Industry and Skills: Trade Minister Motlatsi Maqelepo wants government-business partnerships to move from talk to action. Plans to align TVET courses with factory needs aim to ease skills shortages and reduce reliance on textiles by diversifying manufacturing. Agriculture: Lesotho is developing an AI-powered chatbot to give farmers practical advice, with the government also seeking to turn research into useful products and services. Mineworkers: A nationwide outreach is helping former and current mineworkers claim unpaid benefits, open bank accounts and avoid fraudsters. Fuel Logistics: A commentary alleges oil companies are exploiting the pricing system at local transporters’ expense, and calls for stronger regulatory oversight.
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Agriculture: Lesotho is developing an AI chatbot to give farmers practical advice, while recent crop losses have renewed calls for insurance to protect smallholders from extreme weather. Mineworkers: A government outreach campaign running until October 30 is helping former and current workers claim unpaid benefits, open bank accounts and avoid fraudsters. Water Infrastructure: Residents near the Polihali tunnel works say foamy wastewater has entered the Sekoai River; the concern follows an earlier suspension of the contractor over pollution. Transport: Local fuel hauliers allege oil companies are using the pricing system in ways that squeeze domestic operators, with one firm reporting steep losses. Creative Industries: Basotho designer Thabo Makhetha-Kwinana is bringing Basotho blanket heritage to contemporary fashion, showcasing a new collection at South African Fashion Week.
Farm Technology: Lesotho is developing an AI chatbot to give farmers practical agricultural advice, as the government seeks to turn research into solutions for local industries. Mineworker Benefits: A two-week nationwide outreach is helping former and current mineworkers claim unpaid benefits, open bank accounts and avoid fraudsters. Construction: At the industry expo in Maseru, Prime Minister Sam Matekane urged ministries to pay contractors on time, warning that delays damage businesses; he also called on firms to meet quality and delivery commitments. Agribusiness: Dr Mampiti Matete’s farm has grown from 200 cabbages to 21,000 laying hens and several other ventures, employing about 50 permanent and seasonal workers. Recent crop losses from waterlogged fields underline the risks facing smallholders and the need for agricultural insurance. Water Infrastructure: Residents near the Polihali tunnel works report foamy water in the Sekoai River. The project contractor was previously suspended over wastewater discharges, and the concern raises fresh questions about protecting rivers during major construction.
Agriculture: Lesotho is developing an AI-powered chatbot to give farmers practical advice, as the government pushes to turn research into solutions for local industries. Mineworkers: A two-week government outreach running until October 30 is helping former and current mineworkers claim unpaid benefits, open bank accounts and avoid fraudsters. Construction: Prime Minister Sam Matekane urged ministries to pay contractors on time, saying delays hurt businesses, and challenged firms to meet quality and delivery commitments. Water Infrastructure: Residents have raised fresh concerns about wastewater entering the Sekoai River near the Polihali tunnel works; the project contractor was previously suspended over pollution. Clean Energy: Lesotho is among eight African countries covered by more than £2 million in UK-backed funding for clean energy projects supporting services such as healthcare, food production and small businesses. Agribusiness: Farmer Mampiti Matete has grown her venture to 21,000 laying hens, alongside dairy, crops and beekeeping, and employs permanent and seasonal workers.
Fuel Transport: A local industry commentary accuses oil companies of exploiting Lesotho’s fuel transporters through the petroleum pricing system, citing one firm’s steep sales decline and calling for stronger regulatory oversight. Mineworker Benefits: A government outreach running until October 30 is helping former mineworkers and families claim unpaid benefits, open bank accounts and avoid fraudsters across five districts. Construction: Prime Minister Sam Matekane urged ministries to pay contractors on time, warning that delays damage businesses and weaken infrastructure delivery. Water Infrastructure: Residents remain concerned about wastewater reaching the Sekoai River near the Polihali tunnel works, renewing questions over environmental safeguards at the major water project. Agriculture: A report on crop losses from waterlogged fields highlights the need for insurance to protect Lesotho’s smallholders; meanwhile, farmer Mampiti Matete has built a diversified enterprise with 21,000 laying hens and dozens of workers. Clean Energy: UK-backed funding for projects in eight African countries includes Lesotho, supporting clean power for services such as food production and healthcare.
