AGP Executive Report

Roads & Connectivity: Qacha’s Nek residents in Lebakeng could soon see major relief after the government launched a M1.4 billion Matlali–Lebakeng road project, upgrading a 45km route to bitumen, adding a 1.4km gravel spur to ’Melikane Combined School, and building bridges over the Tsoelike, Lijabatho, ’Melikane and Senqu rivers. Public Safety: As winter approaches, a Maseru District Hospital paramedic urged people to keep emergency numbers handy, warning that braziers, heaters and candles often spark house fires and child accidents. Sports (World Cup): The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off with Mexico vs South Africa at Estadio Azteca, a Group A opener that has South Africa chasing a strong start after a tough build-up. Health (Regional Watch): The WHO says the Bundibugyo Virus Disease outbreak in DRC is worsening, with new cases and deaths reported and insecurity affecting response efforts. Education & Culture: A Lesotho education piece argues for harmonising formal schooling and initiation schools so learners benefit from both cultural identity and academic pathways. Tech (Regional): Google is rolling out Ask Gemini in Chrome to more African markets, including Lesotho.

Migration Policy: Lesotho’s region watches as Ireland moves to require visas for Nicaraguan, St Kitts and Nevis, and St Lucia nationals from 15 June, with transit visas also needed. Winter Safety: A Maseru District Hospital paramedic urged the public to keep emergency numbers handy as winter fire and accident incidents rise, warning against filming instead of helping. Courtroom Testimony: In the Hashatsi murder case, a soldier told the High Court he shot to disable a colleague he said was pointing a gun at Captain Tefo Hashatsi. Digital Push in Lesotho: The MICSTI led a Maseru sod-turning for a new digital studio at Makoanyane Square, aimed at boosting skills and e-government content creation. Weather Watch: South Africa’s SAWS warns of very cold, wet and windy conditions and damaging winds in parts of the Eastern Cape, with broader winter disruption risk. Food & Climate Advocacy: Rural women smallholder farmers were urged to lead food and climate policy, with Lesotho delegates among those at a Southern Africa dialogue. Tech for the Region: Google expands “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to include Lesotho alongside other African markets. World Cup Buzz: Mexico and South Africa kick off the 2026 World Cup in Mexico City, with Lesotho fans likely following Bafana’s opening challenge.

World Cup Focus: South Africa’s return to the 2026 FIFA World Cup starts tonight in Mexico City as Bafana Bafana face hosts Mexico at the Azteca, with coach Hugo Broos warning the clash will be tough and noting key preparations ahead of kickoff. Local Football Boost: Ahead of the opener, Bafana received a lift with central defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi and left back Aubrey Modiba reported available after suspensions/injury setbacks. Diplomacy: Lesotho’s Deputy Prime Minister Justice Nthomeng Majara met Qatar’s non-resident ambassador to strengthen cooperation in development, governance and parliamentary affairs. Financial Inclusion: 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 payments access. Governance & Services: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane told community councils that weak accountability and governance, not just funding, are holding back service delivery, while urging councils to use budgets properly. Digital Development: MICSTI Minister Nthati Moorosi led a Maseru sod-turning for a new digital studio at Makoanyane Square, aimed at boosting skills and jobs in digital content creation. Weather Watch: Very cold, wet and windy conditions are expected in parts of the region, with damaging winds flagged for the Eastern Cape and cold, foggy conditions elsewhere.

Digital Transformation in Lesotho: Lesotho’s MICSTI Minister Nthati Moorosi led a sod-turning in Maseru for a new digital studio at Makoanyane Square, part of the E-Government Project Phase II, aimed at boosting digital content creation, skills and jobs. Governance and Service Delivery: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane told community councils that weak accountability and governance—alongside funding gaps—are hurting service delivery, urging councils to spend allocated funds properly. National Census Update: Finance Minister Rets’elisitsoe Matlanyane says the digital 2026 Population and Housing Census achieved very good coverage despite snow, network disruptions and harsh mountain weather. Energy Deal with Big Regional Impact: Lesotho signed a $6.2bn Project Kobong agreement with Convalt Energy for a 1,200MW hydropower plant plus an AI data centre, with hopes to reduce dependence on South Africa’s electricity and move toward exporting power. IEC Political Parties Reinstatement: The IEC accepted a court ruling ordering the reinstatement of four deregistered parties, saying it will comply with the judgment. Weather Watch (Regional): South Africa’s SAWS warns of damaging winds in parts of the Eastern Cape and expects cold, foggy and wet conditions in several provinces.

