AGP Executive Report

Wildlife & Tourism: Erfenis Nature Reserve near Theunissen is set to expand its Heritage Day weekend camp after a four-day event drew visitors from across Lesotho and South Africa for bush walks, boat rides, fishing, paintball and jet skiing, with local artists and DJs adding to the outdoor draw. Water & Climate Risk: Lesotho is bracing for hotter, drier conditions tied to El Niño, with a study projecting heat could kill about 42 Basotho between September and February, while the government is already pushing drought-tolerant seeds, lucerne for livestock feed, and water collection. Climate-to-Jobs Push: A new USD$10m PARS project aims to turn climate adaptation into clean jobs through innovation and entrepreneurship, urging youth, entrepreneurs and communities to deliver local solutions. Agriculture & Food Security: Farmers are being advised to prepare for worsening rainfall between October and December after recent rains, as below-normal rainfall and above-average temperatures are forecast. Conservation: A South African programme is racing to save the endangered bearded vulture, warning fewer than 400 remain in the mountains of South Africa and Lesotho amid poisoning, electrocution and habitat loss.

El Niño Heat Warning: A new study says El Niño could kill about 42 Basotho between September and February, with Maseru projected to record the highest toll, and the disaster agency admitting it has no money to prepare. Drought Planning: The government is urging farmers to stock up on animal feed and water and use drought-tolerant seeds as October–December rainfall is expected to be below normal and temperatures above average. Climate-to-Jobs Push: Lesotho is launching a USD$10m climate adaptation and resilience through innovation and entrepreneurship project (PARS) to turn climate ideas into clean jobs, with youth and local solutions at the centre. Water & Resilience Support: Vodacom Lesotho Foundation refurbished St Angela Home in Maseru, adding solar geysers and high-pressure pumps after years of leaking roofs. Trade for MSMEs: A Maseru workshop is helping Lesotho MSMEs tap AfCFTA opportunities, with a B2B seminar linking 40 exhibitors to potential buyers. Conservation Spotlight: Fewer than 400 bearded vultures remain in South Africa and Lesotho, and a breeding programme is working to stop electrocution, poisoning and habitat loss.

El Niño heat and drought risk: A new study warns El Niño could kill about 42 Basotho between September and February, with Maseru projected to be hardest hit, while the disaster agency admits it lacks money to prepare. Climate adaptation push: Lesotho is also rolling out a USD$10m climate adaptation and resilience through innovation and entrepreneurship project, urging climate solutions to become real businesses that create jobs. Food security pressure: Farmers are being told to stock up on animal feed and water and use drought-tolerant seeds as October–December rainfall is expected to be below normal. Water and resilience links: A separate regional story flags South Africa and Zimbabwe discussing a US$500m cross-border dam study to move water to Limpopo—highlighting how water scarcity is driving big infrastructure plans. Biodiversity conservation: Fewer than 400 bearded vultures remain in South Africa and Lesotho, with threats including power-line electrocution and poisoning. Local enterprise and markets: A Maseru workshop connected Lesotho MSMEs to buyers under AfCFTA, aiming to improve access to markets and finance.

Climate & Food Security: Lesotho is bracing for worsening heat and drought as El Niño intensifies, with a new study projecting up to 42 Basotho deaths between September and February and warnings that below-normal rains could hit October to December. Water & Resilience: The government is also pushing drought preparedness, including drought-tolerant seeds, lucerne for livestock feed, and earlier water collection as farmers face drying grazing lands. Jobs from Climate Solutions: A new USD$10m PARS project is set to turn climate adaptation into clean jobs, backing youth-led innovation and locally driven solutions. Local Livelihoods: In Berea, farmers received training to manage fishery projects and explore a largely untapped fish value chain, with an eye on commercialisation and export opportunities. Conservation: A bearded vulture rescue effort in South Africa and Lesotho highlights the fight against electrocution, poisoning and habitat loss, with fewer than 400 birds left in the wild. Energy & Community Support: Vodacom Lesotho Foundation refurbished St Angela Home in Maseru with roof repairs, solar geysers and water pumps, improving living conditions for 53 children. Trade & Markets: A Maseru AfCFTA workshop and B2B seminar urged MSMEs to access regional buyers and export opportunities, tackling finance and market barriers.

