AGP Executive Report

Electoral Reforms Push: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane urged swift action to finalise Lesotho’s electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 elections, calling for clarity on the legal framework and outstanding issues like diaspora voting. Petroleum Probe Threats: Lesotho Tribune publisher Phafane Nkotsi and reporter Malefo Thinyane received social-media threats tied to the paper’s long-running petroleum investigation, which the outlet says will continue. Digital Law Update: MICSTI and UNDP concluded stakeholder validation for Lesotho’s Electronic Transactions and Communications Bill 2026, aiming to strengthen trust, security, and cross-border digital trade. Health Delivery by Drone: Government is advancing a partnership with Zipline to deliver medicines by drone, with an environmental assessment underway and plans to launch in the second half of next year. Electricity Access: LEWA granted exemptions for seven rural mini-grid projects that could expand power to 70 villages. Church Leadership: URCSA elected Rev Prof B.B. Senokoane as Moderator for the next four years. Business Finance Slowdown: The M400 Inclusive Growth Fund loan facility is struggling with uptake, with only M19m disbursed so far, blamed largely on limited awareness. Sports Spotlight: Relebohile Mofokeng’s brace for Bafana Bafana against Eritrea drew praise from Pitso Mosimane as Lesotho’s football story stays linked to the wider regional AFCON qualifiers.

Electoral Reforms: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane urged swift action to finalise Lesotho’s electoral reforms ahead of the 2027 elections, saying stakeholders must agree early on the legal framework, including how Basotho in the diaspora will vote. Press Freedom Under Threat: Lesotho Tribune publisher Phafane Nkotsi and reporter Malefo Thinyane received threats linked to the paper’s long-running petroleum investigation, which the outlet says will continue. Digital Law Update: MICSTI and UNDP concluded validation of Lesotho’s Electronic Transactions and Communications Bill 2026, aimed at strengthening digital trust and enabling cross-border digital trade. Health Logistics: Government is advancing a partnership with Zipline to deliver medicines by drone, with an Environmental Impact Assessment planned and the first drones expected in the second half of next year. Rural Power Expansion: LEWA granted licence exemptions for seven rural 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. Food Security Pressure: Parliament heard concerns that school meals have shrunk and become less nutritious after US funding cuts, with the education ministry set to investigate. Business Finance Bottleneck: Uptake of the M400 Inclusive Growth Fund loan facility remains low, with only M19m disbursed so far due to limited awareness.

Electronic Transactions Bill: Lesotho has concluded a two-day stakeholder validation workshop on the Electronic Transactions and Communications Bill 2026, aimed at strengthening digital trust, security, and interoperability for local and cross-border e-commerce. Electronic Transactions Act Update: The ministry is also moving to amend the draft act, following feedback before it heads further into the legislative process. Drones for Medicines: Prime Minister Sam Matekane says government is in advanced talks with Zipline to deliver medicines by drone, with an Environmental Impact Assessment planned for Ha Rapokolana and the first drones expected in the second half of next year. Electricity Access: LEWA has granted licence exemptions to One Power Lesotho for seven rural mini-grid projects that will expand power to 70 villages. Democracy Under Pressure: National Assembly Speaker Tlohang Sekhamane warned Basotho may reject democracy if it fails to deliver bread, jobs, and curb corruption ahead of the 2028 election dialogue. Inclusive Growth Fund Slowdown: Uptake of the M400m IGF loan facility remains very low, with only M19m disbursed so far, blamed on limited awareness. Corruption at Borders (Regional): South Africa’s Border Management Authority says anti-corruption efforts must extend to airports and seaports, warning officials of serious consequences. Media Safety: 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.

Dairy Crisis in Parliament: 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 departure, with ownership and a long-running dispute also raised. Court Update: Lefa Mabusane was sentenced to an effective three years in prison after a Maseru court convicted him of aggravated assault linked to an April 2024 strangling case. Connectivity Boost: Econet Telecom Lesotho was named Lesotho’s fastest mobile network by Ookla/Speedtest Verified for 1H 2026, as it expands 5G and strengthens 4G. Media & Tax Skills: Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) trained journalists on tax reporting, including how to use AI responsibly while upholding ethics and verification. Health Services Alarm: Parliament’s Social Cluster warned of poor maternity care after two cases of unattended births at Berea Hospital and Mahobong Health Centre, including one death later found in a river. Sports Spotlight: Bafana Bafana’s Relebohile Mofokeng shone in a 5-0 win over Eritrea, scoring twice as Mosimane pushed for more goals.