Court & Military Accountability: Lesotho’s Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane says action must be taken against commanders of two Special Forces Unit soldiers sentenced for the 2014 murder of Lisebo Tang and related charges, stressing that military training to obey orders must not override the law. Elections: The IEC in Maseru has accepted a court ruling ordering the reinstatement of four deregistered political parties, saying it will comply with the judgment and study next steps. Public Service Delivery: Government will hold a National Leadership Retreat (June 21–23) and an Accountability Summit (July 1–3) to strengthen leadership, transparency and results-oriented service delivery, with citizens invited to engage leaders directly. Winter Weather Watch: Forecasts point to cool to cold conditions with fog and isolated showers in parts of the region, including frost risk in some areas. Rehabilitation & Community Support: Mohale’s Hoek Correctional Services thanked the Lesotho Red Cross for winter clothing for inmates, highlighting community involvement in rehabilitation. Sports (Regional): Kenya’s Harambee Stars and Starlets both recorded big wins over Lesotho in the Four Nations tournament, as teams fine-tune ahead of WAFCON and other upcoming fixtures.

World Cup 2026: South Africa’s Bafana Bafana open their tournament run against hosts Mexico at Estadio Azteca on Thursday, with Hugo Broos aiming to turn continental momentum into a World Cup breakthrough after qualifying on the back of a disciplined campaign. Women’s football (Lesotho ties): Zambia’s Copper Queens won the Four Nations title, while Kenya thrashed Lesotho 6-0 in the bronze match; Lesotho also faces Kenya again in a separate friendly/placement context as teams fine-tune ahead of WAFCON. Lesotho development: In Mokhokhong (Roma), rural electrification finally reaches long-neglected villages, bringing power alongside ongoing water and access challenges. Corruption watch: Lesotho’s anti-corruption boss says corruption drains services and forces bribes for basic documents, undermining healthcare, education and infrastructure. Community support: Mohale’s Hoek Correctional Services thanks the Lesotho Red Cross for winter clothing and first-aid support for inmates. Weather: Cool, foggy conditions with isolated showers are expected in parts of the region, with frost possible in higher areas.

Lesotho–South Africa ties and regional stability: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned xenophobia and vigilantism as hundreds of anti-migrant protesters marched near Johannesburg, with groups pushing a June 30 deadline for undocumented foreigners; at least two Mozambicans were reported killed amid the unrest. Lesotho development: Lesotho signed a binding $6.2bn deal with Convalt Energy for a Kobong hydropower and AI data centre project (1,200MW), aiming to cut electricity imports and position Lesotho as a future power exporter. Roads and infrastructure: Mafika Lisiu Pass reopened after heavy snow, while Maseru City Council’s temporary road refurbishment in Ha Ts’osane drew praise from motorists. Governance and services: Lesotho’s Law Reform Commission hosted stakeholder talks to modernise outdated and discriminatory laws, while the DCEO warned that corruption blocks access to passports, licences and identity documents and drains funds from healthcare, education and water. Football (Lesotho in focus): Kenya’s Harambee Stars thrashed Lesotho 4-0 in a friendly, and Starlets are set to face Lesotho in the Four Nations third-place play-off after losing on penalties to Zambia. Women’s football: Copper Queens’ Prisca Chilufya said Zambia are ready for the Four Nations final against Zimbabwe as they fine-tune for WAFCON.

Anti-migrant protests in South Africa: Hundreds marched in Kwa-Thema near Johannesburg, pressing for tougher action on undocumented migrants after Ramaphosa warned against vigilantism; reports also say Mozambican citizens have been killed and some countries are arranging returns. Lesotho justice reform: Lesotho’s Law Reform Commission held stakeholder talks to review outdated and discriminatory laws, aiming to better protect equality, human dignity, and access to justice. Corruption spotlight: DCEO boss Sello Mants’o says corruption blocks Basotho from services like passports and licences, drains funds from healthcare and roads, and leads to poor-quality procurement. Energy and AI deal: Lesotho signed a binding agreement with Convalt Energy for a Kobong 1,200MW hydropower project plus an AI data centre, framed as the country’s biggest investment push to cut electricity imports and create jobs. LHDA progress: Polihali Dam reached a key Phase II milestone as rockfill placement and upstream concrete works advanced toward 2027 reservoir plans. Roads and safety: Maseru City Council temporarily refurbished roads in Ha Ts’osane, welcomed by motorists after potholes worsened travel conditions. Sports (Lesotho-Kenya): Kenya’s Harambee Stars thrashed Lesotho 4-0 in Pretoria in a friendly rematch, with Benni McCarthy’s side responding after a 1-1 draw.

