This week, Namibia made international headlines as President Netumbo Nandi-Ndaitwah announced that, starting in 2026, all tertiary education at state-run universities and vocational training centres will be fully subsidised by the government. This historic policy is not just a win for Namibian students, it is a challenge to neighbouring countries like Lesotho to reflect on the sustainability, equity, and vision of their own higher education systems.

Lesotho’s Current Model

In Lesotho, the National Manpower Development Secretariat (NMDS) serves as the primary financier for tertiary education. However, the system is under immense strain. A 2015 World Bank report revealed that only about 4% of NMDS loans are recovered annually, effectively rendering the scheme a de facto grant system. This low repayment rate undermines the sustainability of the fund, limiting opportunities for new students and placing additional pressure on the national budget.

The Vicious Cycle of Debt and Unemployment

The repayment challenges are exacerbated by high youth unemployment. According to Finance Minister Dr. Retsélisitsoe Matlanyane in her budget speech, findings from the 2024 Labour Force Survey reveal that out of 760,230 young Basotho aged 15 to 35, approximately 145,087 are unemployed. Nearly 39% of youth actively searching for jobs struggle to find employment. The overall youth unemployment rate stands at 38.9%, with young women facing greater difficulties at 40.8%, compared to 37.1% for young men. Additionally, only 31.48% of young people are either employed or actively seeking work. A significant number have lost hope, with over 226,857 no longer searching for employment.  This economic reality makes it difficult for graduates to repay their NMDS loans, further straining the fund and limiting access for future students.

Quality Education: Bridging the Gap

While Lesotho has made strides in increasing access to education, quality remains a significant concern. The introduction of free primary education in 2010 led to higher enrollment rates. However, disparities between public and private schools persist, with private institutions often offering superior resources and outcomes. Does free always mean quality? If it were, I believe the same people who introduced free education would be taking their kids to the very ‘free’ schools.

Recently, the Ministry of Education has initiated efforts to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into the curriculum. However, the success of such initiatives hinges on the preparedness of educators. Are the present teachers relevant? How often do they upgrade their studies? I believe it is high time it becomes mandatory for teachers to upgrade while temporarily being substituted by those with necessary skills. 

Building the Foundation for Economic Sustainability

Investing in early childhood education (ECE) is crucial for Lesotho’s long-term economic development and human capital formation. On a lighter note, recognising this, Lesotho has partnered with organisations like UNICEF and the Global Partnership for Education to enhance ECE through initiatives such as the “Better Early Learning and Development at Scale” (BELDS) program. 

Early Retirement As Pathway to Youth Employment

Another strategy to combat youth unemployment can be the implementation of early retirement policies. By encouraging older employees to retire earlier, opportunities can be created for younger individuals entering the workforce. This also making right by the education system, with teachers having relevant, necessary skills.

 The Government of Lesotho’s Public Service Reform report suggests that reducing the retirement age to 50 could be a component of a holistic youth employment policy, although political will in implementation becomes a challenge.

Namibia’s bold step should serve as a wake-up call for Lesotho. Ensuring equitable access to higher education is not just a matter of social justice-it is an economic imperative. By rethinking its higher education financing model, investing in teacher training, and implementing policies to boost youth employment, Lesotho can build a more sustainable and inclusive future.

Maseru

Local Basotho-owned Small, Medium, and Micro-sized Enterprises (SMMEs) in Lesotho are facing an uphill battle for survival, with allegations surfacing that the government is failing to address their plight. The impasse revolves around the enactment of the Business Licensing and Registration Act 2019, which reserves certain SMME activities exclusively for Basotho nationals, prohibiting foreign nationals from operating in these sectors.

Section 34 of the Act designates over 40 businesses exclusively for Basotho ownership and operation. These activities span various sectors including transportation, real estate, retail, tourism. Despite these legal provisions, trade unions advocating for the rights and interests of local traders express growing frustration over the apparent lack of enforcement by the government.

Other businesses which the foreigners cannot venture in according to the act, are medical goods and chemicals, retail of bread and confectionery products, retail sale of motor vehicle parts and accessories, repairs of motor vehicles parts including vehicle tyres and motorcycle parts, retail sale, maintenance and repair of motorcycles and related parts and accessories.

In an Interview with the Weekly Observer during the week, according to Motseki Nkeane, president of the Lesotho Liquor and Restaurants Owners Association (LLROA), the government’s enforcement of the Act has been sluggish. Nkeane alleges that Minister of Trade, Industry, and Business Development, Honourable Mokhethi Shelile, has referred to the Act as “controversial,” delaying its full implementation due to concerns over international relations.

In light of all these findings, he told this publication that they will now seek other measures to remedy the situation should it persist.

“All these is just delay tactics, we were informed that on April 17, all associated the ministries will be convened to pave a way forward. Failing which, we are ready to strike because even the courts of law are now playing hide and seek with us, they keep postponing our matter but we will get to the bottom of it,” he said.

