AGP Executive Report

AI & Data Centers: A new push could make Africa the next big battleground for AI infrastructure, as U.S. firms chase data-center deals while power and permitting squeeze mature markets. Press Freedom & Safety: Lesotho’s Newsday editor Kananelo Boloetse was reportedly abducted and assaulted after his reporting, with the Defence PS denying any LDF link and calls growing for an impartial probe. Mobile Data Prices: Lesotho’s cheapest 30-day data pack shows a sharp drop to M32.75 per GB in September 2026, with Starlink cited as a key pressure on the duopoly. Pandemic Preparedness: WHO and the Pandemic Fund handed Lesotho about M2.5m in medical and ICT equipment to speed outbreak detection and response. Telecom Strategy: Vodacom’s leadership transformation under Shameel Joosub is highlighted as the company shifts toward digital, fibre, cloud and financial services. Youth Value Addition: Teyateyaneng youths are urged to seize wool and mohair opportunities through roadshow support for product development and higher-value markets. Education Tech & Inclusion: Injini opens applications for an AI venture builder for African classrooms, while Lesotho runs training to improve inclusive education for learners with disabilities.

Wool & Mohair Value-Add Push: The International Trade Centre’s Ethical Fashion Initiative has launched a five-district Lesotho Wool and Mohair Roadshow in Teyateyaneng, urging youths and MSMEs to shift from exporting raw fibre to making higher-value products for regional and international markets. Water Project Oversight: Minister Pemmy Majodina is set to oversee Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 2, including the official opening of newly completed Mabunyaneng and Khubelu bridges in Mokhotlong and a visit to the Polihali Dam and tunnel sites. Livestock & Food Security Focus: A Farmers Pitso Agriculture Week in Maseru spotlighted livestock production and the need to monitor the value chain across science, nutrition, animal health, rangelands, extension, economics and risk. Engineering Recognition: Zutari continued its awards run, winning multiple categories at the 2026 SAICE National Awards, including for the Senqu Bridge–Polihali project. Korea-Africa Tech Finance: Korea Eximbank used KOAFEC meetings to link Korean firms with African governments, with AI and digital training cooperation discussed alongside Lesotho. Early Learning Infrastructure: The education ministry highlighted ECCD and reception-class facilities, including hand-washing and sanitation upgrades, as a priority for foundational learning.

Wool & Mohair Value-Add Push: The International Trade Centre’s Ethical Fashion Initiative launched a Lesotho Wool and Mohair Roadshow in Teyateyaneng, urging youths to turn raw fibre into higher-value products for regional and international markets, with support for MSMEs through skills, equipment, and market linkages. Water Infrastructure Oversight: Minister Pemmy Majodina begins quarterly oversight of Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 2, with plans to officially open newly completed Mabunyaneng and Khubelu bridges in Mokhotlong and visit the Polihali Dam and related tunnel and resettlement sites. Livestock & Food Security Focus: A Farmers Pitso Agriculture Week in Maseru put livestock production and value-chain monitoring under the spotlight, as stakeholders discussed science, nutrition, animal health, extension, and practical solutions amid food insecurity. Engineering Recognition: Zutari collected major wins at the 2026 SAICE National Awards, including awards tied to the Senqu Bridge–Polihali project and mine flood risk work, plus recognition for young engineering talent. Korea-Africa Tech Finance: Korea Eximbank used KOAFEC meetings to deepen financial cooperation with African countries including Lesotho, highlighting AI and digital training support and investment opportunities for Korean firms. Inclusive Education Training: Special education experts ran a Maseru workshop to tackle barriers to inclusive schooling, using a teacher inclusive training manual and master-trainer approach to standardize support for learners with disabilities. Early Learning Infrastructure: The education ministry handed over ECCD and reception-class facilities in Ntjabane, aiming to expand early childhood access and improve sanitation and hand-washing in schools. EdTech AI Venture Builder: Injini opened applications for an $125,000 AI venture builder for Southern Africa, selecting teams from countries including Lesotho to build and pilot AI-powered education tools with classroom experience at the core. Special Education Barriers: A five-day Maseru training also targeted inconsistent inclusion practices across districts, aiming for clearer guidelines and more consistent accommodations for students with disabilities.

