AGP Executive Report

Energy & Investment: Lesotho has signed a $6.2bn Project Kobong deal with Convalt Energy for a 1,200MW hydropower plant plus an AI data centre, aiming to shift the country from importing electricity to exporting it. Digital Economy: The Central Bank of Lesotho is pushing financial literacy in Quthing, highlighting the upgraded Lesotho Switch (LesSwitch) and the CBL Investment Portal to boost safer payments and investing. Digital Skills & Jobs: Lesotho’s MICSTI has started a digital studio at Makoanyane Square in Maseru, part of e-Government Phase II to train young people in digital marketing and entrepreneurship. Governance & Accountability: Government will hold a National Leadership Retreat (June 21–23) and an Accountability Summit (July 1–3) to improve service delivery and transparency. Financial Inclusion: A Lesotho delegation studied Uganda’s Emyooga microfinance model, focusing on SACCOs, savings, affordable credit and income generation for women and farmers. Policy & Elections: The IEC accepted a court ruling ordering reinstatement of four political parties, after deregistration disputes. Labour & Migration Risk (Region): South Africa’s proposed Employment Services Amendment Bill could fine employers up to R100,000 per undocumented foreign domestic worker, raising compliance pressure for households and businesses. Crime & Security (Region): Gunmen killed 12 people in an informal settlement near Johannesburg, with suspicions of links to illegal mining. Women & Food Security: Southern Africa’s Rural Women’s Assembly urged governments to put women smallholder farmers at the centre of food and climate policy to tackle hunger and shocks. Tech Rollout (Region): Google is expanding Ask Gemini in Chrome to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, including Lesotho in the supported locales list. Business Leadership (Region): Coca-Cola Beverages Africa appointed a new GM for Namibia, signalling continued investment in the bottler’s growth plans.

Energy Deal: Lesotho has signed a $6.2bn agreement with US firm Convalt Energy for Project Kobong—an estimated 1,200MW hydropower plant plus an AI data centre—aimed at shifting the country from importing electricity to becoming a power exporter. Digital Economy: The Central Bank of Lesotho is rolling out deeper financial literacy outreach in Quthing, highlighting the upgraded Lesotho Switch (LesSwitch) that links mobile money platforms and enables ATM use across the country. Govt Capacity: Lesotho’s MICSTI has broken ground on a new digital studio in Maseru and signed digital policies, pushing skills for digital marketing and entrepreneurship under the E-Government programme. 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. Finance & Data: Finance Minister Matlanyane says the 2026 digital census achieved very good coverage despite snow, network disruptions and harsh terrain, supporting better planning and resource allocation. Regional Learning: A Lesotho delegation studied Uganda’s microfinance model, praising the Emyooga programme’s cooperative-based savings and credit approach for grassroots inclusion. Diplomacy: Lesotho met Qatar’s ambassador to discuss cooperation in education, infrastructure, governance and parliamentary affairs.

Lesotho Energy & Tech Deal: Lesotho has signed a $6.2bn agreement with US firm Convalt Energy for the 1,200MW Kobong hydropower project plus an AI data centre, aiming to cut power imports and position the country as a future electricity exporter. Digital Skills Push: In Maseru, MICSTI Minister Nthati Moorosi led the sod-turning of a new digital studio at Makoanyane Square and signed digital policies, linking the move to NSDP II and youth training in digital marketing and entrepreneurship. Census Confidence: Finance Minister Rets’elisitsoe Matlanyane says the completed 2026 digital census maintained “very good coverage” despite snow, network disruptions and harsh mountain weather. 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. Water Infrastructure Progress: LHDA reports a key milestone at Polihali Dam, with rockfill placement and concrete works advancing toward 2027 reservoir inundation. 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. Corruption Focus: DCEO DG Sello Mants’o says corruption harms Basotho by blocking access to services and wasting funds meant for healthcare, education and infrastructure. Regional Business Interest: Zipline says it is in advanced talks with Lesotho to expand drone deliveries across Africa.

