AGP Executive Report

AGOA Boost for Lesotho Exports: Lesotho’s duty-free access to the United States has been extended to 31 December 2028, giving exporters of textiles, apparel and fisheries a reprieve after tariff-line expiry earlier this year. Quality Push: The Ministry of Trade has launched the 2026 Lesotho National Quality Awards, aiming to strengthen quality systems and help local firms compete through regional integration and the continental free trade area. Weather Warning: The Ministry of Environment and Forestry says Lesotho should brace for below-normal rainfall and intense heat in 2026/27, with heavier rains expected between January and March 2027. Justice Sector Pressure: Officials say Lesotho’s courts, police and correctional services must move from planning to action to rebuild public trust and deliver justice faster. Health System Scrutiny: The Public Accounts Committee ordered an audit at Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital after allegations that a nursing assistant used a fraudulent licence, raising fears the problem may be wider. Independence Prayer: A national prayer will be held on Wednesday to mark Lesotho’s 60th Independence anniversary, with a walk from the New Parliament to the Old Parliament. Business & Governance Tensions: Reports allege pressure on the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation board to recommend a specific CEO candidate, while another investigation highlights how fraud and misconduct are squeezing local businesses.

AGOA Boost for Lesotho Exports: Lesotho’s duty-free access to the US has been extended to 31 December 2028, giving exporters of textiles, apparel and fisheries a fresh window after tariff lines expired in July 2026. Migration Management in the Region: South Africa’s Inter-Ministerial Committee says progress on President Ramaphosa’s five-point migration plan is improving, citing tens of thousands processed for deportation and repatriation, while border interceptions remain a major concern. Trade and Quality Push: The Ministry of Trade launched the 2026 Lesotho National Quality Awards, urging businesses to build a culture of excellence to compete under regional integration and the AfCFTA. Justice System Reform: Lesotho’s justice institutions are being urged to move from planning to action to speed up court, police and correctional services and rebuild public trust. QMMH Licence Fraud Fallout: The Public Accounts Committee ordered audits and sanctions at Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital after allegations of fraudulent nursing licences, including an “unqualified” doctor heading paediatrics and a nursing assistant accused of practising without proper licensure. Climate Warnings: The Disaster Management Authority and meteorological services will host a National Climate Outlook Forum, while the environment ministry warns of below-normal rainfall and intense heat, with heavier rains expected later in 2027. Business Climate Pressure: A study on private sector challenges says firms are squeezed by credit costs, geography, a large state, and fraud/misconduct they struggle to detect—while highlighting what government must fix. Tourism Development Governance: Board sources allege pressure over the next LTDC CEO choice, raising questions about influence around appointments.

Judiciary Shake-Up: Zimbabwe swore in Justice Charles Hungwe as Court of Appeal president, with three High Court judges elevated to the Supreme Court—Hungwe recently served on SADC secondment in Lesotho. Justice Reform Push: Lesotho’s justice institutions are urged to move from planning to action to speed up court services and rebuild public trust. QMMH Licence Fraud: Lesotho’s Public Accounts Committee ordered audits and actions at Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital after a nursing assistant allegedly worked for eight years with a fraudulent licence; the Nursing Council registrar must revoke the certificate. Health Safety Alarm: PAC also alleged an “unqualified” Eritrean doctor has been heading pediatrics at QMMH, raising child safety concerns. Business & Jobs: The Ministry of Trade toured CAFI-backed firms, urging young people to start and grow businesses, while a separate report highlights how Lesotho firms struggle with credit costs, state drag and fraud risks. Tourism & Climate: Government launched the 2026 Lesotho National Quality Awards and announced a national prayer for Independence at 60; the Disaster Management Authority will host a National Climate Outlook Forum as El Nino season warnings intensify. Vodacom Digital Airtime: Vodacom Lesotho launched Dynamic Airtime, letting customers buy airtime electronically from M1.50.

