AGP Executive Report

AGOA Boost for Lesotho Exports: Lesotho’s textiles, apparel and fisheries get duty-free access to the U.S. until December 2028 after Washington extended AGOA, offering exporters relief from tariffs that hit after Section 122 lines expired on 24 July. Wool & Mohair Value Addition Push: In Teyateyaneng, youths are being urged to turn raw wool and mohair into higher-value products for regional and international markets through an ITC Ethical Fashion Initiative roadshow running across five districts. Food Production Knowledge Focus: Agriculture Minister Selibe Mochoboroane says farmer knowledge-sharing is key to boosting grain output, warning that poor planning around aggregation centres can undermine production. LHWP II Infrastructure Update: South Africa’s Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina and Lesotho’s Natural Resources Minister Mohlomi Moleko plan to unveil the Mabunyaneng and Khubelu bridges in Mokhotlong as part of Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 2. Engineering Recognition: Zutari racks up wins at the 2026 SAICE National Awards, including honours linked to the Senqu Bridge–Polihali project. Anti-Corruption in Agriculture Tenders: Opposition MP Jane Lekunya agrees to repay M6 million and cooperate in a M109-million tender fraud case involving agricultural inputs. LEC Leadership Stalemate: The prolonged suspension of Lesotho Electricity Company executive management is flagged as an “indefinite limbo” that must end with clear outcomes. Aquatics Facility for Lesotho: Lesotho Aquatics is set to get its first swimming pool at Ratjomose Barracks in Maseru under World Aquatics’ Pools for All programme.

Wool & Mohair Value Addition: ITC’s Ethical Fashion Initiative launched a Lesotho Wool and Mohair Roadshow in Teyateyaneng, urging youths to turn raw fibre into higher-value products for regional and international markets, in partnership with WAMCOP and support for skills, materials and equipment. Food Production Knowledge Boost: Agriculture Minister Selibe Mochoboroane told farmers in Maseru that better farming knowledge and practical field advice are key to lifting grain output and nutrition, warning that poor planning around aggregation centres can undermine results. LHWP2 Infrastructure Delivery: Water and Sanitation Minister Pemmy Majodina will oversee the unveiling of the newly completed Mabunyaneng and Khubelu bridges in Mokhotlong as part of Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 2, following earlier completion of the Senqu Bridge, to keep the A1 route connected year-round. AGOA Market Relief for Exporters: Lesotho secured continued duty-free U.S. access under an AGOA extension to December 2028, protecting textiles, apparel and fisheries exports after recent tariff disruptions. Anti-Corruption in Agriculture Tenders: The DCEO says opposition MP Jane Lekunya agreed to repay M6 million and cooperate in an alleged M109-million tender fraud linked to fertiliser, seed and pesticide procurement. LEC Leadership in Limbo: A report argues Lesotho Electricity Company executive suspensions have dragged on too long and must end with clear disciplinary or accountability outcomes. Aquatics Infrastructure: Lesotho Aquatics is set to get its first swimming pool at Ratjomose Barracks in Maseru through World Aquatics’ Pools for All programme.

LHWP II Bridges Roll-Out: Water Minister Pemmy Majodina and Natural Resources Minister Mohlomi Moleko will unveil the newly completed Mabunyaneng and Khubelu bridges in Mokhotlong this week, with oversight also covering the Polihali Dam site and the Polihali-Katse tunnel—key works to keep the A1 road corridor usable once the reservoir is impounded. Engineering Recognition: Zutari picked up major wins at the 2026 SAICE National Awards, including Technical Excellence International Project of the Year for the Senqu Bridge–Polihali project, plus awards for investigative risk work and a young engineer. Ethical Fashion Roadshow: The Ethical Fashion Initiative’s Wool and Mohair project is running a five-district roadshow across Lesotho to push value addition beyond raw fibre, supporting skills, quality standards and market links for rural producers. AGOA Duty-Free Relief: Lesotho secured an AGOA extension, keeping duty-free U.S. access for textiles, apparel and fisheries exports until December 2028—offering a timely boost after recent tariff disruptions. Agriculture Input Fraud Fallout: Opposition MP Jane Lekunya agreed to repay M6 million and cooperate as part of the M109-million agricultural tender scandal being pursued by the DCEO. LEC Executive Suspension Pressure: A commentary argues Lesotho Electricity Company suspensions have dragged on too long and must move to a clear disciplinary outcome rather than indefinite limbo. Aquatics Infrastructure: Lesotho Aquatics is set to get its first swimming pool at Ratjomose Barracks in Maseru under World Aquatics’ Pools for All programme. Food Grains Procurement: DMA will start purchasing food grains from registered farmers countrywide from 18 September, buying limited quantities to support vulnerable households while also sourcing local produce. Livestock Focus: Farmers Pitso Agriculture Week in Maseru spotlighted livestock production and the need to monitor the value chain—from animal health and rangelands to extension, risk and household nutrition.

