UN Africa Appointment: UN Secretary-General António Guterres has appointed Nigerian development expert Ahunna Eziakonwa as Special Adviser on Africa, taking over from Cristina Duarte of Cabo Verde. Eziakonwa brings nearly 30 years of UN experience, including senior roles at UNDP overseeing support to 46 African countries, and past postings in Ethiopia, Uganda and Lesotho. Regional Trade & SACU: South Africa will host key SACU meetings at CTICC2 from 18–26 June, with leaders and officials from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa set to discuss customs and ways to boost intra-regional trade. Lesotho Infrastructure: A M1.4 billion road project in Lebakeng (Matlali–Lebakeng) aims to upgrade a 45km route to bitumen standard and build bridges over multiple rivers, targeting completion in February 2030. Lesotho Business & Finance: The Central Bank of Lesotho is pushing financial literacy in Quthing, highlighting the upgraded Lesotho Switch (LesSwitch) and the CBL Investment Portal to improve money management and modern payments. Vodacom Investment: Vodacom Group plans major network and IT upgrades after investing R23.6 billion in FY2026 to boost resilience, spectrum value and service innovation. Local Economy Spotlight: Lesotho’s richest man, Sam Matekane, is profiled for building his Matekane Group from early donkey importing into a multi-sector conglomerate spanning mining, aviation, property and more. Women & Food Security: The Rural Women’s Assembly urges governments to put women smallholder farmers at the centre of food and climate policy, with Lesotho represented at the regional dialogue.