AGP Executive Report

Kobong Hydropower & AI Deal: Lesotho has signed a binding agreement with US firm Convalt Energy for a $6.2bn (98bn maloti) project combining at least 1,200MW hydropower with a green-powered AI data centre near Kobong Dam, aimed at energy independence, job creation and cutting reliance on imported electricity—though it still depends on feasibility, financing and approvals. LHWP Progress: The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority says Polihali Dam Phase II is advancing, with rockfill placement and upstream concrete curb reaching elevation 2020, as overall dam construction sits at about 45% toward a 2027 reservoir target. Trade & Investment Push: Dubai Chambers met Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane in Johannesburg to explore stronger trade and investment ties, highlighting Dubai expertise in logistics, infrastructure and the digital economy. Public Accountability: Lesotho’s government will hold a National Leadership Retreat (June 21–23) and an Accountability Summit (July 1–3) to improve service delivery and transparency. Green Enterprise Funding: Lesotho-based green entrepreneurs can apply for the 2026 FNF Afri GreenPitch Challenge, with pitches planned in Nairobi and Cape Town in September. Corruption Watch: The DCEO says corruption harms Basotho by blocking access to services, inflating costs and leading to poor-quality procurement.

Kobong Hydropower + AI Deal: Lesotho has signed a binding $6.2bn agreement with Convalt Energy to build a 1,200MW hydropower project and a green-powered AI data centre near Kobong Dam, aimed at cutting electricity imports, boosting jobs and local enterprise, and potentially turning Lesotho into a regional power exporter. Rural Electrification, Water Still a Gap: In Mokhokhong (Roma area), residents are finally getting electricity after decades of neglect, but leaders say power won’t solve ongoing water shortages and damaged supply systems. Corruption Watch: Lesotho’s DCEO boss says corruption hits Basotho through bribes for services and wasted funds on poor-quality work, undermining healthcare, education, roads and water. Polihali Dam Progress: LHDA reports Phase II at Polihali Dam is advancing, with rockfill placement and key concrete works reaching elevation 2020, targeting reservoir inundation in 2027. Green Entrepreneurship Pitching: GreenCape and partners invite SMEs from Lesotho and the region to apply for the Afri GreenPitch Challenge, with investor pitches in Nairobi and Cape Town. Assistive Tech Push: Lesotho highlights policy gains and local device production for people with disabilities, while funding and rollout gaps still limit access.

Hydropower + AI Investment: Lesotho has signed a binding $6.2bn deal with US firm Convalt Energy for the Kobong Hydropower and AI Data Centre Project, pairing at least 1,200MW of renewable hydropower with a green-powered AI data centre, with the aim of cutting electricity imports, creating jobs and enabling power exports once feasibility, financing and approvals are completed. Project Delivery Watch: The Lesotho Highlands Water Project’s Polihali Dam hit a key Phase II milestone, with rockfill placement and upstream concrete curb reaching elevation 2020 as construction pushes toward reservoir inundation in 2027. Governance & Business Climate: The DCEO says corruption affects every Mosotho by blocking access to services and draining funds from healthcare, education, roads and water, while also driving poor-quality procurement. Trade & Investment Links: Dubai Chambers met Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Matekane to strengthen investment ties, highlighting Dubai expertise in logistics, infrastructure and the digital economy. Industry Skills & Inclusion: Lesotho advanced assistive technology access through policy, local device manufacturing and training, though funding and implementation gaps remain. Regional Energy Risk: A UN warning flags that disruptions around the Strait of Hormuz could raise fuel costs and strain trade for least developed economies.

