AGP Executive Report

UN Appointments: UN Secretary-General António Guterres has named Nigerian development expert Ahunna Eziakonwa as his new Special Adviser on Africa, taking over from Cristina Duarte of Cabo Verde. Eziakonwa, who has nearly 30 years in the UN system, currently leads UNDP’s Regional Bureau for Africa and oversees support to 46 African countries on Agenda 2030 and the SDGs, alongside the AU’s Agenda 2063. Local Governance: In Maseru, Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane officially switched on street lights along the A7 (Kofi Annan) Road at Tikoe Circle, a project reported to cost over M36 million, saying it will improve safety and create local jobs during implementation. Regional Politics: Botswana’s President Duma Boko praised the SADC Electoral Commissions Forum (ECF-SADC) for strengthening citizens’ trust in elections and regional political stability. Elections Watch: South Africa’s IEC says the 4 November local government elections are being prepared in the toughest pre-election climate in 30 years, with voter disillusionment at a record low, and it warned of threats linked to anti-illegal immigrant protests.

Local Infrastructure & Jobs: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane officially switched on street lights on the A7 (Kofi Annan) Road at Tikoe Circle, a project reported to cost over M36 million, saying it will boost safety and create local employment; he also pointed to ongoing road works and plans for new factories in Butha-Buthe to generate at least 20,000 jobs. Road Connectivity: In Qacha’s Nek, Matekane launched the Matlali–Lebakeng road upgrade (M1.4bn), including bitumen upgrading, a new gravel link to Melikane Combined School, and major bridges to end decades of isolation, with completion targeted for February 2030. Elections & Voter Integrity: South Africa’s IEC briefed MPs on preparations for the 4 November local government elections, warning of threats linked to anti-illegal immigrant protests and stressing that only eligible, non-“dead” citizens will be allowed to vote during the 20–21 June registration weekend. Regional Trade Governance: CTICC2 in Cape Town will host major SACU meetings from 18–26 June, bringing together heads of state, ministers and officials from Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia and South Africa to discuss customs and trade cooperation. Women’s Health & Inclusion: Qacha’s Nek marked Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day with school activities, pad-disposal education, and donations of sanitary towels and soap to primary schools. UN Appointments: UN Secretary-General António Guterres named Ahunna Eziakonwa of Nigeria as Special Adviser on Africa, with prior UN leadership experience including coordination work in Lesotho.

Local Elections Watch: Lesotho’s IEC-linked coverage from South Africa puts the spotlight on election integrity, with the IEC warning of threats from groups behind anti-illegal immigrant protests and stressing that only eligible, “not dead” citizens will be allowed to vote in the 4 November local government polls, ahead of registration on 20–21 June. Roads & Connectivity: In Qacha’s Nek, Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane launched the M1.4bn Matlali–Lebakeng road project to upgrade a 45km route to bitumen, add a 1.4km link to Melikane Combined School, and build major bridges—aimed at ending decades of isolation, with completion targeted for February 2030. Regional Trade Diplomacy: Cape Town’s CTICC2 will host major SACU meetings from 18–26 June, including the 9th SACU Heads Summit and Council of Ministers talks, as member states push customs and trade cooperation. Public Service & Governance: Lesotho’s Minister of Information Nthati Moorosi led sod-turning for a new digital studio at Makoanyane Square and signed digital policies under NSDP II and the E-Government Project Phase II. Health & Social Change: Qacha’s Nek marked Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day with school activities, pad-use training, and donations to primary schools under the “Together for a #PeriodFriendlyWorld” theme.

