AI & Energy for Industry: A new look at AI competition says the real bottleneck for Africa and the Global South is reliable, cost-efficient power—turning renewable resources and minerals into “digital sovereignty” rather than chip-only races. Regional Trade & Water Security: Botswana and Lesotho pledged deeper cooperation through a binational commission, prioritising water and energy projects, trade under AfCFTA, and agriculture, with Botswana also offering foot-and-mouth vaccine support. Textiles & Supply Chains: Lesotho’s clothing sector is flagged as a regional opportunity for Botswana manufacturers, but the key gap remains fabric imports—pushing calls to link production chains. Youth Digital Entrepreneurship: Lesotho launched an AI Skills Development Programme for youth enterprises, pairing e-commerce training with AI tools under the Sebabatso ecosystem to tackle unemployment and grow new businesses. Public Finance & Implementation: Auditor-General findings highlight CAFI’s weak delivery, with only 41% of its revised budget spent by March 2024, despite its goal to boost private-sector competitiveness and financial inclusion. Fuel Pricing Clarity: The Petroleum Fund moved to correct public confusion, stressing it does not supply petrol directly—its role is pricing oversight and monitoring the petroleum supply chain as transport and food costs rise. Water Project Accountability: The Ombudsman criticised LHDA over displacement in Polihali, citing broken promises, poor consultation, and compensation failures that left families destitute. Electricity Tariff Rules: A Lesotho High Court ruling upheld tariff increases but clarified future tariff review requirements, including audited financial statements for specific periods. Dairy Board Turmoil: The Lesotho National Dairy Board CEO suspension is set for court scrutiny, with questions now focusing on hiring, process, and the new appointee’s pay.