Corruption Watch: DCEO boss Sello Mants’o says corruption hits every Mosotho by blocking services and opportunities, draining funds meant for healthcare, education, roads and water, and even pushing low-quality procurement through favoritism. Hydropower & AI Investment: Lesotho signed a binding $6.2bn deal with Convalt Energy for the Kobong Hydropower and AI Data Centre Project—1,200MW of renewable power plus a green-powered AI data centre—aimed at energy independence, jobs and possible power exports (subject to feasibility, permits and financing). Water Infrastructure Progress: LHDA reports Polihali Dam Phase II is advancing, with rockfill placement and upstream concrete curb reaching elevation 2020; reservoir inundation is targeted for 2027. Regional Security & Migration: South Africa’s Ramaphosa condemned xenophobia and vigilantism, stressing immigration enforcement must be done by authorised officials. Trade & Logistics Links: Dubai Chambers met Lesotho’s PM Matekane to boost trade and investment, pointing to Dubai expertise in logistics, infrastructure and the digital economy. Disability Inclusion: Lesotho says assistive technology access is improving via a national priority products list and policy, plus low-cost device training—though funding and rollout gaps remain. Health Monitoring: Lesotho is investigating influenza-like illness reports across multiple districts while South Africa confirms a winter COVID-19 case.

Hydropower + AI investment: Convalt Energy signed a $6.2bn (98bn maloti) deal with Lesotho to build the 1,200MW Kobong Hydropower and AI Data Centre in Mokhotlong, aiming to cut electricity imports and create jobs, though feasibility and approvals still come first. Trade diplomacy: Dubai Chambers met Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Matekane in Johannesburg to boost investment ties, pointing to Dubai expertise in logistics, infrastructure and the digital economy, with a proposed Dubai–Lesotho Business Forum. Disability inclusion: Lesotho says it has improved assistive technology access via a national priority products list and a policy/strategy, plus low-cost device training, but funding and rollout gaps remain. Skills for industry: Lesotho’s Science and Mathematics Teachers Association unveiled a six-member team for the 2026 Pan African Mathematics Olympiad, with passport access still a key hurdle. Health watch: Lesotho continues monitoring influenza-like illness in several districts as South Africa reports its first winter COVID-19 case. Food systems: Government and dairy stakeholders urged stronger collaboration to revive Lesotho’s dairy sector, citing low production and reliance on imports. Water project complaints: Villagers in Mokhotlong filed a formal complaint against the AfDB over alleged harm from Lesotho Highlands Water Project activities, including damaged homes and inadequate compensation.

Hydropower + AI investment: Lesotho has signed a binding $6.2bn (98bn maloti) deal with Convalt Energy for the Kobong Hydropower and AI Data Centre Project in Mokhotlong, pairing at least 1,200MW of renewable power with a green-powered AI data centre—aimed at energy independence, jobs, and making Lesotho a regional hub for digital infrastructure. Trade & investment diplomacy: Dubai Chambers met Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane in Johannesburg to explore stronger bilateral trade and investment ties, with a focus on Dubai expertise in logistics, infrastructure and the digital economy and plans for a Dubai–Lesotho business forum. Disability inclusion: Lesotho says it has improved access to assistive technology through a National Priority Assistive Products List and a National Assistive Technology Policy/Strategy, plus local low-cost device manufacturing—while still flagging funding and rollout gaps. Education for industry skills: The Lesotho Science and Mathematics Teachers Association unveiled its six-member team for the 2026 Pan African Mathematics Olympiad, targeting STEAM problem-solving and international competition readiness. Health watch: Lesotho is investigating influenza-like illness reports in multiple districts as South Africa confirms its first winter COVID-19 case. Sports (industry spotlight via talent pipelines): Harambee Stars beat Lesotho 4-0 in South Africa, while Zimbabwe’s Mighty Warriors also advanced in the 4 Nations Women’s final after a 3-1 win over Lesotho.