Defence Procurement Turmoil: Lesotho Defence Force procurement is in the spotlight after Defence PS Mpopo Tšoele suspended the ministry’s procurement manager, Senate Makhaola, and took over procurement functions himself, with allegations he bypassed competitive bidding and left existing suppliers in limbo. Anti-Corruption in Agriculture: Opposition MP Jane Lekunya has agreed to repay M6 million and act as a prosecution witness in an alleged M109 million agriculture tender fraud, after DCEO claims of inflated prices and bypassed bidding for fertilisers, seeds and pesticides. Power Utility Accountability: The long suspension of Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC) executive management has dragged on for about 18 months, raising calls for government to end the “costly limbo” by completing disciplinary processes. Trade Access Boost: Lesotho’s key exports—especially textiles, apparel and fisheries—secure continued duty-free access to the U.S. under an AGOA extension to December 2028, offering relief after recent tariff impacts. Aquatics Infrastructure: Lesotho Aquatics will finally get its first swimming pool at Ratjomose Barracks in Maseru through World Aquatics’ Pools for All programme. Food Security Procurement: The Disaster Management Authority will start buying food grains from registered farmers on 18 September, purchasing 10% of each farmer’s registered grains to support vulnerable households and farmers. Climate Warning: The environment ministry warns of below-normal rainfall and intense heat for much of 2026/27, with heavier rains expected from January to March 2027. Local Business & Quality Push: The Ministry of Trade launches the 2026 Lesotho National Quality Awards to strengthen national quality systems and help firms compete in regional and continental markets. Rugby 7s Tensions: Organisers of Gabs 7s and Bokomo 7s trade accusations over team invitations and registration, as the tournaments approach.

AGOA Boost for Exports: Lesotho secured a two-year extension of duty-free U.S. market access under AGOA to December 2028, protecting key textiles, apparel and fisheries exports after recent tariff pressure. Early Childhood Infrastructure: The Ministry of Education and Training is pushing ECCD and reception-class facilities, handing over new classrooms and sanitation at Ntjabane Government Primary School and planning wider rollout. Trade & Quality Push: Lesotho launched the 2026 National Quality Awards to strengthen quality systems and competitiveness for regional integration and continental trade. Education-to-Industry Skills: Injini is funding an AI venture builder for early-stage EdTech teams across Southern Africa, with Lesotho among eligible countries. Factory Labour Tensions: Trade Minister Motlatsi Maqelepo ordered LNDC to investigate a Precious Garments labour dispute after workers protested reduced hours, wages and delayed payments. Corruption Asset Recovery: The DCEO says opposition MP Jane Lekunya agreed to repay M6-million linked to an alleged M109-million agriculture tender fraud. Food Security Procurement: DMA will start buying food grains from registered farmers from 18 September, buying limited volumes and storing produce at new logistics infrastructure. Climate Risk Warning: Environment and Forestry urged preparation for below-normal rainfall and intense heat in 2026/27, with heavier rains expected early 2027. Circular Innovation Spotlight: Lesotho-linked finalists featured in Cape Town’s GreenPitch challenge, where Pee-Cycling won for converting urine into fertiliser and non-potable water.

Water Security: South Africa’s Integrated Vaal River System is holding strong at 97.7% capacity as the Department of Water and Sanitation monitors reservoir levels amid shifting weather, with the Vaal Dam still above full supply. Food Supply & Farming: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority will start buying food grains from registered farmers on 18 September, purchasing 10% of each farmer’s registered output and storing stocks at the Ha Foso Agricultural Food Storage and Logistics Infrastructure. Trade & Textiles: Lesotho gets duty-free AGOA access to the US until December 2028, covering textiles/apparel and fisheries, after tariff-line expiries earlier in 2026. Quality Drive: The Ministry of Trade launches the 2026 Lesotho National Quality Awards to strengthen national quality infrastructure and help firms meet international standards. Manufacturing & Labour: The LNDC is ordered to investigate a labour dispute at Precious Garments after workers protested reduced hours, wages and delayed payments. Climate Risk: Lesotho is warned to brace for below-normal rainfall and intense heat in 2026/27, with heavier rains expected early 2027. EdTech & AI Skills: Injini opens applications for a Southern Africa AI venture-building programme that includes Lesotho, targeting early-stage teams to build market-ready education startups.

