AGP Executive Report

Police Staffing Plan: Lesotho Mounted Police Service says it’s launching a three-year retention programme for leave-pending officers to plug a leadership gap, with hiring expected soon. Road Jobs Controversy: In Qacha’s Nek, residents question how workers were selected for the A4 road upgrade after a recruitment list allegedly didn’t match who was ultimately employed. National Development Spotlight: Princess Senate Mohato Seeiso was unveiled as UNDP National Goodwill Ambassador for Equality and Sustainable Development, linking her advocacy to Lesotho’s 60th independence push. Tourism Branding: The Ministry of Tourism soft-launched the Thaba-Bosiu identity logo as part of efforts to brand the site and boost domestic and international visits. Agriculture & Livestock: Botswana’s FMD vaccine consignment is set for Botha-Bothe, while Agriculture Minister Mochoboroane urged wool and mohair farmers to diversify into abattoirs as synthetic substitutes threaten demand. Digital Policy: Government, with partners, is building Lesotho’s National AI Strategy and a sovereign data centre blueprint. Football Business Deal: LeFA and Radisol Global Investments announced a strategic partnership to commercialise and professionalise football in Lesotho.

LeFA–Radisol Partnership: Lesotho Football Association has signed a strategic commercialisation and development deal with Radisol Global Investments, aiming to professionalise the sport and grow sustainable revenue while keeping LeFA as the governing custodian. PMO Pushback on Security Claims: The Office of the Prime Minister has dismissed allegations tying PM Ntsokoane Matekane to a private VIP security company, saying any contact was personal and not authorised by the PMO. Agriculture Diversification Warning: Agriculture Minister Selibe Mochoboroane urged wool and mohair farmers to plan for synthetic competition by investing in abattoirs and district meat processing to protect incomes. Irrigation Horticulture Restart: Government is stepping in to revive the long-delayed MDIH horticulture project in Phamong after MCA-Lesotho II closed, with a new implementing unit and community consultations planned. El Niño Preparedness: Leribe is developing an El Niño action plan after a district disaster workshop flagged worsening food insecurity risks. Tourism Branding: The Tourism Ministry soft-launched the Thaba-Bosiu identity logo as part of the build-up to Lesotho’s 60th independence golden jubilee and a push to brand the site for visitors. Court Testimony in Murder Case: A state witness told court that reconciliation efforts between accused and deceased failed before a fatal dispute, while the defence argues self-defence under the Penal Code. Digital Governance & AI: Lesotho hosted a policy workshop to advance a National AI Strategy and a sovereign data centre blueprint, building on draft AI, data management and broadband policies. Vodacom Satellite Connectivity: Vodacom Lesotho launched enterprise satellite broadband to improve connectivity for remote areas and support business continuity. SADC Security Leadership Bid: Foreign Affairs says Lesotho is ready to serve as Deputy Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation or take the incoming chair role, with a decision expected at an October summit. SOE Governance Summit: Maseru hosted an Africa SOE corporate governance summit focused on accountability and turning state enterprises into global competitors.

UNESCO Cultural Property Training: UNESCO, AUDA-NEPAD and the University of Pretoria launched two Southern Africa certificate courses in Lesotho to build legal and ethical capacity for the return and restitution of cultural property, bringing 27 participants from nine countries into practical, community-sensitive training. Lesotho Digital Push: Government hosted a five-day workshop to advance Lesotho’s National AI Strategy and Data Centre Blueprint, building on draft AI, data management and broadband policy frameworks. Maseru Trade Facilitation: Lesotho launched the National Single Window to streamline trade licences, permits and certificates online, cutting costs and reducing delays across connected ministries and agencies. Mokhotlong Livestock Crisis: Winter livestock deaths in Mokhotlong are exposing gaps in disaster preparedness—warnings exist, but infrastructure and protection for farmers are lacking. Vodacom Satellite Broadband: Vodacom Lesotho rolled out enterprise satellite connectivity (Starlink-powered) to keep businesses and public institutions online where terrestrial networks are unreliable. SOE Governance Summit: Lesotho hosted an Africa SOE corporate governance summit in Maseru, focusing on accountability and turning state enterprises into global competitors. SADC Security Leadership Bid: Lesotho signalled readiness to become Deputy Chair of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation (or incoming chair), with selection expected at an October extra-ordinary summit. Cross-Border Justice in Textile Fraud: Lesotho and South Africa froze assets linked to illicit proceeds from a major clothing industry fraud, but realisation is delayed by appeals.

