Hydropower + AI investment: Lesotho has signed a binding $6.2bn (about 98bn maloti) deal with Convalt Energy for the Kobong Hydropower and AI Data Centre Project, targeting at least 1,200MW of renewable power and a green-powered AI data centre—aimed at cutting electricity imports and boosting jobs and digital infrastructure, though feasibility and regulatory steps still remain. Regional energy strategy: A separate report frames Africa’s hydropower push as the next phase of industrial growth, stressing regional grid integration and climate-resilient infrastructure—context that matters for Lesotho’s power ambitions. Health watch: South Africa confirmed its first winter COVID-19 case, while Lesotho continues investigating influenza-like illness reports across seven districts, with health authorities urging vigilance for vulnerable groups. Lesotho dairy push: Government and dairy stakeholders in Maseru called for stronger collaboration to revive the sector, citing low milk production, underused infrastructure, limited veterinary and breeding access, and heavy reliance on imports. Water project tensions: Villagers in northeastern Lesotho have lodged a formal complaint against the African Development Bank over alleged harm linked to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, including damaged homes, contaminated water, and inadequate compensation. Trade + security debate: An analysis warns that “weaponised interdependence” and trade fragmentation are already costly for African economies, pushing the need for smarter diversification and economic security. Regional fisheries governance: SADC renewed the board of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Centre in Maputo, keeping Stanley Ndara as chair and prioritising vessel registers and reduced donor dependence.