Military Justice: Lesotho’s Chief Justice says action must be taken against commanders linked to the Special Forces Unit after Corporal Tjekane Sebolai and Corporal Selone Rats’iu received long prison terms for the 2014 murder of Lisebo Tang, attempted murder and malicious damage—highlighting concerns about training that prioritises obedience over the law. Public Accountability: Government announces a National Leadership Retreat (June 21–23) and an Accountability Summit (July 1–3) to push results-oriented service delivery and give citizens a direct channel to question leaders. Anti-Corruption: The DCEO warns that corruption drains funds from healthcare, education, roads and water, drives bribes for documents, and leads to poor-quality procurement. Legal Reform: Lesotho’s Law Reform Commission consults stakeholders to modernise outdated and discriminatory laws, aiming to better align the legal system with constitutional rights. Energy & Digital Investment: Lesotho signs a $6.2bn deal with Convalt Energy for a Kobong 1,200MW hydropower project plus a green-powered AI data centre, with feasibility and approvals still pending—positioning Lesotho to cut electricity imports and potentially export power. Infrastructure Works: Maseru City Council’s temporary road refurbishment in Ha Ts’osane is welcomed by motorists for improving safety and reducing vehicle damage. Regional Business Links: Dubai Chambers meets Lesotho’s Prime Minister and ministers to discuss boosting trade and investment ties, including a proposed Dubai–Lesotho Business Forum.

Lesotho Energy & Digital Push: Lesotho has signed a binding $6.2bn deal with Convalt Energy for a Kobong hydropower project and an integrated AI data centre, with the aim of boosting generation capacity, reducing electricity imports, creating jobs and positioning the country as a future power exporter—though feasibility, financing and approvals are still pending. Hydropower Progress: The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority says Polihali Dam Phase II has hit another milestone, with rockfill placement and key concrete works advancing toward planned reservoir inundation in 2027. Anti-Corruption Focus: Lesotho’s DCEO says corruption harms Mosotho by blocking access to services and draining funds meant for healthcare, education, roads and water, while also driving poor-quality procurement. Local Business & Trade Links: Dubai Chambers met Lesotho’s Prime Minister to discuss strengthening trade and investment ties, including a proposed Dubai–Lesotho business forum. Roads & Economic Activity: Maseru City Council’s temporary road refurbishment in Ha Ts’osane has been welcomed by motorists for improving safety and easing transport of people and goods. Legal Reform: Lesotho’s Law Reform Commission is consulting stakeholders to update laws that are outdated or discriminatory, with a focus on equality, human dignity and access to justice.

Hydropower + AI investment: Lesotho has signed a US$6.2bn deal with Convalt Energy for a 1,200MW Kobong hydropower project plus a green-powered AI data centre, aimed at cutting electricity imports, boosting jobs and local enterprise, and potentially turning Lesotho into a power exporter—though feasibility, financing and approvals are still pending. Energy infrastructure progress: The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority says Polihali Dam Phase II is advancing, with rockfill placement and upstream concrete curb reaching elevation 2020, and construction now at about 45% overall. Local governance + roads: Maseru City Council’s temporary road refurbishment in Ha Ts’osane has been welcomed by motorists as a timely fix for potholes and rainy-season hazards, improving safety and reducing vehicle wear. Anti-corruption message: The DCEO says corruption hits Mosotho through stolen funds and denied services, including bribes for passports and licences, and pushes poor-quality procurement that wastes public money. Legal reform push: Lesotho’s Law Reform Commission is consulting stakeholders to modernise outdated and discriminatory laws, with a focus on equality, non-discrimination and access to justice. Regional business diplomacy: Dubai Chambers met Lesotho’s Prime Minister and ministers in Johannesburg to discuss trade and investment cooperation, including a proposed Dubai–Lesotho Business Forum. South Africa migration spillover: Anti-migrant protests continue in South Africa as President Ramaphosa promises action against illegal migration while warning against vigilantism; the unrest has also triggered diplomatic moves by affected countries. Sports note: Namibia denied involvement in any 2028 AFCON co-hosting bid, contradicting claims from South African sports officials.

