AGP Executive Report

Mineworker Compensation: The Tshiamiso Trust has paid R2.7bn to gold mineworkers and dependents affected by silicosis and TB, with Lesotho leading beneficiaries (about R1bn paid to former mineworkers). Claims remain open until 10 Dec 2029, while many are still being assessed or found medically ineligible. SACU Industrial Push: At the 9th SACU Summit, leaders backed faster reforms and approved a regional innovative funding mechanism of N$5bn (R5bn) to support cross-border industrial and infrastructure projects across Lesotho, Namibia, Botswana, Eswatini and South Africa. Electricity Pressure in SA: Stats SA reports electricity generation down 9% year on year in May as tariffs climb, with distribution also falling in several provinces—an issue that can ripple into regional industry costs. Lesotho Ex-Mineworkers’ Access: Lesotho says thousands of former Basotho miners still can’t access benefits owed by 51 foreign companies due to document and legal hurdles, including reliance on South African court processes. Agriculture & Wool/Mohair: Lesotho’s farmers and the agriculture ministry clash over how quickly agricultural growth engines are turning, with emphasis on boosting wool and mohair collections and processing for higher revenue. Cross-Border Migration Tensions: Lesotho urged citizens in South Africa to contact embassies and offered five buses to KwaZulu-Natal amid anti-immigrant marches, while labour groups in SA allege some employers are using the xenophobic climate to dismiss migrant workers.

SACU Industrial Push: President Cyril Ramaphosa used the 9th SACU Summit to call for faster reforms and deeper regional cooperation, pointing to work on regional value chains in fertilisers, agrochemicals and seed production, plus progress in automotive and battery manufacturing and an export strategy to boost intra-Africa trade. Regional Funding for Industry: Leaders also agreed to set up a SACU Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism with an initial N$5 billion from the Common Revenue Pool to back cross-border industrial and infrastructure projects across all five member states. Lesotho Farmers’ Concerns: At the Leadership and Accountability Summit, Lesotho’s agriculture minister responded to farmers’ worries, citing wool and mohair collections and urging faster processing and more production to grow revenue. Ex-Mineworkers’ Benefits: Lesotho’s labour ministry says thousands of former Basotho mineworkers still can’t access benefits owed by 51 foreign companies due to document and legal hurdles, with steps underway to simplify claims. Cross-Border Safety for Basotho: Lesotho urged citizens in South Africa to contact embassies for help as anti-immigrant marches approach, including providing buses for possible repatriations. Labour Rights Under Xenophobia: South African labour groups accuse some employers of exploiting xenophobic tensions to dismiss migrant workers, including alleged pressured separations at Harvest Fresh Farms.

SACU Industrial Push: SACU Heads of State agreed to set up a N$5 billion regional innovative funding mechanism to back cross-border industrial and infrastructure projects, financed through the Common Revenue Pool in 2027/28 and 2028/29, with governance and access criteria to be worked out next. Lesotho–South Africa Migration Support: Lesotho urged Basotho in South Africa to contact embassy/satellite offices if unsafe, and said it is readying five buses to help repatriations ahead of planned anti-immigrant marches. Ex-Mineworkers’ Benefits: Lesotho’s labour ministry says thousands of former Basotho mineworkers still can’t access benefits owed by 51 foreign companies, citing document hurdles tied to South African court processes; only one company has agreed to open a Lesotho office to assist claims. Regional Skills & Jobs Pipeline: AIMS-Cameroon graduated 62 students across climate, data and quantum science tracks, including a cooperative programme with six-month industry placements. Trade & Logistics Pressure: South Africa’s trade balance slipped into a May deficit (R1.8bn) as oil import costs rose, underlining how regional shipping and energy shocks can quickly hit costs and competitiveness. Agriculture & Biosecurity: Spain reported new Newcastle disease outbreaks, while Lesotho-linked WOAH updates note no new outbreaks there—an ongoing reminder for poultry producers to keep biosecurity tight. Manufacturing Outlook: The Manufacturing Indaba 2026 in Johannesburg will spotlight industrialisation, localisation and investment as AfCFTA opens new regional trade opportunities.

