AGP Executive Report

Severe Winter Weather: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority warns of heavy snowfall in the highlands from tomorrow night to Thursday, urging people to avoid unnecessary travel, watch for icy roads, and move livestock to safe shelters; it also advises safe heating to prevent fires and to follow official weather updates. Regional Climate Risk: South Africa’s weather service flags disruptive snow near the Lesotho border and severe thunderstorms with heavy downpours and hail in the Eastern Cape, raising the risk of localised flooding and damage to roads and infrastructure. Digital Learning for Underserved Communities: MBRGI and The Digital School launched a sustainable education push reaching 500,000+ people across Lesotho and five other African countries, focusing on digital learning spaces, teacher capacity, and youth job-market readiness. Governance & Accountability: Basotho public, youth and civil society groups welcomed Lesotho’s National Dialogue and Accountability Summit as a chance to question leaders and improve transparency—while noting the need for better coordination between budgets and accountability.

Winter Weather & Safety: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority warns of heavy snowfall in the highlands from tomorrow night to Thursday, urging people to avoid unnecessary travel, watch for icy roads, and move livestock to safe shelters while using safe heating methods to prevent fires. Cross-Border Climate Impacts: South Africa’s weather service flags disruptive snow near the Lesotho border alongside severe thunderstorms and damaging winds, with potential localised flooding and traffic disruption. Water Security Watch: A Carte Blanche investigation looks at rising temperatures and the Vaal–Lesotho Water System, modelling how extreme weather could strain supply networks and raise “Day Zero” fears. Governance & Accountability: In Maseru, the public and civil society welcomed the government’s National Dialogue and Accountability Summit as a chance to question leaders and push for tangible results. Regional Cooperation on Migration: Commentary argues South Africa can’t solve irregular migration with fences and deportations alone, calling for stronger regional cooperation to tackle instability and economic drivers.

Winter Weather Watch: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority warns of heavy snowfall in the highlands from tomorrow night to Thursday, urging people to avoid unnecessary travel, drive carefully on icy roads, and move livestock to safe shelters while using safe heating methods to prevent fires. Water & Climate Risk Context: A South African TV investigation follows hydrologists modelling how the Vaal–Lesotho Water System could respond to extreme heat, highlighting how failing municipal infrastructure and hotter conditions could push water supplies toward a “Day Zero” scenario. Regional Integration & Funding: At the 9th SACU Heads of State summit in Cape Town, leaders backed a Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism with an initial N$5 billion to support development projects across member states, with Lesotho among the beneficiaries. Agriculture Support: Lesotho Post Bank’s Agricultural Financing Unit urges Berea farmers to use its tractor financing promotion, saying uptake remains low despite government injections to boost farm productivity. Media & Data Skills: Lesotho’s Bureau of Statistics, with EU support, is sensitising journalists on official statistics and drafted laws to strengthen reporting for sustainable development.

Winter Weather & Safety: Lesotho’s Disaster Management Authority warns of heavy snowfall in the highlands from tomorrow night to Thursday, urging people to avoid unnecessary travel, watch for icy roads, and move livestock to safe shelters while using safe heating to prevent fires. Regional Climate Risk: Tanzania calls for more investment in climate science and stronger early warning systems as climate change intensifies floods, droughts and heatwaves across Africa. Water Security: A data map highlights where safely managed drinking water is still out of reach, with more than 2 billion people globally lacking safe water at home. SACU Funding & Sustainable Development: SACU Heads of State agree to set up a Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism with an initial N$5 billion to back development projects across member states, linking industrialisation and “green mineral beneficiation” priorities. Lesotho Agriculture Finance: Lesotho Post Bank urges Berea farmers to use tractor financing, noting the initiative remains under-used despite government support. Media & Data Skills in Lesotho: CAFI and the Central Bank of Lesotho back workshops to improve how journalists report investment, financial inclusion and economic issues. Men’s Health & Safeguarding: Communities are urged to protect and empower boys and prioritise men’s mental health, including safer spaces to prevent abuse and harassment.

