Energy & Power Procurement: Lesotho Highlands Development Authority has launched a bid for a consultancy to study floating solar (floating PV) on the Katse and Mohale reservoirs, aiming to cut energy import dependence (nearly half of electricity consumption) and guide project size, phasing and tender documents for an EPC contract. Mining & Jobs: Storm Mountain Diamonds’ Kao Mine will shut down from 30 June, citing unsustainable fuel costs, a prolonged slump in rough diamond prices and pressure from lab-grown diamonds—leaving over 800 workers affected. Agriculture & Trade: Lesotho welcomed China’s lifting of temporary wool import restrictions, after Foot-and-Mouth Disease disruptions; held consignments are being released and payments to farmers have started. Youth & Skills: Sebabatso Youth Training was launched in Maseru, using American Corner AI tools to help trainees translate products and services for new markets and support job creation. Local Infrastructure Dispute: Semphetenyane residents blocked a road with burning tyres, accusing authorities of incomplete road works and demanding urgent rehabilitation. Waste Management Alarm: Lesotho’s Ombudsman warns that 80% of waste is unmanaged, with open dumping and burning driving health and environmental risks, including exposure to sharps and contaminated needles. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC ministers reappointed Stanley Ndara to lead the regional fisheries monitoring control and surveillance centre in Maputo, pushing member states to pay outstanding contributions and phase out illegal nets.