Energy Access Push: Lesotho vows universal electricity access by 2030 as Mafeteng’s China-backed Ha-Ramarothole Solar Power Project breaks ground on Phase II, lifting capacity to 80MW and cutting costly electricity imports. Hydropower Progress: LHWP’s Polihali Dam Phase II hits 50% completion, with reservoir impoundment still targeted for the 2027/2028 rainy season. Trade & Jobs: The EU- and BMZ-backed Regional Value Chains Lesotho Plus (RVCL+) programme says it has boosted agro-processing and light manufacturing, helped 102 firms reach trade fairs, and trained officials to grow Basotho enterprises. Industrial Land Management: LNDC flags misuse of its properties by tenants, with about M50m in unpaid rent, and plans an operation to remove non-compliant occupiers to make space for genuine investors. Regional Manufacturing Outlook: Africa’s manufacturing sector takes centre stage at Manufacturing Indaba 2026 in Johannesburg, focused on scaling growth and localisation under AfCFTA. Mining Crackdown Spillover: South Africa’s Operation Prosper arrests 217 suspected illegal miners at Losberg Kloof Mine, including many Lesotho nationals, as authorities target zama-zama networks. Labour & Xenophobia Risk: Economists warn South Africa’s anti-migrant protests could trigger labour shortages in construction, farming, retail and informal work—exactly where many foreign workers fill hard-to-staff roles. Digital Payments: BanffPay in Liberia secures a PSP licence and launches a unified pay-in/pay-out API, signalling more cross-border fintech activity across Africa.