Hydropower + AI Investment: Convalt Energy signed a $6.2bn (98bn maloti) deal with Lesotho’s Ministry of Energy for the Kobong Hydropower and AI Data Centre Project in Mokhotlong, pairing a 1,200MW hydropower plant with a green-powered AI data centre—aimed at cutting electricity imports and boosting jobs and local business development, though feasibility and approvals still come first. Trade & Investment Links: Dubai Chambers met Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane in Johannesburg to explore stronger bilateral trade and investment, with a focus on Dubai expertise in logistics, infrastructure and the digital economy, and plans for a Dubai–Lesotho business forum. Dairy Sector Push: In Maseru, government and dairy stakeholders called for a practical roadmap to revive Lesotho’s dairy industry, citing low milk production, underused infrastructure and import dependence, and stressing public-private collaboration. Water Project Complaints: Villagers in northeastern Lesotho lodged a formal complaint against the AfDB over alleged harm from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, including damaged homes, contaminated water and inadequate compensation. Health Watch: Lesotho is investigating influenza-like illness reports across seven districts while South Africa confirmed its first winter COVID-19 case. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC renewed the board of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre in Maputo, keeping Lesotho’s stakeholder representative on the team as the region targets illegal fishing.

Hydropower + AI investment: Convalt Energy has signed a $6.2bn (98bn maloti) deal with Lesotho’s Ministry of Energy for the Kobong Hydropower and AI Data Centre Project in Mokhotlong, pairing a 1,200MW hydropower plant with a green-powered AI data centre—aimed at cutting electricity imports and creating jobs, though feasibility and regulatory steps still remain. Trade and investment push: Dubai Chambers met Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane and ministers in Johannesburg to explore stronger bilateral trade and investment links, with a focus on Dubai expertise in logistics, infrastructure and the digital economy. Dairy sector revival: Government and dairy stakeholders in Maseru called for a practical roadmap to grow Lesotho’s dairy industry, citing underused infrastructure, low milk output and import dependence, and urging stronger public-private collaboration. Regional fisheries governance: SADC renewed the board of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre (MCSCC) in Maputo, keeping Lesotho’s Bokang Makututsa as a stakeholder representative as the region targets tougher illegal fishing controls. Local development concerns: Villagers in Mokhotlong have lodged a formal complaint against the AfDB over alleged damage linked to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, including home harm, water contamination and inadequate compensation. Health messaging support: Lesotho Red Cross, with UNICEF, met district nutrition teams in Leribe to strengthen community nutrition messages under the Ntlafatsa Bana Project.

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.

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 and a green-powered AI data centre—aimed at cutting electricity imports and boosting jobs and digital infrastructure, though feasibility and regulatory steps still remain. Regional energy strategy: A separate report frames Africa’s hydropower push as the next phase of industrial growth, stressing regional grid integration and climate-resilient infrastructure—context that matters for Lesotho’s power ambitions. Health watch: South Africa confirmed its first winter COVID-19 case, while Lesotho continues investigating influenza-like illness reports across seven districts, with health authorities urging vigilance for vulnerable groups. Lesotho dairy push: Government and dairy stakeholders in Maseru called for stronger collaboration to revive the sector, citing low milk production, underused infrastructure, limited veterinary and breeding access, and heavy reliance on imports. Water project tensions: Villagers in northeastern Lesotho have lodged a formal complaint against the African Development Bank over alleged harm linked to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, including damaged homes, contaminated water, and inadequate compensation. Trade + security debate: An analysis warns that “weaponised interdependence” and trade fragmentation are already costly for African economies, pushing the need for smarter diversification and economic security. Regional fisheries governance: SADC renewed the board of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Centre in Maputo, keeping Stanley Ndara as chair and prioritising vessel registers and reduced donor dependence.