Lesotho–China Education: Lesotho says Chinese scholarships are boosting human capital, easing the cost of overseas study, and helping graduates take up senior roles at home and abroad. Public Enterprise Governance: Lesotho hosted an Africa SOE corporate governance summit in Maseru, pushing stronger accountability and performance for state-owned enterprises. 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 take the incoming chair), with a decision expected at an October 2026 extra-ordinary summit. Trade Facilitation: Lesotho launched a National Single Window to streamline trade licensing and permits online, cutting transaction costs and movement between agencies. SADC/Regional Context: South Africa’s Ramaphosa told parliament that some anti-foreigner violence may be influenced from outside the country, while insisting perpetrators will be arrested and charged. Migration Pressure in the Region: South Africa’s crackdown and repatriations could reduce remittances across SADC, an economist warned. Justice/Asset Recovery: Lesotho and South Africa courts froze assets in a major clothing industry fraud case, though respondents have appealed. Sports Governance (Regional): South Africa’s sports minister renewed his fight over VAR funding for the PSL, demanding SAFA return money after delays.

SADC Security Leadership Bid: Lesotho says it is ready to serve as Deputy Chairperson of the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation—or even take the incoming chair role—after President Cyril Ramaphosa was elected SADC Chair in Durban, with Lesotho’s bid expected to be considered at an October 2026 extra-ordinary summit. Trade & Business Reform: Lesotho launched the Lesotho National Single Window, a World Bank-financed digital platform to streamline trade licences, permits and certificates through one online system, cutting red tape across 12 connected ministries and agencies. Regional Governance Focus: Lesotho hosted an Africa State-Owned Enterprises Corporate Governance Summit in Maseru (24–26 Aug), pushing stronger accountability and performance for public enterprises. China Ties: Lesotho and China held their first quarterly dialogue under a new coordination mechanism aimed at making cooperation “result-oriented and action-focused.” Health & Cooperation: WHO says Africa is still making health gains despite sharp funding cuts, while Lesotho also received 100,000 FMD vaccine doses from Botswana to protect livestock and farmers. Justice & GBV Implementation: Magistrates in Eswatini met to strengthen Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act implementation, with Lesotho courts also grappling with how manipulative perpetrators can derail SODV cases.

Lesotho Trade Modernisation: Lesotho has launched the Lesotho National Single Window (LNSW), a digital platform meant to streamline trade by letting importers, exporters and agents apply electronically for licences, permits and certificates through one system, cutting red tape and improving transparency as 12 ministries and agencies connect to it. Tourism Sector 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, with topics including the tourism levy and customer service. Regional Cooperation on Health & Livestock: Botswana has donated 100,000 foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) vaccine doses to Lesotho, while South Africa also moves to support preparedness in the region with vaccine sharing. Justice & GBV Court Practice: Magistrates’ dialogue on the Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act highlights how courts struggle with manipulative perpetrators and the risk of survivors being pressured to withdraw cases. HIV Prevention Supply: The US has delivered nearly 14,000 additional lenacapavir doses to Lesotho, expanding access to the twice-yearly HIV prevention injection. Refugee Rights Crisis: Refugees say a government freeze on identity cards and travel documents is now in its second year, leaving many trapped without access to services and opportunities. Party Internal Tension: Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) leader Sam Matekane faces internal pushback over a circular requiring headquarters approval for gatherings outside constituencies, with members threatening court action.

Non-profit Governance Shock: Prince Harry has resigned from the African wildlife charity African Parks, ending his board role as the group faces renewed scrutiny after admitting rangers committed human rights abuses in the Republic of Congo, including allegations involving the Baka community. Trade & Business Reform: Lesotho launched the Lesotho National Single Window in Maseru, a World Bank-financed digital platform to streamline trade licences, permits and certificates through one online system, cutting costs and reducing delays across 12 connected ministries and agencies. Tourism Sector Push: The Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation is running tourism sensitisation workshops in Qacha’s Nek, focusing on service standards, compliance, tourism data reporting, community participation, the tourism levy and customer service. Justice & GBV Implementation: Magistrates’ dialogues and workshops are underway to strengthen Sexual Offences and Domestic Violence Act implementation, with judges warning that manipulative perpetrators can make SODV cases harder to prosecute. Regional Cooperation: Lesotho and China held their first quarterly dialogue under a new coordination mechanism to speed up implementation of agreements, while Botswana donated 100,000 FMD vaccine doses to help protect Basotho livestock. HIV Prevention Supply: The US delivered an additional 14,000 doses of lenacapavir PrEP to expand Lesotho’s twice-yearly HIV prevention injection rollout.