Migration & Safety for Basotho: Lesotho urged citizens in South Africa to contact embassy/satellite offices if they feel unsafe, as the government prepares for planned marches and provided buses to KwaZulu-Natal for possible repatriations. Ex-Mineworkers’ Benefits: Lesotho’s Labour ministry says thousands of former Basotho mineworkers still can’t access benefits owed by 51 foreign companies, citing document hurdles tied to South Africa’s Master of the High Court; only Tshiamiso has opened a Lesotho office to help. SACU Industrial Push: SACU leaders agreed to a Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism with an initial N$5 billion (from the Common Revenue Pool) to back cross-border industrial and infrastructure projects across member states, including Lesotho. Regional Trade & Payments: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Southern Africa regional chief, while Afreximbank also highlights wider adoption of local-currency cross-border settlement via PAPSS to cut reliance on the US dollar and euro. Food & Agriculture Link: South Africa’s Bee Industry Organisation BEECON 2026 spotlighted pollinators for food security, rural transformation and economic growth. Business Impact of Unrest: Ahead of South Africa’s June 30 immigration deadline, township tourism operators report booking cancellations and revenue drops as uncertainty spreads.

SACU Industrial Push: Southern African Customs Union leaders agreed to set up a regional innovative funding mechanism with an initial N$5 billion to back cross-border industrial and infrastructure projects across Lesotho, Namibia, Botswana, Eswatini and South Africa, with governance work now underway. Regional Trade & Jobs: The 9th SACU summit also reaffirmed a drive to cut reliance on imports, strengthen value chains and support SMEs, while President Ramaphosa warned no country can prosper alone amid shifting trade patterns. Lesotho Skills for Growth: About 260 Lesotho mathematics teachers are in a two-day training at NUL to improve learner performance, focusing on problem-solving and confidence in abstract concepts. Cross-Border Safety for Basotho: Lesotho urged citizens in South Africa to contact embassy help if they feel unsafe, and said it has provided five buses in KwaZulu-Natal ahead of planned anti-immigrant marches. Agriculture & Finance: Lesotho Post Bank’s Agricultural Financing Unit urged farmers to use the tractor financing promotion, saying uptake remains low despite government support. Energy Cost Pressure: South Africa’s trade balance slipped into deficit in May as the oil import bill rose, highlighting how Middle East tensions can ripple into regional costs.

SACU Regional Push: Heads of SACU agreed to set up a Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism with an initial N$5 billion (from the Common Revenue Pool) to back cross-border industrial and infrastructure projects across Lesotho, South Africa, Namibia, Botswana and Eswatini, alongside a mandate to drive the “re-imagined” SACU Agenda. Cross-Border Caution for Basotho: Lesotho urged citizens in South Africa to contact embassy/satellite offices for safety or return help, with buses reportedly provided for potential repatriations as anti-immigrant marches near 30 June. Lesotho Skills for Learning: About 260 Lesotho mathematics teachers attended a two-day NUL workshop to improve teaching methods and boost learner performance. Agriculture Finance Uptake: Lesotho Post Bank’s Agricultural Financing Unit urged farmers to use the Tractors Finance Promotion, noting uptake remains low despite earlier government injections. Customs Compliance: Revenue Services Lesotho urged traders and commuters to meet customs declaration rules to protect Lesotho’s SACU revenue share, highlighting its Authorised Economic Operator programme for faster clearance. Regional Trade Signals: India said its FTA talks with Israel and the GCC are temporarily stalled due to the West Asia crisis, while talks with SACU and other blocs continue.

SACU Industrial Push: Heads of SACU agreed to set up a Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism with an initial N$5 billion (R5 billion) to back cross-border industrial and infrastructure projects across all five member states, with governance work now underway. Regional Trade & Customs: SACU leaders also reaffirmed the union’s industrialisation and export promotion agenda, while Lesotho’s Revenue Services urged traders and commuters to comply with customs declarations, highlighting its Authorised Economic Operator programme to speed clearance and boost Lesotho’s SACU revenue share. Lesotho–South Africa Tensions: Lesotho’s foreign affairs minister Limpho Tau told South Africa it has a moral obligation to help address poverty linked to land dispossession, migrant labour and apartheid-era raids, ahead of the 30 June anti-immigration protests. Immigration Pressure on Business: In South Africa, June 30 unrest is already hitting township tourism bookings, with cancellations and revenue losses reported as visitors lose confidence. Agriculture Finance: Lesotho Post Bank encouraged Berea farmers to use its tractor financing promotion, saying uptake remains low despite government support. Energy, Water & Industry Risk: A Carte Blanche investigation links rising temperatures and strained water systems to fears of a “Day Zero” scenario for the Vaal–Lesotho water system, underscoring supply risks for industry and households. Afreximbank Leadership: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Southern Africa Director of Regional Operations, signalling renewed focus on regional financing.

