AGP Executive Report

Media Freedom Under Pressure: MISA Lesotho condemned vandalism at KEL Radio in Morija, saying attacks on broadcasting infrastructure can disrupt journalists, audiences and sources, and urged a thorough, independent investigation after the Information Minister visited the station. Higher Education Funding: Finance Minister Dr Rets’elisitsoe Matlanyane told Parliament the Loan Bursary Fund is supporting 22,034 students in 2026/27, with over M175 million already paid to about 21,000 students, and applications processed via the Bokamoso e-Portal. Tourism Push: The Tourism Pitso in Maseru called for turning Lesotho’s tourism assets into products, businesses and investment opportunities that create sustainable livelihoods, citing events like the Roof of Africa Rally and Maletsunyane Braai Festival. Royal Heritage Goes Virtual: Lesotho launched a new 360-degree VR experience, “Kings of Lesotho – The Royal Succession Story,” with a free public run starting 23 September at the Alliance Francaise de Maseru. Early Childhood Support: NECDOL is running a campaign to strengthen reception class teachers’ capacity to use digital devices for assessing children’s learning and development progress under its School Readiness Initiative. Disability Inclusion: LNLVIP will mark its 40th anniversary alongside International White Cane Day on 16 October with a procession and awareness activities. Energy Deal Under Scrutiny: Lesotho’s US$6.2bn Kobong Project with Convalt Energy is signed, but questions remain after reports of a conflict of interest involving a local partner linked to a senior minister.

School Feeding & Health: A new push argues Africa can use school meals to tackle rising diabetes and other non-communicable diseases, noting coverage has grown to 87 million children daily but 23 million still attend without food. STEM for Lesotho Learners: Eskom Expo ISF will host 316 young scientists, including Lesotho participants, with projects spanning AI for disease diagnosis and support for learners with disabilities. Migration & Remittances: Despite tighter migration clampdowns, remittances to low- and middle-income countries keep rising, with IFAD saying flows have doubled since last year. LGBTQI Safety in Lesotho: People’s Matrix Association Lesotho calls for a safer environment for LGBTQI people, citing stigma, abuse, and exclusion from services and even family decision-making. Royal Heritage Goes Virtual: Lesotho launches a free 360-degree VR experience, “Kings of Lesotho – The Royal Succession Story,” starting 23 September at Alliance Francaise de Maseru, with touring exhibitions nationwide. Lesotho’s Big Deal Under Scrutiny: Lesotho’s $6.2bn Kobong hydropower and AI data centre deal faces conflict-of-interest questions after a minister is linked to a potential local partner. Media Under Pressure: Commentaries renew calls for answers after attacks on Lesotho’s media space, including the abduction of editor Kananelo Boloetse and vandalism at KEL Radio. Early Childhood Training: NECDOL steps up reception-class teacher capacity to assess children’s learning using digital tools under its School Readiness Initiative. Regional Sports Links: CAF-cleared Accra Sports Stadium could host Niger and Somalia home qualifiers, while Lesotho’s own match against Morocco is set for 29 September.

Media freedom under pressure: Lesotho’s civic and media space faces a fresh test after reports of journalist Kananelo Boloetse’s abduction and assault, followed by KEL Radio being vandalised and forced off air, with calls for government answers on who is protecting media and why attacks are escalating. LGBTQI rights push: The People’s Matrix Association urged communities to create a safe environment for LGBTQI people, saying stigma and abuse deny access to services and even push some out of families and decision-making. Royal heritage goes virtual: Maseru is set to host the launch of a 360-degree VR experience, “Kings of Lesotho – The Royal Succession Story,” taking users through key royal sites from Thaba-Bosiu to Maseru landmarks, with a public run starting later this month. Early childhood education support: NECDOL is training reception class teachers to use digital tools to assess children’s learning progress, aiming to improve school readiness before Grade One. Big foreign investment, big questions: Lesotho signed a $6.2bn Convalt Energy deal for hydropower and an AI data centre, but scrutiny has grown over potential conflict of interest involving a minister linked to a proposed local partner. Regional migration and remittances: A wider report says remittances are still rising even as migration crackdowns intensify, highlighting how family needs keep money flowing.

