AGP Executive Report
Last update: 3 hours agoDigital Connectivity: Starlink is now active in Lesotho after Elon Musk reposted the launch, with the Communications Authority having granted Starlink a 10-year licence in April 2025—sparking fresh debate as Basotho and businesses gain fast satellite internet. World Bank Financing: Lesotho and the World Bank signed three agreements worth over M841m for clean energy access, skills development and multisector nutrition improvements. Youth & AI Entrepreneurship: The US Embassy and American Corner backed Lesotho’s first AI Skills Development Programme for youth enterprises, linking AI tools with e-commerce under the Sebabatso ecosystem. Industrial Jobs Push: Government launched the LNDC “Letsema” plan (2026–2031) targeting 50,000 net new jobs and 100 homegrown industrialists, aiming to break Lesotho’s import-heavy, low-value manufacturing cycle. Fuel Price Clarity: Officials moved to dispel confusion over the Petroleum Fund, stressing it does not supply petrol directly but monitors pricing and the supply chain as costs rise. Trade & Border Rules: SARS will end the long-standing SACU vehicle exemption, requiring Lesotho-registered cars to be declared as temporary imports when entering South Africa. Governance & Accountability: Auditor-General findings highlight CAFI’s weak spending capacity (41% of revised budget) and a broader implementation gap, while the Ombudsman criticised LHDA over displacement and compensation failures in Polihali.
Note: AI summary from news headlines; neutral sources weighted more to help reduce bias in the result. Feedback is welcome. Please let us know if you have any comments or suggestions about the AGP Executive Report.