Lesotho–China Diplomacy: 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. Regional Livestock Health: Botswana donated 100,000 FMD vaccine doses to Lesotho in Maseru, as both governments stress cross-border disease monitoring and stronger veterinary cooperation. Rule of Law at SADC: Lesotho’s opposition says its grievances about alleged government non-compliance with court orders were omitted from the agenda at the SADC summit in Durban, despite writing to the bloc ahead of time. Refugees in Limbo: Refugees report a second year of a government freeze on identity cards and travel documents, leaving them unable to access services, money, education, healthcare and referrals. Justice System Pressure: A magistrates’ dialogue heard warnings that narcissistic, manipulative perpetrators can derail GBV and SODV cases by persuading survivors to withdraw. HIV Prevention Supply: The US delivered nearly 14,000 additional lenacapavir PrEP doses to Lesotho, expanding access to the twice-yearly HIV prevention injection. Party Politics: RFP leader Sam Matekane faces internal pushback over a circular requiring headquarters approval for gatherings outside constituencies, with members threatening court action. Communications Regulator Row: Former LCA chief licensing officer Thato Ponya alleges political interference cost him his job after the regulator declined to renew his contract.

SADC Rule-of-Law Clash: Lesotho’s opposition says its push to raise alleged government non-compliance with court orders at the SADC summit was left out of the agenda in Durban, despite claims of “systematically disregarding” binding rulings. Refugee Crisis: Refugees in Lesotho report a second year of government freeze on identity cards and travel documents, leaving families stranded, bank accounts frozen, and sick people unable to access specialised care. HIV Prevention Boost: The US delivered nearly 14,000 more lenacapavir doses to expand Lesotho’s twice-yearly HIV prevention injection rollout. Lesotho–China Cooperation: Maseru hosted the first quarterly Lesotho–China dialogue under a coordination mechanism meant to make agreements “action-focused.” Livestock Protection: Botswana donated 100,000 FMD vaccine doses to help Lesotho protect cattle, sheep and goats. Communications Regulator Tension: Former LCA licensing chief Thato Ponya alleges political interference cost him his job, while he challenges the non-renewal of his contract. GBV Court Warning: A magistrates’ dialogue heard how narcissistic manipulators can complicate SODV cases by pushing victims to withdraw. Diaspora & Development: Lesotho held a workshop on turning remittances and diaspora investment into development through a practical national framework.

Lesotho–China Diplomacy: 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 high-level agreements. Livestock Health & Regional Cooperation: Botswana donated 100,000 foot-and-mouth disease vaccine doses to Lesotho, as South Africa also moves to contain FMD regionally by sharing vaccines and tightening preparedness. HIV Prevention Support: The US delivered nearly 14,000 additional lenacapavir PrEP doses to expand Lesotho’s twice-yearly HIV prevention injection rollout. Rule of Law at SADC: Lesotho’s opposition says its grievances over alleged government non-compliance with court orders were omitted from the agenda at a recent SADC summit, despite earlier letters to the bloc. Refugee Crisis: Refugees in Lesotho report a second year of government delays in issuing identity cards and travel documents, leaving many “trapped” and unable to access services. Justice & Courts: A magistrates’ dialogue heard warnings that manipulators and narcissistic perpetrators can complicate gender-based violence cases, including efforts to pressure survivors to withdraw. Party Politics: Inside the Revolution for Prosperity, members challenge a circular requiring headquarters approval for gatherings outside constituencies, threatening court action if it isn’t withdrawn. Governance & Oversight: A former LCA licensing officer alleges political interference cost him his job, while a former magistrate returns to legal practice in a major drug case. Development & Economy: A workshop in Maseru aims to turn diaspora remittances into development investment through a practical remittances–investment framework. Sports & Community: Maluti Mountain Cement sponsors the Lesotho International Basketball Tournament with M100,000, and Vodacom/Rotary back disability support with mobility and medical equipment.