Deportation Pressure: South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs spent over R175m deporting 57,464 foreign nationals in two years, while 3,731 people remain in detention awaiting removal near Lindela’s 4,000 capacity. Independence Commemoration: Lesotho will hold a national prayer for the 60th Independence anniversary, starting with a walk from the New Parliament to the Old Parliament under the theme “National Colours.” Justice System Push: Government says the justice sector must move from talk to action, with a new push to speed up court services and rebuild public trust. Health Licence Fraud at QMMH: The Public Accounts Committee ordered audits and sanctions after allegations that a nursing assistant at Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital obtained a licence fraudulently and allegedly worked for years without proper licensure. Climate Outlook: The Disaster Management Authority will host a National Climate Outlook Forum to guide preparedness as El Niño conditions approach, with warnings of below-normal rainfall and intense heat. Business & Jobs Support: Trade and Industry Minister Motlatsi Maqelepo visited CAFI-backed firms, urging young people to start and grow businesses. Digital Airtime Upgrade: Vodacom Lesotho launched Dynamic Airtime, letting customers buy airtime electronically from as low as M1.50.

Climate Preparedness: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority will host a National Climate Outlook Forum with the Meteorological Services to share the seasonal forecast and push sector-by-sector preparedness ahead of the 2026/27 season. Weather Risk: The Environment Ministry warns of below-normal rainfall and intense heat for much of the country, with heavier rains expected between January and March 2027. Justice System Push: Government, with EU support, launched a fresh bid to overhaul the justice system by improving coordination across courts, police, prosecution and correctional services. QMMH Licence Fraud: The Public Accounts Committee ordered audits and sanctions at Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital after a nursing assistant allegedly worked for years using a fraudulent licence, and it also raised concerns over an “unqualified” doctor heading the children’s ward. Tourism Governance: Board sources allege pressure over the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation CEO choice. Business Climate: A study says Lesotho firms are squeezed by credit costs, geography and a large state, while fraud and misconduct are among the hardest constraints to detect. Digital Airtime: Vodacom Lesotho launched voucher-free “Dynamic Airtime” to let customers load airtime electronically from as low as M1.50. Regional Trade: Kuwait’s chamber pledged to strengthen trade and investment ties with Lesotho, highlighting mining, precious stones and textiles.

Justice Sector Reform: Lesotho’s justice institutions are being pushed to move from talk to action, with a new push to speed up court services and rebuild public trust. QMMH Licence Fraud: The Public Accounts Committee ordered Queen ‘Mamohato Memorial Hospital to audit all nursing staff after a nursing assistant allegedly worked for years using a fraudulent licence, and it also ordered the Lesotho Nursing Council to revoke the certificate and questioned how the licence was issued. PAC on Paediatrics: PAC also alleged an “unqualified” Eritrean doctor has been heading QMMH’s children’s ward, raising serious patient-safety concerns. Tourism Governance Pressure: Board sources at the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation allege pressure to influence the CEO selection, with claims of political backing behind a preferred candidate. Business Climate & Accountability: A study says private firms are squeezed by credit costs, geography, and a large state, while fraud and workplace misconduct are hardest for companies to detect. Weather & Food Security: The Ministry of Environment and Forestry warns of below-normal rainfall and intense heat in 2026/27, with heavier rains expected early 2027. Fuel Pricing: Import parity pricing is blamed for keeping Lesotho fuel costs high despite no local refining. Digital & Jobs: Vodacom launched voucher-free “Dynamic Airtime,” and the Trade Ministry highlighted CAFI-backed opportunities for youth and small businesses, while an AI workshop is set to train Basotho entrepreneurs for the digital economy.