Climate & Food Security: Lesotho is bracing for worsening heat and drought as El Niño intensifies, with a study projecting up to 42 Basotho deaths between September and February and officials warning farmers to stock water and animal feed. Adaptation & Jobs: The Ministry of Environment and Forestry launched a new USD$10m PARS project to turn climate adaptation into clean jobs through youth-led innovation, entrepreneurship and locally driven solutions. Water & Resilience: Lesotho’s climate planning also intersects with regional water stress, as South Africa and Zimbabwe discuss a US$500m cross-border dam plan to secure supplies for Limpopo’s industrial zone. Biodiversity in Focus: A conservation push in South Africa and Lesotho is racing to save the bearded vulture, with fewer than 400 birds left and threats including power-line electrocution and poisoning. Local Livelihoods: In Berea, farmers received training to manage fishery projects and explore the fish value chain, aiming to commercialise a largely untapped market. Community Support: Vodacom Lesotho Foundation refurbished St Angela Home in Maseru, adding solar geysers and water pumps to improve living conditions for children with disabilities.

Climate & Food Security: Lesotho is bracing for worsening heat and drought linked to El Niño, with officials urging farmers to use drought-tolerant seeds, plant lucerne for fodder, and stockpile water as rainfall risks fall below normal. Heat Mortality Warning: A new study projects El Niño heat could kill about 42 Basotho between September and February, with Maseru expected to record the highest toll. Water & Resilience Finance: Lesotho is also pushing climate solutions into business through a new USD$10m PARS innovation and entrepreneurship project aimed at clean jobs and locally driven adaptation. Carbon Markets: IFAD financing is set to support work on Lesotho’s National Carbon Markets Framework for Article 6 and voluntary carbon markets. Biodiversity Conservation: A bearded vulture rescue effort in South Africa and Lesotho highlights how poisoning and electrocution are threatening fewer than 400 remaining birds. Community Support: Vodacom Lesotho Foundation refurbished St Angela Home in Maseru, improving safety and comfort for 53 children with solar and water upgrades. Local Livelihoods & Trade: A Maseru workshop urged Lesotho MSMEs to use AfCFTA opportunities, while LEAP continues backing young entrepreneurs to grow income and jobs.

Cross-border water push: South Africa and Zimbabwe are discussing a US$500m (R8.2bn) Thuli Moswa dam in Zimbabwe to supply water to Limpopo’s Musina-Makhado SEZ, but officials say there’s no clear start timeline yet—highlighting how climate risk and water shortages are driving big, slow-moving infrastructure plans. Climate resilience for Basotho: Lesotho is preparing for hotter, drier conditions linked to El Niño, with drought-tolerant seeds, advice to plant lucerne for fodder, and warnings that below-normal rains could raise food and water stress. Turning climate ideas into jobs: A new USD$10m PARS initiative is set to help Lesotho turn climate adaptation into clean-jobs entrepreneurship, with youth and locally driven solutions at the centre. Clean water via solar: About 2,300 people in Shiselweni benefit from a solar-powered hybrid water scheme with communal taps, showing how renewable energy can cut operating costs and improve access. Local business and AfCFTA: A Maseru workshop urged Lesotho MSMEs to look beyond domestic markets and use AfCFTA opportunities to grow and create employment. Digital safeguards: Lesotho is piloting child-focused safeguards for Digital Public Infrastructure while consultations continue on a Cybersecurity Bill 2026.

El Niño heat and drought planning: Lesotho is bracing for a hotter, drier summer as El Niño-linked conditions are projected to kill about 42 Basotho between September and February, with the disaster agency admitting it has no money to prepare. Climate adaptation turned into business: The Ministry of Environment and Forestry says climate resilience must move beyond “ideas on paper,” launching the USD$10m PARS project to back youth-led innovation and clean jobs. Food security pressure: Agriculture officials report drought-tolerant seeds have been procured and farmers are urged to plant lucerne and stock water as rainfall is forecast to drop from October to December. Water access via solar: A solar-powered scheme in Shiselweni is now serving about 2,300 people through 55 communal taps, cutting operating costs and improving affordability. Governance for resilience: Lesotho is also rolling out a National Carbon Markets Framework (Article 6 and voluntary markets) and has begun Phase One of a National Compute Roadmap, with attention to energy, water and carbon impacts. Digital safety for children: Consultations on a Cybersecurity Bill 2026 continue, alongside DPI safeguards for children piloted across ministries.

