AGP Executive Report

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.

AGOA Boost for Lesotho Textiles: The US Senate extended AGOA for two more years, protecting Lesotho’s preferential access that underpins textile and apparel jobs and exports. SADC Industrial Push: South Africa takes the SADC chair as leaders meet in Durban, with migration, trade, critical minerals, industrialisation and security on the agenda—key themes for Lesotho’s regional market access. India–SACU Trade Talks: India and SACU signed terms of reference to start a preferential trade agreement process, with a one-year target and focus on goods, rules of origin and customs—potential upside for Lesotho exporters. Electricity Equity Row: Ha-Koili residents in Roma Valley complain they’re skipped in rural electrification, hurting study, small business and food storage. Agriculture Risk Management: Lesotho’s agriculture ministry reviewed its smart subsidy and agriculture insurance pilot, aiming to protect farmers from climate shocks like drought and livestock disease. Creative Economy Under Pressure: Lesotho’s copyright law lags behind AI-driven design and publishing, leaving creatives doing unpaid “correction” work. Water and Power Governance (Regional): South Africa says it won’t run out of water but flags localised shortages; meanwhile, water security updates highlight reservoir resilience across the Vaal system. Mining Safety and Accountability: Lesotho confirmed citizens died in a South Africa illegal mine collapse; separately, an LEC forensic audit saw M12m spent, raising scrutiny over procurement and financial mismanagement.

AGOA Boost for Textiles: The US Senate extended AGOA for two more years, protecting Lesotho’s preferential market access that underpins textile and apparel jobs. SADC Industrial Push: South Africa takes over the SADC chair as leaders meet in Durban, with migration, trade, critical minerals, industrialisation and security on the agenda. Trade Talks with India: India and SACU signed Terms of Reference to launch negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement, with talks expected to start within a month and conclude within a year—covering goods, rules of origin, customs and SPS. Electricity Equity Row: Ha-Koili residents in Roma Valley complain they’re being skipped in rural electrification rollouts, leaving homes without power lines and affecting study, small businesses and food storage. Agriculture Risk Management: The Agriculture Ministry reviewed a Smart Subsidy and Agriculture Insurance pilot, aiming to protect farmers from drought, erratic rainfall, floods and livestock disease. Wool & Mohair Value Chain: Baokunyaoda says it’s improving wool and mohair farmer returns through faster payments and more direct links to international buyers. Copyright vs AI: Lesotho’s AI-driven creative economy is outpacing a copyright law stuck since 1989, squeezing designers and photographers. Youth Bill Debate: Parliament’s Social Cluster Committee wants the Youth Bill reframed to prioritise youth development and real participation in decision structures. LEC Forensic Audit: The Auditor-General’s office spent M12 million on a forensic audit into Lesotho Electricity Company issues, raising budget adequacy questions. SADC Performance Score: A SADC assessment puts regional performance at 5.06/10, citing weak growth and youth unemployment despite progress in security and agriculture.

AGOA Textile Boost: The US Senate extended AGOA for two more years, protecting Lesotho’s preferential market access that underpins textile and apparel jobs. SADC Industrial Push: South Africa takes over the SADC chair as leaders meet in Durban, with migration, trade, critical minerals, industrialisation and security on the agenda. Trade Talks with India: SACU and India signed Terms of Reference to start a Preferential Trade Agreement, aiming to expand goods trade across areas including textiles, engineering and agri-processing. Electricity Equity: Ha-Koili residents in Roma Valley complain they’re being skipped in rural electrification rollouts, with knock-on effects for study, small business and food storage. Agriculture Risk Management: The Agriculture Ministry reviewed its Smart Subsidy and Agriculture Insurance pilot, focusing on climate-risk protection and better data for insurance products. Energy Sector Scrutiny: The Auditor-General’s office spent M12m on a forensic audit into alleged LEC financial and procurement irregularities. Youth Bill Debate: Parliament’s Social Cluster Committee calls for a rethink of the Youth Bill to ensure real youth development and decision-making participation. Copyright vs AI: Lesotho’s AI-driven creative economy is outpacing a copyright law still rooted in 1989, squeezing designers and photographers. Wool & Mohair Market Access: Weavers and wool/mohair players highlight persistent market and equipment barriers, even as brokers like Baokunyaoda promise faster payments and direct export links. El Niño Prep: Farmers were urged to act early on El Niño warnings with climate-smart practices and better water management. Mining Safety: Lesotho says its citizens were among illegal miners who died in a South African mine collapse, while numbers are still being confirmed.