Wool & Mohair Value-Add Push: The ITC Ethical Fashion Initiative launched a Lesotho Wool and Mohair Roadshow in Teyateyaneng, urging youths to turn raw fibre into higher-value products for regional and international markets, with support for MSMEs through skills in product development, quality standards, and market linkages. Water Project Oversight: Minister Pemmy Majodina begins quarterly oversight of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 2, with plans to officially open newly completed Mabunyaneng and Khubelu bridges in Mokhotlong and inspect the Polihali Dam and related tunnel and resettlement sites. Livestock & Food Security Focus: A Farmers Pitso Agriculture Week in Maseru put livestock production and the need to monitor the value chain at the centre, as stakeholders discussed production science, animal health, rangelands, extension, and household wellbeing amid food insecurity. Engineering Recognition: Zutari continued its award run at the 2026 SAICE National Awards, winning for the Senqu Bridge–Polihali project and picking up honours for risk assessment and young engineering talent. Korea-Africa Tech Finance: Korea Eximbank used KOAFEC meetings to deepen financial cooperation with African governments, including discussions on AI and digital training support involving Lesotho. Inclusive Education Training: Special education experts in Maseru ran a five-day workshop to help teachers overcome barriers to inclusive schooling, using a new teacher inclusive training manual and master-trainer approach. EdTech Funding for Southern Africa: Injini opened applications for an $125,000 AI venture builder for education teams across nine countries, including Lesotho, aiming to move ideas into market-ready AI-powered learning products.

Water Infrastructure Oversight: Minister Pemmy Majodina and Natural Resources counterpart Mohlomi Moleko will officially open the newly completed Mabunyaneng and Khubelu bridges in Mokhotlong as part of quarterly oversight of Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase 2, with a follow-up visit to the Polihali Dam site and the Polihali-Katse Water Transfer Tunnel. Agriculture & Livestock Value Chains: Farmers Pitso Agriculture Week in Maseru spotlighted livestock production and the need to monitor the full value chain, from animal health and rangelands to extension, economics, and risk management amid food insecurity. Engineering Recognition: Zutari picked up major wins at the 2026 SAICE National Awards, including Senqu Bridge–Polihali as Technical Excellence International Project of the Year, plus awards for investigative risk work and a young engineer. Korea-Africa Tech Finance Push: Korea Eximbank used KOAFEC meetings to link Korean firms with African governments, including Lesotho, and discussed AI and digital training cooperation such as Tanzania’s AI/digital institute. Wool & Mohair Value Addition: The Ethical Fashion Initiative roadshow is taking Lesotho’s wool and mohair project to five districts to shift focus from raw exports to higher-value local product development and jobs. Inclusive Education Training: A Maseru workshop is training teachers to remove barriers in special education, using a new inclusive training manual and master-trainer approach. EdTech AI Funding for Southern Africa: Injini opened applications for an $125,000 AI venture builder for teams across nine Southern African countries, including Lesotho, targeting classroom-ready AI education startups. Tourism Planning: LTDC will host a Tourism Pitso in September to discuss investment, innovation, and market access, aiming to grow tourism benefits for communities and young entrepreneurs.

Press Freedom Under Scrutiny: Lesotho’s Defence PS says the LDF had no role in the alleged abduction and assault of Newsday editor Kananelo Boloetse, as calls grow for an impartial probe into who the attackers were and why they targeted his journalism and human-rights work. State Utility Accountability: The long suspension of Lesotho Electricity Company (LEC) executive management has dragged on for about 18 months, with commentators warning government must end the “costly limbo” by finishing disciplinary processes. EdTech & AI for Classrooms: Injini is backing AI education venture building with $125,000 for teams across Southern Africa, while Coding 4 Africa reports massive pupil participation using hands-on coding activities that work even without computer labs. Inclusive Education Push: Special education experts are training teachers in Maseru to tackle barriers to inclusive schooling, using a new teacher inclusive training manual and master-trainer approach. Tourism Planning: LTDC will host a Tourism Pitso in September to discuss investment, innovation, and market access as Lesotho marks Tourism Month and independence celebrations. Digital Infrastructure Investment: WIOCC secured $300m to expand open-access fibre and data centres across Africa, aiming to close connectivity gaps.

