AGP Executive Report

National Accountability Summit: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane says the Leadership Forum and National Accountability Summit will become an annual platform for public dialogue, with key issues including commercialising agriculture for jobs and exports, and faster skills transfer when companies build in Lesotho. Judiciary & service delivery: Chief Justice Sakoane Peter Sakoane calls the summit a historic chance for Basotho to engage directly with government institutions, noting the push to deliver justice within three months in most cases and progress on court delays and more accessible court infrastructure. Disability inclusion: Lesotho is strengthening access to education, justice and communication for persons with disabilities, but stakeholders warn gaps remain—especially for deafblind people—and call for more training and public awareness. Crime & rehabilitation: A Lesotho Correctional Service officer says sexual offences remain among the most common crimes, with substance abuse, domestic violence and murder also driving high crime levels; parents are urged to protect children. Children’s welfare: Queen Masenate urges investment in children, praising Beautiful Gate Lesotho’s 25-year work supporting vulnerable children through education, healthcare and psychosocial services. Regional migration tensions: Basotho National Party leader Machesetsa Mofomobe alleges South African police are collaborating with anti-migrant protest groups, warning of rising diplomatic strain. Economy & remittances: Maseru street vendors fear returning Basotho from South Africa will reduce remittances and hit already-struggling factories and local spending. Digital learning push: MBRGI and The Digital School plan to support over 500,000 learners across Lesotho and five other African countries over three years, including teacher training and job-ready skills.

Crime & Justice in Focus: Sexual offences remain among the most prevalent crimes in Lesotho, with substance abuse, domestic violence and murder also driving the country’s high crime rate, officials told a community crime prevention meeting in Motimposo. Disability Inclusion: Lesotho is expanding access to services for persons with disabilities, with ministries, the Lesotho Mounted Police Service and disability groups pushing better inclusion in education, justice, communication and public services—while admitting implementation gaps remain. National Accountability Momentum: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane says the Leadership Forum and National Accountability Summit should become an annual platform for public dialogue, with Basotho raising priorities like skills transfer, youth representation and faster, more accountable service delivery. Children’s Investment: Queen ‘Masenate urged greater investment in children, praising Beautiful Gate Lesotho’s 25-year work supporting vulnerable children through family strengthening, education, healthcare and psychosocial services. Regional Context: Reports from South Africa continue to fuel Basotho concerns over xenophobia and migration enforcement, with calls for stronger, coordinated regional responses. Culture & Faith: Langham Preaching Day in Lesotho brought Christians together to renew commitment to Bible exposition and discipleship.

Accountability in focus: Lesotho’s Leadership Forum and National Accountability Summit wrapped with Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane saying it will become an annual public dialogue, with calls for skills transfer, youth representation and faster, better service delivery. Judiciary engagement: Chief Justice Sakoane Peter Sakoane hailed the summit for bringing citizens closer to how justice works, noting efforts to cut case delays and improve court access. Inclusion push: Deafblind Awareness Day in Maseru saw the Deaf blind Association of Lesotho urge government and partners to remove barriers to education, justice and communication, with police training in sign language highlighted. Children first: Queen Masenate urged investment in children during Beautiful Gate Lesotho’s 25th anniversary, praising long-running support for vulnerable families through education, health and psychosocial services. Migration ripple effects: Across the border, South Africa’s anti-immigrant protests and xenophobia continue to strain regional ties and safety, while Lesotho vendors in Maseru worry about reduced remittances and factory slowdowns as Basotho return home. Regional development: SACU leaders, including President Ramaphosa, called for accelerated reforms and industrial cooperation, while a Dubai-backed digital learning push targets 500,000 learners across Lesotho and other African states.

Leadership & Accountability: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane says Lesotho’s Leadership Forum and National Accountability Summit will become an annual public dialogue platform, with citizens shaping priorities on issues like agriculture, skills transfer, and youth representation. Judiciary & Service Delivery: Chief Justice Sakoane Peter Sakoane calls the summit a historic chance for Basotho to understand how justice works, noting efforts to cut case delays and improve court access. Inclusion for Deafblind People: The Deafblind Association of Lesotho marks Deafblind Awareness Day, urging government and partners to remove barriers in education, justice, communication and public services, while police highlight sign-language training. Children’s Investment: Queen Masenate urges Basotho to invest in children’s wellbeing, praising Beautiful Gate Lesotho’s 25 years of support for vulnerable children through education, healthcare and psychosocial services. Migration Pressure in the Region: A migration expert warns South Africa must focus on displaced people and humanitarian support after June 30 unrest, arguing migrants are a small share of the population and deeper governance and economic problems drive strain. Digital Learning Push: MBRGI and The Digital School announce a three-year digital education initiative for over 500,000 people in Lesotho and five other African countries, targeting schools, teacher capacity and job-ready skills. Agriculture Concerns: Farmers tell the Leadership and Accountability Summit that agriculture growth is moving too slowly, while the agriculture minister points to wool and mohair income and calls for processing and industry improvements.