RFP Power Struggle: Prime Minister Sam Matekane has ordered Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) officials to stop holding unsanctioned party activities, as Lebona Lephema pushes to seize control of the ruling party. Electricity Equity: Ha-Koili residents in Roma Valley say they’re being skipped in rural electrification, leaving homes without power lines, fridges and safe night study conditions. Copyright vs AI: Basotho creatives warn that AI is eating into design and photography work while Lesotho’s copyright law still lags behind, written decades before AI-generated content. Agriculture Risk Management: The Agriculture Ministry reviewed its Smart Subsidy and Agriculture Insurance pilot, aiming to protect farmers from drought, erratic rainfall, floods and livestock disease. Wool & Mohair Trade: Baokunyaoda says it’s improving wool and mohair farmer earnings with faster payments and more direct links to international buyers. Land Dispute Settlement: LAA and LHDA have agreed a M121m settlement to end a long ground-rent dispute tied to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. SADC Industrial Push: Lesotho’s PM will attend the SADC summit in Durban, where industrialisation, infrastructure and critical minerals transformation are on the agenda. SACU–India Trade Talks: India and SACU signed Terms of Reference to restart preferential trade negotiations, targeting tariff cuts in goods like autos, machinery and pharmaceuticals.

AI & Copyright Clash: Basotho designers and photographers say AI is replacing paid creative work with unpaid “fixing” while Lesotho’s copyright law still dates to 1989. Women’s Wool & Mohair Trade: Weavers’ group Hatoa Mose Mosali says it survives but struggles with buyers, costly equipment and expensive exhibitions; meanwhile Baokunyaoda reports faster payments and more direct access to international buyers for wool and mohair farmers. Electricity Access Dispute: Ha-Koili residents in the Roma Valley complain they’re skipped in rural electrification rollouts, leaving homes without power, affecting study, small businesses and food storage. Agriculture Risk Management: The Agriculture Ministry reviews its smart subsidy and insurance pilot, while farmers are urged to act early on El Niño warnings using climate-smart practices. Energy Sector Oversight: The Auditor-General’s office spent M12 million on a forensic audit into alleged wrongdoing at the Lesotho Electricity Company, raising budget and governance questions. Land & Water Deal: The Land Administration Authority and LHDA settle a long ground-rent dispute with a M121 million agreement tied to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. Regional Trade Push: India and SACU sign Terms of Reference to restart talks on a preferential trade agreement, targeting tariff cuts in areas like automobiles, medicines and industrial machinery. SADC Summit Focus: Lesotho’s PM Matekane will attend the SADC 46th summit in Durban, with chairing ambitions and an industrialisation agenda on the table. Youth & Skills: Youth leaders call for stronger support for choral music and for youth legislation that prioritises youth development through real participation, not just consultations.

AI & Copyright: Basotho creatives say AI is eating into design, photography and publishing work, while Lesotho’s copyright law still dates to 1989, leaving creators stuck doing unpaid “correction” jobs. Women’s Wool & Mohair Trade: Weavers in Maseru’s Hatoa Mose Mosali report steady production but weak market access, with high equipment costs and limited exhibitions blocking growth. Electricity Equity: Ha-Koili residents in the Roma Valley accuse authorities of skipping their area in rural electrification, leaving homes on wood fires and candles while neighbours get power. Energy Oversight: The Auditor-General’s office has spent M12 million on a forensic audit into alleged wrongdoing at the Lesotho Electricity Company, raising budget questions in Parliament. Land & Water Deal: The Land Administration Authority and LHDA settle a long ground-rent dispute with a M121 million payment, tied to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project. Agriculture Risk Management: The Agriculture Ministry reviews its smart subsidy and insurance pilot, while farmers are urged to act early on El Niño warnings using climate-smart practices. SADC Industrial Push: Lesotho’s PM will attend the SADC summit in Durban, with industrialisation, infrastructure, agriculture and critical minerals on the agenda. Trade Talks: India and SACU sign terms of reference to restart a preferential trade agreement, targeting tariff cuts in areas like machinery, pharmaceuticals and textiles—Lesotho included. Youth & Productive Work: Youth leaders call for stronger support for choral music and for youth to embrace agriculture and other productive sectors for jobs and independence. Regional Mining Safety: Lesotho confirms some citizens were among illegal miners killed in a disused mine collapse in South Africa, though numbers are still being verified.