Mineworker Benefits: A government outreach running until October 30 is bringing benefit funds and claims support to five districts, helping former mineworkers and widows pursue unpaid entitlements and avoid fraudsters. Fuel Transport: Local hauliers allege oil companies are misusing Lesotho’s fuel-pricing system, leaving one transporter reporting steep losses; the sector is calling for stronger oversight. Construction: Prime Minister Sam Matekane urged ministries to pay contractors promptly, saying delays threaten businesses, while also calling on firms to meet quality and deadlines. Water Infrastructure: Residents remain concerned about wastewater near the Polihali tunnel works entering the Sekoai River, renewing scrutiny of environmental safeguards on the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. Agriculture: Matpit Farm has grown from 200 cabbages to 21,000 laying hens and several other ventures, employing about 50 permanent and seasonal workers. Separately, a new three-year agreement with the African Legal Support Facility will provide specialist support for Lesotho’s natural resources, energy, infrastructure and public-finance deals.
Mineworker Benefits: A two-week government outreach, running October 19–30, will help former mineworkers and their families claim unpaid benefits, open bank accounts and avoid fraudsters. Construction: Prime Minister Sam Matekane has urged ministries to pay contractors on time, warning delays hurt businesses. Separately, the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority plans 100 km of feeder roads and eight bridges, with opportunities for local and South African firms. Agriculture: Flooding wiped out crops for many smallholders, renewing calls for agricultural insurance. Meanwhile, farmer Mampiti Matete has grown her enterprise to 21,000 laying hens and about 50 permanent and seasonal jobs. Investment and Energy: Lesotho’s new three-year partnership with the African Legal Support Facility will provide expertise on negotiations in natural resources, energy, infrastructure and public finance. The country is also among eight African nations set to benefit from UK-backed clean-energy projects, though the funding allocated specifically to Lesotho was not stated.
Mineworker Benefits: A two-week outreach campaign running October 19–30 will help former and current Basotho mineworkers claim unpaid benefits, open bank accounts and avoid fraudsters. Water Project Watch: Residents near the Polihali construction site report foamy water in the Sekoai River; the LHDA says it will refer pollution concerns for investigation. Creative Economy: Bohlokoa Media says Lesotho’s small market can support production services—from livestreams and podcasts to research—without relying on traditional studios. Contractors and Infrastructure: Prime Minister Sam Matekane urged ministries to pay contractors on time, while the LHDA is preparing contracts for 100 kilometres of feeder roads and eight bridges, with opportunities for local firms. Farming and Connectivity: Matpit Farm’s 21,000 laying hens and diverse ventures show the potential of commercial agriculture; meanwhile, Vodacom Lesotho has launched Starlink-powered satellite internet for businesses.**
Creative Industries: Bohlokoa Media says Lesotho’s creative economy can build production capacity without relying on traditional studios, offering end-to-end services from research to film, livestreams and podcasts. Business Connectivity: Vodacom Lesotho has launched Starlink-powered satellite internet for businesses, extending connectivity options. Construction: Prime Minister Sam Matekane urged ministries to pay contractors promptly, while the LHDA plans 100 km of feeder roads and eight bridges under Phase II, with contracts designed to include firms from Lesotho and South Africa. Agriculture: Farmer Mampiti Matete has grown a diversified operation from 200 cabbages to 21,000 laying hens and six ventures, employing about 50 permanent and seasonal workers. A separate report highlights how insurance could help smallholders recover from weather-related crop losses. Workers’ Benefits: From October 19 to 30, a ministry outreach will help former and current mineworkers claim unpaid benefits across five districts and guard against fraud. Investment and Contracts: A new three-year partnership with the African Legal Support Facility will provide legal and technical support for projects in natural resources, energy, infrastructure and public finance.
Mineworker Benefits: A two-week outreach campaign begins October 19 in five districts to help former and current miners claim unpaid benefits and open bank accounts. Officials warn against paying middlemen. Construction: Prime Minister Sam Matekane urged ministries to pay contractors promptly, saying delays threaten businesses. LHDA also plans 100 kilometres of feeder roads and eight bridges under the Highlands Water Project’s Phase II, with contracts open to Lesotho- and South Africa-based firms. Water Project Oversight: Residents report foamy water in the Sekoai River near Polihali construction works; wastewater discharge has raised renewed pollution concerns. Agriculture: Matete Farm has grown from 200 cabbages to 21,000 laying hens, alongside dairy, fruit and vegetable operations, and now employs permanent and seasonal workers. Business Support: Lesotho’s three-year agreement with the African Legal Support Facility will provide legal and technical help for priority energy, infrastructure, natural-resource and finance projects. Industry and Connectivity: Lesotho is pursuing higher-value textile production as an AGOA reprieve buys time, while Vodacom Lesotho has launched Starlink-powered satellite internet for businesses.
