SACU Summit Push: Lesotho PM Samuel Matekane and President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah are in Cape Town for the 9th Southern African Customs Union summit, where leaders will review the SACU Strategic Plan, push customs modernisation and trade facilitation, and align industrial development with AfCFTA. Regional Integration Watch: Botswana takes over SACU chair from July 15, pledging simplified customs procedures and stronger partnerships to boost cross-border goods movement. Customs Revenue Focus: Lesotho Revenue Services urges traders and commuters to comply with customs declarations, highlighting its Authorised Economic Operator programme to speed clearance and protect Lesotho’s SACU revenue share. Agriculture Finance: Lesotho Post Bank’s Agricultural Financing Unit is urging Berea farmers to use tractor financing, saying the initiative remains under-used despite government support. Farm Skills Upgrade: Berea dairy farmers trained on turning fresh milk into yoghurt and sour milk after Foot and Mouth Disease restrictions disrupted sales. Logistics Expansion: SMSA Africa Logistics Group (formerly Namlog) broke ground on a new Benoni head office, warehouse and workshop, expanding warehouse solutions across Southern Africa. Energy Cost Pressure: A week of coverage links rising diesel prices to higher transport costs, inflation pressure, and reduced output in manufacturing, agriculture and construction. Afreximbank Appointments: Afreximbank named Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Southern Africa Director of Regional Operations, tasked with scaling regional financing and trade support. Cross-Border Tensions: Coverage also flags rising xenophobia and anti-immigration tensions affecting regional labour and business confidence, with Lesotho officials raising concerns for Basotho in South Africa.