South Africa anti-immigrant violence: Immigrant families in Johannesburg’s Yeoville say they were traumatised after March and March protesters stoned homes, looted property and assaulted bystanders, with police reporting hundreds of arrests nationwide. Lesotho border safety move: Lesotho has urged Basotho in South Africa to contact its embassy if they feel unsafe, and says it is readying buses to help repatriations ahead of planned protests. Regional migration debate: Analysts and officials argue South Africa can’t solve migration with fences and deportations alone, calling for coordinated responses across the region. Local economy pressure: Maseru street vendors warn that Basotho returning from South Africa could cut remittances and hit already struggling factories. National accountability push: Basotho youth, women and civil society welcomed a National Dialogue and Accountability Summit, demanding transparency on corruption, jobs and public spending, while leaders say the process will be benchmarked with Rwanda. Digital learning boost: MBRGI and Dubai’s Digital School plan to support over 500,000 learners in Lesotho and five other African countries over three years. Agriculture and jobs: Farmers raised concerns about slow agricultural growth, while the agriculture minister pointed to wool and mohair income and urged faster processing and industry improvements.

Cross-border tensions and safety: Lesotho has urged Basotho in South Africa to contact its embassy if they feel unsafe, as authorities prepare for planned marches tied to anti-immigrant protests; the government also provided buses to KwaZulu-Natal for possible repatriations. Regional migration debate: South Africa’s ANC says immigration enforcement must stay with the state, warning against vigilantism, while economists argue mass expulsions won’t solve the problem and point to a “revolving door” effect. Local economic ripple: In Maseru, street vendors fear returning Basotho from South Africa will cut remittances and hit already-struggling factories, tightening household spending. SACU push for reforms: At the 9th SACU summit in Cape Town, President Ramaphosa called for accelerated reforms and a stronger export strategy to boost intra-regional trade. Digital learning boost: MBRGI, via Dubai’s Digital School, announced support for over 500,000 people across six African countries including Lesotho, focusing on schools, teacher capacity and job-market readiness. Agriculture and livelihoods: Lesotho’s agriculture minister responded to farmers’ concerns at the Leadership and Accountability Summit, citing wool and mohair collections and urging faster processing to raise revenue. Media and statistics capacity: CAFI and the Central Bank of Lesotho trained journalists on economic and financial inclusion reporting, while government launched a statistical system strengthening programme.

UN Trade Warning: The UNCTAD says the Strait of Hormuz reopening will ease global energy and trade, but vulnerable economies will still face slower, uneven recovery as freight costs for grain and oilseeds remain high. Lesotho–South Africa Accountability: In Maseru’s National Dialogue and Accountability Summit, Basotho youth, women and civil society pushed for transparency on corruption and jobs, and demanded faster redefinition of Lesotho’s relations with South Africa amid anti-immigrant tensions. Cross-border Economic Shock: Maseru street vendors fear Basotho returning from South Africa will cut remittances and hit already-struggling factories, shrinking local spending. Migration Pressure in SA: Reports from Robertson describe evicted Malawians and fears of xenophobic violence, while Lesotho urged citizens in South Africa to contact embassies and use provided buses if they want to return. Regional Governance & Trade: SACU leaders agreed to set up a new N$5 billion innovative funding mechanism for development projects, and Lesotho also raised concerns over vehicle declarations in South Africa. Skills & Data for Development: CAFI and the Central Bank backed journalist training on economic reporting, while Lesotho ran mathematics teacher workshops to improve learner performance.

Migration and regional responsibility: A new analysis argues South Africa can’t fence or deport its way out of irregular migration, saying the drivers sit in wider regional governance failures, economic gaps and instability—so responses must include stronger cooperation beyond SA’s borders. Lesotho’s accountability push: In Maseru, Basotho youth, women and civil society welcomed the government’s National Dialogue and Accountability Summit, urging transparency, better coordination and tangible results. Basotho return worries vendors: Street vendors in Maseru fear the return of Basotho from South Africa will cut remittances and hit already struggling factories, shrinking money circulation. Lesotho-South Africa ties under pressure: During the dialogue, speakers demanded clearer, fairer relations with South Africa and faster action after attacks on Basotho abroad. SACU development funding: SACU leaders agreed to set up a regional innovative funding mechanism with an initial R5 billion to back cross-border industrial and infrastructure projects. Education focus: Lesotho trained 260+ mathematics teachers to improve learner performance, targeting problem-solving and confidence.