Mining: A two-week outreach from 19–30 October will help former and current mineworkers claim unpaid benefits, open bank accounts and avoid fraudsters. The campaign will visit five districts, including Maseru. Water and construction: Concern is growing over wastewater near the Polihali tunnel works, with residents reporting foamy water in the Sekoai River. Prime Minister Sam Matekane has also urged ministries to pay contractors promptly, warning that delays hurt businesses and infrastructure delivery. Agriculture: Leribe farmer Mampiti Matete has grown a 200-cabbage start into a diversified business with 21,000 laying hens, producing more than 600 egg trays a day and employing about 50 people. Meanwhile, waterlogged fields have renewed calls to consider insurance for smallholders facing climate-related crop losses. Investment and infrastructure: A new three-year partnership with the African Legal Support Facility will provide legal and technical support for priority projects in energy, natural resources, infrastructure and public finance. The LHDA is also preparing contracts for 100 kilometres of feeder roads and eight bridges, with opportunities for Lesotho-based firms.
Water Project Oversight: Residents near the Polihali tunnel works report foamy water in the Sekoai River, renewing concerns about wastewater from a construction site previously suspended over pollution. Farm Resilience: Flooding ruined smallholders’ crops and savings, sharpening calls to consider agricultural insurance as weather risks grow. Contractor Payments: Prime Minister Sam Matekane urged ministries to pay contractors promptly, warning that delays can damage businesses and stall development. Agribusiness: Matete’s farm has grown from 200 cabbages to 21,000 laying hens, diversified production and around 50 permanent and seasonal jobs. Textile Manufacturing: A seven-year roadmap aims to move Lesotho beyond basic garment assembly into higher-value production using local wool and mohair, as the sector grapples with factory closures and falling employment. Infrastructure and Energy: LHDA plans 100 kilometres of feeder roads and eight bridges, with local firms invited to participate; the Ha Belo project is also set to connect an industrial estate with 16 factory shells to the national grid. Business Connectivity: Vodacom Lesotho launched Starlink-powered satellite internet for businesses and public institutions, including in remote areas.
Water Project Oversight: Residents near the Polihali tunnel works report foamy water in the Sekoai River, while wastewater was observed flowing from a site outlet. The concerns revive scrutiny of the contractor previously suspended over discharges. Farm Resilience: Flooding ruined crops and savings for smallholders, renewing calls to consider agricultural insurance as weather risks grow. Contractor Payments: Prime Minister Sam Matekane urged ministries to pay contractors promptly, warning delays damage businesses and infrastructure delivery. Agribusiness: Dr Mampiti Matete has grown a pandemic-era cabbage venture into a diversified farm with 21,000 laying hens and about 50 workers. Infrastructure: LHDA plans 100km of feeder roads and eight bridges under Phase II, with contracts designed to involve local firms. Manufacturing: A seven-year textiles roadmap aims to shift Lesotho towards higher-value garments and greater use of local wool and mohair. Business Connectivity: Vodacom Lesotho launched Starlink-powered enterprise internet for organisations, including those in agriculture and logistics. Industrial Power: The planned Ha Belo electrification project will connect an industrial estate with 16 factory shells to the national grid.
Infrastructure: The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority is preparing a Phase II programme for 100 km of feeder roads and eight bridges, with contracts designed to bring Lesotho firms in as partners, suppliers and staff. Project Support: A three-year agreement with the African Legal Support Facility will provide legal and technical help for priority projects in energy, natural resources, infrastructure and public finance. Business Connectivity: Vodacom Lesotho has launched Starlink-powered satellite internet for businesses and public institutions, including those in remote areas. Manufacturing: A seven-year textiles roadmap aims to shift Lesotho toward higher-value garments and make greater use of local wool and mohair as the sector seeks to recover orders and jobs. Industrial Power: The Ha Belo project is due to connect the Botha-Bothe industrial estate to the national grid on November 13, supporting factory operations beyond Maseru.
Project Financing: Lesotho has agreed a three-year partnership with the African Legal Support Facility to strengthen legal and technical support for priority projects in energy, natural resources, infrastructure and public finance. Textile Revival: A new sector strategy aims to create more than 70,000 jobs and generate over US$1 billion in annual exports by 2033, shifting production toward higher-value garments and local wool and mohair processing. Infrastructure and Power: LHDA plans 100 kilometres of feeder roads and seven bridges for Phase II, with contracts designed to include local firms. The Ha Belo Industrial Estate is also set to connect to the national grid, providing power to 16 factory shells. Business Connectivity: Vodacom Lesotho has launched Starlink-powered satellite internet for businesses and public services, including in remote areas.