Night schooling for herders: In central Lesotho, young shepherds trek down steep mountains at dusk to attend evening classes at Good Shepherd School in Semonkong, highlighting how poverty and tradition keep many boys out of daytime learning. El Niño heat and drought planning: Lesotho is preparing for a hotter, drier season linked to El Niño, with drought-tolerant seeds, advice to plant lucerne for fodder, and warnings that below-normal rainfall could worsen food and water stress. Projected heat deaths: A new study estimates El Niño could kill about 42 Basotho between September and February, with Maseru expected to bear the highest toll. Climate adaptation as business: Government launched the PARS climate adaptation and resilience project (US$10m) pushing entrepreneurs and youth to turn climate ideas into clean jobs and locally driven solutions. Water and renewables: Vodacom Lesotho Foundation refurbished St Angela Home, adding solar geysers and water pumps for children with disabilities. Clean water access: A solar-powered water scheme in Ebulekeni (Shiselweni) is benefiting about 2,300 people through communal taps. Carbon markets push: IFAD financing will support work on Lesotho’s National Carbon Markets Framework for Article 6 and voluntary carbon markets.

Climate & Food Security: Lesotho is bracing for worsening heat and drought tied to El Niño, with the agriculture ministry urging farmers to use drought-tolerant seeds, plant lucerne for fodder, and stock up on water before grazing lands dry. Disaster Risk: A new study projects El Niño heat could kill about 42 Basotho between September and February, with Maseru expected to face the highest toll. Climate Innovation & Jobs: Government has launched a USD$10m PARS project to turn climate adaptation ideas into clean jobs and locally driven business solutions, with youth and entrepreneurship at the centre. Water & Energy Access: Vodacom Lesotho Foundation refurbished St Angela Home in Maseru, adding solar geysers and high-pressure pumps after years of leaking roofs. Governance & Environment Finance: Lesotho is developing a National Carbon Markets Framework for Article 6 and voluntary carbon markets, supported by IFAD financing to build the legal and operational setup. Policy Watch: The IEC ordered a three-tier audit of the voters’ roll and election systems, while the Central Bank raised interest rates to curb inflation.

Climate & Food Security: Lesotho is bracing for worsening heat and drought tied to El Niño, with the agriculture ministry saying drought-tolerant seeds are secured and farmers are urged to plant lucerne and stock water and feed; a study also projects El Niño heat could kill about 42 Basotho between September and February. Water Access: A solar-powered water supply scheme in Ebulekeni (Shiselweni) is benefiting about 2,300 people through 55 communal taps, showing how renewables can cut operating costs and improve service delivery. Biodiversity: A bearded vulture rescue effort is underway in southern Africa, where fewer than 400 birds remain, facing threats like electrocution, poisoning and habitat loss. Digital Resilience: Lesotho says it is the first country to apply the UN AI Blueprint, starting with a national compute roadmap (2026–2029) that also considers energy, water and carbon impacts. Governance & Tech Trust: The IEC has ordered a three-tier audit of the voters’ roll and election systems, including data checks, technology security and system performance.

Climate & Food Security: Lesotho is bracing for a hotter, drier summer as El Niño-linked heat and drought threaten harvests and livelihoods; the agriculture ministry says drought-tolerant seeds are in place and farmers are being urged to plant lucerne and stock water. El Niño Death Toll: A new study projects El Niño heat could kill about 42 Basotho between September and February, with Maseru expected to face the highest number of deaths. Water & Resilience: Vodacom Lesotho Foundation has refurbished St Angela Home in Maseru, including roof repairs and solar geysers and pumps, improving safety and dignity for 53 children with disabilities. Clean Jobs Climate Project: Lesotho launched a $10m initiative using innovation and entrepreneurship to promote climate adaptation and resilience, with youth-led solutions at its core. Biodiversity Conservation: A South African programme is racing to save the bearded vulture, with fewer than 400 birds left across South Africa and Lesotho amid poisoning, electrocution and habitat loss. Carbon Markets: Lesotho is moving to develop a National Carbon Markets Framework for Article 6 and voluntary carbon markets, supported by IFAD financing. Digital Public Infrastructure & Safeguards: Lesotho says it has begun implementing the UN AI and data blueprint, including a compute roadmap, while piloting child-protective safeguards in digital public systems.