SACU Regional Push: Heads of State at the 9th Southern African Customs Union (SACU) summit agreed to set up a Regional Innovative Funding Mechanism with an initial N$5 billion, drawn from the Common Revenue Pool, to back development projects across member states—while also renewing focus on industrialisation, export promotion and sustainable growth. Lesotho Water & Climate Lens: A Carte Blanche investigation follows hydrologists modelling how the Vaal–Lesotho Water System could cope with extreme heat, warning that worsening temperatures and weak municipal infrastructure could intensify pressure on supplies. Climate Science for Early Warnings: Tanzania called for more investment in climate prediction and early warning systems, linking stronger forecasting to reduced disaster risk—an approach Lesotho can learn from as weather extremes intensify. Media Skills for Better Reporting: In Maseru, Lesotho’s media was sensitised on official statistics and economic/financial reporting, supported by the EU and the Central Bank of Lesotho, aiming for clearer public understanding of development and policy impacts. Farm Mechanisation Finance: The Lesotho Post Bank urged Berea farmers to use tractor financing, saying uptake remains low despite government support—an agriculture productivity boost with knock-on environmental benefits. Weather Watch: Fog and cool conditions are expected across parts of the region, with reduced visibility warnings in nearby areas affecting travel safety.

Water Security Watch: A new Carte Blanche investigation tracks how rising temperatures could strain the Vaal–Lesotho Water System, with hydrologists modelling whether extreme heat pushes South Africa toward a “Day Zero” risk as municipal infrastructure falters. Regional Customs & Resilience: At the 9th SACU Summit in Cape Town, leaders backed a “re-imagined SACU Agenda” and a reform mandate for the new Executive Secretary, Dumsani Masilela, as they respond to protectionism, disrupted supply chains and higher food and energy prices. Climate Early Warnings: Tanzania called for bigger investment in climate science and stronger early warning systems, urging faster, more accurate forecasting tools to protect lives and reduce disaster risk. Lesotho Finance & Media Skills: In Maseru, CAFI and the Central Bank of Lesotho trained journalists to report more accurately on investment and financial inclusion, while the Bureau of Statistics and EU sensitised media on strengthening Lesotho’s national statistical system. Farm Mechanisation Push: Lesotho Post Bank urged Berea farmers to use tractor financing, noting the initiative remains under-used despite recent funding.

Water Security: A new Carte Blanche investigation follows hydrologists modelling how Lesotho’s mountains and the Vaal–Lesotho Water System could cope with extreme heat, failing municipal infrastructure and the risk of a “Day Zero” scenario if summer temperatures spike. Climate & Weather Risks: South Africa’s weather service warns of dense fog and reduced visibility in Mpumalanga, plus cool conditions and isolated showers across provinces—conditions that can disrupt travel and raise accident risk. Regional Trade & Customs: SACU leaders, including Lesotho’s Prime Minister, pushed a “re-imagined SACU Agenda” focused on industrialisation, customs modernisation and trade facilitation, with President Ramaphosa stressing that no country can prosper alone. Media & Data for Development: In Maseru, CAFI and the Central Bank of Lesotho trained journalists to improve economic and financial reporting, while BOS and EU sensitised media on strengthening Lesotho’s national statistical system. Agriculture Finance: Lesotho Post Bank urged Berea farmers to use tractor financing, saying uptake remains low despite government support.

Water Security: A new data-driven map highlights how far “safely managed” drinking water still is for billions worldwide, while a Carte Blanche investigation links South Africa’s worsening water crisis to rising temperatures and tests how the Vaal–Lesotho Water System could cope with extreme weather. Climate & Risk: Winter fog and cold conditions are set to affect parts of the region, with dense fog warnings in Mpumalanga pointing to reduced visibility and road hazards. SACU & Regional Resilience: At the SACU Heads of State summit, leaders—including Lesotho’s Prime Minister—pushed a “re-imagined” agenda for trade, industrialisation and customs reforms, with a focus on building resilience to global shocks. Agriculture & Livelihoods: Lesotho Post Bank urged Berea farmers to use tractor financing, noting the initiative is under-used despite government support. Media & Accountability: CAFI and the Central Bank of Lesotho trained journalists to improve reporting on investment, financial inclusion and economic development, while Lesotho’s officials called for better reporting systems and action over talk. Safeguarding & Health: Community dialogues in Maseru urged stronger protection and empowerment of boys, and mental health advocates pushed back against witchcraft-based explanations.