Clean Tech & Water: Cape Town’s GreenPitch 2026 crowned Pee-Cycling, turning human urine into fertiliser and non-potable water, with Lesotho among the 18 finalists selected from 300+ entries. Early Learning Infrastructure: In Berea, Lesotho’s education ministry is pushing reception-class facilities, hand-washing and sanitation, and says 61 school construction tenders were advertised this year to tackle dilapidated classrooms. Inclusive Education: Special education experts are running a five-day Maseru workshop with teachers, using a new Teacher Inclusive Training Manual and master-trainer approach to standardise support for learners with disabilities. EdTech & AI for Classrooms: Injini (supported by Coefficient Giving) is backing Southern African teams with $125,000 for an eight-month AI venture builder aimed at market-ready education tech built by people with classroom experience; separate Coding 4 Africa work says 50,000+ pupils across 10 countries engaged through low-resource coding games. Digital Infrastructure: WIOCC secured $300m to expand open-access fibre and data centres across Africa, citing the internet access gap. Tourism Planning: LTDC will host a Tourism Pitso in September to attract investment and improve market access, including community and youth participation.

AI for Education in Southern Africa: Injini is investing $125,000 in an eight-month AI venture builder and incubation programme, selecting 12 pre-formed teams from nine countries (including Lesotho) to turn classroom-relevant ideas into market-ready, AI-powered education startups. Inclusive schooling push in Maseru: Special education experts are running a five-day workshop with local teachers to tackle barriers to inclusive education, using a new Teacher Inclusive Training Manual and training-of-trainers approach to standardise support for learners with disabilities. Tourism planning in Lesotho: The LTDC will host a two-day Tourism Pitso (Sept 16–17) to bring together government, investors, communities and young entrepreneurs to discuss investment, innovation and market access as Lesotho marks its 60th independence anniversary. Digital infrastructure funding: WIOCC secured $300m to expand Africa’s open-access fibre network and data-centre footprint, aiming to close the continent’s connectivity gap. AI skills for Basotho: Future AI is preparing an AI Power Experience Workshop in Maseru (Oct 21–22) to help entrepreneurs and young people apply AI in workplaces and businesses.

Tourism Investment Push: Lesotho’s Tourism Development Corporation will host a two-day Tourism Pitso in Maseru on 16–17 September, bringing government, investors, financiers, communities and youth together to discuss tourism investment, innovation, market access and how to make Lesotho a more competitive destination—also tied to the country’s 60th independence anniversary. AI for Education in Southern Africa: Injini has launched an eight-month AI for Education venture builder and incubation programme for 12 pre-formed teams across nine countries, aiming to test AI tools in African classrooms and back the most promising ed-tech startups with funding and support. Digital Infrastructure Funding: WIOCC secured a combined $300m investment from Africa Finance Corporation and Vision Invest to expand open-access fibre, data centres and new subsea cable assets across Africa as demand for cloud and AI grows. Basotho AI Skills Drive: Future AI is preparing an AI Power Experience Workshop (21–22 October) in Maseru to help entrepreneurs and professionals apply AI in workplaces and businesses. Local Tech & Enterprise Support: The CAFI project is backing Lesotho textile and apparel enterprises, with the Trade and Industry Ministry urging stronger value chains and youth entrepreneurship.

Global South Representation: Lesotho scholars say China’s Global Governance Initiative could help fix the underrepresentation of the Global South, with NUL academics pointing to research and academic exchanges as practical bridge-builders. Engineering & Talent: Zutari picked up major CESA Aon Engineering Excellence Awards, highlighting projects and programmes aimed at growing the next generation of engineers. Migration Management: South Africa’s inter-ministerial committee reports progress on the five-point migration plan, including large-scale deportation and repatriation operations and border interception figures. AI for Education: Injini launched an eight-month AI EdTech venture builder across nine Southern African countries, requiring teams to include people with classroom experience and offering seed funding for AI prototypes. Digital Infrastructure Investment: WIOCC secured $300m to expand open-access fibre, data centres and subsea assets, citing Africa’s connectivity gap as demand for cloud and AI accelerates. Public Health Data: A South African analysis links low cervical cancer screening uptake to multiple factors, with the biggest gaps among women facing the highest disease burden. Local Tech & Business Support: Lesotho’s CAFI programme tour spotlights support for textile and apparel value chains and backs youth entrepreneurship.