Treason Trial Delayed: Former Deputy PM Mothetjoa Metsing’s treason case was postponed to September after he travelled to Zambia as an SADC election observer, with the court rejecting a request to proceed in his absence. Energy & Roads: PM Sam Matekane reaffirmed plans to electrify every household by 2030 and announced a new Moitšupeli–Mpatana road build after assessing deteriorating infrastructure. Climate-Smart Farming Push: Farmers were urged to act on El Niño warnings by adjusting planting times, improving water management and adopting climate-smart practices ahead of expected rainfall shortfalls. Agriculture Commercialisation: Government and stakeholders called for private-sector-led agricultural commercialisation, moving beyond production toward processing, value addition, distribution and market access. Livestock Upgrades: Wool and mohair programme beneficiaries asked for training on caring for newly distributed hybrid rams and bucks to reduce issues like diarrhoea and mites. Wool & Mohair Market Linkages: Baokunyaoda says faster payments and lower transport costs are improving returns for Lesotho wool and mohair farmers while connecting clips to international buyers. Youth & Productive Work: Youth were encouraged to embrace agriculture and other productive sectors for economic independence, supported by tractor allocations and plans for financing. Mining Safety Shock: Lesotho confirmed citizens were among 14 people killed in a Rustenburg disused-mine collapse, as authorities continue investigations into illegal mining risks. Regional Trade Talks: India and SACU (including Lesotho) signed terms of reference to start negotiations on a preferential trade agreement, targeting tariff cuts on selected goods and aiming to conclude within a year.

SADC Chairship Focus: South Africa will host the 46th SADC summit in Durban on 17 August, pushing “resilient, sustainable and inclusive industrialisation” across infrastructure, agriculture and critical minerals—Lesotho included in the 16-member bloc. Agriculture Commercialisation: Lesotho’s private sector is urged to lead agricultural commercialisation, moving from production to processing and value addition while government sets an enabling environment. Livestock Support: Wool and mohair farmers receiving hybrid rams and bucks under WaMCoOP want hands-on training on care, feeding and mite/diarrhoea prevention. Tourism Reform Roadmap: Lesotho’s tourism and hospitality sector has adopted a three-year joint reform plan targeting inefficiencies, weak market visibility, skills gaps and infrastructure shortfalls, with pathways for private investment. Trade Talks for Lesotho’s Market: India and SACU (including Lesotho) signed terms of reference to start negotiations on a preferential trade agreement within a month, aiming to cut duties on selected goods within a year. Illegal Mining Tragedy: Lesotho citizens are among the dead after a rockfall at a disused mine near Rustenburg in South Africa, where 14 illegal miners died and eight were injured. Youth & Productive Work: Youth leaders and officials call for stronger youth participation in decision-making and for agriculture and productive sectors to drive jobs and economic independence. Climate-Smart Farming: Farmers are urged to act early on El Niño warnings with better planting timing, water management and drought-proofing practices. Wool/Mohair Market Access: Baokunyaoda says its Lesotho wool and mohair brokerage model is speeding payments and cutting transport costs by linking farmers more directly to international buyers.

Wool & Mohair Market Access: Baokunyaoda is reshaping Lesotho’s wool and mohair trade by paying farmers faster, cutting transport costs and linking local clips directly to international mills, with operations already active in Mokhotlong, Quthing, Thaba-Tseka and Butha-Buthe. Trade & Industry: India and the Southern African Customs Union (SACU) have signed Terms of Reference to restart talks on a Preferential Trade Agreement, aiming to conclude within a year and focusing on goods like automobiles, pharmaceuticals and industrial machinery—an opportunity for Lesotho exporters if market access and rules of origin are handled carefully. Youth & Jobs in Productive Sectors: Lesotho’s youth are being urged to embrace agriculture and other productive work for economic independence, with government support including tractor allocations and plans for financing through PostBank. Climate-Smart Farming: Farmers are told to act now on El Niño warnings by adjusting planting times, improving water management and adopting drought-proofing practices. Local Farm Mechanisation: In Qacha’s Nek, farmers are benefiting from a national machinery support programme that includes walk-behind tractors to boost yields and reduce labour demands. Illegal Mining Shockwaves (Regional): South Africa’s North West province recorded a deadly collapse at an illicit mine dump near Rustenburg, with most victims believed to be from Lesotho, renewing pressure for stronger enforcement and safer supply chains.