Water & Climate Risk: Carte Blanche is set to air a Sunday investigation into South Africa’s deepening water crisis, using hydrologists modelling how the Vaal–Lesotho Water System could cope with extreme heat and whether an exceptionally hot summer could push networks toward a “Day Zero” scenario. Regional Trade & Resilience: At the 9th Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Heads of State summit in Cape Town, leaders—including Lesotho’s Prime Minister—back a “re-imagined SACU Agenda” focused on industrialisation, customs modernisation and trade facilitation. Local Finance for Agriculture: Lesotho Post Bank urged Berea farmers to use its tractor financing initiative, saying uptake remains low despite government support. Media Capacity & Data for Development: In Maseru, CAFI and the Central Bank of Lesotho ran workshops to strengthen economic and financial reporting, while the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning and the EU sensitised media on the national statistical system. Community Safeguarding & Men’s Wellbeing: Maseru hosted events calling for safer environments to protect boys from abuse and for mental health to be treated as a priority for men. Weather Watch: Fog and cool conditions are expected across the region, with visibility risks highlighted in South Africa’s interior.

SACU Summit Push: Lesotho’s Prime Minister Samuel Matekane is in Cape Town for the 9th Southern African Customs Union (SACU) Heads of State summit, where leaders are set to drive the “re-imagined SACU Agenda” and review the 2022–2027 Strategic Plan, with focus on industrialisation, customs modernisation, trade facilitation, investment promotion and AfCFTA-linked opportunities. Media & Finance Skills: In Maseru, CAFI and the Central Bank of Lesotho ran a workshop to strengthen how journalists report on investment, financial inclusion and economic development, aiming for more accurate public understanding of policy and data. Farm Machinery Financing: The Lesotho Post Bank urged Berea farmers to use its tractor financing promotion, noting the scheme has been under-used despite government support to help farmers buy machinery and boost productivity. Weather Watch: Saturday brings morning fog patches near the Lesotho border in the Free State, with cool conditions and isolated showers possible; elsewhere, expect partly cloudy, cool-to-warm weather and fog-related visibility risks in the region.

Regional Trade & Payments: Afreximbank reports that East African countries are speeding up local-currency cross-border settlement via PAPSS, cutting costs and reducing reliance on the US dollar and euro. SACU Reform Push: At the 9th Southern African Customs Union summit, leaders including Lesotho’s PM backed a “re-imagined SACU Agenda” and reforms under new Executive Secretary Dumsani Masilela, aiming to strengthen integration and trade resilience. Local Agriculture Finance: Lesotho Post Bank urged Berea farmers to use its tractor financing initiative, saying uptake remains low despite government support. Media Skills for Better Reporting: CAFI and the Central Bank of Lesotho ran workshops to improve journalists’ economic and financial reporting, including sensitisation on official statistics. Weather Watch: Fog and cool conditions are expected around Lesotho’s border areas, with patchy fog and isolated showers possible, so drivers should take extra care.

Media & Economy: CAFI and the Central Bank of Lesotho ran a two-day workshop in Maseru to help journalists report confidently on investment opportunities, financial inclusion and economic development—participants say it was an eye-opener and pledge more accurate economic coverage. Agriculture Finance: Lesotho Post Bank urged Berea farmers to use the Tractor Finance Promotion, noting government support (10% farmer contribution, 30% government, 60% LPB) but warning uptake remains low. Child Protection & Men’s Wellbeing: In Maseru, speakers called for safer community spaces that protect and empower boys, while another event pushed mental health for men as essential—not something to ignore or hide. Regional Integration: Lesotho’s President Nandi-Ndaitwah is set to attend the 9th SACU Heads of State Summit in Cape Town, focusing on industrial development, customs modernisation and trade cooperation. Statistics for Sustainable Development: MFDP/BOS with EU support sensitised media on Lesotho’s national statistical system and new statistics laws. Biodiversity & Rights: Lesotho is advancing Access and Benefit Sharing under the Nagoya Protocol, linking Basotho knowledge of biodiversity and medicinal plants to fair protection and benefit-sharing. Weather Watch (regional): South Africa’s forecasts highlight morning fog and reduced visibility warnings, especially around Mpumalanga, with cool conditions and scattered showers in parts.

