SACU Summit Watch: Lesotho’s PM Ntsokoane Matekane leads the country’s delegation to the 9th Southern Africa Customs Union (SACU) Heads of State summit in Cape Town, where leaders will review the SACU Strategic Plan (2022–2027), discuss regional economic integration and industrial development, and set direction for a “re-imagined” SACU. Regional Payments & Compliance: The South African Reserve Bank is drafting rules to curb money-laundering and cross-border law breaches tied to offshore payment facilitators, flagging risks where domestic services are processed as cross-border transactions—an issue that can affect regional merchants and digital trade. Lesotho Development Finance: Lesotho and the World Bank signed three agreements worth over M840 million to expand clean energy access, accelerate skills development, and improve nutrition outcomes. Energy & Cost Pressures: A data map shows diesel prices have surged globally since the Iran war, with Lesotho among the countries recording steep increases—raising transport and business cost pressures. Local Business Disruption: Spetzo’s Coffee Shop in Maseru was hit by a fire, temporarily halting operations and leaving more than 20 employees affected while insurers assess losses. Trade & Connectivity: Starlink’s licence has enabled satellite internet in Lesotho, with the service now active on police and remote-area vehicles—highlighting a connectivity leap for businesses outside major towns. Governance & Accountability: A National Leadership and Accountability Summit in Teyateyaneng ended with the PM urging leaders to shift from talk to action on governance and service delivery.