Lesotho

US companies have secured billions in African data center deals through partnerships with the Trump administration, outpacing China in key projects like Lesotho's $6.2 billion data center and hydropower plant. The Bureau of African Affairs reported $25.67 billion in closed transactions since 2025, with competition intensifying in markets such as Gabon.

Lesotho's goods will re-enter the U.S. duty-free after tariffs expired on 29 July, providing relief to the country's export-dependent garment industry and workers. The expiration removes trade barriers that had threatened jobs in the sector.

Products from Lesotho, which previously faced the highest US tariffs, can now enter the US duty-free. The shift marks a significant trade policy change for the southern African nation.

Lesotho rural schools are still dealing with the aftermath of US funding cuts. Community volunteers have completed one school, but another remains without the promised donor money.

Lesotho has become one of Africa's top garment exporters through trade, discipline, and the labor of thousands of women. The article highlights how the small country integrated into the global economy via these factors.

Afriski in the Maluti Mountains is the only operating ski resort in sub-Saharan Africa south of the equator. It recorded over 1,600 day visitors and overnight guests on its busiest day in 2025 and employs 227 full-time and seasonal workers, mostly Lesotho nationals.

Lesotho's Afriski Mountain Resort in the Maluti Mountains is the only ski resort in sub-Saharan Africa, attracting thousands of visitors annually from southern Africa. The resort contributes to Lesotho's economy, employs locals, and uses artificial snow to maintain operations during winter. Tourism accounts for 7% of Lesotho's GDP, with most visitors arriving from South Africa.

Lesotho's Afriski Mountain Resort is the only ski resort in sub-Saharan Africa, attracting thousands of visitors annually despite the region's typically warm climate. The resort uses artificial snow to ensure operations during winter and contributes to Lesotho's economy, with most visitors coming from South Africa. Tourism accounts for 7% of Lesotho's GDP, and the resort employs nearly 230 people, mostly locals.

Lesotho's Afriski Mountain Resort, the only ski resort in sub-Saharan Africa, attracts thousands of visitors annually, contributing to the country's economy. The resort uses artificial snow to ensure operations during winter and employs nearly 230 locals and South Africans. Despite being one of the poorest nations, Lesotho's cold climate and mountainous terrain make it a unique skiing destination.

Nkhooa Molahlehi has built a snake conservation park in Qacha's Nek, Lesotho, over a 30-year period despite facing witchcraft accusations and government delays.

Lesotho's parliament is questioning the cancellation of a M27-million dumpsite contract in Maseru. The city council claims the agreement was unlawful from the start, while members of parliament argue they remain responsible for the deal.

The closure of the hazardous Tšosane dumpsite in Maseru, Lesotho, has been delayed due to a dispute over a canceled M27.3-million contract, despite a court order mandating its shutdown.

Lesotho opposition leader Tšepo Lipholo is accused of links to alleged military training camps on farms in South Africa. He faces a treason charge related to these allegations.

The proposed Lesotho-South Africa-Botswana (LESABO) water transfer project aims to enhance Botswana's water security, support industrial development, and promote regional integration, as stated by President Advocate Duma Boko.

The HIV drug Lenacapavir, offering over 99% protection and administered twice yearly, is set for mass rollout in Southern Africa. The treatment has been approved after years of research and will be distributed across South Africa, Zambia, Eswatini, Zimbabwe, Lesotho, and Mozambique.

Botswana and Lesotho have upgraded their cooperation framework to a Bi-National Commission (BNC), replacing the Joint Commission on Technical and Economic Cooperation (JCTEC). The agreement establishing the BNC was signed in Maseru in July 2025.

Zipline, a Washington-backed logistics firm, plans to expand its drone delivery services across Africa by replicating its Rwanda model, which includes livestock insemination and cold-chain storage. A study by the company linked its services to a 17% increase in farmers' income from pork production, and it is negotiating with multiple African nations to establish new distribution centers.

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa will send special envoys across Africa to address diplomatic tensions caused by recent attacks on migrants. The violence, linked to unemployment and inequality, has prompted several nations to issue security advisories or evacuate citizens, while South Africa implemented a 'First Safe Country' asylum policy.

Violence against migrants in South Africa has intensified, with Mozambique reporting five citizens killed in anti-migrant attacks. Ghana repatriated hundreds of nationals following similar actions by Nigeria, while Kenya, Malawi, Lesotho, and Zimbabwe warned citizens to avoid outdoor activities due to the violence. Al Jazeera attributes the surge to inequality, unemployment, and political narratives blaming foreigners for resource competition.