Food Security & Agriculture: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority will start buying food grains on 18 September at Food Management Units nationwide, buying only 10% of each registered farmer’s grains (under 10 bags expected per farmer) and setting aside weevil treatment per bag; prices are set at M260 for 50kg yellow maize, M250 white maize, M450 sorghum, M390 wheat and M1,400 beans, with storage planned at the new Ha Foso Agricultural Food Storage and Logistics Infrastructure. Trade & Textiles: Lesotho exporters get a boost as the U.S. extends AGOA duty-free access to December 2028, covering textiles, apparel and fisheries, after earlier tariff-line expiry in July 2026. Manufacturing & Jobs: The Trade Ministry has ordered the LNDC to investigate a labour dispute at Precious Garments after workers protested reduced working hours, wages and delayed payments, with concerns raised about real-time factory information flow. Quality & Competitiveness: The Ministry launches the 2026 Lesotho National Quality Awards to strengthen national quality infrastructure and help firms meet international standards. Climate Risk: Environment officials warn most of Lesotho to brace for below-normal rainfall and intense heat in 2026/27, with heavier rains expected early 2027. Regional Industry Context: South Africa’s illegal mining crackdown in Mohlakeng saw 30 arrests and major equipment seizures, underlining ongoing supply-chain and infrastructure risks across the region.

AGOA Boost for Exports: Lesotho’s duty-free access to the US has been extended to 31 December 2028, covering textiles, apparel and fisheries, giving exporters a reprieve after Section 122 tariff lines expired on 24 July 2026. Quality Push: The Ministry of Trade has launched the 2026 Lesotho National Quality Awards to strengthen national quality infrastructure and help firms meet international standards. Textile Factory Pressure: Trade Minister Motlatsi Maqelepo has ordered the LNDC to investigate a labour dispute at Precious Garments after workers protested reduced working hours, wages and delayed payments. Business Support via CAFI: A CAFI-backed tour highlighted opportunities for youth and small firms, with the minister urging more growth in textiles, food and brick-making. Weather Risk: Environment officials warn most of Lesotho to brace for below-normal rainfall and intense heat in 2026/27, with heavier rains expected early in 2027. El Nino Planning: Agriculture and Food Security is coordinating plans for the El Nino season with the SDGs Portfolio Committee. Illegal Mining Crackdown (Regional): South African police arrested 30 suspects in Mohlakeng and seized generators and explosives, underscoring ongoing supply-chain and safety risks around mining. Consumer Safety Recall: Woolworths and the National Consumer Commission issued a recall for a specific WBeauty clarifying shampoo batch sold across several countries including Lesotho.

AGOA Boost for Lesotho Exporters: Lesotho’s duty-free access to the US has been extended to December 2028, after Washington signed the AGOA extension into law on 2 September 2026—covering textiles, apparel and fisheries and offering exporters a fresh push to diversify. Quality Push: The Ministry of Trade launched the 2026 Lesotho National Quality Awards, aiming to strengthen national quality infrastructure so local products can meet international standards and compete under regional trade deals. Jobs and Skills Drive: The CAFI project tour highlighted opportunities for youth and small businesses, with the Trade Minister urging new ventures in textiles, food and manufacturing. Labour Dispute Watch: Minister Motlatsi Maqelepo ordered the LNDC to investigate a Precious Garments dispute after workers protested reduced hours, wages and delayed payments. Climate Risk Alert: The Environment and Forestry Ministry warned of below-normal rainfall and intense heat in 2026/27, with heavier rains expected early in 2027. Regional Mining Crackdown: South Africa police arrested 30 suspects and seized mining equipment in Mohlakeng during Operation Prosper, including generators and explosives—underscoring ongoing cross-border pressures affecting the region’s mining sector.

National Quality Awards: Lesotho’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development has launched the 2026 Lesotho National Quality Awards, urging firms to build a culture of excellence to stay competitive under regional integration and the AfCFTA. Textile factory labour dispute: Trade Minister Motlatsi Maqelepo has ordered the LNDC to investigate protests at Precious Garments over reduced working hours, wages and delayed payments, after workers said information flow on factory changes failed. Youth enterprise push (CAFI): During a CAFI-backed business tour, Maqelepo urged young people to start new companies, with fresh attention on textile, food and brick-making opportunities. Quality and consumer safety: The National Consumer Commission and Woolworths issued a recall of WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo after a bacterium was detected; customers are told to stop using and return for a refund. Climate risk for farmers: The Environment and Forestry Ministry warns most of Lesotho to expect below-normal rainfall and intense heat in 2026/27, with heavier rains likely between January and March 2027. Fuel pricing reality: An explainer reiterates that Lesotho’s import parity pricing limits pump discounts because the country imports already-refined fuel priced off international benchmarks. Tourism benefits gap (LHWP): Government admits it has not fully harnessed LHWP-linked tourism and economic opportunities for communities around project areas. Digital investment: WIOCC secured $300m to expand Africa’s open-access digital infrastructure, supporting data centres and fibre and subsea cable growth.

