AGP Executive Report

Digital Transformation in Lesotho: Lesotho’s MICSTI has kicked off a new digital studio at Makoanyane Square in Maseru, alongside digital policy sign-offs, as part of the E-Government Project Phase II and NSDP II push for jobs and skills in digital marketing and entrepreneurship. Energy + AI Push: Lesotho has signed a $6.2bn deal with Convalt Energy for a 1,200MW hydropower project near Kobong Dam plus an AI data centre, aiming to shift from importing power to exporting renewable electricity. Mobile Network Investment: Vodacom Group says it invested R23.6bn in 2026 to strengthen network resilience, expand services, and modernise IT platforms. Drone Delivery Expansion: Zipline is trialling agricultural drone services in Rwanda and says it’s in advanced talks with Lesotho, with livestock insemination a key next use-case. Census Goes Digital: Lesotho’s digital census collection is reported to have achieved very good coverage despite snow, network disruptions, and extreme weather. AI in the Browser: Google is rolling out Ask Gemini in Chrome to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with Lesotho included in the wider supported locales. Governance + Corruption: Lesotho’s DCEO reiterates how corruption blocks access to services and wastes development funds, while justice stakeholders consult on law reform to remove outdated and discriminatory rules. Public Safety: Police are investigating a triple murder in Langa, Western Cape, after three men were shot dead at a braai stand.

AI & Digital Skills: Google is rolling out “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with Lesotho included in the wider supported locales—another push to make AI search more accessible. Digital Government: Lesotho’s MICSTI has started a new digital studio at Makoanyane Square in Maseru, part of the E-Government Project Phase II, to train young people in digital marketing and content creation. National Data & Planning: Finance says the country’s digital 2026 Population and Housing Census kept very good coverage despite snow, network disruptions and remote conditions, using digital tools to cut errors and speed results. Energy + AI Investment: Lesotho signed a $6.2bn hydropower and AI data centre deal with Convalt Energy to potentially turn the country into a renewable power exporter. Assistive Tech for Disability: Lesotho reports progress on assistive technology access via a national priority products list and policy, plus low-cost devices made through a physiotherapy outreach programme. Education & STEM: LSMTA unveiled a team for the 2026 Pan African Mathematics Olympiad, aiming to strengthen STEAM and problem-solving skills.

Telecom Investment: Vodacom says it poured R23.6bn into network resilience, spectrum value and IT modernisation, including fibre stake Maziv and spectrum buys across Africa. Digital Government: In Maseru, PM Matekane switched on Kofi Annan Road street lights (M36m) while MICSTI Minister Moorosi broke ground on a new digital studio at Makoanyane Square to boost content creation and skills. National Data & Planning: Finance Minister Matlanyane says Lesotho’s digital census kept “very good coverage” despite snow, network disruptions and remote weather, using gadgets to cut errors and speed results. AI + Power Push: Lesotho signed a $6.2bn hydropower and AI data centre deal (1,200MW) with Convalt Energy, aiming to move from importer to potential exporter. Assistive Tech & STEM: Lesotho reports progress on assistive technology access via policy and low-cost device making, and LSMTA names a team for the 2026 Pan African Mathematics Olympiad. Regional Tech Link: Dubai Chambers met Lesotho’s PM to discuss logistics, infrastructure and the digital economy for new investment ties. Drone Agriculture: Zipline says it’s testing Rwanda-style drone services for livestock insemination and is in advanced talks with Lesotho. AI Browser Rollout: Google’s Ask Gemini in Chrome expands to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, now including Lesotho among supported locales. Policy & Inclusion: Lesotho is consulting on law reform to remove outdated and discriminatory rules, and tackling corruption’s impact on access to services. Sports Tech Angle: World Cup coverage highlights Mexico vs South Africa as the opening match at Estadio Azteca.

