Diamond Sector Shock: Storm Mountain Diamonds says Lesotho’s Kao Mine will go on care-and-maintenance from July 1 and fully cease operations on 30 June, blaming unsustainable fuel costs, a slump in rough diamond prices and competition from lab-grown stones—leaving hundreds of workers facing job losses. Energy Cost Pressure: A wider look at the region’s diesel squeeze links higher fuel prices to knock-on effects for transport, farming and everyday prices, with landlocked countries like Lesotho hit hardest by long logistics chains. Monetary Policy Response: Lesotho’s central bank raised the Central Bank Rate by 25 basis points to 6.75% as Middle East-linked energy shocks push up inflation risks and strain external reserves. Trade Relief for Farmers: Government welcomed China’s lifting of temporary wool import restrictions, saying held consignments worth over M100 million are being released and payments to farmers have started. Waste Management Alarm: Lesotho’s Ombudsman warns that 80% of waste is unmanaged, with illegal dumping and open burning creating serious public health and environmental risks, especially around healthcare waste. Agriculture & Value Chains: Lesotho marked International Day of Potato with renewed focus on commercialising agriculture, mechanisation and agro-processing to strengthen livelihoods and food security. Digital Government Push: MICSTI says e-services are being rolled out across selected ministries, aiming to make services accessible and improve implementation of e-government.