AGP Executive Report

Water & Power: Lesotho’s Highlands Water Project could raise annual transfers to South Africa from about 780 million to 1.27 billion cubic metres, while boosting hydropower and reducing Lesotho’s reliance on electricity imports. Separately, the High Court ordered the LHDA to pay M89.9 million to 20 community associations over losses linked to the Katse and Mohale dams. Trade & Investment: Prime Minister Samuel Matekane’s visit to the Qatar Diamond Exchange opened discussions on cooperation in the diamond and precious-stones trade. Border Operations: A Nigerian customs delegation visited Maseru Bridge to study how Lesotho agencies coordinate border controls and regulate goods entering and leaving the country. Farming: Basotho producers are being urged to expand pig farming to meet strong festive-season pork demand and reduce reliance on imports. Infrastructure: Government has allocated M390 million for the Thamathu Road extension in Qacha’s Nek. Local Industry: LNDC is inviting manufacturers in sectors including agro-processing, apparel, wool and mohair to exhibit at its November 4–6 African development finance forum in Maseru.

Diamond Trade: Lesotho Prime Minister Samuel Matekane met Qatar Diamond Exchange chairman Sheikh Mohammed bin Hamad Al Thani to discuss cooperation and tour the exchange’s planned facilities. Agriculture: A study suggests planting bambara groundnuts in October for the best yields, while Basotho farmers are being urged to meet strong seasonal pork demand and capture more value locally. Water Project Compensation: The High Court ordered the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority to pay M89.9 million to 20 community associations within 90 days for losses linked to the Katse and Mohale dams. Local Manufacturing: LNDC is inviting agro-processors, apparel, wool and mohair, leather and other producers to exhibit at its Maseru business showcase in November. Farm Technology: Government is developing an AI chatbot to give farmers easier access to agricultural advice.

Water Infrastructure: Lesotho’s High Court ordered the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority to pay M89.9 million to 20 community associations within 90 days, settling compensation claims delayed for more than 13 years over losses linked to the Katse and Mohale dams. Agriculture: Strong festive-season pork demand could give Basotho farmers room to expand pig production, create jobs and reduce reliance on imports. Local Industry: LNDC is inviting agro-processors, clothing, wool and mohair, leather and other local businesses to exhibit at its Maseru event on November 4–6. Construction: The eight-kilometre Tebellong Bridge road extension is expected to create 150–200 jobs, with the contractor given 18 months to finish. Digital Farming: Government is developing an AI chatbot to provide farmers with agricultural advice, though no launch date has been announced. Project Oversight: The Royal Palace in Maseru remains unfinished after 16 years; its projected cost has climbed from M160 million to more than M354 million, with a final bill above M500 million possible. Markets: Mohair prices fell 5% as buyers left a quarter of the latest offering unsold.

Agriculture: Basotho farmers are being urged to seize festive-season pork demand, which local producers could meet to reduce reliance on imports and create jobs. Digital Farming: Lesotho is developing an AI chatbot to give farmers advice, alongside upgrades to research computing; no launch date has been announced. Local Business: LNDC is inviting manufacturers in food processing, apparel, wool and mohair, leather and other sectors to exhibit in Maseru from November 4–6. Infrastructure: The government has allocated M390 million for an eight-kilometre Thamathu road extension in Qacha’s Nek, expected to create 150–200 jobs and improve access to remote communities. Trade and Investment: India says negotiations have begun with the Southern African Customs Union, including Lesotho, on a preferential trade agreement. Rural Exports: Mohair prices fell 5% at the latest sale, with buyers leaving 27% of the offering unsold; the market matters to Lesotho, where wool and mohair account for about 60% of agricultural exports.

Energy Investment: Open-access power markets in South Africa, Kenya, Zambia and Namibia are creating opportunities for private investment in generation and energy trading, a trend worth watching across the region. Water Infrastructure: Lesotho’s High Court has given the LHDA and Seinoli Trust until 17 November to negotiate the release of data needed to assess whether communities affected by the Highlands Water Project were adequately compensated. Roads and Jobs: The M390 million Thamathu road extension in Qacha’s Nek is expected to create 150–200 jobs and improve access to remote communities; the contractor has 18 months to finish the eight-kilometre section. Local Business: LNDC will host a Maseru exhibition from 4–6 November, inviting agro-processors, apparel, wool and mohair, leather and other local producers to showcase their products. Agriculture and Manufacturing: Government is developing an AI chatbot to give farmers advice, while mohair prices fell 5% at the latest sale and buyers left 27% of the offering unsold, delaying income for growers. Cannabis: A parliamentary committee says weak licensing and revenue oversight have cost Lesotho millions in potential medicinal-cannabis income, with about 75 companies reportedly owing licence fees.

