Hydropower + AI Investment: Lesotho has signed a binding $6.2bn deal with US firm Convalt Energy for the Kobong Hydropower and AI Data Centre Project, pairing at least 1,200MW of renewable hydropower with a green-powered AI data centre, with the aim of cutting electricity imports, creating jobs and enabling power exports once feasibility, financing and approvals are completed. Project Delivery Watch: The Lesotho Highlands Water Project’s Polihali Dam hit a key Phase II milestone, with rockfill placement and upstream concrete curb reaching elevation 2020 as construction pushes toward reservoir inundation in 2027. Governance & Business Climate: The DCEO says corruption affects every Mosotho by blocking access to services and draining funds from healthcare, education, roads and water, while also driving poor-quality procurement. Trade & Investment Links: Dubai Chambers met Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Matekane to strengthen investment ties, highlighting Dubai expertise in logistics, infrastructure and the digital economy. Industry Skills & Inclusion: Lesotho advanced assistive technology access through policy, local device manufacturing and training, though funding and implementation gaps remain. Regional Energy Risk: A UN warning flags that disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz could raise fuel costs and strain trade for least developed economies.