Telecom Investment: Vodacom says it poured R23.6bn into network resilience, spectrum value and IT modernisation, including fibre stake Maziv, with growth targets across Africa. Digital Government: Lesotho’s MICSTI has started a new digital studio at Makoanyane Square and signed digital policies, building on UNIPOD and e-Government Phase II. Energy + AI: Lesotho signed a $6.2bn deal for a 1,200MW hydropower project plus an AI data centre near Kobong Dam, aiming to shift from importing power to exporting. Assistive Tech: Lesotho reports progress on assistive technology access via a national priority products list and policy, while funding and rollout gaps remain. Education Tech + Skills: Lesotho’s digital census wrapped with very good coverage despite snow and network disruptions, and Lesotho also unveiled its team for the 2026 Pan African Mathematics Olympiad. Local Infrastructure: PM Matekane officially switched on Kofi Annan street lights in Maseru, citing safety gains and local jobs. AI in the Browser: Google expanded Ask Gemini in Chrome to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with Lesotho included in the wider rollout. Drone Agriculture: Zipline says it plans to expand Rwanda-style drone services into more markets, including livestock insemination, with “advanced talks” with Lesotho.

Street Lighting & Jobs: In Maseru, Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane officially switched on Kofi Annan Road street lights at Tikoe Circle, a project reported to cost over M36 million, saying it will boost safety and create local employment during rollout. Digital Skills & Policy: Minister Nthati Moorosi led the sod-turning for a new digital studio at Makoanyane Square and signed digital policies, linking the move to e-Government Phase II and skills for young people in digital marketing and entrepreneurship. Census Goes Digital: Finance Minister Rets’elisitsoe Matlanyane says Lesotho’s digital 2026 Population and Housing Census maintained very good coverage despite snow, network disruptions and extreme weather, with data supporting better planning and resource allocation. Assistive Tech Push: Lesotho reports progress on assistive technology access via a National Priority Assistive Products List and a National Assistive Technology Policy, plus low-cost device manufacturing training using recycled materials. Education & Inclusion: Lesotho is also working to integrate formal education with initiation schooling, while stakeholders consult on law reform to remove outdated and discriminatory rules. AI + Hydropower Deal: Lesotho signed a $6.2bn commitment with Convalt Energy for a 1,200MW hydropower project and an AI data centre near Kobong Dam, aiming to shift from importing power to exporting. AI Browser Expansion: Google’s Ask Gemini in Chrome is rolling out to Lesotho and other African countries, bringing built-in AI help for searching and understanding information.

Drone Logistics in Agriculture: Zipline says its Rwanda-built drone delivery network is now being adapted for farm services, including refrigerated delivery of livestock insemination materials, after research linked the model to higher farmer earnings. Digital Skills Push in Lesotho: MICSTI Minister Nthati Moorosi led a sod-turning for a new digital studio at Makoanyane Square in Maseru, part of E-Government Phase II to grow local content creation and digital jobs. Census Goes Digital: Lesotho’s digital population and housing census maintained “very good coverage” despite snow, network disruptions and harsh mountain weather, with officials stressing improved security and faster results. Assistive Tech Progress: Lesotho reports gains in assistive technology access via a national priority products list and policy strategy, while funding and rollout gaps still limit wider use. AI + Hydropower Deal: Lesotho signed a $6.2bn agreement for a 1,200MW hydropower project plus an AI data centre near Kobong Dam, aiming to move from power importer toward exporter. Lifelong Learning Benchmark: Namibia ranks 4th in Africa for participation in formal and informal education and training, with ILO urging lifelong learning as a policy priority amid rapid tech change. AI in the Browser: Google’s Ask Gemini in Chrome is rolling out to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with Lesotho included in the wider Africa expansion. Corruption and Law Reform: Lesotho’s anti-corruption leadership says corruption blocks access to services and wastes public funds, while law reform talks focus on outdated and discriminatory rules. World Cup Tech & Travel Health: With the 2026 World Cup starting, public health officials warn infectious-disease risks could rise as travel increases and health systems face strain.

