AGP Executive Report

Biodiversity & Medicines Policy: Lesotho’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry, with UNDP, is set to launch Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) Week 2026 to strengthen implementation of the Nagoya Protocol—building capacity, validating policy frameworks, and pushing fair conservation and benefit-sharing from biodiversity and medicinal plants. Clean Water & Sanitation: Lesotho and partners are also spotlighting water access, with youth delegates urging urgent WASH infrastructure investment across Africa—highlighting the gap between Lesotho’s water reserves and children’s lack of clean drinking water. World Bank Financing for Environment-Linked Development: Lesotho and the World Bank signed three agreements worth over M841 million to expand clean energy access, skills development, and nutrition outcomes. Community Waste & Public Space: A Maseru clean-up restored a neglected site plagued by overgrown vegetation and dumped waste, with plans to turn it into a recreational park. Disaster Preparedness: LMPS fire and rescue trained Bela-Bela communities on basic disaster response and risk reduction as climate shocks intensify. Child Wellbeing & Protection: World Vision launched its 2026–2030 community strategy, prioritising violence prevention, health and nutrition, water and sanitation, and sustainable livelihoods for 650,000 vulnerable children.

Access and Benefit-Sharing (ABS) Week 2026: Lesotho’s Ministry of Environment and Forestry, with UNDP, is set to launch ABS Week 2026 to strengthen how the country implements the Nagoya Protocol—linking biodiversity and medicinal plants to conservation, fair benefit-sharing, and stronger institutions. Clean environment in Maseru: Clean Lesotho Initiatives restored a neglected Maseru site by clearing overgrown vegetation and scattered waste, with plans to turn the area into a recreational park in talks with the Maseru City Council. Disaster readiness in Bela-Bela: The Lesotho Mounted Police Service trained communities in basic disaster response and first aid, warning that climate change is increasing shocks and urging stronger hazard awareness in schools. Water, sanitation and child wellbeing: World Vision Lesotho rolled out its 2026–2030 community strategy, prioritising child protection, health and nutrition, and water and sanitation, while Lesotho’s schools also push agricultural learning to improve food security. Major funding for energy, skills and nutrition: Lesotho and the World Bank signed over M841m in agreements to expand clean energy access, boost skills, and improve nutrition outcomes. Gender and health education: Parents and guardians were urged to discuss puberty and biological changes openly with daughters, alongside responsible use of menstrual health support.

Disaster Risk & Climate Preparedness: LMPS trained Bela-Bela communities on disaster response, urging stronger hazard identification in schools as climate shocks increase. Clean Environment in Maseru: Clean Lesotho Initiatives restored a neglected Maseru site by tackling overgrown vegetation and dumped waste, with plans to turn it into a recreational park. Water, Sanitation & Child Wellbeing: World Vision Lesotho launched its 2026–2030 strategy in Bela-Bela, prioritising violence prevention, health and nutrition, and water and sanitation for 650,000 vulnerable children. Clean Energy & Nutrition Funding: Lesotho and the World Bank signed M840m+ agreements to expand clean energy access, skills development, and multisectoral nutrition outcomes. Public Health Education: In Mafeteng, parents were urged to discuss puberty and menstrual changes openly, with support for hygiene and responsible use of sanitary products. Food Security Through Schools: Schools boosted agricultural production to improve nutrition and practical farming skills, including maize and vegetables. Policy Accountability: An Ombudsman report criticised LHDA over displacement and compensation failures in Polihali, highlighting broken promises and poor consultation.

World Bank financing: Lesotho and the World Bank signed three deals worth over M841 million to expand clean energy access, speed up skills development, and improve nutrition outcomes. Child health & safety: World Vision Lesotho rolled out its 2026–2030 child wellbeing strategy, focusing on ending violence against children, health and nutrition, water and sanitation, and sustainable livelihoods. Menstrual health push: In Mafeteng, the Deputy Prime Minister urged parents to talk openly with daughters about puberty and biological changes, alongside responsible use of donated sanitary products. Disaster readiness: LMPS trained Bela-Bela communities on disaster preparedness and basic first aid, linking preparedness to climate change-driven shocks. Clean environment in Maseru: Clean Lesotho Initiatives restored a neglected Maseru site by tackling overgrown vegetation and dumped waste, with plans to turn it into a recreational park. Water access advocacy: Youth delegates from Lesotho highlighted a painful gap between Lesotho’s water reserves and children’s lack of clean drinking water, calling for urgent WASH infrastructure. Governance & accountability: An Auditor-General report flags weak delivery on Lesotho’s CAFI project, citing only 41% spending capacity by March 2024.