SACU Regional Development Push: Southern African Customs Union leaders approved a R5 billion regional innovative funding mechanism to finance cross-border industrial and infrastructure projects, with Lesotho among the five beneficiary states, as part of the 9th SACU Summit’s drive to deepen value chains and regional competitiveness. SACU Leadership & Reform Agenda: Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Matekane is set to engage in the SACU Heads of State process in Cape Town, where leaders also mandated reforms under the re-imagined SACU Agenda and extended the Strategic Plan to 2028/29. Lesotho Customs Compliance: Revenue Services Lesotho urged traders and commuters to meet customs declaration requirements, highlighting its Authorised Economic Operator programme to speed clearance and protect Lesotho’s share of SACU revenue. Agriculture Finance for Mechanisation: Lesotho Post Bank, via its Agricultural Financing Unit, encouraged Berea farmers to use the Tractors Finance Promotion, noting under-utilisation despite government support to boost productivity. Manufacturing & Trade Momentum: The Manufacturing Indaba 2026 in Johannesburg will spotlight Africa’s industrial future and job creation under AfCFTA-linked growth themes, with regional leaders pushing localisation and investment. Energy, Water, and Industry Pressure: Coverage across the region flags how diesel and water stress can quickly raise transport and production costs, while a Lesotho-linked modelling effort examines how extreme heat could strain the Vaal–Lesotho water system. Regional Finance Appointments: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Southern Africa Director of Regional Operations, signalling continued focus on trade and industrial financing across the region.

SACU Push for Industrial Growth: Leaders at the 9th Southern African Customs Union summit in Cape Town backed a “re-imagined SACU” agenda, with Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Matekane and others focusing on industrial development, customs modernisation, trade facilitation and AfCFTA-linked value chains. Lesotho–South Africa Economic Ties: Lesotho’s foreign affairs minister Limpho Tau told South Africa it has a moral obligation to help lift Lesotho out of poverty, citing land dispossession, migrant labour and apartheid-era raids. Lesotho Customs Compliance: Revenue Services Lesotho urged traders and commuters to meet customs declaration rules to protect Lesotho’s SACU revenue share, highlighting its Authorised Economic Operator programme for faster clearance. Farm Mechanisation Finance: Lesotho Post Bank’s Agricultural Financing Unit urged Berea farmers to use the tractor financing promotion, noting uptake remains low despite government injections. Water and Infrastructure Watch: A Carte Blanche investigation follows hydrologists modelling how the Vaal–Lesotho Water System could cope with extreme heat and whether South Africa risks a “Day Zero” scenario. Regional Trade Finance Leadership: Afreximbank appointed Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Southern Africa Director of Regional Operations, covering Lesotho among 13 countries. Logistics Expansion: SMSA Africa Logistics Group broke ground on a new head office, warehouse and workshop in Benoni, strengthening cross-border logistics capacity for the region.

SACU Summit Watch: Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Matekane and regional leaders meet in Cape Town for the 9th Southern African Customs Union summit, with a push on industrial development, customs modernisation, trade facilitation and AfCFTA-linked value chains. Regional Finance & Trade: Afreximbank appoints Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Southern Africa Director of Regional Operations, aiming to deepen financing across the region. Water & Infrastructure Pressure: South Africa’s water crisis is back in focus as Carte Blanche follows hydrologists modelling how the Vaal–Lesotho Water System could cope with extreme heat and “Day Zero” fears. Lesotho–South Africa Economic Ties: Lesotho’s foreign affairs minister Limpho Tau urges South Africa to support Lesotho’s recovery, citing historical land loss, migrant labour and apartheid-era raids. Customs Revenue for Industry: Revenue Services Lesotho urges traders to comply with customs declarations and expands the Authorised Economic Operator programme to speed border clearance. Agriculture Finance: Lesotho Post Bank promotes its tractor financing initiative, saying uptake remains low and urging farmers to access machinery support. Logistics Expansion: SMSA Africa Logistics Group breaks ground on a new head office, warehouse and workshop in Benoni to expand Southern Africa operations. Industry Skills for Farmers: LNDB trains Berea dairy farmers to process fresh milk into yoghurt and sour milk, responding to Foot and Mouth Disease disruptions.