Road & Bridges: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane has launched the M1.4bn Matlali–Lebakeng road upgrade in Lebakeng/Qacha’s Nek, upgrading 45km to bitumen, adding a 1.4km link to ’Melikane Combined School, and building major bridges over the Tsoelike, Lijabatho, ’Melikane and Senqu rivers; the fully government-funded project is set to finish in February 2030. Governance & Service Delivery: Matekane told community councils at Manthabiseng that weak accountability and governance, not just funding, are behind poor services; he also flagged procurement problems that leave councils returning unspent money despite budget increases. Digital Push: MICSTI Minister Nthati Moorosi sod-turned a digital studio at Makoanyane Square in Maseru as part of E-Government Phase II, aiming to grow local digital content creation and skills. Financial Literacy: The Central Bank of Lesotho is running outreach in Quthing to promote “Know Your Money” education, highlighting the Lesotho Switch (LesSwitch) and the CBL Investment Portal. Justice & Military Accountability: Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane said action must be taken against commanders after two Special Forces Unit soldiers received long sentences for the 2014 murder of Lisebo Tang and related charges. Census Update: Finance Minister Dr Rets’elisitsoe Matlanyane said the digital 2026 census achieved very good coverage despite snow, network disruptions and extreme weather.

Migration Policy: Lesotho’s Minister of Migration Colm Brophy announced new visa rules for Ireland from 15 June, requiring visas (and transit visas) for nationals of Nicaragua, St Kitts and Nevis, and Saint Lucia, aligning Ireland with UK/Schengen practice. Digital Government: In Maseru, MICSTI Minister Nthati Moorosi led the sod-turning of a new digital studio at Makoanyane Square and signed digital policies, linking the project to NSDP II and E-Government Phase II. Service Delivery & Accountability: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane told community councils that weak accountability and governance worsen service delivery, even as council funding rose 8.7% and procurement delays leave money unspent. Census & Planning: Finance Minister Dr Rets’elisitsoe Matlanyane said Lesotho’s digital census achieved very good coverage despite snow, network disruptions and extreme weather, supporting better resource allocation. Regional Diplomacy: Lesotho’s Deputy PM Justice Nthomeng Majara met Qatar’s non-resident ambassador to discuss deeper cooperation in development, governance and parliamentary affairs. Women Farmers’ Policy Push: The Rural Women’s Assembly urged governments to put women smallholder farmers at the centre of food and climate policy, with Lesotho represented at the Pretoria dialogue. Corruption Watch (Region): South Africa’s Border Management Authority warned that bribe-taking at ports is undermining operations at reduced capacity, even as anti-corruption enforcement intensifies.

Digital Governance Push: Lesotho’s Minister of Information Nthati Moorosi led the sod-turning for a new digital studio at Makoanyane Square in Maseru, alongside the signing of digital policies, as part of the E-Government Project Phase II and NSDP II push to grow jobs and skills. Service Delivery & Accountability: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane told community councils that weak accountability and governance—not just funding—are behind poor services, pointing to rising council budgets, dissatisfaction levels, and the need to stop returning unspent funds due to procurement problems. Election Law Update: The IEC accepted a court ruling ordering the reinstatement of four political parties—BDC, BBTM, BDNP and LEFF—after they challenged deregistration, saying it will comply with the judgment. Public Finance & Data Integrity: Finance Minister Rets’elisitsoe Matlanyane said the digital 2026 census maintained “very good coverage” despite snow, network disruptions and extreme weather, and that the results remain vital for planning and resource allocation. Energy Deal Watch: Lesotho signed a $6.2bn Convalt Energy agreement for Project Kobong, a 1,200MW hydropower plant plus an AI data centre, aiming to shift the country from importing electricity to exporting. Regional Diplomacy: Lesotho and Qatar moved to strengthen bilateral ties, with discussions covering development, governance and parliamentary cooperation.