Illegal mining fallout: Johannesburg’s roads and buildings are cracking and collapsing as “zama zamas” blast and tunnel for gold, while residents link the damage to rising violence and theft of power and water infrastructure. Textile labour dispute: Trade and Industry Minister Motlatsi Maqelepo has ordered the LNDC to investigate reduced working hours, wage shortfalls and delayed payments at Precious Garments after worker protests. CAFI push for jobs: A CAFI business tour has put fresh focus on Lesotho’s textile, food and brick-making opportunities, with the minister urging youth to start and scale enterprises. Weather risk for farmers: The Environment and Forestry Ministry warns of below-normal rainfall and intense heat in 2026/27, with heavier rains expected early in 2027—plus a call to save water and protect crops. Fuel pricing reality: Lesotho’s import parity pricing keeps pump costs high because the country imports every litre it sells, with prices tied to international refined-product benchmarks. Digital investment: WIOCC secured $300m to expand Africa’s open-access fibre and data-centre network, aiming to close the continent’s connectivity gap. Consumer safety recall: Woolworths/WBeauty clarifying shampoo is being recalled across several countries, including Lesotho, after a bacteria linked to wet manufacturing environments was detected. Tourism and LHWP benefits: Government admits it hasn’t fully harnessed LHWP-created tourism and economic opportunities for surrounding communities, citing gaps beyond just building hotels.

CAFI Business Push: Trade Minister Motlatsi Maqelepo toured CAFI-backed firms, urging youth to build sustainable textile, road construction and manufacturing businesses, and highlighting equipment and marketing support for local operators. Labour Rights at Precious Garments: Maqelepo ordered the LNDC to investigate a dispute after workers protested reduced working hours, unpaid wages and delayed severance/long-service benefits, with officials admitting information flow gaps. Textile Sector Probe: Maqelepo’s move follows wider pressure on garment production practices and government oversight of major factory changes. El Niño Warnings: The Environment and Forestry Ministry urged Lesotho to prepare for below-normal rainfall and intense heat in 2026/27, with heavier rains expected Jan–Mar 2027, warning storms could damage crops and roads. Fuel Pricing Reality Check: Import parity pricing explains why Lesotho’s pump prices rarely drop, since the country imports every litre it sells and prices are set against international refined-product benchmarks. Food Prices in Maseru: Onions jumped about 15% week-on-week while potatoes eased, with fresh produce moves likely feeding into retail within days. Digital Infrastructure Investment: WIOCC secured $300m from Africa Finance Corporation and Vision Invest to expand open-access fibre, data centres and subsea assets across Africa. Medicinal Cannabis Release: LMPS returned a 500kg medicinal cannabis consignment worth over M1.2m after a High Court ruling that the seizure and detention were unlawful. Independence Drive 1,000: Sechaba Milling and ZMG Isuzu launched a 1,000km expedition across all 10 districts to showcase local production, transport and community storytelling for Lesotho’s 60th anniversary.

Business Accountability: A Basotho entrepreneur, T-Connect, is at the centre of renewed calls for a fairer hearing after allegations from former employees over unpaid wages and dismissals, with critics warning Lesotho too quickly “buries” local firms instead of trying to save them. Private Sector Pressure: A new study on Lesotho business challenges points to credit costs, geography, a large state footprint, and fraud/misconduct as major constraints—especially the kinds firms struggle to detect themselves. Youth & Enterprise Support (CAFI): Trade Minister Motlatsi Maqelepo toured CAFI-backed firms, urging stronger textile and apparel value chains and pushing young people toward new, job-creating ideas. Labour Dispute Watch: Maqelepo ordered the LNDC to investigate a Precious Garments protest over reduced working hours, unpaid wages and delayed payments, citing gaps in real-time factory communication. Climate Risk for Farmers: The Environment Ministry warns of below-normal rainfall and intense heat for 2026/27, with heavier rains expected early 2027, urging water-saving and crop protection. Fuel Pricing Reality: Import parity pricing is highlighted as the reason Lesotho’s fuel costs rarely drop—since the country imports already-refined fuel and prices track external benchmarks. Digital Growth: WIOCC secured $300m to expand Africa’s open-access fibre and data centres, aiming to close connectivity gaps that limit cloud and AI uptake. Food Prices: Onions jumped while potatoes eased in the latest vegetable price movement feeding through to Maseru retail. Regional Trade Links: KCCI says it wants stronger Kuwait–Lesotho trade and investment ties, flagging opportunities in mining, textiles and clothing. Tourism & Water Project Benefits: Government admits it has not fully harnessed LHWP-linked tourism and economic opportunities for communities around dams. Consumer Safety: Woolworths/WBeauty shampoo recall in multiple countries including Lesotho after detection of a bacterium linked to wet manufacturing environments. Legal/Imports: Police were ordered to return a 500kg medicinal cannabis consignment worth over M1.2m after a court ruled the seizure and detention unlawful.