India–SACU Trade Talks: India and the five-member Southern African Customs Union (SACU) have signed Terms of Reference to kick off negotiations for a Preferential Trade Agreement, aiming to wrap talks within a year and covering areas like goods trade, market access, customs procedures, SPS, trade remedies, TBT, rules of origin and dispute settlement; India is pushing for duty concessions in sectors including automobiles/auto parts, pharmaceuticals, machinery, electrical equipment, chemicals and textiles. Youth & Agriculture Jobs: In Maseru, the agriculture minister urged young people to embrace agriculture and other productive sectors for economic independence, pointing to tractor support for youth and plans to back financing and training. Climate-Smart Farming: Farmers were urged to act early on El Niño warnings by adjusting planting times, improving water management and using climate-smart practices to protect crops and livestock. Qacha’s Nek Machinery Boost: Qacha’s Nek farmers are using newly supplied walk-behind tractors to raise yields and reduce labour demands ahead of the summer cropping season. Illegal Mining Crackdown (SA): South Africa gazetted a General Mining Laws Amendment Bill to criminalise illicit mining, with penalties up to 30 years in prison and fines up to R100 million. Mining Tragedy (SA): A disused mine dump collapse near Rustenburg killed 14 suspected illegal miners, most believed to be from Lesotho, with rescue efforts continuing and several injured detained. Border Trade Simplification (SADC): Eswatini and regional partners moved to simplify border procedures under the SADC Simplified Trade Regime to cut costs and ease cross-border trade for small-scale traders. Choral Music Support (Lesotho): Young choral musicians called for stronger government and stakeholder support, arguing the sector can create jobs and promote Lesotho’s culture. AfCFTA Capacity Building (Lesotho): Lesotho’s trade ministry and private sector took part in an AfCFTA workshop on dispute settlement and trade goods to strengthen implementation capacity.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: South Africa has gazetted the General Mining Laws Amendment Bill to criminalise illicit mining, with penalties up to 30 years in prison and fines up to R100m, while clarifying it won’t target permitted artisanal miners. Mining Disaster: In North West near Rustenburg, 14 suspected “zama zamas” (mostly from Lesotho) died and eight were injured after a rockfall/collapse at an abandoned mine dump; police say some may still be trapped. Trade Talks for SACU: India and the SACU bloc (including Lesotho) are set to sign terms of reference on August 12, with negotiations for a preferential trade agreement expected to start by September and finish within a year. Regional Water Planning: Namibia warned of worsening El Niño-driven water stress and urged stronger basin-wide planning across the Orange-Senqu system. Lesotho Industry & Trade Capacity: AfCFTA held a dispute-settlement and trade goods capacity workshop in Lesotho to help the country meet its trade obligations. Food Security & Farming Support: Lesotho’s PM Matekane handed over 150+ tractors and farming machines to youth, women and farmers’ groups. Water Infrastructure: A Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer project management office opened in Maseru to advance one of the region’s major water schemes. Energy/Climate Risk: South Africa issued severe snow and storm warnings affecting transport, livestock and crops, with knock-on risks for regional supply chains.

Illegal Mining Crackdown: South Africa’s Justice Minister Mmamoloko Kubayi has gazetted the General Mining Laws Amendment Bill to criminalise illegal mining, with penalties up to 30 years in prison and fines up to R100 million, while authorised artisanal miners with permits are not targeted; submissions close 11 September. Mining Tragedies: In North West near Rustenburg, 14 suspected “zama zamas” (mostly Basotho/Lesotho nationals) died after a rockfall and a separate mine dump collapse, with eight injured and others feared trapped as searches continue. Regional Water Planning: Namibia warned that a possible return of El Niño could worsen water shortages in the Orange-Senqu basin, urging stronger joint planning; meanwhile, Lesotho and Botswana opened a project office in Maseru for the Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer. Trade & Industry Links: Lesotho is part of AfCFTA capacity-building on dispute settlement, and India–SACU talks are set to move forward with terms of reference likely signed on 12 August. Food Security Push: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane handed over 150+ tractors and farming machines to youth, women and farmers’ groups, supported by Lesotho Post Bank and partners. Public Procurement Reform: LPPA sensitised suppliers and service providers on how to use procurement complaints mechanisms under the Public Procurement Act, 2023.