Digital Infrastructure Investment: WIOCC Group secured a combined $300m from Africa Finance Corporation and Vision Invest to expand open-access fibre, data centres and new subsea cable assets across Africa. AI & Skills for Basotho: Future AI is set to run an AI Power Experience Workshop in Maseru (21–22 Oct 2026) to help entrepreneurs and professionals apply AI in real workplaces and businesses. EdTech Venture Building: Injini opened applications for an 8-month AI EdTech venture builder selecting teams from nine Southern African countries, with $25,000 equity-free seed support for classroom-informed product builds. Migration Management Update: South Africa’s Inter-Ministerial Committee reported 86,596 foreign nationals processed for deportation and repatriation (14 June–20 Aug), with border-jumping and illegal entry dominating the figures. Cybersecurity Alert: Hungry Lion says researchers linked exposed customer credentials to a possible ransomware incident, with claims involving portals and POS systems across several countries including Lesotho. Judiciary Leadership: Zimbabwe’s courts saw a major reshuffle, with Justice Charles Hungwe sworn in as Court of Appeal president and new judges elevated to the Supreme Court bench. Health Research: A South African study highlights who is least likely to get cervical cancer screening and why, using national survey data to pinpoint gaps in Pap smear uptake. Corruption & Asset Recovery: Lesotho’s DCEO placed property worth M6.3m under a preservation order as part of ongoing asset-recovery proceedings.

Judiciary Shake-Up: Lesotho-linked judicial leadership news from Zimbabwe: Justice Charles Hungwe was sworn in as Court of Appeal president, with new Supreme Court judges Justice Tawanda Chitapi, Justice Happias Zhou and Justice Joseph Mafusire joining the bench. Mobile Data Costs: Broadband Genie’s study of 3,446 SIM-only plans ranks the UK 46th globally for average mobile broadband cost at $0.27 per 1GB, highlighting how pricing comparisons depend on caps and fair-use rules. AI for Education in Southern Africa: Injini opened applications for an $125,000 AI EdTech venture builder, selecting 12 teams across nine countries to build classroom-informed AI products. Digital Infrastructure Investment: WIOCC secured $300m from Africa Finance Corporation and Vision Invest to expand open-access fibre, data centres and subsea assets across Africa. Cyber Security Alert: Hungry Lion customer credentials were reportedly exposed for months, with researchers linking compromised accounts to online self-service portals. Lesotho Policy & Governance: Government admitted it hasn’t fully harnessed Lesotho Highlands Water Project tourism opportunities for surrounding communities. Corruption Case Update: Lesotho’s DCEO placed property worth M6.3m under preservation order in an asset-recovery matter tied to alleged economic offences.

AI & EdTech in Southern Africa: Injini opened applications for an eight-month AI venture builder that will select 12 teams from nine countries, with a required “context lead” from classroom experience, aiming to produce AI education prototypes and then incubate the best into market-ready products. Digital infrastructure investment: WIOCC secured a combined $300m from Africa Finance Corporation and Vision Invest to expand open-access fibre, data centres and new subsea cable assets across more than 30 African countries. AI skills for Basotho: Future AI is preparing an AI Power Experience Workshop in Maseru (21–22 Oct 2026) to help entrepreneurs and professionals apply AI in workplaces and businesses. Health tech & training: Sky Alpha HD hosted NHTC’s Digital Innovators Summit 2026 on digital health innovation, highlighting moves toward electronic records, AI, mobile health and data-driven care. Corruption & assets: Lesotho’s DCEO placed property worth about M6.33m under a preservation order in an asset-recovery process tied to alleged corruption and economic offences. Water project dispute: A Lesotho High Court case is underway as Esor seeks over M165m for work linked to the Polihali Transfer Tunnel, while the joint venture denies a valid agreement.