Hydropower & AI Deal: Lesotho has signed a US$6.2bn (R100bn) Kobong Project agreement with Convalt Energy for a hydropower plant and AI data centre, but questions are rising after Public Works Minister Matjato Moteane is linked to a local partner and says he will recuse himself from cabinet talks. Media Under Pressure: Lesotho’s civic space is rattled by two attacks in weeks—Newsday editor Kananelo Boloetse’s abduction and KEL Radio being vandalised—while police say they can’t move the case forward because Boloetse is in hiding. LHWP Phase II Progress: The Lesotho Highlands Water Project is reported at 56.7% overall progress, with Polihali Dam and a 38km transfer tunnel advancing despite underground delays; two new bridges were also opened to protect community access around the Polihali Reservoir. Legal & Accountability: Prof. Kananelo Mosito has won a Court of Appeal order to return to work at NUL, while police continue to seek clarity in the Boloetse case. Food Security Push: Agriculture Minister Selibe Mochoboroane says low production is driven largely by weak farming knowledge and urges farmers to share skills through on-farm guidance. Regional Context: A week of reporting also highlights how southern Africa’s integration still orbits South Africa, and how climate forecasts alone won’t protect poorer livestock farmers without support measures.

Lesotho Highlands Water Project: Ministers completed a 11–13 Sep quarterly oversight visit to LHWP Phase II. Overall progress is at 56.7% (R24bn spent of R53bn). Polihali Dam is 53% complete (impounding due July 2027) and the 38km transfer tunnel is 58% complete, with tunnel-boring delays blamed on poor underground conditions and a plan to recover lost time. Bridges for Mokhotlong: Two completed bridges—Khubelu and Mabunyaneng—were opened to keep year-round access for communities affected by the future Polihali Reservoir. Press freedom under strain: Police say they can’t advance the investigation into journalist Kananelo Boloetse’s alleged abduction and torture because he is in hiding; they appealed for him to come forward, while Boloetse says his life is still at risk. Court win for NUL staff: Prof. Kananelo Mosito has won his case against the National University of Lesotho, with the Court of Appeal ordering his immediate return to work. Food production push: Agriculture Minister Selibe Mochoboroane told farmers that low output is driven largely by lack of farming knowledge, urging peer-to-peer skills sharing and more expert farm visits. Health and ICT support: WHO and the Pandemic Fund Southern Africa project handed Lesotho medical and ICT equipment worth about M2.5m to strengthen early detection and healthcare delivery.

Media Freedom Under Pressure: Lesotho police say they can’t move the case over journalist Kananelo Boloetse’s alleged abduction because he is “in hiding” and they can’t reach him, while Amnesty and press groups demand an urgent, independent investigation. Public Safety & Justice: Police Commissioner Borotho Matsoso also admitted investigators still don’t know whether Boloetse is alive, as the dispute turns into a standoff over access and cooperation. Courts & Accountability: Professor Kananelo Mosito has won his legal battle against the National University of Lesotho, with the Court of Appeal ordering his immediate return to work. Health & Systems: WHO and the Pandemic Fund handed Lesotho medical and ICT equipment worth about M2.5m to strengthen early detection and routine healthcare delivery. Infrastructure Milestone: LHWP Phase II hit a milestone as Khubelu and Mabunyaneng bridges were opened to keep Mokhotlong connected ahead of the Polihali Reservoir. Agriculture & Food Security: Minister Selibe Mochoboroane told farmers that low production is largely a knowledge gap, urging peer learning and farm visits by experts. Security Cooperation: South Africa and Lesotho destroyed 1,787 illegal firearms seized in joint operations, targeting cross-border trafficking and violent crime.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Lesotho police say they can’t move the Kananelo Boloetse abduction case forward because the Newsday editor is “in hiding” and they can’t reach him, while media groups and Amnesty demand an urgent, independent investigation. Political Power & Intimidation: A separate report says police warned a citizen not to mention Prime Minister Sam Matekane’s name again, raising fresh concerns about how the LMPS handles criticism. Water Project Progress: Two newly completed bridges—Khubelu and Mabunyaneng—were opened for Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, restoring year-round access for Mokhotlong communities. Health System Support: WHO and the Pandemic Fund handed Lesotho medical and ICT equipment worth about M2.5m to strengthen early detection and routine healthcare delivery. Food Security Focus: Agriculture Minister Selibe Mochoboroane urged farmers to boost production by sharing practical farming knowledge and getting experts onto the fields. Public Safety & Firearms: South African and Lesotho police destroyed 1,787 illegal firearms seized in joint operations to curb cross-border crime. Governance & Accountability: A new claim says Matekane agreed to return Lebona Lephema to cabinet after SADC talks in Durban, though principals have not confirmed.