Illegal Mining Tragedy: Fourteen illegal chrome miners, mostly Basotho, died in a rockfall at a disused mine near Nkaneng/Rustenburg; eight were hospitalised and others may be trapped, with police still on scene and authorities pointing to unsafe, unregulated operations. Labour Crunch in Industry: Xenophobic protests and anti-foreigner pressure have pushed thousands of workers out of South Africa, leaving clothing factories and farms short-staffed and forcing employers to scramble for labour. Trade Talks for SACU: India and the South Africa-led SACU group (including Lesotho) are set to sign Terms of Reference on Aug 12 to start negotiations for a preferential trade agreement, with priority areas including critical minerals, pharmaceuticals and manufacturing. AfCFTA Capacity Building (Lesotho): AfCFTA held a four-day dispute settlement and trade goods workshop in Maseru to help Lesotho implement its trade responsibilities and protect its rights. Water & Food Security Moves: ORASECOM opened the Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer project office in Maseru, while PM Matekane handed over 150+ tractors to farmers to boost food production. Public Procurement Reform: LPPA sensitised suppliers and contractors on how to use procurement complaints mechanisms under the 2023 Act. Tourism & Connectivity: Vodacom Lesotho joined the “Re Bontše Lesotho” campaign by backing Maseru with connectivity, mentorship and digital storytelling.

AfCFTA Trade Readiness: The AfCFTA Secretariat ran a four-day dispute settlement and trade goods workshop in Maseru for Lesotho’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development and the private sector, aimed at strengthening how the country handles its AfCFTA obligations and protects its rights. SADC Border Trade Push: SADC’s Simplified Trade Regime is being used to simplify border procedures and cut costs for small-scale traders, with Lesotho included among the 16 member states. Water Security Planning: ORASECOM, with Lesotho and Botswana, opened the Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer Project Management Office in Maseru, a step toward major regional water infrastructure. Food Security Support: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane handed over 150+ tractors and farming machines to youth, women, associations and subsidised farmers, including equipment supported by China and Korea. Public Procurement Reform: LPPA sensitised suppliers and service providers on how to use procurement complaints mechanisms under the Public Procurement Act, 2023. Maseru Night Economy Critique: A report questions Lesotho’s streetlight spending, arguing it’s lighting empty streets while key industries and student support struggle. Education & Skills: Econet Telecom Lesotho’s Higherlife Foundation sponsored five Basotho students to US universities, while Edubex expanded AI-enabled, internationally accredited learning partnerships. Regional Disruption Watch: South Africa’s Eastern Cape and parts of the region face disruptive snow and heavy weather warnings that could affect transport, livestock and services.

SADC Trade Facilitation: SADC is pushing to simplify border procedures under its Simplified Trade Regime, aiming to cut costs and ease cross-border commerce for small-scale traders across member states including Lesotho. Lesotho–Botswana Water Security: ORASECOM has opened a Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer Project Management Office in Maseru, a key step toward regional water supply planning and jobs. Food Production Push: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane handed over 150+ tractors and farming machines to youth, women, associations and subsidised farmers to boost food security. Public Procurement Reform: The Lesotho Public Procurement Authority is sensitising suppliers and contractors on how to use complaints mechanisms under the 2023 Public Procurement Act. LHWC Leadership Tension: Government is divided over whether Masupha Sole should stay on as principal advisor at the Lesotho Highlands Water Commission as his contract expires. Maseru Night Economy Debate: A critique says Lesotho has spent over M200m on streetlights while Maseru’s night-time commercial activity remains weak, raising value-for-money questions. Regional Labour Shock (Textiles & Farms): South Africa’s migrant exodus is leaving factories and farms short-staffed, with garment makers reporting idle sewing lines and harvest delays that also affect Lesotho-linked workers. Climate & Water Risk: Namibia warns El Niño could worsen water shortages in the Orange-Senqu basin, urging stronger basin-wide planning with Lesotho and others. Eastern Cape Weather Disruption: South Africa’s Eastern Cape faces disruptive snow warnings, with knock-on risks for transport and livelihoods across the region.