AGOA Boost for Textiles: The US Senate extended AGOA for two more years, protecting Lesotho’s preferential access that underpins textile and apparel jobs and competitiveness. SADC Summit Signals Industrial Push: South Africa takes over the SADC chair as leaders meet in Durban, with migration, trade, critical minerals and industrialisation on the agenda—aiming to cut barriers and lift intra-regional commerce. India-SACU Trade Talks Move Forward: SACU and India signed terms of reference to negotiate a preferential trade agreement, with talks expected to start soon and a one-year target for completion, focusing on goods and rules of origin among other areas. Maseru By-Laws Consultation: Basotho submitted views on Maseru City Council by-laws covering sanitation, smoking controls, liquor outlet regulation, construction permits and business inspections—pushing for clearer city management rules. Electricity Equity Dispute: Ha-Koili residents in the Roma Valley complain they’re excluded from rural electrification while neighbours get power, demanding a fair timeline and plan. Agriculture Risk Management: The agriculture ministry reviewed a smart subsidy and insurance pilot, while farmers were urged to prepare for El Niño with climate-smart practices and better water management. Creative Economy Under Pressure: Lesotho’s copyright law is lagging behind AI-driven design work, while women weavers report ongoing market access challenges despite producing wool and mohair products. Energy Sector Oversight: The Auditor-General spent M12m on a forensic audit into alleged LEC financial and procurement irregularities, raising questions about budget adequacy. Infrastructure & Jobs Angle: Lesotho’s tourism sector adopted a three-year joint reform roadmap to tackle skills shortages, market visibility and infrastructure gaps.