Press Freedom Under Pressure: Amnesty and media groups renewed calls for action after Lesotho journalist Kananelo Boloetse was allegedly abducted and tortured on 5 September, with police saying they can’t progress because he is “in hiding” and they can’t reach him. Police Accountability & Public Safety: Police Commissioner Borotho Matsoso publicly appealed for Boloetse to come forward, while also admitting investigators lack key details only he can provide. Justice in the Courts: A man accused of killing Moeketsane Khotšeng with a lebetlela stick was granted bail by the High Court with conditions, including a M3,000 deposit. Water Infrastructure Milestone: Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II marked progress as two new bridges—Khubelu and Mabunyaneng—were opened in Mokhotlong to keep communities connected around the future Polihali Reservoir. Health & Tech Support: WHO and the Pandemic Fund handed Lesotho medical and ICT equipment worth about M2.5m to strengthen early detection and healthcare delivery. Security Cooperation: South Africa and Lesotho destroyed 1,787 illegal firearms seized in joint operations, targeting cross-border trafficking and violent crime. Food Production Focus: Agriculture Minister Selibe Mochoboroane urged farmers to share practical knowledge to boost output, saying training must reach the fields, not just classrooms.

Police and speech limits: Tšolo “Tjeka Tjeka” Thakeli says Commissioner of Police Borotho Matsoso warned him that police may not protect citizens who name Prime Minister Sam Matekane after Thakeli’s Facebook criticism led to repeated charges and detention. Environment and revenue services: Revenue Services Lesotho and the Forestry Department planted 2,000 trees at Ha Molipa, Kolonyama, Leribe, continuing a programme started in 2023 that has reached about 20,000 trees per year. Regional security cooperation: South African and Lesotho police destroyed 1,700+ illegal firearms seized in joint operations, with officials linking the move to cutting cross-border trafficking and organised crime. Health and youth crisis: Lesotho’s health ministry says 1 in 4 learners aged 13–17 seriously considered suicide, urging a wider conversation and support for young people. Press freedom alarm: Amnesty International and media groups renewed calls for an investigation after journalist Kananelo Boloetse was allegedly abducted and assaulted in Maseru, while the U.S. Embassy has stayed publicly silent. Water infrastructure: Minister Pemmy Majodina will oversee the unveiling of two newly completed Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 2 bridges in Mokhotlong this week. ICT and medical support: WHO and the Pandemic Fund delivered M2.5m worth of medical and ICT equipment to strengthen early detection and healthcare delivery. Trade and jobs: A wool and mohair roadshow in Teyateyaneng and beyond is pushing youths to add value locally instead of exporting raw fibre. International travel access: South Korea says Lesotho citizens can use K-ETA to enter without a traditional visa for up to 60 days.

