AGP Executive Report

Regional Energy Deal: Lesotho has signed a $6.2bn agreement with US firm Convalt Energy for Project Kobong—an estimated 1,200MW hydropower plant paired with an AI data centre—aimed at shifting the kingdom from importing electricity to exporting it. Digital Push: In Quthing, the Central Bank of Lesotho rolled out financial literacy outreach, highlighting the upgraded Lesotho Switch (LesSwitch) and the CBL Investment Portal to boost safer money use and modern payments. Census Update: Finance Minister Dr Rets’elisitsoe Matlanyane says Lesotho’s digital 2026 census achieved very good coverage despite snow, network disruptions and harsh mountain conditions, with the data collection timeline extended to May 30. Governance & Accountability: Government announced a National Leadership Retreat (June 21–23) and an Accountability Summit (July 1–3) to improve service delivery and strengthen public-sector results. Women, Food & Climate: The Rural Women’s Assembly urged governments to put women smallholder farmers at the centre of food and climate policy, citing their role in building resilient food systems. GBV Spotlight: A Lesotho media piece calls for breaking the silence around gender-based violence and using the media to help end it.

Energy & Investment: Lesotho has signed a $6.2bn deal with US firm Convalt Energy for Project Kobong—an estimated 1,200MW hydropower plant paired with an AI data centre—aimed at shifting the country from importing electricity to exporting it. Digital Transformation: In Maseru, the Minister of Information, Communications, Science, Technology and Innovation Nthati Moorosi led the sod-turning of a new digital studio and signed digital policies, linking the move to NSDP II and the E-Government Project Phase II. Financial Inclusion: A Lesotho delegation praised Uganda’s microfinance model after a study visit, highlighting Uganda’s Emyooga programme and its savings-and-credit cooperative approach as a blueprint for Lesotho. Governance & Elections: The IEC accepted a court ruling ordering the reinstatement of four deregistered political parties, saying it will comply with the judgment. Public Accountability: Government announced a National Leadership Retreat (June 21–23) and an Accountability Summit (July 1–3) to improve service delivery and hold leaders to results. Corruption Watch: The DCEO says corruption affects Basotho by blocking access to services and draining funds from healthcare, education and infrastructure. Sports & Culture: Lesotho-Qatar ties were strengthened in talks, while Lesotho’s winter tourism spotlighted the Desert Bush Walk honouring Queen ‘Masenate.

Energy Deal: Lesotho has signed a $6.2bn agreement with US firm Convalt Energy for Project Kobong—1,200MW hydropower plus a green-powered AI data centre—aimed at cutting electricity imports and positioning the country as a regional power exporter. Digital Skills Push: In Maseru, MICSTI Minister Nthati Moorosi led the sod-turning for a new digital studio at Makoanyane Square and signed digital policies, linking the move to NSDP II and the E-Government Project Phase II. Governance & Parties: The IEC accepted a court ruling ordering the reinstatement of four deregistered political parties, saying it will comply with the judgment. Public Accountability: Government announced a National Leadership Retreat (June 21–23) and an Accountability Summit (July 1–3) to improve service delivery and strengthen transparency. Corruption Focus: DCEO boss Sello Mants’o said corruption denies Basotho services and drives poor-quality procurement, calling 2026 a year to intensify the fight against wrongdoing. Infrastructure Milestone: LHDA reported progress on Polihali Dam Phase II, with rockfill placement and key works advancing toward reservoir inundation in 2027.

Hydropower & AI push: Lesotho has signed a binding deal with US firm Convalt Energy for a Kobong Hydropower and AI data centre project worth about $6.2bn, aiming to lift the country from importing electricity to becoming a regional exporter, while creating jobs and cutting reliance on South Africa. Dam progress: The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority says Polihali Dam construction has hit a new milestone, with rockfill placement and key concrete works advancing toward a 2027 reservoir target. Politics & governance: The IEC accepted a court ruling ordering the reinstatement of four deregistered political parties, while government announced a National Leadership Retreat and an Accountability Summit to improve service delivery and public accountability. Corruption focus: DCEO boss Sello Mants’o says corruption affects every Mosotho by blocking access to services and draining funds meant for healthcare, education, roads and water. Regional pressure on migrants: South Africa faces intensifying anti-migrant protests and xenophobic tensions, with Ramaphosa promising action and warning against vigilantism—an issue that has drawn guidance to citizens across the region, including Lesotho. Green entrepreneurship: Lesotho is among countries invited to enter the 2026 FNF Afri GreenPitch Challenge, backing green SMEs with pitch opportunities and funding.