Digital Push in Maseru: MICSTI Minister Nthati Moorosi led the sod-turning for a new digital studio at Makoanyane Square and signed digital policies, linking the project to Lesotho’s NSDP II and the E-Government Phase II push to grow skills and jobs. Service Delivery Accountability: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane told community councils that weak accountability and governance, not just funding, are behind poor services, pointing to procurement problems that leave money unspent and urging councils to use allocations properly. Census Update: Finance Minister Rets’elisitsoe Matlanyane said the 2026 digital census achieved very good coverage despite snow, network disruptions and harsh remote conditions, stressing the results’ value for planning and resource allocation. Political Parties Back in Play: The IEC accepted a court ruling ordering the reinstatement of four deregistered parties, saying it will comply with the judgment while reviewing next steps. Public Sector Leadership Plan: Government announced a National Leadership Retreat (June 21–23) and an Accountability Summit (July 1–3) to improve leadership, transparency and results-oriented service delivery. Army Justice: Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane said action must be taken against commanders after two Special Forces Unit members were sentenced for murder and related offences tied to a 2014 shooting near a retired commander’s home.

Court & Parties: Lesotho’s IEC says it will reinstate four political parties after accepting a court ruling—BDC, BBTM, BDNP and LEFF—after they challenged deregistration, with the IEC stressing it will comply with the judgment and review next steps. Public Accountability: Government announced a National Leadership Retreat (June 21–23) and an Accountability Summit (July 1–3) to push better service delivery, transparency and citizen engagement. Justice & Military Discipline: Chief Justice Sakoane Sakoane called for action against commanders linked to the Special Forces Unit after two soldiers were sentenced over the 2014 murder of Lisebo Tang and related charges, warning that training to obey orders over the law is unacceptable in a democracy. Anti-Corruption Focus: DCEO boss Sello Mants’o said corruption blocks Mosotho from services and opportunities, driving bribes and wasting funds meant for healthcare, education, roads and water. Energy & Investment: Convalt Energy signed an MoU with Lesotho’s Ministry of Energy for a 1.2GW hydropower project plus an integrated AI data centre, aiming to cut reliance on imported electricity. Regional Health Initiative: IOM’s “HIV Knows No Borders” programme is working with mobile communities around Beitbridge to shift attitudes on HIV testing and sexual health, including support for child protection.

Lesotho Legal Reform: The Ministry of Justice and Law, via the Lesotho Law Reform Commission, hosted stakeholder talks to review outdated and discriminatory laws, with a focus on equality, non-discrimination, and better access to justice for women, people with disabilities, and minority groups. Anti-Corruption Push: DCEO Director General Sello Mants’o warned that corruption in Lesotho blocks citizens from basic services and forces bribes for documents, while also degrading roads and public projects through poor procurement. Energy & Digital Deal: Lesotho signed a binding agreement with Convalt Energy for a Kobong hydropower and AI data centre project worth about US$6.2bn, aimed at boosting energy independence and jobs, though feasibility and approvals are still pending. Rural Electrification Spotlight: In Mokhokhong (Roma), residents welcomed new rural power after decades of neglect, but leaders stressed electricity won’t solve water shortages without further action. Regional Migration Tensions (South Africa): South Africa saw renewed anti-migrant protests near Johannesburg after Ramaphosa pledged action, while police and leaders reiterated that immigration enforcement must stay with authorised authorities, not vigilantes. Namibia AFCON Denial: Namibia rejected claims it is part of a Southern African bid to co-host AFCON 2028, saying no approval or budget commitments were made. Sports (Lesotho-Kenya): Kenya beat Lesotho 4-0 in a friendly rematch in Pretoria, with Benni McCarthy using the window to sharpen preparations for AFCON qualifiers.

Cross-Border Migration Tensions: South Africa’s Ramaphosa promised action on illegal migration after anti-migrant protests spread, but warned against vigilantism and said only authorized officials can enforce immigration laws; marches in townships near Johannesburg called for tougher measures, while reports also point to deaths of Mozambican citizens and planned returns by some countries. Lesotho Legal Modernisation: Lesotho’s Ministry of Justice and the Law Reform Commission held stakeholder talks to review outdated and discriminatory laws, aiming to better align the legal system with constitutional equality, human dignity, non-discrimination and access to justice. Big Energy Deal for Lesotho: Lesotho signed a binding agreement with Convalt Energy for a Kobong hydropower and AI data centre project worth about $6.2bn, framed as a major step toward energy independence and possible power exports, pending feasibility and approvals. Regional Sports Politics: Namibia denied it has approved or authorized any 2028 AFCON co-hosting bid, pushing back on claims involving a regional effort that includes Lesotho. Governance-by-Consultation in Practice: The same week also saw Lesotho-linked public attention on corruption’s impact on services, with DCEO leadership stressing bribes and diverted funds as drivers of poor delivery.