Press Freedom Under Strain: Amnesty International and press groups renewed calls for an urgent, independent probe after Newsday editor Kananelo Boloetse was allegedly abducted and assaulted in Maseru, while the U.S. Embassy has stayed publicly silent. Public Safety & Security: South Africa and Lesotho police destroyed 1,787 seized firearms in a joint operation aimed at stopping illegal weapons feeding cross-border crime. Health System Support: Lesotho received about M2.5m in WHO and Pandemic Fund ICT and medical equipment, including glucose monitors, stethoscopes, laptops and modems, to strengthen early detection and routine care. Youth Mental Health: The Ministry of Health says 1 in 4 learners aged 13–17 seriously considered suicide, with officials urging better support and open conversation. Education Inclusion: Special education teachers pushed for real inclusion of children with disabilities beyond classrooms, including communities and churches. Agriculture & Jobs: Farmers’ knowledge-sharing and a wool-and-mohair roadshow in Teyateyaneng and other districts focus on value addition, skills, and market linkages to boost livelihoods. Infrastructure Watch: LHWP Phase 2 progress continues with the planned unveiling of newly completed Mabunyaneng and Khubelu bridges in Mokhotlong. Government Oversight: Defence and National Security PS Mpopo Tšoele is accused of interfering in LDF procurement by suspending the procurement manager and taking over purchasing functions. Travel Privilege: South Korea says Lesotho passport holders can enter using K-ETA for up to 60 days, easing visa hurdles for eligible travellers.

Press Freedom Under Threat: Amnesty International and CPJ are demanding urgent, independent probes after Lesotho journalist Kananelo Boloetse was allegedly abducted and assaulted near Thaba-Bosiu, with authorities urged to protect him from reprisals. Security & Accountability: Lesotho’s Defence and National Security PS Mpopo Tšoele says the LDF was not involved, as questions grow over which security actors may be responsible. Governance & Procurement: Defence PS Mpopo Tšoele has suspended the ministry’s procurement manager and taken procurement functions himself, with allegations of bypassing tender processes and leaving existing suppliers in limbo. Public Services & Rights: Special education teachers are calling for real inclusion of children with disabilities beyond classrooms, including churches and community spaces. Water Infrastructure: Minister Pemmy Majodina’s quarterly oversight of LHWP Phase 2 will include unveiling newly completed Mabunyaneng and Khubelu bridges in Mokhotlong. Local Government Finance: Maseru City Council is reportedly considering moving from the Moonstar Complex to the Old Parliament Building to ease a reported M49m rental arrears burden. Trade & Jobs: Lesotho’s duty-free access to the US under AGOA has been extended to 2028, protecting key textiles, apparel and fisheries exports. Agriculture Skills: Agriculture Minister Selibe Mochoboroane says knowledge-sharing is crucial to boost grain production, warning that poor planning around aggregation centres can undermine output.

Defence Procurement Scandal: Lesotho’s Defence and National Security PS Mpopo Tšoele is accused of verbally suspending procurement manager Senate Makhaola and taking procurement functions for himself, allegedly bypassing bidding and leaving existing suppliers in limbo. Journalist Safety Under Fire: Amnesty International and other groups are calling for an impartial investigation into the reported abduction and assault of Newsday editor Kananelo Boloetse, warning that intimidation is meant to silence accountability reporting. Local Government Finance: Maseru City Council is reportedly considering moving from the Moonstar Complex to the Old Parliament Building to ease a reported M49 million rental arrears crisis, though lease complications could worsen penalties. Anti-Corruption Push: The DCEO says opposition MP Jane Lekunya has agreed to repay M6 million linked to an alleged M109 million agriculture tender fraud scheme. Water Infrastructure: LHWP II’s new Mabunyaneng and Khubelu bridges are set to open, restoring year-round access on the Mokhotlong–Maseru A1 route as Polihali dam work advances. Sports Governance: LNOC president Letsatsi Ntsibolane downplays “instability” after resignations by CEO Morake Raleaka and COO ‘Mathato Makhorole, saying the body remains in control. Trade & Market Access: Lesotho secured an AGOA extension, keeping duty-free U.S. access for key exports until 2028. Tourism & Early Learning: LTDC will host a Tourism Pitso in September, while the education ministry continues ECCD expansion with new reception-class facilities.