Lesotho–US energy push: Lesotho has signed a binding $6.2bn deal with Convalt Energy for a Kobong Hydropower and AI data centre project, aiming to add about 1,200MW of renewable power and cut reliance on imported electricity while creating jobs and building digital capacity. Regional sports politics: Namibia has denied it is part of any Southern Africa bid to co-host the 2028 Africa Cup of Nations, saying it has not approved or funded a hosting effort—casting doubt on the wider plan that includes Lesotho. Governance and rights: Lesotho’s Law Reform Commission is consulting stakeholders to update outdated and discriminatory laws, with a focus on equality, non-discrimination and access to justice. Anti-corruption focus: The Directorate on Corruption and Economic Offences says corruption drains money meant for services like healthcare, education and water, and fuels poor-quality procurement. Disability inclusion: Lesotho reports progress on assistive technology access through policy and local device production, but says funding and rollout gaps remain. Youth and learning: Lesotho unveiled its team for the 2026 Pan African Mathematics Olympiad, while other initiatives back reading and learning support in schools.

South Africa Migration Tensions: Hundreds of anti-migrant protesters marched near Johannesburg, calling for tougher action on undocumented foreigners even after President Cyril Ramaphosa warned against vigilantism and said only authorised officials can enforce immigration laws. Lesotho Law Reform: Lesotho’s Ministry of Justice and the Law Reform Commission held stakeholder talks to modernise outdated and discriminatory laws, with a focus on equality, human dignity, non-discrimination and access to justice. Big Investment for Lesotho: Lesotho signed a binding deal with Convalt Energy for a Kobong hydropower and AI data centre project worth about US$6.2bn, aiming to cut power imports and position Lesotho as a potential electricity exporter. Water Project Progress: The LHDA says Polihali Dam Phase II hit a key milestone, with rockfill placement and upstream concrete curb reaching elevation 2020 as construction advances toward reservoir inundation in 2027. Local Roads: Maseru City Council’s temporary road refurbishment in Ha Ts’osane has been welcomed by motorists for improving safety and reducing vehicle damage. Sports—Kenya vs Lesotho: Kenya’s Harambee Stars thrashed Lesotho 4-0 in a friendly, bouncing back after a 1-1 draw.

South Africa Migration Crackdown: President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned xenophobia and vigilantism as anti-migrant protesters marched again near Johannesburg, warning that only authorised officials can enforce immigration laws while insisting “South Africans are not xenophobic.” Lesotho Justice Reform: In Maseru, the Ministry of Justice and the Lesotho Law Reform Commission held stakeholder talks to review outdated and discriminatory laws, citing gaps affecting women, people with disabilities and minority communities. Big Lesotho Energy Deal: Lesotho signed a $6.2bn agreement with Convalt Energy for a Kobong hydropower and green AI data centre project, aimed at boosting energy independence and cutting reliance on imported electricity. LHDA Dam Progress: Polihali Dam reached a key Phase II milestone, with rockfill placement and upstream concrete curb elevation hit as construction pushes toward 2027 reservoir inundation. Roads and Safety in Maseru: Motorists welcomed temporary road refurbishment in Ha Ts’osane by the Maseru City Council to reduce potholes, improve traffic flow and lower accident risk. Sports—Kenya vs Lesotho: Harambee Stars thrashed Lesotho 4-0 in a friendly rematch in Pretoria, with goals from Bajaber and Ouma, while Lesotho’s side faced a tough second-half. Queen ‘Masenate’ Celebrations: Botswana’s Desert Bush Walk in July will honour Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso’s golden jubilee birthday, highlighting education and community support.

Migration Crackdown in the Spotlight: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa denied the country is xenophobic, but promised action as anti-immigrant protests and attacks on foreign nationals continue, warning against vigilante violence while acknowledging real public concerns about illegal migration and pressure on services. Lesotho–Kenya Football Update: Harambee Stars beat Lesotho 4-0 in a friendly after a 1-1 draw in the first match, with Kenya coach Benni McCarthy pushing for a sharper, more ruthless response in the rematch. Lesotho Disability Support: Lesotho highlighted progress on assistive technology access, including policy steps and low-cost device training, even as funding and rollout gaps still limit wider reach. Queen ‘Masenate’ Golden Birthday Mass: In Matsieng, the Queen marked her 50th golden birthday with a church mass attended by the Royal Family and officials, thanking God and pledging continued service. Connectivity Boost in Senekane: Econet Telecom Lesotho handed over a new network tower and a school kitchen in Senekane, aiming to improve mobile coverage and support learners. Big Investment Deal: Lesotho signed a $6.2bn hydropower and AI data centre agreement, a major foreign investment aimed at reducing reliance on South African electricity.