Cross-Border Safety for Basotho: Lesotho has urged citizens in South Africa to contact its embassy or satellite offices if they feel unsafe, offering five buses from KwaZulu-Natal to help repatriations as anti-immigrant protests loom. Immigration Pressure in SA: Ahead of June 30, Basotho without documents are also seen lining up at passport offices to regularise travel and work plans. SACU Regional Push: SACU leaders agreed to set up a regional innovative funding mechanism, with an initial N$5 billion to back cross-border industrial and infrastructure projects across member states, including Lesotho. Local Capacity Building: Lesotho ran a two-day mathematics teacher workshop at NUL to improve learner performance, focusing on problem-solving and confidence. Media and Statistics Strengthening: CAFI and the Central Bank of Lesotho trained journalists on economic and financial inclusion reporting, while government launched a statistical system strengthening programme to support evidence-based governance. Regional Economy Watch: South Africa’s trade balance slipped into deficit in May as oil import costs rose amid Middle East conflict.

SACU Regional Push: SACU Heads of State in Cape Town agreed to set up a Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism with an initial N$5 billion for cross-border industrial and infrastructure projects, financed through the Common Revenue Pool, as leaders also pressed for stronger value chains and industrialisation. June 30 Migration Tensions: With South Africa’s 30 June anti-immigration deadline looming, Lesotho-based Basotho are reportedly lining up at passport offices to regularise travel plans, while South African officials and activists trade blame over who set the date and how protests should be handled. Lesotho Skills for Learning: In Maseru, around 260 mathematics teachers attended a workshop at the National University of Lesotho to improve teaching methods and boost learner performance, targeting problem-solving and confidence in maths. Media and Finance Training: The CAFI project and the Central Bank of Lesotho trained journalists to report better on economic issues, investment, entrepreneurship and financial inclusion. Public Service Accountability: Lesotho’s government says it is strengthening leadership, accountability and service delivery after its first National Leadership Forum, citing gaps like corruption, weak coordination and poor performance reporting.

Immigration Tensions in SA: As South Africa braces for June 30 anti-immigration protests, activist Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma says the June 30 deadline was set by another organiser, sparking fresh debate over who is driving the campaign. Migrant Labour Fears: Zimbabweans in South Africa say employers are using immigration uncertainty to threaten dismissals and strip labour rights, even though the Zimbabwe Exemption Permit is still valid until 2027. Security and Protests: South African authorities and police have been preparing for possible unrest, with officials stressing that peaceful protest is protected but criminality will be met decisively. SACU Push for Funding: SACU leaders agreed to create a regional innovative funding mechanism, starting with N$5 billion (R5 billion) from the Common Revenue Pool to back cross-border industrial and infrastructure projects across member states including Lesotho. Lesotho–SA Historical Claims: Lesotho’s foreign affairs minister says South Africa has a moral obligation to help address poverty in Lesotho, citing land dispossession, migrant labour and apartheid-era raids. Media and Accountability: Lesotho’s government highlights stronger leadership, accountability and service delivery after its National Leadership Forum, while CAFI trains journalists to report better on economic and financial issues.

SACU Regional Push: SACU leaders approved a R5 billion regional development fund to finance cross-border industrial and infrastructure projects, with Lesotho included, as they also backed reforms under a “re-imagined SACU Agenda” and discussed extending AGOA. SACU Summit Politics & Finance: South Africa’s President Ramaphosa told SACU that no country can prosper alone amid shifting trade and supply chains, while the new Executive Secretary Dumsani Masilela was mandated to drive reforms. Lesotho–South Africa Tensions: Lesotho’s foreign affairs minister Limpho Tau says South Africa has a moral obligation to help address poverty in Lesotho linked to land dispossession, migrant labour and apartheid-era raids, and raised Basotho concerns ahead of South Africa’s 30 June anti-immigration protests. Customs & Transport Rules: Revenue Services Lesotho urged traders and commuters to comply with customs declarations for SACU revenue, and Lesotho raised concerns with South Africa over stricter vehicle temporary import declarations for Basotho motorists. Governance Focus: Deputy Prime Minister Justice Nthomeng Majara says government is doubling down on leadership, accountability and service delivery after the National Leadership Forum, citing ongoing issues like youth unemployment and corruption. Agriculture Support: Lesotho Post Bank encouraged Berea farmers to use tractor financing, saying the programme remains under-utilised. Culture & Learning: A book launch, Lesotho Politics and Society, aims to help Basotho understand the past and decide how to live as a nation.