Health Accountability in Focus: Lesotho’s Public Accounts Committee ordered the Lesotho Nursing Council to revoke a QMMH nursing assistant’s certificate after she admitted she never sat the required licensure exam, and it also directed QMMH to terminate her employment. Hospital Safety Concerns: The PAC also alleged an “unqualified” Eritrean doctor has been heading pediatrics at QMMH, raising serious questions about qualifications, retention status, and child patient safety. Justice System Overhaul: With EU support, government launched a fresh bid to improve coordination across the justice chain through a new Justice Sector Coordination Forum, aiming for faster case transitions and better access to justice. Trade and Investment Push: Kuwait’s Chamber of Commerce and Industry pledged to strengthen ties with Lesotho after talks with Foreign Affairs Minister Lempho Tao, highlighting opportunities in mining, precious stones, textiles and investment partnerships. Digital Airtime Upgrade: Vodacom Lesotho launched Dynamic Airtime, letting customers buy airtime electronically from as low as M1.50 without physical recharge vouchers. Tourism and Community Benefits: Government admitted it has not fully harnessed LHWP-created tourism and economic opportunities for communities around project areas, saying more needs to be done beyond hotels. Sports Governance: Lesotho Taekwondo Association elected a new executive committee after years of failed elections, with Brig-Gen Naha Kolisang elected president unopposed.

Tourism Momentum: South Africa’s tourism keeps climbing, with 5.6 million international arrivals in the first half of 2026—boosted mainly by SADC visitors, including Lesotho—according to SARB data. Labour & Industry: Trade minister Motlatsi Maqelepo ordered the LNDC to investigate protests at Precious Garments over short-time work, delayed pay and reduced hours, after workers said they were only working two weeks a month. Justice Reform: Government, with EU support, launched a Justice Sector Coordination Forum to improve coordination across the justice chain and speed up case flow. Digital Skills Push: A Future AI workshop is set for 21–22 October in Maseru to help entrepreneurs and young people use AI for business and the digital economy. Vodacom Airtime Upgrade: Vodacom Lesotho introduced “Dynamic Airtime,” letting customers buy airtime electronically in flexible amounts from M1.50. Court Orders Cannabis Release: Police were ordered to return a 500kg medicinal cannabis consignment worth over M1.2 million after a High Court ruling that the seizure and detention were unlawful. Corruption Asset Freeze: The DCEO placed property worth M6.33 million under a preservation order in an asset-recovery process. Tourism Missed by LHWP: Natural Resources Minister Mohlomi Moleko admitted government has not fully harnessed LHWP-created tourism and economic opportunities for surrounding communities.

Justice Reform Push: Government, with EU support, has launched a new Justice Sector Coordination Forum to improve coordination across the justice chain and speed up case flow. Labour Unrest at Precious Garments: Trade and Industry Minister Motlatsi Maqelepo ordered the LNDC to investigate workers’ protests over short-time work, reduced wages and delayed payments. Digital Skills for Basotho: A Future AI workshop is set for 21–22 October to train entrepreneurs and young people to use AI for business and work. Mobile Airtime Upgrade: Vodacom Lesotho launched Dynamic Airtime, letting customers buy airtime electronically from as low as M1.50 without physical vouchers. Court-Ordered Cannabis Release: Police were ordered to return a 500kg medicinal cannabis consignment worth over M1.2 million after a High Court ruling that the seizure was unlawful. Tourism Accountability: Government admits it has not fully harnessed LHWP tourism and economic opportunities for communities, despite building key infrastructure. Corruption Asset Freeze: DCEO placed property worth M6.3m under preservation order in an asset-recovery process tied to alleged corruption and economic offences. Representation Gap: A report highlights Lesotho’s ongoing underrepresentation of women and youth in Parliament.