South Africa Migration Crackdown: South African President Cyril Ramaphosa condemned xenophobia and vigilantism, saying only authorised officials can enforce immigration laws as anti-migrant protests spread and groups push a June 30 deadline for undocumented foreigners to leave. Regional Diplomacy: The unrest has triggered cross-border concern, with countries like Mozambique and Ghana reporting deaths and evacuation/return efforts, while Ramaphosa says the state will act against those exploiting public anger. Lesotho Legal Reform: In Maseru, the Ministry of Justice and Law, via the Lesotho Law Reform Commission, consulted stakeholders to review outdated or discriminatory laws, stressing equality, non-discrimination and access to justice. Anti-Corruption Message: DCEO Director General Sello Mants’o warned that corruption drains services and forces bribes for documents, undermining healthcare, education and infrastructure. Energy & Digital Deal: Lesotho signed a binding agreement with Convalt Energy for a Kobong 1,200MW hydropower project plus an AI data centre, framed as the country’s biggest investment push to cut electricity imports. Sports (Lesotho-Kenya): Kenya’s Harambee Stars thrashed Lesotho 4-0 in a friendly rematch, ending the June window on a high.

Migration Crackdown & Diplomacy: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa denied xenophobia but promised action as anti-immigrant protests and attacks on foreign nationals spread, including deaths of Mozambicans; he warned against vigilante violence and said special envoys will be sent across Africa to manage fallout, while neighbouring states like Lesotho urged citizens to be cautious and some countries moved to repatriate nationals. Lesotho–Kenya Football Diplomacy: Kenya’s Harambee Stars beat Lesotho 4-0 in a friendly in Pretoria, with coach Benni McCarthy and assistant Vasili Manousakis pointing to improved discipline and clinical finishing ahead of AFCON qualifiers. Lesotho Economic Deals: Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Matekane met Dubai Chambers to boost trade and investment, and a major US-backed agreement was signed for a $6.2bn Kobong hydropower project paired with an AI data centre—Lesotho’s biggest foreign investment push. Disability & Education Inclusion: Lesotho highlighted progress on assistive technology access, while a non-profit team was unveiled to represent the country at the 2026 Pan African Mathematics Olympiad. Royal & Community Life: Queen ‘Masenate’s 50th golden birthday was marked with a church mass in Matsieng, and King Letsie III attended the burial of sports figure Ts’eliso “Frisco” Khomari.

Migration & Security Fallout in SA: South Africa’s President Cyril Ramaphosa acknowledged rising tensions over illegal migration after anti-immigrant protests, promising action while warning against vigilantism and stressing only authorised officials can enforce the law. Regional Repercussions: Neighbouring states including Lesotho have issued cautionary guidance for their citizens as Mozambique reports deaths linked to anti-foreigner unrest and SA dispatches envoys to manage diplomatic fallout. Lesotho–Dubai Economic Push: Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Matekane met Dubai Chambers in Johannesburg to strengthen trade and investment ties, with plans for a Dubai–Lesotho business forum. Big Energy Deal for Lesotho: Convalt Energy signed a $6.2bn agreement for 1,200MW hydropower plus an AI data centre under Project Kobong, aiming to reduce electricity dependence and build digital capacity. Defence & Drugs: Lesotho’s PM Ntsokoane Matekane pledged 500 more LDF recruits, citing threats from drug trafficking and substance abuse. Disability Inclusion: Lesotho highlighted progress on assistive technology access, while noting funding and implementation gaps. Royal & Community Life: King Letsie III joined mourners for “Frisco” Khomari, and Maseru marked Queen ‘Masenate’s 50th golden birthday with a church mass. Football Friendlies: Kenya’s Harambee Stars beat Lesotho 4-0, with a rematch looming as both sides adjust squads.