IEC & voter participation: In a Q&A, IEC chair Mosotho Moepya says an estimated 10-million eligible voters are unregistered and argues the problem isn’t voter education alone, but voters’ lived experience and dissatisfaction with parties. Refugee status crisis: Refugees say a government freeze on issuing identity cards and travel documents is now in its second year, leaving families stranded, bank accounts frozen, and sick people unable to access specialised care. RFP internal dispute: Revolution for Prosperity leader Sam Matekane faces a party challenge over a circular requiring members to seek HQ approval before holding gatherings outside constituencies, with members threatening court action. Communications regulator row: Former LCA chief licensing officer Thato Ponya alleges political interference cost him his job, while he also faces questions about his own 2021 appointment. Court and security matters: Ex-NSS officer Montoeli Ramaipato takes his 12-year reinstatement fight to the High Court, and the Lesotho Defence Force Mahao murder case has been postponed to December and January dates. HIV prevention update: US-delivered lenacapavir PrEP doses (14,000) arrive to expand Lesotho’s twice-yearly HIV prevention injection rollout. Sports identity controversy: Taekwondo athlete Michelle Tau is formally released by the Lesotho Taekwondo Association to represent South Africa, ending speculation sparked by a passport photo. Regional politics: Lesotho’s opposition says SADC failed to put its rule-of-law grievances on the agenda at the Durban summit, and Lesotho missed a chance to chair the SADC Troika due to slow constitutional reforms progress. Bilateral & development: Lesotho and India reaffirm ties at India’s 80th Independence Day event, while Lesotho–China holds its first quarterly bilateral cooperation dialogue. Public services & economy: Econet Telecom Lesotho reports education investment topping M100 million, and a Maseru workshop develops Lesotho’s National AI Strategy and Data Centre Blueprint.

SADC Diplomacy: 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 summit in Durban, with the opposition still hoping the bloc will eventually engage. Refugee Rights: A government freeze on issuing identity cards and travel documents is now in its second year, leaving refugees “trapped” in Lesotho and unable to access banking, healthcare, education and referrals. HIV Prevention: The US delivered nearly 14,000 more doses of lenacapavir to expand Lesotho’s twice-yearly PrEP rollout. RFP Internal Politics: Revolution for Prosperity leader Sam Matekane faces a party challenge over a circular requiring headquarters approval for gatherings outside constituencies, with members threatening court action. Regulator Under Fire: Former LCA chief licensing officer Thato Ponya alleges political interference cost him his job, as he contests the non-renewal of his contract. Justice & Security: The High Court hears a 12-year reinstatement fight by an ex-NSS officer, while the Mahao murder case has been pushed to December and January. Health Access & Aid: Rotary and Vodacom’s partnership delivered mobility and medical equipment to support persons with disabilities nationwide. Bilateral Moves: Lesotho and India reaffirm ties during India’s 80th Independence Day in Maseru, and Lesotho–China held their first quarterly bilateral cooperation dialogue. AI Planning: Lesotho’s ICT ministry and UN Lesotho run a workshop to develop a National AI Strategy and Data Centre Blueprint.

Gender & Rights Watch: Southern Africa’s expanded SGDI scores 58%, with only South Africa, Namibia, Seychelles, Mauritius and Lesotho above 60%, while warning of rising political, legal and financial pressure on gains. Local Politics & Party Building: PEKA MP Mohopoli Monokoane says his Khanya movement will bridge the “mentoring gap” between struggling small firms and established tycoons, as it gathers public input ahead of party registration. Justice & Courts: The Khubetsoana M5 billion drug case remains under tight security after claims a key docket “disappeared”; meanwhile, the Mahao murder trial involving LDF personnel has been postponed to December and January. Governance & Regional Diplomacy: Lesotho missed the chance to chair the SADC Troika on politics, defence and security due to slow constitutional reforms, with Angola recommended for 2027-28. Digital Policy: Lesotho’s ICT ministry and UN Lesotho run a workshop to draft a National AI Strategy and Data Centre Blueprint. Health & Social Support: Rotary and Vodacom back disability access with wheelchairs and mobility aids, reaching over 1,500 beneficiaries since 2023. Business & Youth: Econet Telecom Lesotho says education support now tops M100 million, backing 2,000+ scholars since 2011. Bilateral Ties: Lesotho and India reaffirm cooperation as India marks 80 years of independence in Maseru.