Digital Transformation in Lesotho: MICSTI Minister Nthati Moorosi broke ground on a new digital studio at Makoanyane Square in Maseru and signed digital policies, building on the UNIPOD studio’s free internet and content-creation support. AI + Energy Push: Lesotho signed a $6.2bn deal with Convalt Energy for a 1,200MW hydropower project plus an AI data centre near Kobong Dam—aimed at moving from electricity import dependence toward regional exporting. Assistive Tech Progress: Lesotho says it’s improving access to assistive technology for people with disabilities via a national priority products list, a policy and strategy, and low-cost device training using recycled materials. Education & Skills: Lesotho unveiled its six-member team for the 2026 Pan African Mathematics Olympiad, while another report argues for better inclusion of formal education with initiation schools. AI in the Browser: Google expanded “Ask Gemini in Chrome” to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with Lesotho included in the wider rollout. Policy + Governance: Lesotho’s Law Reform Commission consults stakeholders to modernise outdated and discriminatory laws, and the DCEO warns corruption blocks access to services and wastes public funds.

AI in Browsers: Google’s Ask Gemini in Chrome is rolling out to Kenya, Nigeria and South Africa, with Lesotho included among 55 supported African locales—bringing built-in help for searching and understanding information. Digital Government: Lesotho’s MICSTI has started a new digital studio at Makoanyane Square in Maseru, part of the E-Government Project Phase II, to boost content creation and youth skills. Census Tech: Lesotho says its digital 2026 Population and Housing Census kept “very good coverage” despite snow, network disruptions and extreme weather, using gadgets to cut errors and speed results. Energy + AI Investment: Lesotho signed a $6.2bn deal for a 1,200MW hydropower project plus an AI data centre near Kobong Dam, aiming to move from importing power to exporting renewables. Assistive Tech: Lesotho reports progress on assistive technology access for people with disabilities, including a national priority products list and low-cost device training, but says funding gaps remain. Cyber Security Diplomacy: Lesotho called for stronger African participation in shaping global cyber security and emerging tech rules, stressing civilian protection in cyberspace. Corruption Focus: Lesotho’s anti-corruption leadership says corruption blocks access to services and development, while Lesotho’s law reform talks aim to modernise outdated and discriminatory laws.

Digital Transformation in Maseru: MICSTI Minister Nthati Moorosi led a sod-turning for a new digital studio at Makoanyane Square and signed digital policies, positioning the project under E-Government Phase II to boost local content creation and innovation. Census Goes Digital: Finance Minister Rets’elisitsoe Matlanyane says Lesotho’s digital 2026 Population and Housing Census kept “very good coverage” despite snow, network disruptions and harsh weather, using gadgets to cut errors and improve data security. AI + Hydropower Deal: Lesotho signed a $6.2bn agreement with Convalt Energy for a 1,200MW hydropower project plus an AI data centre near Kobong Dam, aiming to move from importing electricity to exporting and to build energy-ready digital infrastructure. Assistive Tech Push: Lesotho reports progress on assistive technology access for persons with disabilities, including a National Priority Assistive Products List and a National Assistive Technology Policy, though funding and rollout gaps remain. STEM for Youth: LSMTA unveiled a six-member Lesotho team for the 2026 Pan African Mathematics Olympiad in Côte d’Ivoire, with passport access flagged as a key hurdle. Cybersecurity Diplomacy: Lesotho called for greater African participation in shaping global cyber security and emerging technology discussions, stressing civilian protection in cyberspace during armed conflict.