Health Crisis in Lesotho: Parliament’s Social Cluster chair Mokhothu Makhalanyane warns that cases of expectant mothers giving birth without assistance at Berea Hospital and Mahobong Health Centre point to a wider breakdown in care, calling for stronger action against misconduct by health workers. Agriculture Inputs Implementation: Kueneng principal chief Peete Lesaoana Peete accuses MPs and civil servants of sabotaging Prime Minister Sam Matekane’s plan to bring subsidised agricultural inputs to villages, saying traders are being used to sell supplies instead of reaching communities directly. School Feeding Hit by US Cuts: GroundUp reports Lesotho learners in Semonkong are getting smaller, less nutritious meals after US funding ended, with maize-meal deliveries down sharply and cooking oil supplies halved; the education ministry says it will investigate. MSME Trade Push: Lesotho hosts an AfCFTA-focused MSME workshop, including a B2B seminar linking about 40 exhibitors with potential buyers to tackle market access and finance barriers. Regional Sports Spotlight: Morocco beat Lesotho 2-0 in AFCON 2027 qualifying in Bloemfontein, while South Africa’s Relebohile Mofokeng scored twice as Bafana Bafana thrashed Eritrea 5-0. Media Freedom: Ten Lesotho media houses demand an independent inquiry into the abduction and assault of Newsday editor Kananelo Boloetse, alleging police have not been held accountable.

AFCON Qualifiers Shockwaves: Morocco beat Lesotho 2-0 in Bloemfontein with Brahim Díaz and Azzedine Ounahi scoring, keeping the Atlas Lions perfect in Group A. Regional Football Upsets: Ghana collapsed after leading 2-0 to lose 4-2 to Gambia, while Nigeria were thrashed 3-0 by Guinea-Bissau—both results piling pressure on coaches and squads. South Africa on Track: Bafana Bafana routed Eritrea 5-0 in Cairo, with Relebohile Mofokeng netting twice as South Africa consolidated top spot in Group D. Lesotho Media Under Fire: Ten Lesotho media houses demanded an independent inquiry into the abduction and assault of Newsday editor Kananelo Boloetse, saying no one has been held accountable and police have allegedly harassed the outlet. Trade & Jobs Push: Lesotho’s MSME workshop on AfCFTA opportunities continued with a B2B seminar linking 40 exhibitors to potential buyers, targeting market access and finance. Tech & Policy: A UN-backed workshop in Johannesburg brought together 16 African countries, including Lesotho, to build capacity for recognising and conserving Africa’s agricultural heritage systems.

