AGP Executive Report

Youth & Jobs: In Teyateyaneng, the International Trade Centre’s Ethical Fashion Initiative launched a Lesotho Wool and Mohair Roadshow urging young people to add value to wool and mohair through product development, branding and market links, so more fibre stays in local hands instead of being exported raw. Health Security: WHO and the Pandemic Fund handed Lesotho about M2.5 million in medical and information communication equipment to strengthen disease surveillance, early detection and response, including glucose monitors, stethoscopes and connectivity tools. Water Infrastructure: Ministers Pemmy Majodina and Mohlomi Moleko are set to unveil two newly completed LHWP Phase 2 bridges—Mabunyaneng and Khubelu—in Mokhotlong, improving year-round access as Polihali Dam work advances. Climate Preparedness: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority will host a National Climate Outlook Forum to share seasonal forecasts and push coordinated preparedness ahead of the coming season. El Niño Warning: The Environment and Forestry Ministry urged communities to brace for below-normal rainfall and intense heat in 2026/27, with heavier rains expected later in 2027.

LHWP II Bridges Openings: Water Minister Pemmy Majodina and Natural Resources counterpart Mohlomi Moleko will unveil two newly completed LHWP Phase 2 bridges—Mabunyaneng and Khubelu—in Mokhotlong this week, with Senqu Bridge already completed earlier, restoring year-round access as Polihali Dam work advances. Climate Preparedness: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority will host a National Climate Outlook Forum to share seasonal forecasts and push anticipatory preparedness across sectors, while the Environment Ministry warns of below-normal rainfall and intense heat ahead of El Niño 2026/27, with heavier rains expected Jan–Mar 2027. Water Safety & Monitoring: Regional water managers continue tracking the Integrated Vaal River System amid changing weather, keeping an eye on reservoir levels and inflows. Circular Solutions in Focus: Lesotho’s wool and mohair value-add push continues via an EFI roadshow across five districts, aiming to shift the sector from raw exports to higher-value products and jobs. Inclusive Education: Special education experts run a Maseru workshop to tackle barriers to inclusive schooling, training teachers to standardise support for learners with disabilities. Green Innovation Spotlight: Pee-Cycling won Cape Town’s GreenPitch challenge by turning human urine into fertiliser and non-potable water, highlighting circular economy ideas with regional finalists including Lesotho.

Justice & Accountability: Lesotho’s Defence and National Security PS Mpopo Tšoele denied any LDF role in the alleged abduction and assault of Newsday editor Kananelo Boloetse, as calls grow for an impartial probe into the attack. Sports & Youth Infrastructure: Lesotho Aquatics is set to get its first swimming pool at Ratjomose Barracks in Maseru, funded through World Aquatics’ Pools for All programme, with equipment already in Durban. Climate Risk & Preparedness: The Ministry of Environment and Forestry warns most of Lesotho to brace for below-normal rainfall and intense heat as El Niño 2026/27 approaches, while heavier rains are expected Jan–Mar 2027. Water & Early Warning: The Disaster Management Authority will host a National Climate Outlook Forum with Lesotho Meteorological Services to share seasonal forecasts and push anticipatory actions. Inclusive Education: Special education experts are running a five-day workshop in Maseru to improve inclusive education practices for learners with disabilities. Green Innovation: Lesotho-linked finalists featured in Cape Town’s Afri GreenPitch Challenge 2026, where Pee-Cycling won for turning human urine into fertiliser and non-potable water. Governance Reform: Government, with EU support, launched a Justice Sector Coordination Forum to improve coordination across the justice chain and speed up case transitions.

Water & Climate Watch: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority will host a National Climate Outlook Forum with the Lesotho Meteorological Services to share seasonal forecasts and push sector preparedness. El Niño Preparedness: The Ministry of Environment and Forestry warns most of Lesotho may see below-normal rainfall and intense heat as El Niño 2026/27 approaches, with heavier rains expected Jan–Mar 2027—urging water saving and crop and home protection. Inclusive Education: Special education experts are running a five-day workshop in Maseru to tackle barriers to inclusive schooling, using a new teacher training manual and plans to standardise support across districts. Clean Innovation Spotlight: A Lesotho-linked finalist presence stood out at Cape Town’s Afri GreenPitch Challenge 2026, where Pee-Cycling won for turning human urine into fertiliser and non-potable water. Local Water Security (Region): South Africa’s Vaal River System remains near full capacity at 97.7% despite minor fluctuations from recent rainfall. Food Prices (Regional Link): Vegetable prices feeding Maseru retail shifted, with onions up about 15% week-on-week and potatoes easing.

