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Lesotho

Lesotho is a landlocked country in southern Africa, entirely surrounded by South Africa, making it one of only three enclaved sovereign states in the world. The capital and largest city is Maseru, situated on the Caledon River along the western border. With a population of approximately 2.3 million, Lesotho is known as the Kingdom in the Sky owing to its high elevation, with the lowest point in the country at 1 400 metres above sea level. The economy is heavily dependent on water exports, textile manufacturing, subsistence agriculture and remittances from migrant workers in South Africa. Lesotho's most significant economic asset is its abundant water resources, which are harnessed through the Lesotho Highlands Water Project, a large-scale infrastructure scheme that supplies water to South Africa's Gauteng province and generates hydroelectric power and royalty revenue for Lesotho. The country is a constitutional monarchy, with King Letsie III as head of state and a prime minister leading the government. Lesotho uses the loti as its currency, which is pegged at par to the South African rand, and both currencies circulate freely within the country. The nation is a member of the Southern African Development Community, the Southern African Customs Union and the Common Monetary Area. Lesotho faces significant development challenges, including high rates of poverty, unemployment and HIV prevalence, alongside vulnerability to climate change and water security issues. The country gained independence from Britain in 1966, having previously been the British protectorate of Basutoland.

Lesotho News


Department lays the groundwork for South Africa’s future water security
29th May 2026 By: Natasha Odendaal

The Department of Water and Sanitation (DWS) continues to advance national bulk water and national resource projects across South Africa. During her Budget Vote speech this month, Water and... 


Xylem Announces New Applied Water Distribution Structure for Southern Africa Region
25th May 2026

What: (Virtual Showroom) Xylem, a global leader in water technology, announces a strategic update to its operating model in Southern Africa. Effective June 1, 2026, AQS Liquid Transfer PTY Ltd,... 


A generic image of a diamond
Gem Diamonds reports lower sales volumes, but higher prices for the first quarter
20th May 2026 By: Lumkile Nkomfe

Diamond miner Gem Diamonds recorded revenue of $32.1-million for the quarter ended March 31, supported by the sale of large, high-value diamonds recovered at its Letšeng mine, in Lesotho. During... 


BOTH ENDS: Full-scale tunnelling is now well underway at the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II after the official launch of a second tunnel boring machine (TBM). The Polihali TBM, which technically started work in January, joins the Katse TBM, which was launched in February 2025, to drill – from both ends – through the 38.5 km-long tunnel connecting Polihali and Katse dams, in the Maluti mountains of Lesotho. The second TBM was officially unveiled on April 20.
BOTH ENDS
8th May 2026

Full-scale tunnelling is now well underway at the Lesotho Highlands Water Project Phase II after the official launch of a second tunnel boring machine (TBM). The Polihali TBM, which technically... 


Longest Lesotho bridge opens to secure LHWP Phase II access routes
8th May 2026 By: Natasha Odendaal

In a landmark milestone, the Senqu bridge, the longest in Lesotho and a critical component of the Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) Phase II, has officially been inaugurated. The inauguration... 


Could Agoa extension be a win-win for all parties on critical minerals front?
Could Agoa extension be a win-win for all parties on critical minerals front?
24th April 2026 By: Tracy Klückow

The new “deal-making” approach in Washington has some suggesting that  the extended African Growth and Opportunity Act (Agoa) is likely to be used as leverage to secure the supply of unbeneficiated... 


Image of a map of Africa, a doctor and company logos
Extending satellite connectivity across Africa
16th April 2026

Pan-African telecommunications and network services provider Paratus Group has launched a solution aimed at delivering satellite connectivity to organisations based in remote communities in regions... 


Babcock appointed Preferred Partner for Lincoln Electric across Sub-Saharan Africa
Babcock appointed Preferred Partner for Lincoln Electric across Sub-Saharan Africa
8th April 2026

Babcock has been named the Preferred Partner for Lincoln Electric across Sub-Saharan Africa, a landmark appointment that signals a significant shift in how world-class welding technology will be... 


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pqt: 0.11s - ct: 0.965s - 179pq - 2rq
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