AGOA Boost for Lesotho Textiles: The US Senate extended AGOA for two more years, protecting Lesotho’s preferential access that underpins textile and apparel jobs and exports. SADC Industrial Push: South Africa takes the SADC chair as leaders meet in Durban, with migration, trade, critical minerals, industrialisation and security on the agenda—key themes for Lesotho’s regional market access. India–SACU Trade Talks: India and SACU signed terms of reference to start a preferential trade agreement process, with a one-year target and focus on goods, rules of origin and customs—potential upside for Lesotho exporters. Electricity Equity Row: Ha-Koili residents in Roma Valley complain they’re skipped in rural electrification, hurting study, small business and food storage. Agriculture Risk Management: Lesotho’s agriculture ministry reviewed its smart subsidy and agriculture insurance pilot, aiming to protect farmers from climate shocks like drought and livestock disease. Creative Economy Under Pressure: Lesotho’s copyright law lags behind AI-driven design and publishing, leaving creatives doing unpaid “correction” work. Water and Power Governance (Regional): South Africa says it won’t run out of water but flags localised shortages; meanwhile, water security updates highlight reservoir resilience across the Vaal system. Mining Safety and Accountability: Lesotho confirmed citizens died in a South Africa illegal mine collapse; separately, an LEC forensic audit saw M12m spent, raising scrutiny over procurement and financial mismanagement.