SACU Summit Momentum: Lesotho’s PM Samuel Matekane and regional leaders met in Cape Town for the 9th Southern African Customs Union summit, with a push to implement the “re-imagined SACU Agenda,” extend the 2022–2027 strategic plan, and speed up industrialisation, customs modernisation, trade facilitation and regional value chains. Customs Revenue Focus: Lesotho Revenue Services urged traders and commuters to meet customs declaration rules, highlighting its Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme to cut clearance times and protect Lesotho’s SACU revenue share. Agriculture Finance Uptake: Lesotho Post Bank’s Agricultural Financing Unit urged Berea farmers to use tractor financing, saying the scheme remains under-used despite government support. Farm Skills for Value-Add: Pilot Resource Centre farmers in Berea trained on turning fresh milk into yoghurt and sour milk, aiming to reduce waste and improve nutrition and income. Water Security Watch: Carte Blanche followed hydrologists modelling how extreme heat could stress the Vaal–Lesotho Water System and raise “Day Zero” fears for South Africa. Regional Trade & Payments: Afreximbank and partners spotlighted stronger intra-African trade, including local-currency cross-border settlement via PAPSS.

SACU Summit Push: Lesotho PM Samuel Matekane and President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah are in Cape Town for the 9th Southern African Customs Union summit, where leaders will review the SACU Strategic Plan, push customs modernisation and trade facilitation, and align industrial development with AfCFTA. Regional Integration Watch: Botswana takes over SACU chair from July 15, pledging simplified customs procedures and stronger partnerships to boost cross-border goods movement. Customs Revenue Focus: Lesotho Revenue Services urges traders and commuters to comply with customs declarations, highlighting its Authorised Economic Operator programme to speed clearance and protect Lesotho’s SACU revenue share. Agriculture Finance: Lesotho Post Bank’s Agricultural Financing Unit is urging Berea farmers to use tractor financing, saying the initiative remains under-used despite government support. Farm Skills Upgrade: Berea dairy farmers trained on turning fresh milk into yoghurt and sour milk after Foot and Mouth Disease restrictions disrupted sales. Logistics Expansion: SMSA Africa Logistics Group (formerly Namlog) broke ground on a new Benoni head office, warehouse and workshop, expanding warehouse solutions across Southern Africa. Energy Cost Pressure: A week of coverage links rising diesel prices to higher transport costs, inflation pressure, and reduced output in manufacturing, agriculture and construction. Afreximbank Appointments: Afreximbank named Peter Adeshola Olowononi as Southern Africa Director of Regional Operations, tasked with scaling regional financing and trade support. Cross-Border Tensions: Coverage also flags rising xenophobia and anti-immigration tensions affecting regional labour and business confidence, with Lesotho officials raising concerns for Basotho in South Africa.

SACU Summit Push: Southern African Customs Union leaders, including Lesotho PM Samuel Matekane, have given new Executive Secretary Dumsani Masilela a mandate to drive reforms under the “re-imagined SACU Agenda,” with focus on industrialisation, regional value chains, customs modernisation and trade facilitation. Regional Trade Finance: Afreximbank is urging deeper intra-African trade and highlights rising adoption of local-currency cross-border settlement via PAPSS, aiming to cut costs and reduce reliance on the US dollar and euro. Lesotho Customs Compliance: Revenue Services Lesotho (RSL) is urging traders and commuters to meet customs declaration requirements to protect Lesotho’s SACU revenue share, while expanding the Authorised Economic Operator (AEO) programme for faster clearance. Agriculture Finance & Skills: Lesotho Post Bank is promoting tractor financing to boost farm productivity, and dairy farmers in Berea are training to process fresh milk into yoghurt and sour milk to reduce waste and improve value. Energy Shock Watch: The IMF warns fiscal discipline is essential as war-related energy shocks fracture global growth, with knock-on effects for food and fertiliser costs across Africa. Logistics Expansion: SMSA Africa Logistics Group (formerly Namlog) has broken ground on a new head office, warehouse and workshop in Benoni to expand capacity for Southern Africa supply chains. Workforce & Industry Links: Coca-Cola Beverages Africa has opened a 2026 internship programme for diploma and degree students, offering hands-on exposure across departments.

