Lesotho has declared a national state of disaster as the country reels from soaring youth unemployment and uncertainty over the potential imposition of US trade tariffs. The textile-reliant economy—a major beneficiary of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA)—faces a potential loss of 40,000 jobs if the deal isn’t renewed by September. Though a steep 50% tariff imposed by Trump remains suspended, its chilling effect on trade lingers, with US buyers holding back. The disaster declaration, effective until June 2027, allows for emergency measures such as scrapping business fees to revive the struggling economy. Already battered by drought and food insecurity, Lesotho’s latest crisis highlights the fragile balance between aid, trade, and youth opportunity in the region.
BBC
