AfCFTA Trade Readiness: The AfCFTA Secretariat ran a four-day dispute settlement and trade goods workshop in Maseru for Lesotho’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development and the private sector, aimed at strengthening how the country handles its AfCFTA obligations and protects its rights. SADC Border Trade Push: SADC’s Simplified Trade Regime is being used to simplify border procedures and cut costs for small-scale traders, with Lesotho included among the 16 member states. Water Security Planning: ORASECOM, with Lesotho and Botswana, opened the Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer Project Management Office in Maseru, a step toward major regional water infrastructure. Food Security Support: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane handed over 150+ tractors and farming machines to youth, women, associations and subsidised farmers, including equipment supported by China and Korea. Public Procurement Reform: LPPA sensitised suppliers and service providers on how to use procurement complaints mechanisms under the Public Procurement Act, 2023. Maseru Night Economy Critique: A report questions Lesotho’s streetlight spending, arguing it’s lighting empty streets while key industries and student support struggle. Education & Skills: Econet Telecom Lesotho’s Higherlife Foundation sponsored five Basotho students to US universities, while Edubex expanded AI-enabled, internationally accredited learning partnerships. Regional Disruption Watch: South Africa’s Eastern Cape and parts of the region face disruptive snow and heavy weather warnings that could affect transport, livestock and services.