AfCFTA & MSMEs: Lesotho’s Ministry of Trade and Business opened the third day of an AfCFTA-focused MSME workshop with a B2B seminar that linked about 40 exhibitors to potential buyers, aiming to tackle two big hurdles for small firms: access to finance and access to markets. Energy access: LEWA granted seven mini-grid licence exemptions to One Power Africa for rural communities including Ketane, Tosing, Tlhanyaku, Sehlaba-Thebe, Matsoaing, Thaba-Tseka and Berea, to speed up electricity delivery where grid expansion is slow. Media & AI: A Maseru tax journalism training urged reporters to use AI to improve speed and accuracy, but stressed that ethics, judgment and verification must stay with journalists. AFCON 2027 qualifiers (Lesotho): Morocco beat Lesotho 2-0 in Bloemfontein with goals by Brahim Díaz and Azzedine Ounahi, keeping the Atlas Lions on six points from two matches. Regional football shocks: Ghana were thrashed 4-2 by Gambia, while Nigeria lost 3-0 to Guinea-Bissau in other qualifier results.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Morocco kept their perfect start going with a 2-0 win over Lesotho in Bloemfontein, scoring through Brahim Díaz just before halftime and Azzedine Ounahi in the 82nd minute, leaving the Atlas Lions on six points and Lesotho still searching for their first point. Morocco’s Approach: Coach Mohamed Ouahbi said the key is to stay focused, respect opponents, and keep winning as they prepare for upcoming matches against Niger. Injury Worry for Man United: Noussair Mazraoui was forced off injured during Morocco’s clash with Lesotho, adding to Manchester United’s ongoing fitness problems during the international break. Other AFCON Shocks: Ghana, Nigeria and Cape Verde all suffered defeats in qualifying, while Guinea-Bissau stunned Nigeria 3-0 to take control of Group L. Diplomatic Appointments: Lesotho’s region-news includes a government green light for new ambassadors for Spain in Angola, the Philippines, Madagascar and South Sudan. Human Rights Update: The UN Committee on Enforced Disappearances published findings covering Armenia, Belize, Gabon and Lesotho. Energy Access: LEWA granted seven licence exemptions to One Power Africa to install mini-grids in rural communities across Lesotho. Media & AI: Journalists in Maseru were urged to use AI to improve reporting efficiency while keeping ethics and fact-checking central.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi told Lesotho’s clash in Bloemfontein that the key is “staying focused” and respecting the opponent, with Lesotho coach Bob Mafoso calling it a chance to improve as Likuena chase a bounce-back after losing to Niger. Team News: Morocco will be without defender Nayef Aguerd, while Ouahbi says new players will be integrated gradually and places must be earned. Lesotho Football Focus: Lesotho aim to “punch above their weight” against a Morocco side packed with top names, turning the match into a high-level test. Public Health: Health workers warn Lesotho has reported “bluetoothing/flashblooding,” a drug practice that can spread HIV and hepatitis through secondhand blood. Digital & Business: Econet Telecom was named Lesotho’s fastest mobile network by Ookla, and Lesotho’s MSME workshop in Maseru urged businesses to use AfCFTA opportunities. Infrastructure: LHDA says it has completed a R2.3bn access road network for LHWP Phase II, boosting access to the Polihali Dam and tunnel sites. Regional Crime Spillover: South Africa’s Wedela tavern shooting death toll rose to 18, including at least two Lesotho nationals, as police investigate.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers (Lesotho vs Morocco): Lesotho coach Bob Mafoso says Tuesday’s clash in Bloemfontein is “an opportunity to improve” as Morocco arrive after a 2-0 win over Gabon; Morocco coach Mohamed Ouahbi insists there are “no excuses,” urges patience for new players, and confirms Nayef Aguerd will miss the match while Lesotho aim to test themselves against a powerhouse. Lesotho Highlands Water Project: LHDA says it has completed a R2.3bn, 166km access road network for Phase II of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, building a heavy-haul transit corridor to support the Polihali Dam and Transfer Tunnel. Trade & business support: A three-day MSME workshop in Maseru urges Basotho firms to use AfCFTA and regional trade agreements to grow beyond the domestic market, with UN agencies backing training and market access. Regional security shock: South Africa’s weekend mass shootings continue to dominate headlines, with the Wedela tavern attack death toll rising to 18 and at least two victims identified as Lesotho nationals. Water infrastructure talks (SA–Zimbabwe): South Africa and Zimbabwe are discussing a US$500m Thuli Moswa dam to supply Limpopo’s Musina-Makhado SEZ, though no start timeline is set. Digital transformation (Commonwealth): Lesotho is in London for CTO@125, focusing on AI-driven digital transformation and inclusive digital ecosystems.

CAN 2027 Qualifier: Morocco’s Atlas Lions will face Lesotho on Tuesday, September 29 in Bloemfontein without centre-back Nayef Aguerd, who stayed behind in recovery after playing the full 2-0 win over Gabon; Morocco’s coaching staff are weighing defensive options as they aim to move toward six points in Group A. South Africa Crime Wave: A tavern shooting in Wedela near Johannesburg has killed 18 after another victim died in hospital; police say the attack involved eight gunmen armed with AK-47s and pistols, with only four victims identified so far, including two Lesotho nationals, while investigators update charges and push Operation Prosper in the area. Regional Security: South Africa also reported a second mass shooting near Cape Town that brought the weekend toll to 28, as authorities continue hunting suspects and probing motives amid fears of gang and illegal-mining links. Cross-Border Water Talks: South Africa and Zimbabwe are discussing a proposed $500m Thuli Moswa dam to supply water to the Musina-Makhado SEZ, with feasibility work still under discussion. Lesotho in Sport: Lesotho’s Tolofi/Chapole helped secure second place for the country at the CAVB Zone VI Beach Volleyball Tour, while Eswatini’s bronze finish included Lesotho’s participation in the regional event.

AFCON 2027 (Lesotho vs Morocco): Morocco’s Atlas Lions flew into South Africa and will face Lesotho on Tuesday, Sept 29, at Toyota Stadium in Bloemfontein after opening qualifying with a 2-0 win over Gabon. Regional trade: Botswana was commended for pushing COMESA-EAC-SADC Tripartite Free Trade Area integration, including cutting non-tariff barriers—Lesotho is among the supporters. Lesotho economy: The Central Bank of Lesotho raised its interest rate 25 basis points to 7.00% to rein in inflation, citing risks from energy costs and El Niño-linked weather impacts. NUL leadership crisis: The National University of Lesotho dispute deepened again after the Council moved to suspend acting VC Kananelo Mosito, despite a Court of Appeal order. Public-private reforms: Prime Minister Sam Matekane says nine Public-Private Dialogue reforms are stalled or awaiting Cabinet action. El Niño and climate jobs: Government urged turning climate ideas into real businesses under the PARS programme. Sports culture: Romantasy fiction is booming in South Africa, with authors drawing on African myths, including Lesotho’s Thaba Bosiu. South Africa violence (regional concern): Two shootings killed 27 people in hours, including a Wedela tavern massacre that left 17 dead.

Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) Update: Polihali Dam progress has passed the halfway mark, with the dam at 53% and Phase II overall at 56.7% after South Africa’s water minister Pemmy Majodina’s September oversight visit; impoundment is still targeted for July 2027. University Governance Crisis: The National University of Lesotho leadership dispute deepened after the NUL Council moved to suspend acting VC Kananelo Mosito again, despite a Court of Appeal order for his reinstatement. Cost of Living: The Central Bank of Lesotho raised its interest rate by 0.25 percentage points to 7.00% to rein in inflation amid risks from energy costs and bad weather. Business & Trade: Government and partners will run a three-day AfCFTA workshop to help Lesotho MSMEs sell across Africa. Treason Trial: The long-running treason case has been postponed to November 2–5, 2026 for further trial proceedings. Football: Likuena began AFCON 2027 qualifying with a 2-1 loss to Niger, and now face Morocco next.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers (Lesotho focus): Morocco opened its campaign with a 2-0 win over Gabon, with Noussair Mazraoui scoring and Soufiane Rahimi adding the second late on; Morocco then head to South Africa to face Lesotho on Tuesday, while Lesotho’s earlier fightback in the group saw Niger beat them 2-1. Sports—Morocco squad news: Coach Mohamed Ouahbi says the tough trip to South Africa could help the Atlas Lions grow, and he played down concerns over Real Madrid winger Brahim Díaz’s minor injury; meanwhile 17-year-old Ajax midfielder Abdellah Ouazane impressed on debut. Regional sport—SAIMSA Games: South Africa will host the 2027 SAIMSA Games after Eswatini’s 2026 edition, with dates and host city to be announced later. Climate & food security (Lesotho): Lesotho is preparing for hotter, drier conditions linked to El Niño, with drought-tolerant seeds secured and farmers urged to stock animal feed and water. UN diplomacy: At the UN General Assembly, leaders renewed calls for Security Council reform, with African states pushing for permanent representation. Gaza & global politics: UNGA debate highlighted deep divisions over Gaza, with calls for sanctions and arms restrictions alongside warnings that Palestinian territory is shrinking.

AFCON 2027 Qualifiers: Morocco kicked off their campaign with a 2-0 win over Gabon, with Noussair Mazraoui scoring and Soufiane Rahimi adding the second; coach Mohamed Ouahbi praised the team’s dominance and said Real Madrid winger Brahim Diaz’s absence is due to a minor injury. Lesotho Football: In Group A, Lesotho sit third after losing 2-1 to Niger, with Sera Motebang scoring late; Morocco’s next qualifier is against Lesotho in Bloemfontein on 29 September. Super Eagles Update: Nigeria began Group L with a 2-1 comeback win over Madagascar, where George Ilenikhena and Moses Usor scored on their senior debuts. Climate & Food Security: Lesotho is preparing for hotter, drier conditions linked to El Niño, with drought-tolerant seeds and advice to stock lucerne feed and water for livestock. Sports Off the Pitch: Kenya’s Harambee Stars returned to training after an allowance dispute, ahead of their AFCON qualifier against Eritrea.

AFCON Qualifiers (Group A): Morocco kicked off the 2027 AFCON qualifying campaign with a 2-0 win over Gabon in Rabat, with Noussair Mazraoui scoring in the 36th minute and Sofiane Rahimi doubling the lead in the 84th. Lesotho Football: In the same Group A, Lesotho sit third after Friday’s results, with Niger and Morocco above them on points. El Niño & Food Security: Lesotho is bracing for worsening heat and drought linked to El Niño, with a study projecting up to 42 Basotho deaths between September and February and warning of major hunger risks. Climate Adaptation Project: Lesotho launched a USD$10 million PARS project to use innovation and entrepreneurship to build climate resilience and clean jobs. Governance & Elections: The IEC has ordered a three-tier audit of the voters’ roll and the technology behind it ahead of the 2028 National Assembly elections. Cybersecurity Bill: Stakeholders are again scrutinising Lesotho’s Cybersecurity Bill 2026 after earlier versions faced resistance over concerns including privacy and freedom of expression. LHWP Allegations: Natural Resources Minister Mohlomi Moleko is accused of appointing an “unqualified” RFP member as an advisor linked to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, which he denies. Human Rights: Hands Off Basotho plans a march over the unresolved abduction and alleged torture of activist Kananelo Boloetse.