Digital Transformation in Maseru: MICSTI Minister Nthati Moorosi led a sod-turning for a new digital studio at Makoanyane Square and signed digital policies, building on the E-Government Project Phase II and the UNIPOD studio model that offers content creators facilities and free internet. Drone Logistics Talks: Zipline says it’s trialling drone delivery services in Rwanda and is in “advanced talks” with Lesotho to expand deliveries across Africa, including livestock insemination. Energy + AI Leap: Lesotho signed a $6.2bn deal with Convalt Energy for a 1,200MW hydropower project and an AI data centre near Kobong Dam, aiming to move from importing power to exporting renewable electricity. Assistive Tech Progress: Lesotho reports gains in assistive technology access via a National Priority Assistive Products List and an Assistive Technology Policy, plus low-cost device making using recycled materials—though funding and rollout gaps remain. STEM for the Next Generation: Lesotho unveiled its team for the 2026 Pan African Mathematics Olympiad, with STEAM-focused training and travel hurdles like passport access. Cybersecurity Participation: Lesotho called for greater African involvement in global cybersecurity and emerging technology discussions, stressing civilian protection in cyberspace during conflict. Corruption and Service Delivery: DCEO’s Sello Mants’o says corruption blocks citizens from services and drives poor-quality procurement, wasting funds meant for healthcare, education, roads and water.

Hydropower + AI push: Lesotho signed a $6.2bn deal with US renewable energy developer Convalt Energy for a 1,200MW hydropower project plus an AI data centre near Kobong Dam—aimed at moving from electricity imports to regional exports. Digital inclusion: Lesotho’s Digital Innovators Summit urged youth to embrace technology for public development, including AI and plans to digitise water systems with EU support. Assistive tech progress: Lesotho reported gains in assistive technology access through a National Priority Assistive Products List and a National Assistive Technology Policy, while noting funding and rollout gaps. Education for tech careers: Lesotho unveiled a six-member team for the 2026 Pan African Mathematics Olympiad, with STEAM and robotics programmes supporting learners. Corruption impact: The DCEO warned that corruption in Lesotho blocks access to services and worsens infrastructure and procurement quality. Cyber safety diplomacy: Lesotho called for greater African participation in shaping global cybersecurity and emerging technology discussions. Regional tech links: Dubai Chambers met Lesotho’s Prime Minister to boost trade and investment cooperation, highlighting logistics, infrastructure and the digital economy.

Hydropower + AI push: Lesotho signed a $6.2bn deal with Convalt Energy for a 1,200MW hydropower project plus an AI data centre near Kobong Dam—aiming to move from importing electricity to exporting renewable power and building energy-linked digital capacity. Assistive tech progress: Lesotho says it has improved access for people with disabilities via a National Assistive Technology Policy, a priority products list, and low-cost device making (including customised aids using recycled materials), though funding and rollout gaps remain. Digital skills drive: Youth in Maseru were urged to embrace technology for public development at the Digital Innovators Summit, with digitising water systems and AI-focused discussions on how to stay safe online. STEM on the move: Lesotho unveiled a six-member team for the 2026 Pan African Mathematics Olympiad, with passport hurdles addressed to keep learners on track. Law reform for inclusion: The Law Reform Commission consulted stakeholders to update outdated or discriminatory laws, stressing equality, human dignity, non-discrimination and access to justice. Corruption impact: The DCEO reiterated that corruption blocks access to basic services and worsens infrastructure quality by diverting funds and enabling poor procurement. Cybersecurity call: Lesotho urged stronger African participation in global cybersecurity and emerging-tech discussions, focusing on protecting civilians and applying international law in cyberspace.

Hydropower + AI push: Lesotho has signed a $6.2bn deal with Convalt Energy for a 1,200MW hydropower project plus an AI data centre near Kobong Dam—aiming to cut electricity imports and position the country as a regional power exporter. Digital skills drive: Maseru’s Digital Innovators Summit urged Basotho youth to embrace technology for public development, including digitising water systems with EU support and using AI responsibly. Assistive tech progress: Lesotho says it’s improving access to assistive technology through a national priority products list and an assistive technology policy, while funding and rollout gaps still limit wider reach. STEM for the next generation: Team Lesotho for the 2026 Pan African Mathematics Olympiad was unveiled, and separate STEM outreach events (Curiosity Cube™) are inspiring learners across Southern Africa. Weather info that reaches people: A Lesotho Impact-Based Forecasting workshop highlighted bringing media into training so communities get practical, impact-focused warnings for disaster preparedness. Cybersecurity inclusion: Lesotho called for greater African participation in shaping global cyber security and emerging tech discussions, with a focus on protecting civilians and essential services.