Corrosion Protection for Industry: Corrocoat South Africa says its Nanoflake glassflake reinforced coating is being used on Lesotho Highlands Water Project tunnel refurbishment work, including steel linings for the transfer and delivery tunnels, Muela hydropower station and bypass tunnel—aimed at extending corrosion protection for decades. Healthcare Safety & Regulation: Regional health officials met in Nairobi to strengthen public health systems and the safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, with Lesotho among participating countries. Lesotho Dairy Push: Government and dairy stakeholders in Maseru called for tighter collaboration to revive Lesotho’s dairy sector, citing low milk output, underused infrastructure and reliance on imports, and urged a practical growth roadmap. Water Project Fallout: Villagers in northeastern Lesotho have lodged a formal complaint against the AfDB over alleged damage linked to the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, including harm to homes, water sources and farmland, plus concerns over compensation and consultation. Digital Skills for Entrepreneurs: Sebabatso alumni in Maseru started a three-day e-commerce and AI-powered marketing training to help local producers—especially textile makers—reach wider markets. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC renewed the board of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre in Maputo, keeping Stanley Ndara as chair and prioritising vessel registers and capacity building. Infrastructure Execution Watch: A Lesotho minister visited the long-troubled Semphetenyane road and promised follow-up action, after residents and officials cited delays tied to budget constraints and water-pipe issues.

Mozambique–South Africa Migration Crisis: Mozambique says five Mozambicans were killed in “xenophobic attacks” in Mossel Bay, while South African police confirm only two deaths linked to assault, with the rest disputed and investigations ongoing—an escalation that is already triggering repatriations and raising cross-border tensions. Nuclear & Healthcare Safety: Kenya’s nuclear regulator, with the IAEA, convened experts from nine African countries in Nairobi to strengthen safety and regulatory capacity for nuclear and radiation use in healthcare. Lesotho Treason Trial: In Maseru, a state witness told the High Court that some police officers fled to South Africa after the 2014 attacks, then later returned and reported back to work. Lesotho Water Project Grievances: Villagers in northeastern Lesotho filed a formal complaint against the AfDB over alleged damage from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, citing harmed homes, contaminated water, and inadequate compensation. Lesotho Dairy Push: Government and dairy stakeholders in Maseru called for stronger collaboration to revive the sector, tackle low milk production and import dependence, and improve farmer access to breeding, veterinary services, markets and finance. Digital Skills for Basotho Entrepreneurs: Sebabatso alumni in Maseru attended an e-commerce and AI-powered marketing training to help local businesses reach wider markets. Energy & Industry Context: A wider regional focus on hydropower and infrastructure execution continues, alongside warnings that geo-economic fragmentation could raise costs for vulnerable economies.

Water & Accountability: Villagers in Mokhotlong have filed a formal complaint against the African Development Bank over alleged damage from the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, citing contaminated water, disrupted farms, inadequate compensation and weak consultation, with support from Seinoli Legal Centre and Accountability Counsel. Agribusiness & Jobs: Government and dairy stakeholders met in Maseru to push a practical roadmap to revive Lesotho’s dairy sector, citing underused infrastructure, low milk output, limited breeding/vet services, weak market infrastructure and tight farmer finance. Energy & Power Planning: LHDA is seeking consultants for a floating solar feasibility study for Katse and Mohale reservoirs, aiming to cut energy import dependence and guide phasing, sizing and tender documentation for future build. Local Infrastructure Pressure: Residents of Semphetenyane blocked a road with burning tyres, accusing officials of overstating road rehabilitation and demanding urgent repairs after damage left vehicles struggling. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC reappointed Stanley Ndara to chair the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre board in Maputo, with priorities including vessel registers and reducing illegal fishing. Youth Digital Skills: Sebabatso alumni in Maseru began an e-commerce and AI-powered marketing training, including support for local manufacturers to reach wider markets.