Logistics Expansion: SMSA Africa Logistics Group (formerly Namlog) has broken ground in Benoni, Gauteng, for a new head office, warehouse and workshop—expanding contract logistics, cross-border transport and abnormal-load handling across Southern Africa, including Lesotho. Farm Finance Uptake: Lesotho Post Bank’s Agricultural Financing Unit urged Berea farmers to use the Tractors Finance Promotion, noting government support of M50m (with farmers contributing 10%, government 30%, LPB 60%) but saying only 76 farmers have benefited so far. SACU Summit Focus: Lesotho’s leadership is set to engage at the 9th Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Heads of State Summit in Cape Town, with priorities on industrialisation, regional value chains, customs modernisation, trade facilitation and AfCFTA opportunities. Dairy Skills for Value Addition: In Berea, dairy farmers trained on processing fresh milk into yoghurt and sour milk, aiming to reduce waste and improve shelf life and income—especially after Foot and Mouth Disease restrictions disrupted milk sales. Regional Migration Pressure: South Africa’s anti-illegal immigration crackdown and planned 30 June actions are driving debate and concern across the region, with Basotho communities and businesses watching closely.

SACU Summit Focus: Lesotho’s PM Ntsokoane Matekane and regional leaders are in Cape Town for the 9th Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Heads of State Summit, with talks expected to push industrialisation, regional value chains, customs modernisation, trade facilitation and investment promotion, plus a mid-term review of SACU’s 2022–2027 strategic plan. Lesotho-Backed Development Finance: The Lesotho government and the World Bank signed three agreements worth over M841 million to expand clean energy access, accelerate skills development and improve nutrition outcomes. Food Production Drive: Lesotho’s Law and Justice Minister Richard Ramoeletsi urged community members to join correctional-services block farming, stressing better yields, shared harvest plans and longer-term food availability. Logistics Expansion: Namlog/SMSA Africa Logistics Group broke ground on a Brentwood Park expansion, adding a new 10,000m² 3PL warehouse to boost capacity and efficiencies. Apparel Trade Signal: Africa’s share of US apparel imports hit a record in Q1 2026 as sourcing shifts and AGOA access helped countries including Lesotho benefit. Energy Cost Pressure: Diesel prices surged globally since the Iran war, with Lesotho among the biggest movers—an issue for freight, agriculture and construction. Security Disruption: A Cleveland mass shooting case involving Lesotho nationals was postponed to 2 July, with links suspected to illegal mining turf wars.

SACU Summit Focus: Lesotho’s leadership is set to engage at the 9th Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Heads of State and Government Summit in Cape Town on 26 June, with agenda items expected to cover the mid-term review of the SACU Strategic Plan (2022–2027), progress on industrialisation and regional value chains, customs modernisation, trade facilitation, investment promotion, and how AfCFTA opportunities can be leveraged for member states. World Bank Financing for Industry & Skills: Lesotho and the World Bank have signed three agreements worth over M841 million to expand clean energy access, accelerate skills development, and improve multisectoral nutrition outcomes—moves that can support workforce readiness and local production capacity. Agriculture & Food Security: The Ministry of Agriculture says plans are underway to operationalise the Ha Foso grain storage facility, with farmers already delivering grain through the Disaster Management Authority, while officials push for better storage timing and job creation. Logistics Expansion: Namlog/SMSA Africa Logistics Group has broken ground on an expansion in Brentwood Park, adding a new 10,000m² third-party logistics warehouse to boost capacity and efficiencies across Southern Africa. Poultry Investment Call: The Lesotho National Development Corporation is inviting investors into Lesotho’s poultry sector, citing a US$40m annual import bill and pointing to stable utilities as a base for value-adding production.