CAFI Business Push: Trade Minister Motlatsi Maqelepo toured CAFI-backed firms, urging youth to build sustainable textile, road construction and manufacturing businesses, and highlighting equipment and marketing support for local operators. Labour Rights at Precious Garments: Maqelepo ordered the LNDC to investigate a dispute after workers protested reduced working hours, unpaid wages and delayed severance/long-service benefits, with officials admitting information flow gaps. Textile Sector Probe: Maqelepo’s move follows wider pressure on garment production practices and government oversight of major factory changes. El Niño Warnings: The Environment and Forestry Ministry urged Lesotho to prepare for below-normal rainfall and intense heat in 2026/27, with heavier rains expected Jan–Mar 2027, warning storms could damage crops and roads. Fuel Pricing Reality Check: Import parity pricing explains why Lesotho’s pump prices rarely drop, since the country imports every litre it sells and prices are set against international refined-product benchmarks. Food Prices in Maseru: Onions jumped about 15% week-on-week while potatoes eased, with fresh produce moves likely feeding into retail within days. Digital Infrastructure Investment: WIOCC secured $300m from Africa Finance Corporation and Vision Invest to expand open-access fibre, data centres and subsea assets across Africa. Medicinal Cannabis Release: LMPS returned a 500kg medicinal cannabis consignment worth over M1.2m after a High Court ruling that the seizure and detention were unlawful. Independence Drive 1,000: Sechaba Milling and ZMG Isuzu launched a 1,000km expedition across all 10 districts to showcase local production, transport and community storytelling for Lesotho’s 60th anniversary.