Dairy Revival Push: Government and dairy stakeholders in Maseru called for tighter collaboration to revive Lesotho’s dairy sector, citing underused infrastructure, low milk output and heavy import dependence, and urging a practical roadmap through partnerships and improved breeding, veterinary access, market infrastructure and farmer finance. Regional Fisheries Governance: SADC renewed the board leadership of the Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre in Maputo, keeping Stanley Ndara as chair for a second term as the region targets illegal fishing, strengthens capacity and rolls out a regional fishing vessel register. Aviation Standards for Trade: ICAO and regional aviation bodies held a workshop in Eswatini with Lesotho among participants to advance Aircraft and Pavement Classification Rating standards, stressing that modern, harmonised air infrastructure underpins connectivity and economic growth. Lesotho Energy Planning: LHDA seeks a consultancy for a floating solar feasibility study on Katse and Mohale reservoirs, aiming to cut electricity import dependence and guide project phasing, sizing and tender documentation. Road Tensions in Semphetenyane: Residents protested poor road conditions by burning tyres and threatening a prolonged blockage, disputing claims that rehabilitation is complete and blaming delays on unresolved water-pipe issues. Nutrition Messaging Support: The Lesotho Red Cross Society, with UNICEF support, met district nutrition teams to strengthen community nutrition messages under the Ntlafatsa Bana programme using risk communication and community engagement. Kao Mine Shutdown: Storm Mountain Diamonds said it will cease operations at the Kao Mine by June 30 due to unsustainable fuel costs and weak global diamond prices, moving the site to care and maintenance and affecting hundreds of workers.

SADC Fisheries Oversight: Stanley Ndara has been reappointed chair of the SADC Regional Fisheries Monitoring Control and Surveillance Coordination Centre, with the board renewed to tackle illegal fishing, cut donor reliance, and roll out a regional fishing-vessel register. Lesotho Nutrition Delivery: The Lesotho Red Cross Society, with UNICEF, is strengthening nutrition messaging under the Ntlafatsa Bana Project by working with district nutrition teams on risk communication and community engagement in multiple districts. Roads and Accountability in Lesotho: Semphetenyane residents have protested by burning tyres over alleged poor road works, while the Public Works and Transport minister says follow-up action is coming after a site visit. Renewables for Lesotho’s Grid: LHDA is seeking consultants for a floating solar feasibility study on Katse and Mohale reservoirs, aiming to reduce energy-import dependence and guide project phasing and tendering. Digital Skills for Basotho Entrepreneurs: Sebabatso alumni and beneficiaries launched a three-day e-commerce and AI-powered marketing training in Maseru, targeting online store setup and market expansion beyond Lesotho. Mining Cost Pressure: Storm Mountain Diamonds says it will place its Kao Mine on care and maintenance after June 30, citing fuel-cost surges and weak diamond prices. Trade and Industry Linkages: Lesotho’s Korea-Africa cooperation push highlights infrastructure, renewable energy, digital transformation, skills development, and agricultural value addition as priorities. Regional Migration Tensions: Mozambique accused South Africa of failing to protect its citizens after reports of Mozambicans killed in Mossel Bay xenophobic unrest, while South African police confirmed only two deaths linked to assaults.

Nutrition & Community Health: The Lesotho Red Cross Society (LRCS) met Leribe’s District Nutrition Team to strengthen nutrition messaging under UNICEF’s Ntlafatsa Bana Project, focusing on risk communication and community engagement where impact is still not visible. Roads & Local Accountability: In Semphetenyane, residents burned tyres and threatened to block the road over claims of continued poor conditions, challenging officials’ statements that rehabilitation is complete. Energy & Power Planning: The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) is seeking a consultancy for a floating solar feasibility study for Katse and Mohale reservoirs, aiming to cut energy import dependence and support scalable generation. Trade & Industry Partnerships: Lesotho’s Public Works and Transport Minister reaffirmed cooperation with Korea and African partners on infrastructure, renewable energy, digital transformation, skills, and agricultural value addition. Skills for Digital Commerce: Sebabatso alumni in Maseru launched a three-day e-commerce and AI-powered marketing training using American Corner AI tools to help local firms reach wider markets, including textile and related products. Mining & Jobs: Storm Mountain Diamonds says it will cease operations at Kao Mine on 30 June due to fuel cost pressures and weak diamond prices, moving the site to care and maintenance. Finance Watch: Lesotho’s central bank raised the Central Bank Rate by 25 basis points to 6.75% as global fuel-price shocks and shipping disruptions threaten inflation and reserves.