World Bank Financing: Lesotho and the World Bank have signed three deals worth over M841m to expand clean energy access, boost skills development, and improve nutrition outcomes nationwide. Disaster Preparedness: The Lesotho Mounted Police Service trained Bela-Bela communities on disaster response, including hazard awareness in schools and basic first-aid techniques. Clean-Up & Public Space: Clean Lesotho Initiatives restored a neglected Maseru site by tackling overgrown vegetation and dumped waste, with plans to turn the area into a recreational park. Child Wellbeing & WASH: World Vision launched its 2026–2030 community strategy in Bela-Bela, targeting vulnerable children with child protection, health and nutrition, and water and sanitation support. Water Security Advocacy: Youth delegates in Libya adopted a call for urgent clean-water infrastructure for African children, highlighting Lesotho’s water reserves but weak access due to infrastructure gaps. Displacement Accountability: The Ombudsman criticised the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II for compensation and consultation failures affecting displaced families in Polihali.

Clean-up & public space: Clean Lesotho Initiatives restored a neglected Maseru site by tackling overgrown vegetation and scattered waste, with plans to turn it into a recreational park in talks with the Maseru City Council. Disaster readiness: The Lesotho Mounted Police Service trained Bela-Bela residents in basic disaster response, including hazard awareness in schools and first-aid skills demonstrated by learners. Water & land pressures: A slow-moving environmental crisis is reported at the Paulshof river confluence in South Africa, where informal structures and illegal dumping encroach on a protected road reserve—highlighting how waste and settlement growth degrade river corridors. Child wellbeing & protection: World Vision International Lesotho launched a child wellbeing strategy in Berea, focusing on community-driven, low-cost programmes to improve health and end violence against children. Health investment: Lesotho’s Ministry of Health unveiled a data-driven maternal, newborn and child health investment case targeting “Three Zeros” by 2030, aiming to cut preventable deaths and gender-based violence. WASH advocacy: Youth delegates adopted a call for urgent clean-water infrastructure for African children, with a Lesotho youth highlighting the paradox of abundant water but poor access due to weak infrastructure.

Water & Rights in the Highlands: Lesotho’s Ombudsman has slammed the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) over displacement in Polihali, citing poor consultation, opaque compensation and failures to restore basic living standards for affected families. Public Finance & Jobs: Auditor-General findings highlight a widening gap between government plans and economic reality, with the Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion Project (CAFI) spending only 41% of its revised budget by March 2024. Health Investment: The Ministry of Health launched a data-driven M2.3bn Investment Case to cut maternal deaths, child marriage and gender-based violence, promising M129 return for every US$1 invested. Industrial Rescue Plan: LNDC unveiled “Letsema” (2026–2031), aiming for 50,000 net new jobs and 100 homegrown industrialists while targeting import dependence. Transport Pressure: A proposed 79% taxi fare hike in Maseru threatens to strain already stretched commuter budgets. WASH for Children: Youth delegates backed urgent clean-water infrastructure across Africa, with a Lesotho delegate pointing out the paradox of abundant water but weak access. Environment & Land Use: In South Africa, residents say informal structures and illegal dumping are degrading a river confluence corridor linked to a protected road reserve—an issue with regional lessons for land stewardship.

Displacement & rights: Lesotho’s Ombudsman has slammed the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority over displacement in Polihali, citing unfair compensation, weak consultation, poor relocation procedures and failures to restore basic living standards for affected families. Public finance & delivery: A new Auditor-General report highlights Lesotho’s implementation crisis, flagging the Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion Project (CAFI) for spending only 41% of its revised budget by March 2024 despite “clean” books. Industrial jobs push: The LNDC launched its “Letsema” 2026–2031 plan to cut import dependence, create 50,000 net new jobs and grow 100 homegrown industrialists—aiming to break Lesotho’s stagnation in value-add manufacturing. Water & health: World Vision Lesotho is rolling out a child wellbeing strategy in Berea, while a youth WASH workshop in Tripoli stressed that Lesotho’s water reserves don’t translate into clean water access without infrastructure. Agriculture in schools: Schools across Lesotho are expanding practical farming to boost food security and nutrition, producing maize and vegetables for learners. Transport pressure: A proposed 79% taxi fare hike in Maseru threatens to price commuters off the road. Wildlife & land: Quthing District Administrator handed over blankets and radios to village crime-prevention committees supporting the Lets’eng-La-Letsie catchment and the Ramsar wetland site.