Trade & Investment: Kuwait Chamber of Commerce and Industry renewed efforts to deepen economic ties with Lesotho, flagging opportunities in mining, precious stones, textiles and clothing, and offering business meetings and exhibitions to boost bilateral trade. Textiles & Jobs: Trade and Industry Minister Motlatsi Maqelepo ordered the LNDC to investigate labour disruptions at Precious Garments after workers protested reduced hours, unpaid wages and delayed payments, with officials also calling for faster, real-time factory reporting. AI Skills for Basotho: A Future AI workshop in Maseru (21–22 Oct) will train entrepreneurs, professionals and youth to use AI for business and participation in the digital economy. Local Manufacturing & Transport: Sechaba Milling and ZMG Isuzu launched the Independence Drive 1000, a 1,000km expedition across all 10 districts to showcase what Lesotho can produce, build and move. Tourism Link to LHWP: Government admitted it has not fully harnessed Lesotho Highlands Water Project tourism and economic benefits for surrounding communities, citing gaps beyond hotel construction. Consumer Safety: Woolworths recalled WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo in multiple countries including Lesotho after a bacterium was detected, urging customers to stop using and return for refunds. Digital Infrastructure: WIOCC secured $300m to expand Africa’s fibre, data centres and subsea assets, with Lesotho listed among its telecom shareholders. Medicinal Cannabis Case: Lesotho police were ordered to return a 500kg medicinal cannabis consignment worth over M1.2m after a court ruled the seizure and detention were unlawful.

Tourism Momentum: South Africa’s tourism keeps rebounding, with SARB citing about 5.6 million international arrivals in the first half of 2026—driven mainly by SADC visitors, including Lesotho. Textile Labour Dispute: Trade and Industry Minister Motlatsi Maqelepo has ordered the LNDC to investigate protests at Precious Garments over short-time work, wage issues and delayed payments, after workers said they were only working two weeks per month. AI Skills Push: Future AI will host an AI Power Experience Workshop in Maseru (21–22 Oct) aimed at entrepreneurs and young Basotho to apply AI in business and everyday work. Independence Drive 1,000: Sechaba Milling and ZMG Isuzu Lesotho launch a 1,000km expedition across all 10 districts ahead of Lesotho’s 60th Independence Day (2–4 Oct). Medicinal Cannabis Ruling: The High Court ordered police to return a 500kg medicinal cannabis consignment worth over M1.2m after finding the seizure unlawful. Digital Infrastructure Investment: WIOCC secured $300m to expand Africa’s fibre, data centres and subsea assets—backed by AFC and Vision Invest. Consumer Recall: Woolworths/Lesotho markets recalled WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo after a bacterium was detected; customers are urged to stop using and claim refunds. LHWP Tourism Gap: Government admits it hasn’t fully unlocked LHWP-linked tourism and economic benefits for communities around project areas.

Solar & Digital Infrastructure: A new analysis says Africa’s solar boom is largely “hidden” because much of the growth is in distributed systems that don’t show up in official stats, while WIOCC secured a combined $300m to expand fibre, data centres and subsea assets across Africa. Textiles & Jobs: Trade and Industry Minister Motlatsi Maqelepo ordered the LNDC to probe labour issues at Precious Garments after workers protested reduced hours, wages and delayed payments. AI Skills: A Maseru workshop is set to train Basotho entrepreneurs and professionals on practical AI use for business and the digital economy. Local Industry Push: Sechaba Milling and ZMG Isuzu launched the Independence Drive 1000 expedition to showcase what Lesotho can build, produce and move. Food & Farming Innovation: Aeroponics is being promoted as a year-round, land-light farming approach for Lesotho’s youth. Consumer Safety: Woolworths and the NCC issued a recall of w.beauty clarifying shampoo after bacteria were found; affected buyers should stop using and return for refunds. Security & Trade Compliance: Lesotho’s police were ordered to return a 500kg medicinal cannabis consignment worth M1.2m after a court ruled the seizure unlawful.