Climate & Food Security: Lesotho is bracing for a hotter, drier summer as El Niño-linked heat and drought risks rise. The agriculture ministry says drought-tolerant seeds have been procured and farmers are urged to plant lucerne for fodder and collect water, while a new study projects El Niño heat could kill about 42 Basotho between September and February, with Maseru expected to be hardest hit. Water & Renewables: A solar-powered water supply scheme in Ebulekeni (Shiselweni) is now serving about 2,300 people through 55 communal taps, showing how hybrid solar-and-grid systems can cut operating costs and improve access. Climate Adaptation Funding: Lesotho has launched a new USD$10m PARS project to promote climate adaptation and resilience through innovation and entrepreneurship, with youth-led solutions and clean jobs at the centre. Carbon Markets: Lesotho is moving ahead with a National Carbon Markets Framework aligned to Article 6 and voluntary carbon markets, supported by IFAD financing for legal framework development. Digital Resilience: Lesotho says it is the first country to apply the UN AI Blueprint for national AI and data strategies, starting with a 2026–2029 compute roadmap that also considers energy, water and carbon impacts. Children & Health: Vodacom Lesotho Foundation has refurbished St Angela Home in Maseru, fixing leaking roofs and installing solar geysers and water pumps for 53 children with disabilities. Governance & Integrity: The IEC has ordered a three-tier audit of the voters’ roll and election technology ahead of 2028, while Lesotho also faces broader climate pressure on food systems amid regional instability.

Climate & Health: A new study warns El Niño heat could kill about 42 Basotho between September and February, with Maseru projected to face the highest toll, while the disaster agency admits it has no money to prepare. Water & Energy: Vodacom Lesotho Foundation has refurbished St Angela Home in Maseru, fixing leaking roofs and installing solar geysers and high-pressure pumps for 53 children with disabilities. Food Security: The EU delegation flags that war and El Niño are likely to push up food prices and supplies across Southern Africa, hitting the most vulnerable hardest. Digital & Environment: Lesotho is the first country to apply the UN Blueprint for National AI and Data Strategies, starting Phase One of a National Compute Roadmap that also considers data-centre energy, water and carbon. Governance & Risk: The IEC has ordered a three-tier audit of the voters’ roll and election technology ahead of 2028 polls. Climate Adaptation: Agriculture officials say drought-tolerant seeds have been procured and livestock farmers are urged to plant fodder and collect water as hotter, drier conditions loom. Carbon Markets: IFAD financing will support drafting Lesotho’s National Carbon Markets Framework for Article 6 and voluntary carbon markets.

Climate & water security: Lesotho is preparing for a hotter, drier summer after forecasts of below-normal rains, with the agriculture ministry saying it has procured drought-tolerant seeds, pushed lucerne for fodder, and urged livestock farmers to harvest water ahead of dry conditions. Clean water access: About 2,300 people in Ebulekeni (Shiselweni) are benefiting from a solar-powered hybrid water scheme with 55 communal taps, cutting operating costs through renewable energy and community-government-developer partnerships. Digital public infrastructure & safeguards: Lesotho’s information ministry is advancing Digital Public Infrastructure with a focus on trust and inclusion, including DPI safeguards for children piloted across five ministries with UNICEF support. Cybersecurity lawmaking: Stakeholders concluded a two-day consultation on Lesotho’s Cybersecurity Bill 2026, calling for a forward-looking, adaptable legal framework as the country separates cybersecurity and cybercrime into two laws. SDG momentum: At UN SDG events, Lesotho highlighted progress on clean water, clean energy and health, while stressing that implementation remains sluggish amid global headwinds. Food security: Leribe plans World Food Day activities featuring climate-smart plot demonstrations and nutrition-focused community learning.

Climate & Water Security: Zimbabwe launched a nationwide cloud-seeding programme to tackle forecast below-normal rains across parts of SADC, deploying aircraft and drones and rolling out a six-pillar climate response that includes early warning systems and climate-smart farming. Weather Watch (Regional): South Africa’s Heritage Day forecast points to warm, partly cloudy conditions with isolated showers and thunderstorms in several provinces, alongside extremely high fire danger in parts of Limpopo—an important reminder for Lesotho’s fire and drought preparedness. Health & Environment: Lesotho recovered expired ARVs dumped near the Mabolou River at Ha Thetsane, warning that improper disposal can harm people and pollute the environment. Water & Sanitation Risks: Thaba Chweu residents in Mpumalanga report contaminated water and sewage pollution, with tests showing unsafe bacteria levels and no chlorine—highlighting the stakes of sanitation systems for communities across the region. Food & Farming Resilience: Lesotho announced subsidised farming input prices for 2026/27 will stay the same as last season, supporting seeds, herbicides and manure costs for farmers. SDG Momentum: Lesotho used the SDG Moment in New York to highlight progress on clean water, clean energy and health, while stressing that implementation remains sluggish amid global headwinds.