Maseru — For a country celebrated for its abundance of water, Lesotho is taking a significant step toward transforming this natural advantage into economic growth. Today marked the opening of a three-day workshop in Maseru, running from 3–5 December, where stakeholders convened to validate the new Aquaculture and Fisheries Framework. The workshop aims to ensure that the final draft aligns with the National Strategic Development Plan II (NSDP II), meets regional and international standards, and responds to evolving market trends as the global aquaculture industry continues to grow rapidly.
The framework under review includes four critical instruments: the Aquaculture and Fisheries Policy, an Aquaculture Strategy, an Aquatic Animal Health Strategy, and an aquaculture training curriculum. Together, these components are designed to position Lesotho on a path toward the commercial development of its aquaculture and fisheries industry, ensuring that the sector is both competitive and sustainable.
Speaking at the opening, the Minister of Agriculture, Thabo Mofosi, reflected on the historical challenges that have limited the sector’s growth. He noted that fisheries in Lesotho were never initially developed as part of an agricultural agenda but were instead introduced to entertain colonial officials who regarded the country’s rivers as ideal for sport fishing. Mofosi explained that the trout now common in local rivers were first transported from Natal and introduced in the late 1930s by colonial police officers, a legacy that shaped the early direction of the sector. He further highlighted that for nearly three decades, the government’s fisheries function operated essentially as a one-person unit, underscoring the minimal support the sector received over the years. As a result, aquaculture development stagnated even as major water-sector investments, such as the construction of dams, presented new opportunities.
Despite this slow start, Mofosi emphasized the transformative potential of aquaculture when the right conditions and incentives are in place. Today, Lesotho exports significant volumes of trout to international markets, a success largely attributed to private-sector investment in the Katse Dam. This achievement demonstrates not only the capacity of the country’s water systems to support commercial aquaculture but also what can be realized through collaboration between government and industry actors. Lesotho now ranks first globally in trout production, placing the nation prominently on the international aquaculture map.
Adding to the discussion, Keneuoe Lehloenya, Director of Livestock in the Ministry of Agriculture, described aquaculture and fisheries as one of the most inclusive and competitive industries within the agricultural sector—yet one that has been overlooked for many years. She emphasized that globally, aquaculture is among the fastest-growing economic sectors, and Lesotho cannot afford to be left behind. With the right policy framework, training systems, and health standards in place, she noted, the country stands to unlock significant opportunities for employment, nutrition, and economic diversification.
The validation of this framework signals a renewed commitment to reviving and expanding aquaculture in Lesotho. By aligning policy instruments with national development priorities and global best practices, the country aims to harness its natural water wealth more effectively and build a resilient, commercially viable aquaculture industry for years to come.