Migration Tensions in South Africa: President Cyril Ramaphosa promised action on illegal migration after anti-immigrant protests and warnings of xenophobic attacks, stressing that only authorised officials can enforce the law. Lesotho Disability Support: Lesotho reports progress on assistive technology access through policy and local innovation, but says funding and implementation gaps still limit wider reach. Queen ‘Masenate’s Golden Birthday Mass: In Maseru, the Queen marked her 50th golden birthday with a holy mass at St. Louis Catholic Mission, with the Royal Family and officials in attendance. Lesotho Sports—Kenya vs Lesotho: Harambee Stars beat Lesotho 4-0 in a friendly, while Kenya’s coach Benni McCarthy signalled changes after the earlier 1-1 draw. Connectivity Boost in Senekane: Econet Telecom Lesotho handed over a new mobile tower and a school kitchen in Senekane, aiming to improve coverage and support learners. Big Investment Deal: Convalt Energy signed a $6.2bn agreement for a 1,200MW hydropower project and AI data centre in Mokhotlong, a major step toward energy independence. World Cup Warm-ups: Today’s football schedule includes Kenya vs Lesotho and other international friendlies as teams fine-tune ahead of the 2026 World Cup.

Hydropower + AI deal: Lesotho has signed a binding agreement with US firm Convalt Energy for the Kobong Hydropower and AI Data Centre Project worth about 98 billion maloti, pairing at least 1,200MW of renewable power with a green-powered AI data centre in Mokhotlong—aimed at cutting electricity imports and boosting jobs, though feasibility and approvals still come first. Connectivity boost in Senekane: Econet Telecom Lesotho launched a new network tower at Senekane Primary School and handed over a modern school kitchen, promising better mobile coverage for nearby communities and urging residents to protect the infrastructure. Digital push for youth: A Digital Innovators Summit in Maseru urged Basotho to embrace technology for public development and safer online participation, with officials pointing to plans to digitise water systems. Water worries in the region: A global drinking-water quality review flags unsafe water risks across many African countries, while a separate open letter highlights ongoing water interruptions in South Africa’s Crosby area. Sports—Lesotho vs Kenya: Harambee Stars and Lesotho meet again in a friendly rematch after a 1-1 first leg, with Kenya’s staff promising changes and Lesotho’s coach Benni McCarthy demanding sharper game management. Women’s football—Starlets in Zambia: Harambee Starlets face Zambia in a FIFA Four Nations tournament as they fine-tune ahead of Wafcon. Migration tensions in SA: South Africa’s government continues to respond to anti-migrant violence with warnings against vigilantism and talk of regional envoys, as neighbouring countries issue caution to their citizens.

Hydropower + AI Investment: Lesotho signed a $6.2bn (98bn maloti) deal with Convalt Energy for the Kobong Hydropower and AI Data Centre project in Mokhotlong—1,200MW of clean power paired with an AI data centre, aimed at boosting energy independence and creating jobs, though feasibility and approvals still come first. Trade Diplomacy: Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane met Dubai Chambers in Johannesburg to push stronger trade and investment ties, highlighting Dubai’s logistics, infrastructure and digital economy expertise and calling for a Dubai–Lesotho business forum. Connectivity for Schools: In Senekane, a new telecoms tower and modern kitchen were handed over to Senekane Primary School, with officials saying better network coverage will expand access to information and mobile money. Digital Skills Push: A Digital Innovators Summit in Maseru urged Basotho youth to embrace technology for public development and safer participation in the digital space, including digitising water systems. Child Energy Support: The Ntlafatsa Bana project launched in Quthing to provide solar home systems and clean cookstoves to child-grant households, targeting safer, healthier living and less spending on fuel. Winter Disruption: Severe weather has closed South Africa’s Sani Pass due to heavy snow on the Lesotho side, with travellers advised to delay trips until the route is declared safe. Health Watch: Lesotho is investigating reports of influenza-like illnesses across several districts as South Africa confirms its first winter COVID-19 case.

Sports Spotlight: Harambee Starlets take on Zambia in Ndola as Wafcon preparations push them to sharpen their “clinical edge,” while Harambee Stars face a Lesotho rematch after Benni McCarthy slammed their second-half game management in a 1-1 draw. Energy & Tech Deal: Lesotho signed a $6.2bn (98bn loti) Kobong agreement with Convalt Energy for 1,200MW hydropower plus a green AI data centre—aimed at cutting electricity imports and boosting jobs, though it’s still subject to feasibility and approvals. Cross-Border Weather Disruption: Heavy snow has closed Sani Pass, with KwaZulu-Natal urging travellers to postpone trips into Lesotho as teams assess storm damage in uMlalazi. Public Services & Community Growth: A Senekane Primary School project delivered a telecom tower and kitchen to improve connectivity and learning, while LEPEU brought services closer to members in Mapoteng. Child Welfare & Clean Energy: The Ntlafatsa Bana project launched solar home systems and clean cookstoves for households with children under five. Regional Migration Tensions: Nigeria says over 1,000 citizens have registered to voluntarily return from South Africa amid anti-migrant unrest, as Lesotho and others urge caution.