Law Reform & Rights: Lesotho’s Ministry of Justice, via the Law Reform Commission, held a stakeholder workshop to review outdated and discriminatory laws, stressing gaps with constitutional equality, dignity, non-discrimination and access to justice—especially for women, people with disabilities and minority communities. Energy + AI Push: Lesotho signed a $6.2bn deal with Convalt Energy for a 1,200MW hydropower project plus an AI data centre near Kobong Dam, aiming to move from importing electricity to exporting renewable power and building energy-linked digital capacity. Assistive Tech Progress: Lesotho reported gains in assistive technology access through a National Priority Assistive Products List and a National Assistive Technology Policy/Strategy, plus low-cost device making via the Physiotherapy Outreach Programme—while noting funding and rollout limits. Digital Skills for Youth: At the Digital Innovators Summit in Maseru, youth were urged to embrace technology for public development and safer digital participation, with plans to digitise water systems supported by the EU. Science Education Boost: Lesotho unveiled a six-member team for the 2026 Pan African Mathematics Olympiad, with STEAM and robotics programmes supporting learners ahead of the June 26–July 4 event. Cybersecurity Diplomacy: Lesotho called for greater African participation in shaping global cybersecurity and emerging-tech discussions, focusing on protecting civilians and essential services in cyberspace.

Lesotho–UAE Trade Push: Dubai Chambers met Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Matekane in Johannesburg to explore stronger trade and investment ties, with a focus on logistics, infrastructure and the digital economy. Assistive Tech Progress: Lesotho says it has improved access to assistive technology through a National Priority Assistive Products List and a National Assistive Technology Policy, but funding and rollout gaps still limit wider reach. STEM Talent Pipeline: Lesotho’s Science and Mathematics Teachers Association unveiled a six-member team for the 2026 Pan African Mathematics Olympiad in Côte d’Ivoire, aiming to grow problem-solving skills through STEAM clubs and competitions. Digital Skills for Youth: Maseru’s Digital Innovators Summit urged Basotho youth to embrace technology for public development and safer digital participation, including practical thinking around AI. Energy + AI Ambition: Lesotho signed a 98 billion-maloti Project Kobong deal for 1,200MW hydropower plus an integrated AI data centre, targeting greater energy independence and regional power exports. Cybersecurity Call: Lesotho urged greater African participation in global cybersecurity and emerging tech discussions, stressing civilian protection and international law in cyberspace. Weather Forecasting for Disasters: A Lesotho Meteorological Services workshop highlighted involving the media in impact-based forecasting so communities get timely, actionable warnings.

Assistive Tech Push: Lesotho says it has improved access for people with disabilities via a National Assistive Technology Policy, a priority products list, and low-cost device training—though funding and rollout gaps still limit reach. STEM & Maths Talent: Lesotho unveiled a six-member team for the 2026 Pan African Mathematics Olympiad, with passport hurdles being one of the main prep challenges. Digital Skills for Youth: A Maseru summit urged Basotho to embrace technology for public development and safer digital participation, including AI’s role in ideas and services. Energy + AI Infrastructure: Lesotho signed a 98 billion-maloti Project Kobong deal for 1,200MW hydropower plus an integrated AI data centre, aiming to move from importing electricity to exporting. Cybersecurity Voice: Lesotho called for greater African participation in global cyber security and emerging tech discussions, stressing civilian protection under international law. Trade Links: Dubai Chambers met Lesotho’s PM to explore stronger investment ties, highlighting logistics, infrastructure and the digital economy. Regional Health Tech Safety: A forum in Nairobi discussed safe use of nuclear and radiation technologies in healthcare, with Lesotho among participating countries.