Hydropower + AI investment: Lesotho has signed a $6.2bn deal with US firm Convalt Energy for a 1,200MW Kobong hydropower project plus a green-powered AI data centre, with feasibility and approvals still pending but construction expected to start in 2029—potentially transforming Lesotho from an electricity importer into a regional exporter. Energy infrastructure progress: The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority says Polihali Dam Phase II is advancing, with rockfill placement and key concrete works reaching elevation 2020, targeting reservoir inundation in 2027. Local business & transport: Maseru City Council’s temporary road refurbishment in Ha Ts’osane has been welcomed by motorists for improving safety and reducing vehicle wear during the rainy season. Legal reform: Lesotho’s Law Reform Commission is consulting stakeholders to review outdated or discriminatory laws, with a focus on equality, non-discrimination and better access to justice. Regional trade ties: Dubai Chambers met Lesotho’s Prime Minister and ministers to discuss strengthening trade and investment cooperation, including a proposed Dubai–Lesotho business forum. Governance & integrity: The DCEO says corruption drains funds meant for services like healthcare, education and water, and pushes poor-quality procurement through non-merit contracting.

Lesotho–UAE Trade Talks: Dubai Chambers met Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane in Johannesburg to explore stronger trade and investment ties, with a push for a Dubai–Lesotho Business Forum and cooperation in logistics, infrastructure and the digital economy. Big Investment Deal: Lesotho signed a binding agreement with Convalt Energy for the Kobong Hydropower and AI Data Centre project worth about 98bn maloti (US$6.2bn), pairing 1,200MW hydropower with a green-powered AI data centre in Mokhotlong—aimed at boosting energy independence and jobs (still subject to feasibility and approvals). Security & Jobs: PM Matekane pledged to recruit 500 more soldiers into the Lesotho Defence Force, citing threats from drug trafficking and substance abuse, as 547 recruits completed training. Digital Push in Rural Areas: Lesotho urged youth to embrace technology at the Digital Innovators Summit, while Econet Telecom Lesotho handed over a telecoms tower and a kitchen at Senekane Primary School to improve connectivity and community services. Regional Migration Pressure: South Africa’s President Ramaphosa promised action on illegal migration amid anti-immigrant protests, stressing law enforcement must be state-led and not vigilante. Regional Health Watch: Kenya and Uganda launched a joint assessment at Busia One Stop Border Post with ECSA-HC to review Ebola preparedness, screening systems and procedures. Water & Health Concerns: A report highlights unsafe drinking water risks across many African countries, underlining the link between water quality, public health and economic development.

Cross-border Health Security: Kenya and Uganda launched a joint Ebola preparedness assessment at the Busia One Stop Border Post with ECSA-HC, checking screening gaps and Standard Operating Procedures to reduce the risk of outbreaks crossing borders. Migration Pressure in the Region: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged rising tensions over illegal migration and promised action through authorised officials, as protests and xenophobic violence concerns continue to ripple across neighbouring countries. Big Lesotho Investment Push: Convalt Energy signed a $6.2bn (98bn maloti) deal with Lesotho for 1,200MW hydropower plus a green AI data centre in Mokhotlong—aimed at energy independence and new digital jobs. Trade & Investment Linkages: Dubai Chambers met Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Matekane in Johannesburg to explore stronger trade and a possible Dubai–Lesotho business forum. Security & Youth Focus: Lesotho’s PM Ntsokoane Matekane pledged 500 more LDF recruits to tackle drug trafficking and substance abuse. Education & Connectivity: LSMTA unveiled Lesotho’s PAMO 2026 team, while Senekane Primary received a telecom tower and kitchen to boost learning and community access.

Hydropower + AI investment: Lesotho has signed a binding $6.2bn (98bn maloti) deal with Convalt Energy for the 1,200MW Kobong Hydropower and AI Data Centre project in Mokhotlong—aimed at boosting energy independence, creating jobs, and powering green digital infrastructure (with feasibility and regulatory steps still ahead). Regional trade ties: Dubai Chambers met Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane in Johannesburg to explore stronger trade and investment links, including a proposed Dubai–Lesotho business forum. Connectivity for schools: Senekane Primary in Berea received a new telecommunications tower and kitchen, with Econet Telecom Lesotho saying improved coverage will support digital services and mobile money for rural communities. Digital skills push: Maseru hosted the Digital Innovators Summit urging Basotho youth to embrace technology and AI for development, while noting government efforts to digitise water systems. Public finance accountability: Lesotho’s Ministry of Finance will start training ministries on asset registration from June 15 after Auditor General reports flagged gaps in government asset registers. Security + jobs pressure: South Africa’s renewed anti-migrant unrest continues to trigger regional advisories, with Lesotho among countries urging citizens to stay vigilant. Water safety concern: A global assessment warns unsafe drinking water remains a major health risk, with many African countries among the lowest-ranked.