Cross-Border Safety: South Africa’s anti-foreigner unrest is spilling across the region, with Mozambique saying hundreds of its citizens are returning home and Kenya, Lesotho and Zimbabwe urging nationals to stay cautious. South African police warned anti-immigration groups against taking the law into their own hands after two Mozambicans were killed in Mossel Bay, while Mozambique’s higher death toll claim was rejected by police. Energy & Digital Push: Lesotho signed a binding $6.2bn (about 98bn maloti) deal with Convalt Energy for the Kobong hydropower and AI data centre project, aiming to cut electricity imports and boost jobs, though feasibility and approvals still remain. Winter Disruptions: Heavy snow has closed Sani Pass, with KwaZulu-Natal advising travellers to delay trips into Lesotho; disaster teams are assessing storm damage in uMlalazi. Tech for Development: In Maseru, Basotho youth were urged to embrace technology and AI for public development, including digitising water systems with EU support. Agriculture Support: RSDA and the agriculture ministry promoted dual-purpose chicken farming in Teya-teyaneng to help households recover from past poultry disease losses. Public Health Watch: Lesotho is monitoring influenza-like illness in multiple districts as South Africa confirms its first winter COVID-19 case.

Winter Travel Disruption: Snow forced the closure of Lesotho’s Sani Pass, with KwaZulu-Natal authorities warning motorists to postpone trips until the route is declared safe. Public Safety: The same storm system damaged homes in uMlalazi, and disaster teams were deployed while officials urged residents to use braziers and generators safely in well-ventilated spaces. Government Accountability: Lesotho’s Ministry of Finance will start asset-registration training for ministries from June 15, after Auditor General reports raised concerns that government assets are not fully captured on the national register. Justice Update: In Lesotho’s treason trial, a state witness told the High Court that some police officers fled to South Africa after alleged 2014 army attacks on police stations, including Police Headquarters in Maseru. Child Protection Law: The Senate adopted the Children’s Protection and Welfare (Amendment) Bill 2023, aimed at strengthening safeguards for vulnerable children. GBV Coordination Push: Stakeholders in Maseru were urged to revive and better coordinate the Anti-GBV Coordination Forum to improve prevention, protection, response and survivor support. Water Inequality: Villagers around Matukeng and Maseru say they still lack reliable clean water despite Lesotho exporting water to South Africa, calling it a basic human rights failure.

Xenophobia and migration tensions in the region: Mozambique says five of its citizens were killed in South Africa’s anti-foreigner violence, while South African police confirm two Mozambicans died in Mossel Bay after assaults, with motives still unclear—prompting fresh warnings to citizens across the region, including Lesotho, to stay vigilant. GBV coordination push in Lesotho: A senior gender official in Maseru called for reviving Lesotho’s Anti-GBV Coordination Forum, saying stronger stakeholder links are needed to prevent violence, protect survivors, and avoid duplicated efforts. Child protection law moves forward: The Senate adopted the Children’s Protection and Welfare (Amendment) Bill 2023, strengthening protections for children facing abuse, neglect and exploitation. Public finance accountability: Lesotho’s Ministry of Finance will start asset-registration training for ministries from June 15, responding to Auditor General concerns that government assets are not fully captured on the assets register. Water access crisis in Maseru outskirts: Villagers near Matukeng say they still depend on distant streams for basic needs despite nearby developments, demanding equitable access to clean, reliable drinking water. Sports—Lesotho on the pitch: Lesotho play Kenya in an international friendly in Pretoria, with the team named for the match.

Water & Accountability: Villagers in Mokhotlong have lodged a formal complaint against the African Development Bank over alleged damage linked to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, saying blasting and quarry work harmed homes, contaminated water, disrupted farms, and left people relocated without proper consultation, with compensation described as inadequate. Women’s Sport: Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors depart for Zambia for the Four Nations Tournament, where they open against Lesotho, with Lesotho in the spotlight as the regional competition runs June 6–8. Football (Kenya–Lesotho): Kenya’s Harambee Stars face Lesotho in Pretoria friendlies, but preparations have been hit by hotel and payment disputes that left players stranded in a lobby for hours, while coach Benni McCarthy also unveiled a new-look squad for the June 4 and 7 matches. Justice: A Lesotho man has been sentenced to life imprisonment in South Africa for the brutal, premeditated murders of two men on a Komani farm, and was also convicted for entering and staying in the country without valid documentation. Disaster Preparedness: In Mohale’s Hoek and Mokhotlong, Lesotho is pushing Impact-Based Forecasting and Disaster Risk Reduction training, with calls to involve the media so weather warnings reach communities faster. Dairy Sector: Government and dairy stakeholders in Maseru urged stronger public-private collaboration to revive Lesotho’s dairy industry, citing low production, weak services, and heavy reliance on imports.