Security & Defence: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane pledged to recruit 500 more soldiers into the Lesotho Defence Force, citing drug trafficking and substance abuse as threats to youth, as 547 recruits graduated at Makoanyane Barracks. Infrastructure & Investment: Lesotho signed a $6.2bn (98bn maloti) Kobong deal with Convalt Energy for 1,200MW hydropower plus a green AI data centre in Mokhotlong, framed as a step toward energy independence and regional digital infrastructure. Regional Trade: Namibia’s President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah stressed SACU’s role as a key regional pillar, while Lesotho’s PM Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane met Dubai Chambers to boost trade and investment links. Governance & Public Services: A Digital Innovators Summit in Maseru urged Basotho youth to embrace technology, including digitising water systems with EU support. Cross-border Context: South Africa’s renewed anti-migrant violence prompted security advisories from Lesotho and others, with Ramaphosa rejecting xenophobia claims and calling for African solutions. Weather & Travel: Heavy snow closed Sani Pass and disrupted travel into Lesotho, while KZN disaster teams assessed storm damage. Sports (Lesotho focus): Harambee Stars’ Benni McCarthy demanded improvement after a 1-1 draw with Lesotho ahead of the rematch.

Trade & Investment: Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane met Dubai Chambers officials in Johannesburg to push stronger Lesotho–Dubai ties, highlighting Dubai’s logistics, infrastructure and digital-economy expertise and floating a Dubai–Lesotho Business Forum. Energy & Digital Economy: Convalt Energy signed a $6.2bn (98bn maloti) deal with Lesotho’s Ministry of Energy for the Kobong 1,200MW hydropower project plus an AI data centre in Mokhotlong—positioned as a step toward energy independence and regional green power/export capacity. Security & Youth: At the LDF pass-out parade in Maseru, PM Matekane pledged 500 more recruits for the next financial year, citing drug trafficking and substance abuse as threats to youth and warning of action against dealers. Digital Skills Push: Maseru’s Digital Innovators Summit urged Basotho youth to embrace technology and AI for public development, including digitising water systems with EU support. Health Watch: South Africa confirmed a winter COVID-19 case; Lesotho is investigating influenza-like illness reports in multiple districts. Weather Disruption: Heavy snow and storms have led to Sani Pass closures and travel cautions, while Borokhoaneng residents report renewed flooding after earlier flash floods.

Security & Defence: Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane pledged to recruit 500 more soldiers into the Lesotho Defence Force, warning of the threat posed by drug trafficking and substance abuse, as 547 recruits graduated at Makoanyane Barracks. Military Readiness: The Military Training Institute commandant flagged declining physical fitness among new recruits, linking it to drug use and poor nutrition, and urged faster recruitment cycles. Energy & Tech Investment: Lesotho signed a roughly $6.2bn (98bn loti) hydropower-plus-AI data centre deal with Convalt Energy under Project Kobong, aimed at boosting energy independence and creating jobs, though feasibility and approvals still remain. Digital Push: A Digital Innovators Summit in Maseru urged youth to embrace technology and AI for public development, including digitising water systems with EU support. Public Services: LEPEU brought services to Mapoteng, including labour dispute support and plans to register more bargaining councils. Health Watch: Lesotho is investigating influenza-like illness reports across seven districts while South Africa confirmed a winter COVID-19 case. Weather Disruption: Heavy snow forced closure of Sani Pass and prompted travel warnings into Lesotho, as KZN disaster teams assessed storm damage. GBV Coordination: Lesotho’s gender officials called to revive the Anti-GBV Coordination Forum to improve multi-stakeholder response and reduce duplication.