Labour Rights: Trade minister Motlatsi Maqelepo has ordered the LNDC to investigate Precious Garments after workers protested reduced working hours, wages and delayed payments, saying they’ve been working only two weeks a month since July. Justice Reform: Government, with EU support, has launched a fresh push to overhaul the justice system through a Justice Sector Coordination Forum to improve coordination across the justice chain. Digital Skills: A South Africa-based Future AI group will run an AI Power Experience workshop in Maseru in October aimed at entrepreneurs, professionals and young people. Public Safety & Courts: Police have been ordered to return a 500kg medicinal cannabis consignment worth over M1.2m after the High Court ruled the seizure and detention were unlawful. Consumer Watch: Woolworths and the National Consumer Commission have recalled WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo after bacteria was found in the product. Business & Tech: Vodacom Lesotho launched “Dynamic Airtime,” letting customers buy airtime electronically in any amount from as low as M1.50. Governance & Integrity: The DCEO placed property worth M6.3m under a preservation order in an asset-recovery matter involving Legae Holdings. Tourism & Economy: Government admits it hasn’t fully harnessed LHWP tourism and economic opportunities for communities around project areas.

Cross-border crime training: Lesotho was among 13 countries represented as India’s Central Bureau of Investigation ran a one-week course on investigating economic offences for 30 officers, covering standard procedures and prosecution practices. Parliament representation gap: A Lesotho democracy report says women and youth remain underrepresented in the National Assembly, with youth holding just three seats and all of them held by men. Voter turnout concerns: A SADC election observation mission reports only 35.44% of registered voters turned out in 2022, with many unable to vote due to roll and verification problems and accessibility issues. Anti-trafficking push: IOM is intensifying awareness and stakeholder action against trafficking in persons in Lesotho, including training to improve case identification, investigation and victim support. Local business support: The Trade and Industry Ministry says Lesotho needs to strengthen its textile and apparel value chain, highlighting CAFI-backed enterprise support and calls for youth entrepreneurship. Regional spotlight: South Africa’s illegal mining is blamed for serious damage to Johannesburg infrastructure, including road collapses and sinkholes, as residents warn of growing violence. Culture & sport: Cossasa Games in Bulawayo are framed as a regional unity event, while Lesotho’s teams take part across multiple disciplines. Entertainment in Eswatini: The +268 Motorcycle Club’s inaugural Bikers Rally in Mbabane (Sept 18–20) is set to blend tourism and major music acts.

Parliament Watch: The Asoli Progressive Party has urged President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah to step in over “chaos” in Namibia’s National Assembly, after a no-confidence motion against the speaker over alleged bias and disruptions. Health Justice for Miners: A major silicosis and TB payout scheme for ex-gold miners is only halfway through its money, but far behind on claims—advocates say about 500,000 potential claimants remain, with many in Lesotho still untraceable. Women and Youth Representation: A SADC-linked report says Lesotho’s democracy still has a representation gap, with women and youth underrepresented in the National Assembly. Trafficking in Persons: The IOM is intensifying Lesotho efforts to fight trafficking, training officials and pushing survivor-centred support across districts. Local Food Security: Lesotho’s DMA is registering grain for the Local Purchase Programme until Sept 4, with purchases planned from Sept 9–18, warning registration doesn’t guarantee buying. Trade and Investment: Lesotho’s envoys to Ghana, Canada and Germany met Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane to discuss investment and clean energy, while the trade ministry pushes stronger textile and apparel value chains through CAFI support.

Parliament Representation: Lesotho’s democracy still struggles with a representation gap for women and youth, with youth holding just three MPs in the National Assembly, all men, raising concerns about how well laws reflect young people’s needs. Foreign Diplomacy: After presenting letters of credence to King Letsie III, Ghana, Canada and Germany’s high commissioners met Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane to discuss economic cooperation, including clean energy, bottled water exports and new investment opportunities. Trade & Jobs: The Trade and Industry Ministry says strengthening Lesotho’s textile and apparel value chain is key to growing participation in local and international markets, while CAFI support is helping enterprises expand and create jobs. Anti-Trafficking Push: IOM is intensifying efforts in Berea to fight trafficking in persons, training stakeholders to identify cases, improve investigations and protect victims across Lesotho’s districts. Voter Turnout Review: A SADC report says only 35.44% of registered voters turned out in 2022, citing civic education gaps and administrative problems at voting stations. Food Security Plan: DMA will register grain from Basotho farmers under the Local Purchase Programme until Sept 4, then buy grain from Sept 9–18, with strict bag and documentation rules. GBV Through Creativity: UNDP and partners held a Maseru creative challenge urging young people to tackle GBV, substance abuse and mental health through art and innovation. Water Project Accountability: Civil groups want the New Development Bank to consult communities affected by LHWP II and disclose a draft independent accountability mechanism for public input.