SACU Summit Focus: Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Matekane and regional leaders met in Cape Town for the 9th Southern African Customs Union summit, with President Cyril Ramaphosa warning that no country can prosper alone and pushing a “re-imagined SACU” agenda aimed at industrialisation, customs modernisation and trade facilitation. Lesotho–South Africa Border Rules: Lesotho raised concerns with South Africa over stricter vehicle declaration rules for Basotho motorists, as SARS moves toward full enforcement of temporary import declarations from 1 June 2026. Fiscal Pressure: A World Bank update flags Lesotho among countries projected to spend more than they collect in 2026, with deficits and rising debt set to squeeze room for future shocks. Customs Revenue & Trader Compliance: Revenue Services Lesotho urged traders and commuters to meet customs declaration requirements, highlighting its Authorised Economic Operator programme to speed up clearance. Cross-border Tensions: As South Africa nears 30 June anti-immigration protests, Basotho officials are also seeking assurances over thousands of Basotho in the country, amid heightened regional anxiety. Health & Skills: Lesotho also saw pushback against neglecting men’s mental health, plus practical support for farmers—tractor financing promotion and dairy training to turn milk into yoghurt and sour milk.

Xenophobia and 30 June deadline: As South Africa braces for anti-immigration protests, Nigerians in the country say they face a brutal choice between staying in fear or returning to an uncertain home economy, while township tourism is already taking a hit with bookings down and cancellations rising. Lesotho-South Africa tensions: Lesotho’s foreign affairs minister Limpho Tau says South Africa has a moral obligation to help address poverty in Lesotho, citing land dispossession, migrant labour and apartheid-era raids, and she also raised Basotho concerns ahead of the 30 June unrest. SACU push for integration: Leaders at the 9th Southern African Customs Union summit in Cape Town backed reforms under a “re-imagined SACU” agenda, with Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Matekane attending as the union targets industrialisation, customs modernisation and trade facilitation. Lesotho customs compliance: Revenue Services Lesotho urged traders and commuters to meet customs declaration rules, including using the Authorised Economic Operator programme to speed clearance and protect Lesotho’s SACU revenue share. Water access data: A new global map highlights that more than 2 billion people still lack safely managed drinking water, underscoring how far many countries remain from reliable clean-water services. Governance and finance: World Bank projections warn of widening fiscal deficits and rising debt pressures across Africa, while Lesotho continues pushing financial inclusion and reporting capacity-building for media.

SACU Summit Fallout: Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Matekane and other SACU leaders met in Cape Town as the union pushed a “re-imagined” agenda, with reforms and a new mandate for the executive secretary aimed at boosting industrialisation, customs modernisation and trade facilitation. Immigration Pressure on Trade: Lesotho’s foreign affairs minister Limpho Tau told South Africa it has a moral obligation to help address Lesotho’s poverty and growth limits, while also raising Basotho concerns ahead of South Africa’s 30 June anti-immigration protests. Border Rules Hit Basotho Drivers: Lesotho raised concerns with South Africa over tougher vehicle declaration rules for Basotho motorists, as SARS moves to enforce temporary import declarations uniformly from 1 June. Fiscal Strain Watch: A World Bank projection flags Lesotho among the continent’s biggest deficit governments, with spending expected to outpace revenue in 2026 and debt rising. Local Economy & Jobs: Lesotho Post Bank urged Berea farmers to use tractor financing, while media practitioners in Maseru received training to improve economic and financial reporting. Regional Business Appointments: Afreximbank named Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Southern Africa regional operations director, signalling continued financing focus across the region.

SACU Summit Push: Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Matekane and regional leaders met in Cape Town for the 9th Southern African Customs Union summit, with President Cyril Ramaphosa stressing that no country can prosper alone and urging deeper regional strength as trade and supply chains shift. Cross-Border Customs Pressure: Lesotho raised concerns with South Africa over stricter vehicle declaration rules for Basotho motorists, while Revenue Services Lesotho urged traders and commuters to comply with customs declarations and highlighted its Authorised Economic Operator programme to speed up clearance. Regional Integration Chair Moves: Botswana reaffirmed its commitment to SACU integration and prosperity as it prepares to take over the chair role, promising simplified customs procedures and stronger trade partnerships. Lesotho–South Africa Historical Claims: Foreign Affairs Minister Limpho Tau told South Africa it has a moral obligation to help address Lesotho’s poverty, citing land dispossession, migrant labour and apartheid-era raids, and also sought assurances ahead of 30 June anti-immigration protests. Media Gets Economic Training: The CAFI project and the Central Bank of Lesotho trained journalists in investment and financial inclusion reporting, aiming to improve how economic issues are covered. Farm Finance Boost: Lesotho Post Bank encouraged Berea farmers to use tractor financing, saying the initiative remains under-used despite government funding. Health Focus: Lesotho’s Back to Care Campaign symposium shared progress on re-engaging people who interrupted HIV treatment, stressing retention in care as the next challenge. Mineworker Compensation: Tshiamiso Trust reported paying over M1 billion to eligible ex-mineworkers and dependents for silicosis and tuberculosis claims linked to South African gold mines.