Water Security: South Africa’s Integrated Vaal River System is holding steady at 97.7% capacity as the Department of Water and Sanitation monitors reservoirs after recent rainfall, with the Vaal Dam still above full supply at 100.12%. Inclusive Education: In Maseru, Lesotho’s Ministry of Education and Training is running a five-day workshop with Kenyan support to standardise inclusive education for learners with disabilities, using a new Teacher Inclusive Training Manual and training-of-trainers approach. Climate Preparedness: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority will host a National Climate Outlook Forum with ministries, UN agencies, donors, NGOs and the private sector to plan ahead for seasonal climate risks and strengthen early warning coordination. El Niño Warning: The Ministry of Environment and Forestry says most of Lesotho should expect below-normal rainfall and intense heat, with heavier rains likely from January to March 2027, urging water saving and crop and home protection. Health & Safety Recall: Woolworths and the National Consumer Commission report a recall of WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo due to bacterial contamination, including sales in Lesotho. Weather Watch: Severe storm alerts across the region include Orange warnings for damaging thunderstorms and hail, with Yellow risk along the Lesotho border for flooding and strong winds.

Climate Preparedness: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority will host a National Climate Outlook Forum with Lesotho Meteorological Services to share seasonal forecasts and push coordinated preparedness across government, UN agencies, donors, NGOs and the private sector. Heat & Rain Outlook: The Ministry of Environment and Forestry warns most of Lesotho should expect below-normal rainfall and intense heat as El Niño 2026/27 approaches, with heavier rains likely between January and March 2027—plus the risk of storms that can destroy crops, damage homes and wash out roads. Water & Air Safety: A Woolworths/WBeauty shampoo recall has been issued after a bacterium was found in a specific batch; the product was also exported to Lesotho. Governance & Justice: With EU support, Lesotho has launched a Justice Sector Coordination Forum to improve coordination across the justice chain and strengthen access to fair, efficient and accountable justice. Local Business Support: The CAFI project continues backing youth and small enterprises, with attention on textile, food and brick-making as the trade ministry urges more value-chain growth.

Climate Outlook & Disaster Readiness: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority will host a National Climate Outlook Forum with the Lesotho Meteorological Services to share the seasonal forecast and push coordinated preparedness across ministries, UN agencies, donors, NGOs and the private sector. El Niño Warnings: The Ministry of Environment and Forestry says El Niño 2026/27 could bring below-normal rainfall and intense heat for most of Lesotho, with heavier rains expected between January and March 2027—while warning storms can still damage crops, homes and roads; communities are urged to save water and prepare. Quality for Sustainable Development: The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development launched the 2026 Lesotho National Quality Awards, framing quality and continuous improvement as foundations for competitiveness and sustainable economic development. Business & Jobs Support (CAFI): A CAFI-backed tour highlighted support for youth-led enterprise in textiles, food and brick-making, with the Trade Minister urging new, creative businesses that create jobs. Regional Environment Pressure (Illegal Mining): South African police intensified a crackdown on illegal mining in Gauteng, seizing generators and other equipment; suspects include people from Lesotho, underscoring cross-border environmental and enforcement risks. Food Prices in Maseru: Fresh produce price moves from South Africa’s markets are feeding into Maseru retail—onions jumped about 15% week-on-week while potatoes eased.

Climate Outlook & Preparedness: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority will host a National Climate Outlook Forum with Lesotho Meteorological Services to share seasonal forecasts and push anticipatory actions across ministries, UN agencies, donors, NGOs and the private sector. El Niño Heat & Rain Risks: The Ministry of Environment and Forestry warns most of Lesotho may see below-normal rainfall and intense heat as El Niño 2026/27 approaches, with heavier rains expected between January and March 2027—plus possible storms that could damage crops, homes and roads. Severe Weather Alerts (Regional): South Africa’s SAWS issued Orange Level 6 warnings for severe thunderstorms, flooding risk, hail and damaging winds, with Yellow warnings extending to areas along the Lesotho border—signals to keep local readiness high. Water & Food Security Angle: With weather uncertainty, Lesotho’s water-saving push and climate-smart planning are especially urgent for farmers and communities. Quality for Sustainable Development: The Ministry of Trade launched the 2026 Lesotho National Quality Awards, linking quality, competitiveness and sustainable development—an indirect boost for resilient, climate-ready services and production.