Kenya-Lesotho Football: Harambee Stars bounced back from a 1-1 draw to thrash Lesotho 4-0 in a friendly in South Africa, with Mohammed Bajaber scoring twice and Lawrence Ouma adding late goals as coach Benni McCarthy tested new players ahead of the 2027 AFCON qualifiers. Women’s Football (Region): Zambia’s Copper Queens reached the Four Nations final after beating Kenya on penalties, while Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors also booked their place by defeating Lesotho 3-1, setting up a Zambia-Zimbabwe showdown. Lesotho Development & Connectivity: Econet Telecom Lesotho launched a new mobile tower in Senekane and handed over a school kitchen, aiming to boost coverage for nearby communities. Trade & Investment: Dubai Chambers met Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane in Johannesburg to discuss stronger trade and investment ties, including a proposed business forum. Regional Politics (South Africa): President Cyril Ramaphosa denied South Africa is xenophobic as anti-immigrant protests grow, promising action against illegal migration while warning against vigilantism.

Royal Milestone: Queen ‘Masenate Mohato Seeiso marked her 50th golden birthday with a Holy Mass at St. Louis Catholic Mission in Matsieng, with the Royal Family, officials and community members in attendance. Disability Inclusion: Lesotho says it has improved access to assistive technology through a national policy and a priority products list, plus local device manufacturing, but warns funding and rollout gaps still limit wider reach. Education & Skills: The Lesotho Science and Mathematics Teachers Association unveiled a six-member team for the 2026 Pan African Mathematics Olympiad in Côte d’Ivoire, with passport access flagged as a key hurdle. Connectivity Boost: Econet Telecom Lesotho launched a new mobile tower in Senekane and handed over a school kitchen, aiming to improve coverage and support learners. Women’s Football (Regional): Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors beat Lesotho 3-1 to reach the Four Nations final, while Kenya’s Harambee Stars thrashed Lesotho 4-0 in a friendly ahead of AFCON qualifiers. Trade Links: Dubai Chambers met Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane to explore stronger trade and investment ties, including a proposed business forum.

Four Nations Football: Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors beat Lesotho 3-1 in Ndola to reach the final, with Lesotho’s Tebello Lekote cancelling out Emmaculate Msipa’s opener before Zimbabwe’s second-half surge. Lesotho Sport Spotlight: Harambee Stars’ Lesotho rematch is set after Kenya’s 1-1 friendly draw, while Lesotho’s women’s teams are also in Zambia’s Four Nations mix. Big Lesotho Investment: Convalt Energy signed a $6.2bn deal to build a 1,200MW hydropower plant and an AI data centre in Mokhotlong, aiming to cut Lesotho’s electricity dependence and power digital growth. Connectivity for Communities: Econet Telecom Lesotho launched a network tower at Senekane Primary School and handed over a new kitchen, improving mobile coverage for nearby villages. Regional Politics & Trade: Lesotho’s PM Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane met Dubai Chambers to boost investment ties, while SACU leaders stressed the customs union’s role in regional and global trade. Security Focus: Lesotho’s PM Ntsokoane Matekane pledged 500 more LDF recruits and vowed tougher action against drug dealers.

Lesotho–UAE trade push: Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane met Dubai Chambers in Johannesburg to strengthen investment ties, pointing to Dubai’s logistics, infrastructure and digital-economy expertise and calling for a Dubai–Lesotho business forum. Mega energy deal: Convalt Energy signed a $6.2bn (98bn maloti) Kobong agreement with Lesotho’s Ministry of Energy for a 1,200MW hydropower plant plus an AI data centre in Mokhotlong—aimed at energy independence and new digital capacity. Security drive: PM Matekane pledged 500 more recruits for the Lesotho Defence Force and warned of drug trafficking and substance abuse, urging discipline and action against dealers. Digital inclusion: Maseru’s Digital Innovators Summit urged Basotho youth to embrace technology and discussed digitising water systems with EU support. Community connectivity: Senekane Primary School received a telecom tower and a new kitchen, improving access to information and mobile money. Cross-border disruption: Heavy snow forced the closure of Sani Pass and travellers were advised to delay trips while disaster teams assess storm damage in KwaZulu-Natal. Sports (regional): Lesotho’s national teams featured in friendlies and tournament build-ups, including Lesotho vs Kenya results and Zambia’s Four Nations action involving the Copper Queens.

