Lesotho–China AI push: Lesotho’s FM Limpho Tau signed the founding agreement for the World Artificial Intelligence Cooperation Organization (WAICO) in Shanghai, with China’s Wang Yi stressing that no country should be left behind and promising support for Lesotho investment and market access for Basotho products. Youth enterprise drive: The Ministry of Gender, Youth and Social Development is rolling out the Sebabatso and STEAM 2026 Youth Empowerment Initiative across all ten districts, with an extended application deadline and a warning that applications are free and scams are targeting applicants. Climate resilience for MSMEs: Government launched a M68 million Climate Resilience and Preparedness Support Facility (via the World Bank-backed CAFI project) to co-fund up to 80% of approved drought, flood and heavy snowfall resilience investments for small businesses. Regional livestock health: SADC countries agreed to strengthen a unified cross-border approach to foot-and-mouth disease, including coordinated vaccinations and shared diagnostic capacity, with Botswana working closely with Lesotho and other neighbours. South Africa spillovers for Lesotho: South Africa’s anti-illegal immigration campaign is reported to be driving labour shortages in transport and agriculture, raising concerns for regional supply and production capacity. Ford recall affecting Lesotho exports: South Africa’s consumer regulator flagged a Ford recall for certain 2026 Transit and Tourneo models exported to Namibia, Botswana, Lesotho and Swaziland due to a transmission-related movement loss risk.