Digital Infrastructure Investment: WIOCC Group has secured a combined $300m from Africa Finance Corporation and Vision Invest to expand Africa’s open-access fibre, data centres and subsea assets, aiming to close the continent’s big internet and AI access gap. Anti-Trafficking Push in Lesotho: The IOM is stepping up awareness and training in Berea, working with Lesotho’s law enforcement, judiciary and civil society to strengthen trafficking case identification, investigation and victim support. Voter Turnout Lessons (2022): A SADC Electoral Observation Mission report says only 35.44% of registered voters turned out in Lesotho’s 2022 elections, citing civic education gaps and administrative problems at polling stations. Maternal Health & Gender Roles: A new focus on male midwives in Lesotho highlights how men are increasingly joining childbirth care to help cut maternal deaths, including in remote clinics. Food Security Programme: Lesotho’s DMA will register grain from Basotho farmers under the Local Purchase Programme until Sept 4, then buy grain Sept 9–18. Safe Schools Initiative: The Ministry of Education is rolling out Safe and Inclusive Schools in 300 primary schools to prevent and respond to learner violence, supported by GPE and UNICEF.

Voter Turnout Worry: A SADC Electoral Observation Mission report says only 35.44% of registered voters cast ballots in Lesotho’s 2022 elections, with major gaps in voter education and roll access at many stations. Anti-Trafficking Push: In Berea, the IOM is stepping up awareness and training with Lesotho’s law enforcement and judiciary to better identify, investigate and prosecute trafficking in persons, while improving victim support across all 10 districts. Food Security Admin: The Disaster Management Authority opens registration for grain under the Local Purchase Programme (until Sept 4) and will buy registered grain from Sept 9–18, with strict bag and documentation rules. Electricity Upgrade: Prime Minister Samuel Matekane launched an upgraded hydropower station in Semonkong, promising more reliable power through the night and reducing reliance on costly diesel. Governance & Accountability: Civil society groups urge the New Development Bank to engage affected communities over LHWP II and disclose a draft independent accountability mechanism for consultation. Health & Safety in Focus: Lesotho’s Safe and Inclusive Schools programme rolls out in 300 primary schools to prevent and respond to violence against learners, supported by UNICEF and GPE.

Local Food Security: The Disaster Management Authority (DMA) opens registration for grain under the Local Purchase Programme from today until September 4, with purchases set for September 9–18, warning that registration won’t guarantee buying and that only Lesotho-produced grain with proper tags and chief/extension documentation will be considered. Maternal Health & Gender Roles: A report highlights Lesotho’s growing use of male midwives, with one midwife in Mohale’s Hoek travelling hours to serve rural mothers as the country tackles high childbirth-related deaths. Education & Child Protection: The Ministry of Education and Training rolls out Safe and Inclusive Schools in 300 primary schools, supported by GPE and UNICEF, to prevent, identify, report and respond to violence through training, safeguarding committees and child-friendly reporting channels. Energy & Development: Prime Minister Samuel Matekane officially launches an upgraded Semonkong hydropower station, promising more reliable electricity for the town and reducing reliance on solar and diesel generators. Governance & Accountability: Civil society groups urge the New Development Bank to engage directly with Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II-affected communities and disclose a draft independent accountability mechanism for consultation. Sports & Youth: The Cossasa Games open in Bulawayo with a message of friendship, unity and development, with Lesotho among participating countries.