Hydropower + AI investment: Convalt Energy has signed a binding $6.2bn (98bn maloti) deal with Lesotho to build the 1,200MW Kobong Hydropower and AI Data Centre in Mokhotlong, aiming to cut electricity imports and position Lesotho as a green energy and digital hub, though feasibility and approvals still come first. Trade diplomacy: Lesotho’s PM Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane met Dubai Chambers in Johannesburg to strengthen trade and investment links, highlighting Dubai expertise in logistics, infrastructure and the digital economy, with talk of a possible Dubai–Lesotho business forum. Security + jobs: PM Matekane pledged to recruit 500 more soldiers into the LDF as Lesotho targets drug trafficking and substance abuse among youth. Connectivity for growth: Senekane Primary School in Berea received a new telecoms tower and kitchen, with Econet Telecom Lesotho saying improved network coverage can boost access to information and mobile money. Digital skills push: Maseru’s Digital Innovators Summit urged Basotho youth to embrace technology and discussed digitising water systems with EU support. Public finance accountability: The Ministry of Finance will start asset-registration training from June 15 after Auditor General reports flagged gaps in how government assets are recorded. Regional migration risk: South Africa’s anti-migrant unrest continues to drive advisories and repatriation moves across the region, including warnings issued to Lesotho citizens to stay vigilant. GBV coordination: Stakeholders in Lesotho were urged to revive and strengthen the Anti-GBV Coordination Forum to improve prevention, protection and survivor support.

US aid leverage on Lesotho’s health: Bloomberg reports the Trump administration’s healthcare funding cuts were tied to new conditions, including “preferential consideration” for US partnerships and access to Lesotho medical data (later reduced), raising concerns of extortion. Hydropower + AI investment: Lesotho signed a binding deal with Convalt Energy for a Kobong project worth about 98bn maloti (1,200MW hydropower plus a green AI data centre), aimed at energy independence and jobs, though feasibility and approvals still come first. Security push: PM Ntsokoane Matekane pledged 500 more recruits to the LDF and said the fight against drug trafficking and youth substance abuse will intensify. Connectivity for rural business and learning: Senekane Primary School received a telecom tower handover, promising better coverage for residents, businesses, and mobile money. Regional migration tensions spill over: South Africa’s anti-migrant unrest continues to trigger advisories and repatriations across the region, with Mozambique and others disputing casualty claims. Public finance accountability: Finance ministry training on asset registration starts June 15 as Auditor General reports say government assets are not fully captured on registers. GBV coordination: Lesotho urged stakeholders to revive the Anti-GBV Coordination Forum to improve prevention, protection, and survivor support. Dairy sector roadmap: Government and dairy stakeholders called for a practical plan to cut import dependence and boost local milk production through better services, markets, and finance.

Hydropower + AI Investment: Lesotho signed a binding $6.2bn (98bn maloti) deal with Convalt Energy for Project Kobong—1,200MW hydropower paired with a green AI data centre—aimed at energy independence, job creation and cutting reliance on imported electricity, though feasibility and regulatory steps still remain. Security + Jobs: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane pledged 500 more recruits to the Lesotho Defence Force, citing drug trafficking and substance abuse as a growing threat to youth and promising decisive action against dealers. Digital Skills Push: Basotho youth were urged to embrace technology and AI for public development at Maseru’s Digital Innovators Summit, with government also highlighting digitisation plans for water systems supported by the EU. Labour + Services Access: LEPEU brought union services closer to members in Mapoteng, including dispute resolution support and updates on bargaining councils, with a health-sector council in the works. Regional Migration Tensions: South Africa’s anti-migrant unrest continues to spill over regionally, with Mozambique disputing casualty claims and several countries—including Lesotho—urging citizens to stay cautious while Pretoria sends envoys to manage fallout. Public Finance Accountability: Lesotho’s Ministry of Finance will train ministries on asset registration from June 15 after Auditor General reports flagged gaps in how government assets are tracked. GBV Coordination: Stakeholders were urged to revive and strengthen Lesotho’s GBV coordination forum to improve prevention, protection, response and survivor support through better multi-sector collaboration.

