prosecution in the Mahao murder case involving nine LDF members, including retired Lt Gen Tlali Kamoli, has continued cross-examination, with the matter now set for December and January dates. Identity debate in sport: Olympic taekwondo athlete Michelle Tau’s post sparked online debate after a photo appeared to show a South African passport, raising questions about possible dual citizenship. Women in business: Revenue Service Lesotho urged women entrepreneurs to formally register and keep proper financial records to grow and access support. Lesotho–China ties: Lesotho and China held their first quarterly dialogue under a bilateral cooperation mechanism to track cooperation projects and follow up on recent high-level visits. Water security financing: Abu Dhabi Fund for Development highlighted support for Lesotho’s Metolong Dam programme, aimed at boosting drinking water supply and broader development benefits. Women’s football qualifiers: Lesotho Defence Force Ladies are in the COSAFA Women’s Champions League qualifier group alongside Gaborone United, ZESCO Ndola Girls and Herentals Queens. Disaster shelter vandalism: A DMA-built house in Lepereng was vandalised soon after handover, with repair costs estimated at nearly M100,000.

CAF Women’s Champions League-COSAFA qualifier: Silver Strikers Ladies have arrived in Gaborone, Botswana, for their Friday opener against Mozambique’s Costa do Sol, with Lesotho’s Defence Force Ladies also in the mix as all matches are set to stream on CAF TV, FIFA+ and COSAFA channels. Jobs and markets at risk: Farmer’s Meat Mariental Abattoir is set to close permanently at end-September, threatening more than 100 jobs and disrupting supply for over 100 producers who sell into EU and regional markets. Court update: Prosecution has begun cross-examination in the Mahao murder trial involving nine LDF members, including Retired Army Commander Lt Gen Tlali Kamoli. Drugs case under tight security: Police say the illegal drugs docket involving BNP MP Machesetsa Mofomobe has not disappeared and is being kept under high security ahead of the next court date. Digital connectivity push: Vodacom Lesotho and Starlink launched satellite broadband aimed at improving internet access in remote, mountainous areas. Diaspora investment focus: Lesotho is working on a framework to turn diaspora remittances into development investment, with officials citing remittances at about 21% of GDP. Sports and youth: FIFA’s Football for Schools programme will be piloted in 10 primary schools in Mokhotlong, while Team Lesotho returned from Eswatini’s National Youth Games with 13 medals. Infrastructure milestone: Concor-Nthane Brothers’ joint venture completed the Mabunyaneng and Khubelu bridges in Mokhotlong, key for A1 access ahead of the Polihali dam.

FMD Vaccines Boost: Botswana has donated 100,000 doses of Foot-and-Mouth Disease vaccines to Lesotho, with officials handing them over in Maseru as Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane urged stronger regional cooperation on surveillance, vaccination and livestock movement control. Satellite Internet Launch: Vodacom Lesotho and Starlink unveiled a satellite broadband solution aimed at improving connectivity in remote, mountainous areas where fibre and towers are costly, as the government pushes digitisation and wider access to online services. El Niño Preparedness: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority convened a national forum to plan early action for anticipated El Niño impacts, focusing on food security, livelihoods, livestock, water, health and other shocks. Diaspora Remittances Push: Lesotho is working on a National Diaspora Remittances Investment Framework to shift remittances from household spending toward productive investment, targeting a rise from about 21% of GDP to around 30% by mobilising savings held abroad. Local Governance Input: Basotho have submitted views to Maseru City Council on proposed by-laws covering sanitation, smoking areas, liquor outlet rules, construction permits and regular business inspections. SADC Politics & Security: King Mswati III assumed the SADC Troika chairmanship for politics, defence and security cooperation, pledging continuity and focus on emerging regional threats.