Water Project: The High Court has given the LHDA and Seinoli Trust until 17 November to negotiate the release of data needed to assess whether communities affected by the Lesotho Highlands Water Project were fairly compensated. Fuel Costs: Lesotho entered Africa’s 10 most expensive petrol markets in October, adding pressure to transport and business costs. Infrastructure: Government has allocated M390 million for an eight-kilometre Thamathu road extension in Qacha’s Nek. The project is expected to create 150–200 jobs and take 18 months. Local Industry: LNDC is inviting agro-processors, apparel, wool and mohair, leather and other producers to exhibit in Maseru from 4–6 November. At the World Investment Forum, Prime Minister Samuel Matekane also urged stronger private-sector partnerships and local supply chains. Agriculture: Lesotho is developing an AI chatbot to give farmers advice, while mohair prices fell 5% at the latest sale and buyers left 27% of the offering unsold, delaying returns for growers.

Water Infrastructure: Families affected by the Lesotho Highlands Water Project are asking the High Court to compel the LHDA to release data needed to assess compensation and community impacts. Local Industry: LNDC is inviting manufacturers to exhibit agro-processing, apparel, wool and mohair, leather and other locally made products at its Maseru business exhibition in November. Trade: India says negotiations have begun with SACU, including Lesotho, on a preferential trade agreement that could widen market access. Investment: At the World Investment Forum, Prime Minister Samuel Matekane urged stronger links between foreign investors, local businesses and exporters, with partnerships to help finance small firms and strengthen regional supply chains. Infrastructure: The government’s M390 million Thamathu road extension is expected to create 150–200 jobs and improve access to remote communities; the contractor has 18 months to complete the work. Agriculture and Technology: Lesotho is developing an AI chatbot to provide farmers with practical advice, while mohair prices fell 5% at the latest sale and buyers left 27% of the offering unsold. Manufacturing Skills: Leather and manufacturing businesses say TVET training is not giving graduates the practical skills factories need, limiting their ability to expand and compete.

Investment: Prime Minister Samuel Matekane called for joint ventures, stronger local and regional supply chains, and closer links between foreign investors and local exporters, saying investment should support businesses rather than aid dependence. Business Showcase: LNDC is inviting manufacturers in agro-processing, apparel, wool and mohair, leather and other sectors to exhibit in Maseru from November 4 to 6. Infrastructure: The M390 million Thamathu road extension in Qacha’s Nek is expected to create 150–200 jobs and improve access to remote communities; completion is scheduled within 18 months. Agriculture: Mohair prices fell 5% at the latest sale, with buyers leaving 27% of the offering unsold—a setback for Basotho growers, whose fibre is sold through the same market. Changing rainfall is also adding pressure to livestock farmers. Industry Skills: Leather and manufacturing businesses say TVET graduates lack practical, up-to-date skills, making it harder to expand and compete. Cannabis: A parliamentary probe found weak oversight of medicinal cannabis licensing and fees, with about 75 companies reportedly behind on payments, costing Lesotho potential revenue.

Infrastructure: Lesotho has allocated M390 million for an eight-kilometre extension of the Thamathu Road in Qacha’s Nek. The 18-month project is expected to create 150–200 jobs and improve access to remote communities and tourism. Energy Investment: Foreign Minister Limpho Tau urged international partners to back technology transfer and investment rather than aid, highlighting Lesotho’s wind, solar and water potential. Agriculture: Mohair prices fell 5% at the latest sale, with buyers leaving 27% of the offering unsold; the downturn affects Basotho growers, whose wool and mohair account for about 60% of agricultural exports. Manufacturing Skills: Leather and manufacturing businesses say TVET programmes are not producing enough job-ready workers, limiting their ability to grow and compete. Innovation: UNDP Lesotho is calling for sustained coaching, financing and market access to help young innovators turn ideas into viable businesses and jobs.

Investment: Foreign Minister Limpho Tau told the Berlin Global Dialogue that Lesotho needs investment and technology transfer, not reliance on aid. He and Deputy Prime Minister Nthomeng Majara also presented the country’s wind, solar and water opportunities to investors. Public Procurement: A company reportedly linked to Joseph Ntakha is said to be carrying out work on a roughly M7 million LDF electricity-saving project without a tender. Defence PS Mpopo Tšoele denies the ministry hired a company. Agriculture: Mohair prices fell 5% at the latest sale, with 27% of the offering unsold as Asian demand weakened. The price drop matters to Lesotho, where wool and mohair account for about 60% of agricultural exports. Manufacturing: Leather factory owners say skills shortages and outdated TVET training are holding back production and growth; the Trade Minister says the government plans to align courses with employers’ needs. Industry Oversight: A parliamentary committee says poor controls in the medicinal cannabis sector have cost Lesotho potential revenue, with about 75 companies reportedly failing to pay licence fees. Infrastructure: Work has begun on the Tebellong Bridge project, with the contractor urged to source materials from local businesses where possible.

Investment: Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Matekane joined the World Investment Forum in Qatar, where UNCTAD reported that investment in development-critical sectors in developing countries fell by more than 25% in the first half of 2026. Mohair: Prices dropped 5% at the latest sale, with 27% of the offering unsold; the weaker market affects Basotho growers, whose wool and mohair make up about 60% of agricultural exports. Mining transparency: The 346.99-carat Lesotho Jubilee diamond from Letšeng has been sold for an undisclosed price. A contributor says the government’s 30% stake makes transparency over the sale important. Manufacturing skills: Local leather and manufacturing businesses say TVET graduates lack practical, industry-ready skills, leaving factories short of workers. Construction: Work has begun on the Tebellong Bridge, a 24-month project that includes a tarred road to Tebellong Hospital; the minister urged the contractor to source materials locally where possible. Cannabis: A parliamentary committee says poor oversight has cost Lesotho potential revenue, with about 75 companies reportedly failing to pay licence fees.