SADC Politics & Security: Lesotho has missed the chance to chair the SADC Troika (Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation) after slow progress on constitutional reforms; the Troika Secretariat recommended Angola for 2027–28, and Lesotho’s complaint over rotational positions and its “struck off” status will now be handled through further SADC talks. AI & Digital Governance: Lesotho’s ICT ministry and UN Lesotho are running a five-day Maseru workshop to craft a National AI Strategy and Data Centre Blueprint, with Deputy PM Justice Nthomeng Majara urging vigilance and strategic foresight. Diaspora & Investment: A Lesotho-ECA UN workshop in Maseru focused on a Remittances–Investment National Framework to turn diaspora money, skills and networks into productive, sustainable development. Regional Data Rules: UNESCO, Smart Africa and Zimbabwe’s ICT ministry convened a Southern Africa workshop to harmonise data governance frameworks, with Lesotho among the countries sharing experiences and mapping a roadmap. China Ties: Lesotho and China held their first quarterly dialogue under a Bilateral Cooperation Mechanism, reviewing implementation of outcomes from Chinese FM Wang Yi’s January visit and reaffirming the One-China principle. Court & Defence: The Mahao murder case involving nine LDF members, including retired Lt Gen Tlali Kamoli, has been postponed to December and January after cross-examination continued. Law & Order: Police say an illegal drugs docket involving BNP MP Machesetsa Mofomobe is still under tight security, rejecting claims it “disappeared.” Sports & Youth: Lesotho piloted FIFA’s Football for Schools programme in 10 primary schools, while Team Lesotho returned from Eswatini’s National Youth Games with 13 medals.

SADC Troika Chairmanship: Lesotho has missed the chance to chair the SADC Organ on Politics, Defence and Security Cooperation Troika for 2027-28, with the Troika Secretariat pointing to slow constitutional reforms; Lesotho says it challenged the decision and sought talks with Angola, but talks collapsed and the matter went to an extraordinary summit. AI and Data Policy: The Lesotho government, with UN support, is running a national workshop to shape a National AI Strategy and Data Centre Blueprint, while UNESCO backs regional efforts to harmonise Southern Africa’s data governance frameworks. Diaspora and Remittances: Lesotho is pushing a Remittances–Investment National Framework with ECA and UN partners, aiming to turn diaspora money, skills and networks into productive development investment. LDF Murder Trial: In the Mahao murder case, cross-examination continues and the matter has been postponed to December and January dates, with defence witness testimony touching on alleged mutiny-suppression operations. Drug Docket Security: Police say an MP-linked illegal drugs docket is still under tight security and has not “disappeared,” as the case proceeds with further court dates. Digital Connectivity Push: Vodacom Lesotho and Starlink launched satellite broadband to extend reliable internet to remote, mountainous areas. Water Security Finance: A UN/ECA-linked remittances push runs alongside major water-security financing signals, including support for Lesotho’s Metolong Dam works. Sports and Youth: Lesotho Football Association pilots FIFA’s Football for Schools in 10 primary schools, while Team Lesotho returned with 13 medals from Eswatini’s National Youth Games. Public Clarification: The Help Nnete Heal campaign denies that M400,000 was received by Minister Nthati Moorosi, correcting earlier figures that mixed received funds with unverified pledges.

AI & Digital Readiness: UNESCO, Smart Africa and Zimbabwe’s ICT ministry backed a Southern Africa workshop to harmonise data governance, with Lesotho among countries mapping a roadmap using UNESCO’s Data Governance Toolkit. National AI Planning: In Maseru, Lesotho’s ICT ministry and UN Lesotho are running a five-day workshop to craft a National AI Strategy and Data Centre Blueprint, with Deputy PM Justice Nthomeng Majara urging vigilance. China Ties: Lesotho and China held their first quarterly dialogue under a bilateral cooperation mechanism, focusing on political trust, high-level exchanges and follow-up to Wang Yi’s January visit and FOCAC outcomes. Justice & Security: The Mahao murder trial involving nine LDF members, including retired Lt Gen Tlali Kamoli, was postponed to December and January after cross-examination of a defence witness; separately, an MP-linked drugs docket was kept under tight security amid claims it “disappeared.” Sports & Youth: Lesotho piloted FIFA’s Football for Schools in 10 primary schools, while Team Lesotho returned from Eswatini’s youth games with 13 medals. Public Services & Rights: DMA reported vandalism of a newly built shelter for a vulnerable household in Lepereng, and elderly rural residents renewed complaints ahead of the independence anniversary.