Water & Rights: The Ombudsman has slammed the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II through LHDA, citing weak consultation, opaque compensation and procedural failures that have left displaced families in Polihali destitute. Public Finance Accountability: Auditor-General ’Mathabo Makenete reports CAFI’s spending capacity at just 41% of its revised budget, exposing a widening gap between fiscal plans and economic reality. Industrial Jobs Push: Government launched the LNDC “Letsema” plan (2026–2031) aiming for 50,000 net new jobs and 100 homegrown industrialists, targeting Lesotho’s import dependence and low value-add manufacturing. Transport Costs: A proposed 79% taxi fare hike in Maseru threatens to price commuters off the road, sparking a looming standoff with operators. Food Security & Farming Skills: Schools are expanding agricultural production to improve nutrition and cut food costs, with maize and vegetables grown as practical learning. Clean Water Advocacy: Youth delegates in Libya called for urgent WASH infrastructure for African children, highlighting Lesotho’s paradox of abundant water but poor access due to infrastructure gaps. Wildlife & Wetlands Support: Quthing district handed out blankets and radios to community crime-prevention committees around the Lets’eng-La-Letsie Ramsar wetland catchment, backing local protection efforts.

Water & WASH: Youth delegates in Tripoli adopted a push for urgent clean-water infrastructure across Africa, with a Lesotho delegate highlighting the paradox of abundant reserves but poor access for children. Health & Gender: Lesotho’s Ministry of Health launched a M2.3bn Investment Case to cut maternal deaths, child marriage and gender-based violence, aiming for “Three Zeros” by 2030. Land & Rights: The Ombudsman has slammed the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority over displacement in Polihali, citing weak consultation and compensation failures that left families destitute. Jobs & Industry: The LNDC unveiled its “Letsema” plan to create 50,000 jobs and grow 100 homegrown industrialists, targeting Lesotho’s import dependence and low value-add manufacturing. Governance & Finance: Auditor-General findings show the CAFI project spent only 41% of its budget by March 2024, despite claims of boosting private-sector competitiveness and financial inclusion. Transport Costs: A proposed 79% taxi fare hike in Maseru is set to spark a standoff with commuters facing higher daily costs. Environment-linked community support: In Quthing, blankets and radios were handed to village crime-prevention committees supporting the Lets’eng-La-Letsie catchment, a Ramsar wetland site.

WASH and clean water push: Youth delegates at an ACERWC/UNICEF workshop in Tripoli adopted a call for urgent investment to close Africa’s clean-water and sanitation gaps, highlighting Lesotho’s “water reserves but weak infrastructure” problem and the extra burden on children with disabilities. Food security in schools: Lesotho schools are expanding agricultural production to improve nutrition and cut food costs, with learners growing maize and vegetables as part of practical training. Menstrual health in Qacha’s Nek: Machabeng Government Hospital marked MHH Day with lessons, debates and pad-disposal demonstrations, plus donations of sanitary towels and soap to local schools. Community safety support: In Quthing, blankets and walkie-talkie radios were handed to village crime-prevention committees near the Lets’eng-La-Letsie catchment to strengthen the ROLL project. Roads for remote Lebakeng: Prime Minister Matekane launched a M1.4bn Matlali–Lebakeng road upgrade to bitumen standard and new bridges, aiming to end decades of isolation. Wildlife and tourism note: A Lesotho-linked Ramsar wetland catchment (Lets’eng-La-Letsie) remains in focus as communities plan for sustainability around protected landscapes.

Food Security & Nutrition: Lesotho schools are boosting agricultural production to improve food security and nutrition, with Khoro High School expanding fields and growing maize and vegetables, while Mafeteng High School produces maize and cabbage for practical learner training. Water & Biodiversity Protection: In Quthing, blankets and radios were handed to village crime-prevention committees to support the Lets’eng-La-Letsie catchment’s ROLL project, with chiefs stressing the Ramsar wetland site’s long-term sustainability. Health & Community Support: A Father’s Day Sunflower Sky hike at Sani Pass is set to raise funds for blood cancer patients and donor matching through DKMS Africa, alongside Rainbows and Smiles. Public Health & Hygiene: Qacha’s Nek marked Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day with pad-use and disposal education, competitions, and donations of sanitary towels and soap to primary schools. Infrastructure for Resilience: Lebakeng residents in remote areas are set to benefit from a M1.4bn road upgrade to bitumen standard and new bridges to reduce washaways during heavy rains, improving access to services and markets. Regional Environment & Trade: CTICC2 in Cape Town will host SACU meetings involving Lesotho and neighbours, shaping regional customs and trade that can affect cross-border movement of goods and resources.