Defence Procurement Crisis: Lesotho’s Defence and National Security PS Mpopo Tšoele has suspended the ministry’s procurement manager, Senate Makhaola, and taken procurement functions into his own hands, with sources alleging he bypassed competitive bidding and left existing suppliers in limbo. Journalist Safety Alarm: Amnesty International and local media groups are demanding an urgent, independent probe into the reported abduction and assault of Newsday editor Kananelo Boloetse, after claims he was questioned about his work and threatened with death. Corruption and Accountability: The DCEO says opposition MP Jane Lekunya has agreed to repay M6-million linked to an alleged M109-million agriculture tender fraud scheme, as prosecutors pursue asset recovery and further action. Justice Delays at LEC: A prolonged suspension of Lesotho Electricity Company executive management has dragged on for about 18 months, with calls for government to end the “limbo” and complete disciplinary processes. Maseru City Council Debt: Maseru City Council is reportedly considering moving from the Moonstar Complex to the Old Parliament Building to ease M49-million rental arrears, though lease issues could complicate any shift. Sports and Governance Watch: LNOC president Letsatsi Ntsibolane says the Olympic body remains stable after the resignations of CEO Morake Raleaka and COO ‘Mathato Makhorole, while Lesotho Aquatics prepares its first swimming pool at Ratjomose Barracks. Trade Boost: Lesotho secures extended duty-free U.S. market access under AGOA until December 2028, protecting key textiles, apparel and fisheries exports.

Anti-Corruption Push: Lesotho’s Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences says opposition MP Jane Lekunya has agreed to repay M6-million linked to an alleged M109-million agriculture tender fraud, with cooperation promised in the case. Press Freedom Under Threat: Outrage is growing over the reported abduction and assault of journalist Kananelo Boloetse in Maseru; Amnesty International and media groups are calling for an urgent, independent investigation and protection for journalists. Food Security Plan: The Disaster Management Authority says food grains purchases will start September 18, buying registered farmers’ produce (10% per farmer) and setting prices for maize, sorghum, wheat and beans. Tourism Investment Drive: The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation will host a Tourism Pitso in September 16–17 to attract investment, improve market access and boost Lesotho’s tourism ahead of the independence anniversary. Regional Context: South Africa’s Ramaphosa has gazetted 4 November 2026 as a public holiday for local elections, while AGOA has been extended to December 2028, keeping duty-free access for Lesotho exports to the US.

Press Freedom Under Fire: Lesotho journalist and human rights defender Kananelo Boloetse’s reported abduction and assault in Maseru has drawn strong condemnation, with Amnesty International and Media Women Association of Lesotho calling for an urgent, independent investigation and protection from reprisals. Food Security & Rural Support: The Disaster Management Authority says food grains purchases will start September 18 at Food Management Units nationwide, buying 10% of registered farmers’ grains and setting aside weevil treatment per bag, with prices published for maize, sorghum, wheat and beans. Tourism Push: The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation will host a two-day Tourism Pitso (Sept 16–17) to attract investment and market access, linking the sector’s plans to Lesotho’s 60th independence anniversary. Regional Diplomacy: Lesotho scholars backed China’s Global Governance Initiative, arguing it could improve Global South representation in global decision-making.

Press Freedom Under Fire: Lesotho authorities are being urged to urgently investigate the reported abduction, torture and assault of journalist Kananelo Boloetse, with Amnesty International and MWALes warning the attacks are meant to intimidate people who speak out. Tourism Push: The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation will host a two-day Tourism Pitso (Sept 16–17) with government, private sector and regional stakeholders to attract investment and boost Lesotho’s tourism ahead of the 60th Independence anniversary. Regional Diplomacy: Lesotho scholars say China’s Global Governance Initiative could help address the Global South’s underrepresentation in international decision-making. Trade Relief for Lesotho: Lesotho’s exporters get continued duty-free access to the US after AGOA was extended to Dec 2028, covering textiles, apparel and fisheries. Migration Tensions in the Region: South Africa’s migration enforcement remains in focus after reports of violence linked to undocumented-migrant crackdowns, with officials reiterating immigration management is a government responsibility. Justice & Courts (Regional): Zimbabwe’s judiciary reshuffle elevates judges to higher courts, including a new Court of Appeal president, after secondment work in Lesotho.