National Quality Awards: Lesotho’s Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development has launched the 2026 Lesotho National Quality Awards, urging a stronger “quality culture” to help local products compete under regional integration and the African Continental Free Trade Area. Climate preparedness: The Disaster Management Authority will host a National Climate Outlook Forum with Lesotho Meteorological Services to share seasonal forecasts and push coordinated preparedness across government, UN agencies, donors, NGOs and the private sector. El Niño warning: The Ministry of Environment and Forestry says most of Lesotho should expect below-normal rainfall and intense heat as El Niño 2026/27 approaches, with heavier rains likely between January and March 2027—while still warning of storms that can damage crops, homes and roads. Business pressure and fraud risk: A Lesotho private-sector study highlights constraints like high credit costs, geography and a large state, but flags fraud and misconduct as the area firms are least able to detect. Justice system overhaul: With EU support, Lesotho has launched a Justice Sector Coordination Forum to improve coordination across the justice chain and speed case transitions. Sports governance: The Lesotho Taekwondo Association has elected a new executive committee after years of delays and court disputes.

Climate Outlook & Storm Alerts: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority will host a National Climate Outlook Forum with Lesotho Meteorological Services to share seasonal forecasts and push preparedness, as South Africa braces for severe thunderstorms, heavy rain, hail and strong winds linked to Orange Level 6 warnings, with Yellow alerts also extending toward the Lesotho border. El Niño Heat & Rainfall Risk: Lesotho’s Environment and Forestry Ministry warns of below-normal rainfall and intense heat for 2026/27, with heavier rains expected from January to March 2027—while still warning storms could damage crops, homes and roads. Water & Environment Accountability: Civil society groups urge the New Development Bank to engage directly with communities affected by LHWP II and disclose a draft independent accountability mechanism for consultation, citing unresolved livelihood, relocation and environmental concerns. Food & Farm Pressure: A fresh produce price update shows onions up sharply while potatoes ease—moves that can quickly affect Maseru retail—alongside promotion of aeroponics as a soil-free, year-round option for climate-smart food production. Justice System Reform: With EU support, Lesotho launches a Justice Sector Coordination Forum to improve coordination across the justice chain and speed case transitions. Public Health Recall: Woolworths and the National Consumer Commission issue a recall of WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo after bacteria contamination concerns, including sales into Lesotho.

Climate Preparedness: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority will host a National Climate Outlook Forum with the Lesotho Meteorological Services to share the latest seasonal forecast and push coordinated anticipatory actions across ministries, UN agencies, donors, NGOs and the private sector. El Niño Heat & Rain Risks: The Ministry of Environment and Forestry warns most of Lesotho may see below-normal rainfall and intense heat as El Niño 2026/27 approaches, while heavier rains are expected from January to March 2027—along with possible storms that could damage crops, homes and roads. Severe Weather Watch (Regional): South Africa’s Weather Service issued an Orange Level 6 warning for severe thunderstorms (flooding, strong winds and hail) affecting parts of the North West, Free State and Northern Cape, with knock-on disruption risks that can spill into border areas. Food & Prices: Fresh produce prices feeding Maseru retail shifted this week, with onions up sharply and potatoes easing, reflecting changes in South African wholesale markets. Water & Environment Accountability: Civil society groups urged the New Development Bank to engage directly with LHWP II-affected communities and disclose a draft independent accountability mechanism for consultation. Biodiversity & Traditional Medicine: Traditional doctors marked African Traditional Medicine Day, stressing the need to protect indigenous medicinal plants as climate change threatens their survival.

Severe Storm Alerts: South Africa’s SAWS issued an Orange Level 6 warning for severe thunderstorms over parts of the North West, northern Free State and north-eastern Northern Cape, with flooding, hail, damaging winds, travel disruption and possible municipal service outages; Border Impacts: SAWS also flagged a Yellow Level 4 risk along the Lesotho border, meaning Lesotho communities should watch for spillover storms and rapidly changing conditions; Climate Outlook: Lesotho’s Environment ministry warned of below-normal rainfall and intense heat as El Niño 2026/27 approaches, while heavier rains are expected from January to March 2027—raising risks to crops, homes and roads; Food Prices: Fresh produce prices feeding Maseru are shifting, with onions up about 15% week-on-week while potatoes eased, reflecting regional market swings; Water & Environment Governance: Civil groups urged the New Development Bank to engage directly on LHWP II concerns, including livelihoods, relocation and environmental impacts; Safeguarding Learners: The Education ministry rolled out Safe and Inclusive Schools in 300 primary schools to prevent and respond to violence.