Roads & Resilience: Lesotho’s Lebakeng residents may soon see relief after a M1.4bn Matlali–Lebakeng road project was launched, upgrading a 45km route to bitumen, adding a 1.4km link to ’Melikane Combined School, and building major bridges over several rivers—work set to finish in Feb 2030. Health & Dignity: Machabeng Government Hospital marked Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day with lessons and school support, including demonstrations on pad use and disposal, competitions, and donations of sanitary towels and soap to five primary schools. Maternal Care Support: The Anglican Church’s Third Order, Society of St Francis (TSSF) handed St. James Mission Hospital in Thaba-Tseka life-saving maternal and neonatal equipment worth over M80,000, addressing shortages that force some patients to travel. Regional Trade: South Africa’s CTICC2 will host SACU meetings next week, with Lesotho and other member states expected to discuss customs and ways to strengthen cross-border trade. Climate Watch: Weather updates point to rain and cooler conditions in parts of the region, with warnings for damaging winds in the Eastern Cape. Food Security Angle: FAO highlights potato potential for climate-resilient, locally produced nutrition—Lesotho is among countries backing potatoes through the OCOP initiative.

Food Security: A new push to scale up potatoes as a climate-resilient staple is highlighted by FAO’s One Country One Priority Product (OCOP) work, with Lesotho among the countries backing the crop’s value chain from seeds to trade. Infrastructure & Climate Resilience: Lesotho’s Lebakeng residents may soon see relief after the M1.4bn Matlali–Lebakeng road project was launched, upgrading the route to bitumen and building major bridges to better withstand heavy rains. Health & Waste-Free Living: Qacha’s Nek marked Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day with lessons on pad use and disposal, plus donations of sanitary towels and soap to local schools. Regional Trade: Lesotho is set to join SACU meetings in Cape Town at CTICC2, where heads of state and ministers will discuss customs and ways to strengthen cross-border trade. Wildlife & Tourism: A Lesotho-linked tourism angle surfaces in coverage of Southern Africa’s wildlife experiences, including lodge stays near major parks. Weather Watch: Conditions across the region are turning wet, cold and windy in parts of South Africa—an update worth tracking for Lesotho’s mountain areas.

Road Connectivity: Lesotho’s Matlali–Lebakeng road project (M1.4bn) is set to end decades of isolation by upgrading a 45km route to bitumen, adding a 1.4km link to ’Melikane Combined School, and building major bridges over the Tsoelike, Lijabatho, ’Melikane and Senqu rivers, with completion targeted for February 2030. Health & Hygiene: Qacha’s Nek marked Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day with school activities, pad-use and disposal demonstrations, and donations of sanitary towels and soap to five primary schools to tackle stigma and keep girls in class. Maternal Care Support: The Anglican Church’s Third Order, Society of St Francis (TSSF) handed St. James Mission Hospital in Thaba-Tseka new maternal and neonatal equipment worth over M80,000 to ease shortages in a heavily used maternity ward. Regional Trade Talks: Cape Town will host major SACU meetings at CTICC2 (18–26 June), with Lesotho among expected participants as customs and cross-border trade cooperation take centre stage. Weather Watch: Expect cold, wet and windy conditions in parts of the region, with damaging winds flagged for parts of the Eastern Cape and advisories for vulnerable areas.

Roads & Resilience: Lesotho’s Lebakeng residents may soon see relief as a M1.4bn Matlali–Lebakeng road project gets underway, 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, with completion targeted for February 2030. Health & Dignity: Machabeng Government Hospital marked Menstrual Health and Hygiene Day with lessons and stigma-busting activities, including pad-use and disposal demonstrations, competitions, and donations of sanitary towels and soap to five primary schools. Maternal Care Support: The Anglican Church’s Third Order, Society of St Francis (TSSF) handed St. James Mission Hospital in Thaba-Tseka over M80,000 worth of maternal and neonatal equipment to ease shortages and reduce travel for services. Governance & Transparency: Lesotho’s DCEO published names of public officials and parastatal heads who submitted asset, interest and liability declarations for 2025/26, promoting transparency under the Prevention of Corruption and Economic Offences Act. Regional Trade: SACU meetings are set for Cape Town’s CTICC2 from 18–26 June, with Lesotho among expected participants discussing customs and ways to strengthen cross-border trade. Climate Watch: Weather updates point to rain and cooler conditions in parts of the region, with wind and cold spells flagged for southern areas.