Investment Support: Lesotho has signed a three-year partnership with the African Legal Support Facility to strengthen legal and technical support for priority projects in energy, natural resources, infrastructure and public finance. Business Connectivity: Vodacom Lesotho has launched Starlink-powered satellite internet for businesses and public institutions, targeting remote areas and sectors including agriculture, logistics and finance. Infrastructure: The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority plans 100 km of feeder roads and eight bridges under Phase II, with contracts designed to involve Lesotho- and South Africa-based firms. Manufacturing and Energy: A new textiles strategy targets more than 70,000 jobs by 2033 through higher-value production and local wool and mohair processing. The Ha Belo project, due to be commissioned on 13 November, will connect an industrial estate with 16 factory shells to the national grid.
Infrastructure: The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority is preparing 100 km of feeder roads and five pedestrian and three vehicle bridges under Phase II, with contracts designed to include firms and workers from Lesotho and South Africa. Business Connectivity: Vodacom Lesotho has launched Starlink-powered satellite internet for companies and public institutions, including those in remote areas, offering backup links and more reliable service. Textiles: A new seven-year sector plan aims to lift apparel exports and investment, create more than 70,000 jobs by 2033 and move the industry beyond basic assembly into higher-value garments and local wool and mohair processing. Industrial Energy: Prime Minister Sam Matekane is due to commission the Ha Belo grid connection on November 13, supplying power to an industrial estate with 16 factory shells and supporting industrial growth beyond Maseru. Project Support: A three-year partnership with the African Legal Support Facility will provide legal and technical help for priority projects in energy, natural resources, infrastructure and sovereign finance.
Infrastructure: LHDA plans 100 km of feeder roads and seven bridges for communities affected by the Polihali dam, with contracts designed to involve Lesotho- and South Africa-based firms. Business Connectivity: Vodacom Lesotho has launched Starlink-powered satellite internet for businesses and public institutions, including those in remote areas. Textiles: A new seven-year strategy aims to create 70,000 jobs and lift annual exports above US$1 billion by 2033, shifting the industry towards higher-value garments and local wool and mohair processing. Industrial Power: The Ha Belo project, due to be commissioned on November 13, will connect an industrial estate with 16 factory shells to the national grid. Project Support: Lesotho and the African Legal Support Facility have agreed on a three-year framework for legal and technical assistance on priority energy, infrastructure, natural-resource and finance projects. Construction: A roads and materials expo opens in Maseru today, bringing contractors, suppliers and public agencies together to showcase technologies and skills.
Infrastructure: The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority plans to launch a Phase II programme covering 100 km of feeder roads and eight bridges, with contracts designed to involve Lesotho- and South Africa-based firms. Business Connectivity: Vodacom Lesotho has launched Starlink-powered satellite internet for businesses and public institutions, including in remote areas, with agriculture, logistics and other sectors among its intended users. Industrial Power: Prime Minister Sam Matekane is due to commission the Ha Belo electrification project on November 13, connecting the industrial estate’s 16 factory shells to the national grid. Textiles: A new seven-year strategy aims to revive the sector through higher-value garment production and local wool and mohair processing, targeting 70,000 jobs and more than US$1 billion in annual exports by 2033. Project Support: A three-year agreement with the African Legal Support Facility will provide legal and technical assistance for priority projects in energy, infrastructure, natural resources and sovereign finance.
Business Connectivity: Vodacom Lesotho has launched Starlink-powered satellite internet for businesses and public institutions, offering primary or backup service for sectors including agriculture, logistics and tourism. Textiles: A new seven-year roadmap aims to shift the industry toward higher-value garments and local wool and mohair processing, targeting 70,000 jobs and US$1 billion in annual exports by 2033. The plan comes as factories and employment have declined, while a reprieve on US market access offers time to rebuild. Industrial Power: The Ha Belo electrification project, due to be commissioned on November 13, will connect an industrial estate with 16 factory shells to the national grid. Project Support: A three-year agreement with the African Legal Support Facility will provide legal and technical help for priority projects in energy, infrastructure, natural resources and sovereign finance. Construction: The Roads Material Construction Expo runs in Maseru from October 14–16, bringing contractors, suppliers and government together to showcase practical infrastructure solutions. Economic Outlook: Lesotho’s growth has held up in 2026; inflation eased to 2.6% in August, though the World Bank expects it to rise next year.
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