SACU Summit: Leaders opened the Southern African Customs Union summit with calls for a “re-imagined” agenda to tackle supply chain shocks and food and energy volatility, as the region’s economy reshapes. Media & Finance Skills: In Maseru, CAFI is training journalists on investment, financial inclusion and economic reporting, aiming for clearer public understanding of business and livelihoods. Traditional Knowledge Protection: Lesotho is advancing Access and Benefit Sharing under the Nagoya Protocol, linking biodiversity and medicinal plant knowledge with fair benefit-sharing rules. Climate & Biodiversity Governance: ABS Week 2026 is set to strengthen policy frameworks and conservation of medicinal plants and biodiversity. Energy, Skills, Nutrition Funding: Lesotho and the World Bank signed over M841m in agreements to expand clean energy access, boost skills development and improve nutrition outcomes. Maseru Clean-Up: Clean-up efforts are restoring a neglected Maseru site, supporting healthier local environments. Disaster Response Training: LMPS trained a Bela-Bela community on disaster response, strengthening preparedness for shocks. Weather Watch (regional): South Africa’s winter conditions bring morning fog and isolated showers, with a fog visibility warning in Mpumalanga—relevant for cross-border travel and safety.

Weather & risk: Dense fog and cool conditions are set to linger across parts of South Africa, with a Yellow Level 2 fog warning for Mpumalanga due to reduced visibility and higher chances of road accidents and travel disruption. Local impacts: In the Free State, morning fog patches are expected along the Lesotho border, while other areas see fine-to-partly cloudy skies with isolated showers. Biodiversity & rights: Lesotho is gearing up for ABS Week 2026, aiming to strengthen implementation of the Nagoya Protocol so Basotho traditional knowledge and genetic resources are protected and benefits are shared fairly. Clean environments: A Maseru clean-up initiative has reclaimed a neglected site by tackling overgrown vegetation and scattered waste, with plans to turn it into a recreational park. Media & environment reporting: The CAFI project is training journalists in Maseru to improve reporting on investment, financial inclusion and economic development—skills that can help communities better understand how environmental and climate shocks affect livelihoods.

Severe Weather Watch: South Africa’s SAWS has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms with small hail, strong gusty winds and heavy downpours over the southern Northern Cape and eastern Western Cape—conditions that can quickly worsen road and drainage safety. Lesotho Climate & Biodiversity Policy: Lesotho is holding ABS Week 2026 to strengthen Access and Benefit-Sharing under the Nagoya Protocol, aiming to protect traditional knowledge and genetic resources and ensure fair sharing of benefits from biodiversity and medicinal plants. Energy, Skills & Nutrition Funding: Lesotho and the World Bank signed three financing agreements worth over M840m to expand clean energy access, boost skills development, and improve nutrition outcomes. Maseru Clean-Up: A Maseru site once blighted by overgrown vegetation and scattered waste has been cleared, with plans to turn it into a recreational park. Disaster Preparedness: LMPS fire and rescue teams ran disaster response awareness in Bela-Bela, urging hazard identification in schools and basic first-aid readiness as climate shocks increase.

Severe Weather Watch: The South African Weather Service has issued a Yellow Level 2 warning for severe thunderstorms with small hail, strong gusts and heavy downpours over parts of the Northern Cape and eastern Western Cape, while other areas face cold, fog and isolated showers—an important heads-up for Lesotho’s region-wide storm and wave conditions. Biodiversity & Traditional Knowledge: Lesotho is gearing up for Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) Week 2026 to strengthen implementation of the Nagoya Protocol, aiming to protect Basotho knowledge tied to medicinal plants and ensure fair sharing of benefits. Clean Environment in Maseru: A Maseru clean-up initiative has restored a neglected public site by tackling overgrown vegetation and scattered waste, with plans to turn the area into a recreational park. Disaster Preparedness: The Lesotho Mounted Police Service ran a disaster response awareness campaign in Bela-Bela, training communities on basic first aid and hazard awareness as climate shocks increase. Energy, Skills & Nutrition Funding: Lesotho and the World Bank signed financing agreements worth over M840m to expand clean energy access, boost skills development, and improve nutrition outcomes.