Digital Skills for Basotho: Future AI is set to run an AI Power Experience Workshop in Maseru (21–22 Oct 2026), aiming to help entrepreneurs and young people apply AI in real workplaces and businesses. Digital Infrastructure Investment: WIOCC Group secured a combined US$300m from Africa Finance Corporation and Vision Invest to expand open-access fibre, data centres and subsea assets across Africa. Digital Health in Lesotho: Sky Alpha HD hosted the NHTC Digital Innovators Summit 2026, focusing on digital health innovation and how tech like AI and electronic records can improve care delivery. AI in Healthcare: A separate report highlights how AI is reshaping Lesotho’s healthcare landscape. Cyber Risk Watch: Hungry Lion says customer credentials were exposed for months, with researchers linking compromised accounts to its online portals. Local Tech & Business: CAFI support continues to back Lesotho enterprises, with emphasis on strengthening value chains like textiles and encouraging youth entrepreneurship. Water Project Tech/Contracts: Esor is suing over unpaid work on the Polihali Transfer Tunnel (LHWP), while government admits tourism benefits from LHWP are not yet reaching communities.

Digital Health in Focus: Lesotho’s health tech scene gets a boost as the National Health Training College hosts the Digital Innovators Summit 2026, spotlighting AI, electronic records, mobile health and data-driven care for better outcomes. AI Skills for Basotho: A Future AI workshop in Maseru (21–22 Oct) aims to help entrepreneurs and young people use AI to start businesses and compete in the digital economy. Connectivity Investment: WIOCC secures a combined $300m to expand Africa’s open-access fibre, data centres and subsea assets—pushing against Africa’s still-low internet use. Cybersecurity Alert: Hungry Lion customer credentials were reportedly exposed for months, raising concerns about online portal security across the region. Research & Recognition: NUL Professor George Mosotho is elected a Fellow of the Liberia Academy of Sciences, strengthening regional science links. Governance & Tech: China donates ICT equipment to Lesotho Parliament to modernize online operations and public service delivery. Health Equity Lesson: South Africa’s cervical cancer screening gap is linked to unequal access and risk, with the least screened women carrying the highest disease burden. Infrastructure Dispute: A Lesotho High Court case pits Esor against the Kopano Ke Matla joint venture over unpaid work on the Polihali Transfer Tunnel. Traditional Medicine Protection: Lesotho calls for stronger protection and research into indigenous medicinal plants as climate change threatens supplies.

Digital Skills for Basotho: Future AI is set to run an AI Power Experience Workshop in Maseru (21–22 Oct 2026), aiming to help entrepreneurs and young people use AI to build businesses and join the digital economy. Parliament Gets ICT Boost: China has handed ICT equipment to Lesotho Parliament to modernise online work, improve communication, and support better public service delivery. Tourism Missed Chances (LHWP): Government admits it hasn’t fully harnessed Lesotho Highlands Water Project tourism and economic opportunities for communities, pointing to gaps beyond hotels and calling for more local attractions and activities. Health Tech in Focus: Sky Alpha HD hosted NHTC’s Digital Innovators Summit 2026 on digital health, highlighting tools like electronic records, AI, and mobile health to improve access and outcomes. Infrastructure Funding Push: Lesotho’s trade and LNDC leadership are urging blended finance and new capital pathways as donor loans and government funding tighten. Cyber Security Alert (Region): Hungry Lion customer credentials were reportedly exposed for months, raising concerns about online portal security across the region. Digital Infrastructure Investment (Africa): WIOCC secured $300m to expand open-access fibre, data centres, and subsea assets—aimed at closing Africa’s connectivity gap. Science Recognition: NUL Professor George Mosotho was elected a Fellow of the Liberia Academy of Sciences, recognising work in analytical chemistry and environmental monitoring. Traditional Medicine Research: Traditional doctors in Lesotho call for stronger protection and research into indigenous medicinal plants as climate change threatens availability. Legal/Tech Governance: A Lesotho High Court case is underway over unpaid subcontract work on the Polihali Transfer Tunnel, part of LHWP phase two.