Severe Weather Watch: South Africa’s SAWS issued Orange Level 6 and Level 5 storm warnings, with flooding, hail, damaging winds and travel disruptions expected across parts of the North West, Free State and Northern Cape, and along the Lesotho border under Yellow Level 4. Cold-Front Snow Clarification: Meteorologists said any snow would be confined to high ground like the Drakensberg and Lesotho—not Pretoria—after confusion on social media. Hydropower for Semonkong: Lesotho’s upgraded Semonkong hydropower station was launched to improve reliable electricity and cut reliance on costly diesel generators and pollution. Climate-Smart Farming: Aeroponics is being promoted as a soil-free, year-round option for Lesotho’s food production, especially for young entrepreneurs. Water Project Accountability: Communities affected by LHWP II urged the New Development Bank to disclose an independent accountability mechanism for public consultation. Clean Energy Investment Angle: A wider Africa solar boom report highlights how distributed solar is often “hidden” in official numbers. Product Safety Recall: Woolworths recalled WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo after a bacteria-related issue, including sales into Lesotho.

Weather & Climate Risk: South Africa’s SAWS has issued Yellow Level 4 warnings for disruptive rain and damaging winds, with possible snowfall over the Drakensberg high areas that could affect Lesotho—drivers are urged to watch for rapidly changing mountain conditions. Water & Energy: Lesotho’s Semonkong hydropower station has been officially launched after an upgrade, aiming to deliver more reliable electricity through the night and reduce reliance on costly diesel generators. Environment, Health & Consumer Safety: Woolworths and the National Consumer Commission have recalled WBeauty Complete Clarifying Shampoo after bacteria was found in the product, with affected batches sold across several countries including Lesotho. Governance & Justice: With EU support, Lesotho has launched a fresh bid to improve coordination across the justice chain via a new Justice Sector Coordination Forum, targeting better access to justice and smoother case transitions. Sustainable Agriculture: Aeroponics is being promoted as a soil-free, year-round farming approach that can help Lesotho grow crops with less land—positioned as a business opportunity for young farmers. Water Project Accountability: Civil society groups have urged the New Development Bank to engage directly with LHWP II-affected communities and disclose a draft independent accountability mechanism for consultation.

Solar & Energy: A new analysis says Africa’s solar boom is expanding fast, but much of it is “hidden” in distributed rooftop systems that often don’t show up in official stats—meaning Lesotho and the region may be seeing more panel installs than records suggest. Weather & Climate Risk: South Africa’s Weather Service issued Yellow Level 4 warnings for disruptive rain, damaging winds and possible snowfall over high areas, with knock-on effects reaching into Lesotho—an early heads-up for road safety and flood preparedness. Water & Environment Governance: Communities affected by Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II urged the New Development Bank to directly engage them and share a draft independent accountability mechanism for public consultation, citing unresolved livelihood, relocation and environmental concerns. Clean Power for Communities: Lesotho launched an upgraded Semonkong hydropower station aimed at providing more reliable electricity through the night, ending years of daytime-only power and reliance on diesel generators. Food Systems & Innovation: Aeroponics is being promoted as a soil-free, year-round farming approach that can support climate-smart food production, especially for young entrepreneurs. Health & Safety: Lesotho’s Safe and Inclusive Schools programme is rolling out in 300 primary schools to prevent, identify and respond to violence against learners, supported by GPE and UNICEF. Justice Reform: Government, with EU support, launched a fresh bid to improve coordination across the justice chain through a Justice Sector Coordination Forum to make case flow smoother and access to justice stronger. Digital Skills & Jobs: An AI Power Experience workshop is planned in Maseru to help Basotho entrepreneurs and young people apply AI in businesses and everyday work.

Justice Reform: Lesotho, with EU support, has launched a new Justice Sector Coordination Forum to improve coordination across the judiciary, police, prosecution, corrections and legal aid—aiming for faster, fairer and more accountable access to justice. Digital Skills: Future AI is set to run an AI Power Experience Workshop in Maseru (21–22 Oct 2026), targeting entrepreneurs and young people with practical training to help them build businesses and join the digital economy. Water & Power: Semonkong’s hydropower station has been upgraded to provide reliable electricity through the night, ending years of limited solar supply and costly diesel generation that also added pollution. Food & Farming Innovation: Aeroponics is being promoted as a climate-smart, soil-free way to grow crops year-round under controlled conditions, with a push to treat farming as a business for youth. Climate Watch: Southern Africa’s seasonal outlook warns of below-normal rainfall for much of the region in Oct–Dec 2026, with El Niño expected to strengthen—raising pressure on farming and water planning. Health & Safety: The Ministry of Education is rolling out Safe and Inclusive Schools in 300 primary schools to prevent, identify and respond to violence, supported by GPE and UNICEF. Environment & Culture: Traditional doctors are calling for stronger protection of indigenous medicinal plants, warning that climate change could threaten their survival.