Maseru, Feb.28 — Prime Minister Mr. Ntsokoane Matekane says Lesotho’s future will not be built by the government alone but will be built through partnerships with African investors, African innovators, and African institutions working together to turn opportunity into prosperity.
He said this at the session dedicated to Lesotho tourism and investment during the 15th African Leadership Magazine Persons of the Year ceremony in Accra, Ghana where he said the gathering comes at an opportune time when the government has just presented the 2026/27 national budget under the theme: “Accelerating Economic Transformation; Building Resilience” which he said it is an agenda driven their determination to unlock the productive capacity of their people, empower enterprise, and position Lesotho as a competitive participant in regional and global markets.
He said central to this agenda is a private sector-led growth model, as set out in their National Strategic Development Plan saying they are prioritising industrial development, renewable energy, infrastructure enhancement, increased agricultural productivity and a strong response to climate change because sustainable growth is the only growth worth pursuing.
He said the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has opened a new horizon even though trade agreements, by themselves, do not create jobs but production does. “What creates wealth is value addition. What transforms economies is industrialisation. This is why we are advancing reforms and instruments that make investment practical and profitable.
Among these is our commitment to Special Economic Zones (SEZs) designed to enable efficient, investor-friendly industrial ecosystems. Our SEZ legal framework is being finalised and it will support an environment where investors can establish operations with greater speed, clarity, and confidence,” he said.
He noted that they are equally focused on tourism investment, not only as a source of leisure, but as an engine of employment, a catalyst for infrastructure development, a preserver of heritage and a driver of diversification.
“For a country like Lesotho, small, landlocked but richly endowed in landscape and culture, tourism is a powerful pathway to build wealth without depleting our natural assets. It allows us to convert our mountains, our heritage and our identity into sustainable economic value. That is why we are keen to attract multi-million-dollar tourism investments; eco-lodges, adventure resorts, conference and wellness retreats, heritage circuits, film and creative tourism and high-quality hospitality developments that speak to modern travellers, including the rising community of digital nomads who seek beauty, safety, authenticity and connectivity,” he said.
Moreover the Prime Minister indicated that they also recognise a simple truth that good governance is good economics. He said investors want policy certainty, transparent processes and accountable institutions saying they are responding with a clear Investment Climate Reforms agenda, strengthened governance in tourism and improved public–private partnership frameworks.
“Our message is straightforward: Lesotho is serious about reform, serious about partnerships and serious about results and we are especially eager to welcome fellow African investors and innovators with proven, viable solutions into our growth sectors with five priority areas where we see immediate opportunity include Tourism and hospitality, manufacturing and value addition, agriculture and agro-processing, renewable energy and climate smart infrastructure as well as technology and digital services”, he lamented.
He added that Lesotho offers competitive operating costs, a dependable workforce and an emerging culture of enterprise especially among the youth, however said they also understand that in today’s world, no country wins alone emphasising that Lesotho is ready to go far, together with partners across the continent and beyond.
Therefore he extended a clear invitation that they must come and invest in the Mountain Kingdom, he said “Come and build with us. Come and profit with us. Come and leave a legacy with us. And to those seeking not only returns, but meaning, come and experience our culture, our heritage, and our breathtaking highlands. In Lesotho, you will find a nation that welcomes you with open hearts and open doors”.
He emphasised that Lesotho is open for business. “Lesotho is ready for investment and Lesotho is ready to welcome the world at altitude”.
In Its 15th year, the POTY Awards are regarded as Africa’s premier public‑choice recognition, honouring leaders whose vision and actions are shaping the continent’s development trajectory.
The winners and runners‑up will be formally recognised at the annual awards ceremony scheduled for February 27-28 in Accra, Ghana.
The event is expected to host more than 400 delegates and reach a global digital audience of over one million through live streaming and media partnerships.
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