Sports—Lesotho-Kenya football: Harambee Stars coach Benni McCarthy says Kenya must respond after a 1-1 draw with Lesotho, blaming a second-half drop in game management and admitting his own tactical changes disrupted the defence. Women’s football—Starlets in Zambia: Harambee Starlets face hosts Zambia in the FIFA Four Nations Tournament in Ndola, with coach Beldine Odemba treating the matches as crucial Wafcon preparation after earlier results against India and Australia. Energy & tech—Lesotho’s big deal: Lesotho signed a binding agreement with Convalt Energy for the Kobong Hydropower and AI data centre project worth about $6.2bn, aiming to boost energy independence and create digital infrastructure. Security—LDF recruitment drive: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane pledged 500 more LDF recruits and warned of the threat posed by drug trafficking and substance abuse. Connectivity—Senekane Primary gets upgrades: A new telecoms tower and kitchen were handed over in Ha Senekane to improve communication and education support. Weather—Sani Pass closed: Heavy snow has shut Sani Pass, with travellers urged to delay trips until conditions are safe. Health—winter illness watch: South Africa confirmed a winter COVID-19 case, while Lesotho continues investigating influenza-like illness reports in multiple districts.

Cross-border security and migrant violence: Mozambique says hundreds of its citizens are returning home after deadly anti-foreigner unrest in South Africa, while Ghana and Nigeria move to repatriate nationals. Regional diplomacy: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa has rejected claims of inherent xenophobia, calling for “African solutions” through jobs, growth and cooperation. Lesotho angle: Lesotho, Kenya and Zimbabwe have urged their citizens to exercise caution, as South African police warn anti-immigration groups against taking the law into their own hands. Winter disruption: Heavy snow has forced the closure of Sani Pass, with travellers urged to delay trips until the route is declared safe. Lesotho development: Lesotho signed a $6.2bn hydropower and AI data centre deal (Project Kobong) aimed at boosting energy independence and digital infrastructure. Local security push: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane pledged 500 more LDF recruits and vowed action against drug dealers. Public health watch: South Africa confirmed its first winter COVID-19 case; Lesotho is investigating influenza-like illness reports in multiple districts.

Winter Weather Disruption: Snow has blanketed Lesotho’s Sani Pass and the border route has been closed due to hazardous conditions, with travellers urged to postpone journeys until authorities declare it safe. Emergency Rescue: In Botha-Bothe, “Mr Lifesaver” Clifford Tar rescued a critically ill pregnant woman and another patient after an ambulance got stuck in snow at Moteng Pass. Public Finance & Accountability: Lesotho’s Ministry of Finance will start training on asset registration from June 15, responding to Auditor General concerns that government assets are not fully captured on registers. Justice in Court: The High Court heard testimony in a treason trial involving alleged 2014 police station attacks, including claims some officers fled to South Africa. Parliamentary Updates: The Senate adjourned sine die for winter recess, while it also adopted the Children’s Protection and Welfare (Amendment) Bill to strengthen safeguards for vulnerable children. GBV Coordination Push: Gender officials renewed calls to revive Lesotho’s Anti-GBV Coordination Forum and improve stakeholder collaboration. Local Court Matters: Bail was granted to Semphetenyane residents linked to tyre-burning protests over poor road conditions. Sports (Regional): Lesotho’s national team is set to face Kenya in an international friendly as regional squads fine-tune preparations for upcoming tournaments.

Cybersecurity & Civilians: Lesotho urged greater African participation in shaping global cyber security rules, stressing International Humanitarian Law and protection of civilians and essential services during armed conflict. GBV Coordination: Lesotho called for reviving the Anti-GBV Coordination Forum to improve prevention, response and survivor support through better stakeholder cooperation. Parliament & Child Protection: The Senate adjourned sine die for winter recess, and adopted the Children’s Protection and Welfare (Amendment) Bill to strengthen safeguards for vulnerable children. Public Finance Accountability: The Ministry of Finance will train ministries on asset registration from June 15 after Auditor General concerns that government assets are not fully captured on registers. Court Developments: In Maseru, bail was granted to Semphetenyane residents linked to tyre-burning protests over poor roads; in Botha-Bothe, a man was fined or jailed for housebreaking. Regional Tensions: South Africa faced renewed anti-migrant violence; Mozambique said five Mozambicans were killed, while South African police warned groups against taking the law into their own hands. Travel Disruption: Sani Pass was closed due to heavy snowfall and hazardous conditions. Sports: Lesotho’s national team named a starting XI for the friendly vs Kenya as World Cup warmups and preparations continue across the region.