Hydropower + AI investment: Lesotho has signed a binding $6.2bn (about 98bn maloti) deal with Convalt Energy for the Kobong Hydropower and AI Data Centre Project, targeting at least 1,200MW of renewable power to cut electricity imports and position Lesotho as a regional green energy and digital hub, though feasibility work and approvals still sit ahead. Regional energy/industry context: A separate report highlights how hydropower is moving into a new phase across Africa—more grid integration, climate-resilient infrastructure, and industrial use—linking power reliability to economic sovereignty. Trade and security pressures: Commentary warns that global trade is increasingly treated as a security tool, pushing African economies to manage “weaponised interdependence” while diversifying beyond commodities. Food systems and jobs: Lesotho’s dairy sector is under the spotlight in a Maseru review, with government and stakeholders calling for stronger public-private collaboration to boost milk output, farmer support, and reduce import dependence. Water project impacts: Villagers in northeastern Lesotho have lodged a complaint against the African Development Bank over alleged harm tied to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, including damaged homes and water contamination. Health monitoring: Lesotho is investigating influenza-like illness reports across several districts as South Africa confirms a winter COVID-19 case. Labour enforcement (regional): A factory raid in South Africa’s Newcastle area led to arrests of undocumented workers and an employer over labour and safety violations, with Lesotho workers among those detained.