Regional Trade: At the Berlin Global Dialogue, Nigeria called for stronger African trade and sustainable infrastructure financing, arguing that domestic investment should complement foreign capital. Infrastructure: Lesotho has begun construction of the Tebellong Bridge and connecting road, a 24-month project intended to make Senqu River crossings safer; the government urged the contractor to source materials locally where possible. Manufacturing & Skills: Trade Minister Motlatsi Maqelepo wants government and businesses to work together on job-ready training, as factories report shortages of skilled workers. The ministry plans to review TVET programmes and encourage industries beyond textiles. Cannabis Industry: A parliamentary committee says poor oversight has cost Lesotho millions in potential revenue, with about 75 companies reportedly failing to pay licence fees. Innovation: At Science, Technology and Innovation Week, the government highlighted an AI chatbot being developed to give farmers practical advice and urged researchers to turn ideas into products, businesses and jobs.

Food Services: Famous Brands’ SADC revenue fell 18% to N$183 million, with weak Botswana sales weighing on the region; the group operates in Lesotho but gave no country-specific figures. Manufacturing: Lesotho factories say skills gaps and outdated TVET training are holding back leather and manufacturing growth. Trade Minister Motlatsi Maqelepo says government will work with education officials to align courses with employers’ needs and turn public-private cooperation into action. Infrastructure: Work has begun on the Tebellong Bridge, a 24-month project that includes a tarred road to Tebellong Hospital. The contractor was urged to source materials locally. Cannabis Industry: A parliamentary probe found about 75 companies had not paid licence fees and uncovered poor revenue monitoring and missing records, costing Lesotho millions in potential income. Innovation and Agriculture: Government is developing an AI chatbot to give farmers practical advice, while officials say research must lead to marketable products and jobs. Automotive: LDV has entered the Lesotho market and plans to build local sales, servicing and spare-parts support for businesses, farmers and motorists.

Consumer Business: Famous Brands’ SADC revenue fell 18% to N$183 million in the six months to August, with weak Botswana trading the main drag. Lesotho is among the division’s markets, but the company gave no local figures. Cannabis Industry: A parliamentary probe says poor oversight has cost Lesotho millions in potential medicinal-cannabis revenue; about 75 companies reportedly failed to pay licence fees. Innovation and Jobs: At Lesotho’s science and technology week, Minister Nthati Moorosi urged researchers to turn ideas into businesses and jobs. UNDP also called for lasting support to help young innovators reach markets and secure finance. Manufacturing Skills: Factory owners say TVET graduates lack practical skills needed in manufacturing and leather, while Trade Minister Motlatsi Maqelepo has called for training reforms and stronger government-business collaboration. Infrastructure: Construction has begun on Tebellong Bridge, a 24-month project that includes a tarred road to Tebellong Hospital; the minister urged the contractor to source materials locally where possible.

Cannabis Industry: A parliamentary probe says weak oversight and unpaid fees from about 75 companies have cost Lesotho millions in potential revenue. Innovation and Agriculture: At Science, Technology and Innovation Week, Minister Nthati Moorosi urged researchers to turn ideas into jobs and products; a government AI chatbot is also being developed to give farmers practical advice. Youth Enterprise: UNDP Lesotho’s chief says young innovators need sustained coaching, finance and market access to grow their ideas into businesses. Cost of Living: The IMF recommends targeted support for vulnerable households as energy and food prices rise, rather than broad fuel subsidies that strain public finances. Manufacturing Skills: Factory owners say outdated TVET training leaves leather and manufacturing businesses short of job-ready workers. Infrastructure: Construction has begun on Tebellong Bridge, a 24-month project that includes a tarred road to Tebellong Hospital; the minister urged the contractor to source materials locally. Automotive Market: New entrant LDV plans to build local sales, servicing and spare-parts support for motorists, businesses and farmers.

Industry Skills: Trade Minister Motlatsi Maqelepo wants government and businesses to turn partnerships into action, including aligning TVET training with factory needs and diversifying beyond textiles. Procurement: Lesotho Tribune reports allegations that a M50 million army uniform purchase from China may proceed without a tender; the claims have not been independently established. Agriculture Tech: Government is developing an AI chatbot to give farmers practical information and advice. Mining Benefits: A nationwide outreach is helping former and current mineworkers claim unpaid benefits and avoid fraudsters. Fuel Transport: A commentary alleges oil companies are using Lesotho’s fuel-pricing system to disadvantage local transporters, calling for stronger regulation. Investment: Prime Minister Samuel Matekane is expected at the World Investment Forum in Doha on 25–27 October, where leaders and investors will discuss financing and global investment.