Infrastructure & Water Security: Corrocoat South Africa says its Nanoflake corrosion-control coating is being used in the Lesotho Highlands Water Project tunnel refurbishment, including the transfer and delivery tunnels and Muela hydropower station steel linings, with the company citing a push for longer asset life and reduced reactive maintenance. Public Finance & Accountability: Lesotho’s Ministry of Finance will start asset-registration training from June 15 for different ministries, responding to Auditor General concerns that government assets are not fully captured on the assets register. Gender-Based Violence (GBV): Lesotho is calling to revive the Anti-GBV Coordination Forum, urging stronger multi-stakeholder collaboration to prevent duplication and improve support for survivors. Regional Trade & Risk: A new report warns that geoeconomic fragmentation is already costing the global economy billions annually, with emerging markets potentially hit hardest if trade tensions escalate. Cross-Border Humanitarian Tensions: Amid anti-migrant unrest in South Africa, Lesotho-linked regional advisories urge vigilance, while Mozambique and South African authorities dispute death tolls tied to xenophobic violence. Disaster & Community Resilience: Mokhotlong DDMT members are training in Disaster Risk Reduction with support from World Vision Lesotho to strengthen local disaster response capacity. Dairy Sector Push: Government and dairy stakeholders in Maseru called for stronger collaboration to grow milk production and cut import dependence, citing financing, breeding and market infrastructure gaps.

Cybersecurity & Law: Lesotho urged greater African participation in shaping global cybersecurity discussions, stressing that International Humanitarian Law and protection of civilians and essential services must stay at the centre of responses to cyber operations during armed conflict. GBV Coordination: Lesotho called for the revival and stronger coordination of the Anti-GBV Coordination Forum, saying better stakeholder alignment can reduce duplication and improve prevention, protection, response and survivor support. Cross-border Tensions & Trade Impact: Anti-immigrant unrest in South Africa continues to ripple across the region, with Mozambique and South African police disputing death tolls linked to violence in Mossel Bay, while Namibia and other neighbours urge citizens to stay vigilant as foreign-owned shops close and access to basic goods becomes harder. Public Finance Accountability: Lesotho’s Ministry of Finance will train ministries on asset registration from June 15, responding to Auditor General concerns that government assets are not fully captured on asset registers. Regional Development & Jobs: Stakeholders pushed for practical collaboration to revive Lesotho’s dairy sector, citing underused infrastructure, low milk output and import dependence. Disaster Readiness: Disaster Management Team members in Mokhotlong began Disaster Risk Reduction training to strengthen responses and protect lives and property.

Water & Accountability: Villagers in Mokhotlong have filed 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 compensation and relocation processes inadequate. Sports Governance: South Africa’s Safa is under heavy fire after Bafana Bafana’s World Cup departure was delayed by unresolved visa issues, with ministers calling it shocking and embarrassing. Gender in Sport: ZOC is hosting the ANOCA Zone VI Gender Equality and Diversity Forum in Victoria Falls, pushing women’s leadership, safe sport, safeguarding, and financing for women’s sport across the region. Lesotho Business & Finance: Letshego has called an AGM to seek approval for a P840m exit deal, selling multiple African assets at a discount as losses and FX pressures weigh on the group. Disaster Readiness: Mokhotlong’s District Disaster Management Team is training for Disaster Risk Reduction with World Vision support, focused on better protection of lives and property. Dairy Sector Push: Government and dairy stakeholders in Maseru are calling for stronger collaboration to revive Lesotho’s dairy industry, citing underused infrastructure, low milk output, and import dependence. Cross-Border Rules: SARS has introduced new vehicle border requirements for foreign-registered cars, including pre-declaration steps for travellers entering or leaving South Africa. Regional Trade & Policy: Lesotho reaffirmed cooperation with Korea and Africa on trade, investment, infrastructure, renewables, digital transformation, and skills, aligning with AfCFTA and Agenda 2063. Entrepreneurship: Sebabatso alumni in Maseru are taking an e-commerce and AI marketing training to help businesses reach wider markets. Humanitarian Risk: A study links prolonged drought in southern Africa (including Lesotho) to higher risk of violence against adolescents, highlighting the social cost of climate stress.