Nkeane further revealed that the Act, which was gazetted in 2019 and reinforced in 2020, was intended to force foreign traders to vacate reserved businesses by August 2023. However, as of the present, many foreign-owned enterprises continue to operate in contravention of the law.

“On 1 August 2023, they (foreigners) were supposed to have left such businesses, nothing has changed. Mr Molapo had clarified in one of those regulations, licenses which were to be renewed would not be renewed within that period and new ones were not supposed to be issued but none of this has come to fruition,” the President continued.

According to reports, the situation is exacerbated by the dominance of foreign-owned supermarkets and businesses, particularly those owned by Chinese nationals, who often offer lower prices due to quantity discounts. Remi Mabathoana, Secretary General of Thibella Zone Vendors Association, highlights the struggle faced by local traders who find it difficult to compete with foreign entities, especially in an economy plagued by inflation.

“For instance, when I buy 1kg of a sugar pack, I divide it into smaller plastics so that I can sell more quantities it. Lately the Chinese are doing so too but at cheaper process compared to ours and we do not make much sales. We have been suffering for a long time now, I wish the government can come to our rescue,” she complained.

Responding to these allegations, Liahelo Nkaota, Public Relations Officer in the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Business Development, claimed the government is committed to addressing compliance issues within the business sector. Assuring that the Ministry is actively overseeing adherence to the law, urging the public to report any violations.

Furthermore, Nkaota outlined efforts to address the longstanding issue, including the formation of a task team comprising private sector representatives. This team has conducted research, including a study tour to Botswana to understand similar legislative frameworks, with the aim of providing recommendations for effective implementation by May.

“It is an offence for a foreigner to sell such products more especially with that quantity because the law stipulates strictly that they should be for Basotho. We had a similar case sometime in the Butha-Buthe district, there was an outcry and we went there to inspect.

We found the infringement to be true and as a result, offenders were rebuked. Ever since then we haven’t received such cases only rumours. So in these cases, I would urge the public to report so that we can help them,” she said.

Nkaota assured that advanced strides have been made to address this long-standing issue in a manner that will not stain Lesotho’s business community.

“We have formed a task team comprising of the private sector. They discussed on various ways on how they can activate this section. The even went on a study tour to Botswana to learn how they enacted the law, the team is still active and the expectation is that by May, they would have completed all their research and would advise on how to deploy the regulation,” Nkaota said.

However, despite these assurances, the plight of local SMMEs remains precarious, with stakeholders calling for urgent action to safeguard the interests of Basotho-owned businesses. As tensions escalate, there are hints of potential strikes if the government fails to deliver on its promises, underscoring the urgency of the situation for Lesotho’s economy and its entrepreneurial landscape.

As part of the marketing strategies engaged by the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) to promote Lesotho as a destination of choice locally and internationally, LTDC usually participates in events like Africa’s Travel Indaba with the private sector leveraging it as a platform to attract more tour operators to bring tourists into the country for increased revenue in the tourism sector. Africa’s Travel Indaba is a premier tourism trade show held annually at the Durban International Convention Centre (ICC) and this year it will be held from 12th -15th May, 2025. The theme for Africa Travel Indaba 2025 is “Unlimited Africa”, celebrating the continent’s endless tourism capacity and strengthening more collaboration across borders.

The trade show is planned to offer an ideal opportunity for African tourism exhibitors to showcase their offerings to international and local buyers, destination marketing authorities, leisure tourism services partners and accommodation providers. It is the most outstanding platform on the continent for one to meet one-on-one with the most prominent buyers in the world, and to get access to Africa’s preeminence and its infinite prospects. Africa Tourism Indaba provides business opportunities and quality linkages that form Africa’s future.

This year, the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC), and the LTDC’s new Board of Directors will also take part in an educational tour in this year’s Africa Tourism Indaba, thus the tour is intended to offer invaluable insights into high-impact approach and creative tactics within the tourism sector, which can be utilized to enhance the Corporation’s efficiency and impact.

Accompanying the Lesotho tourism promoting agency is roughly 55 local businesses all focusing on inbound travel to Lesotho which comprises of hotels, lodges, guest houses, tour operators, tour guides, travel agencies, event organizers, national parks and attractions management.

The team spearheaded by the LTDC Acting CEO Ms. Mamello Morojele will attend bilateral meetings with strategic partners to partake in Business-to-Business (B2B) sessions with international buyers as well as to participate in seminars to get opportunities for travel businesses to develop their networks, gain insights, and generate new business leads.

Thandiwe Mathibela, Global Manager for PR, Communications and Stakeholder Relations at SA Tourism said 26 countries confirmed to exhibit at this year’s trade show, with buyers from 55 countries expected to participate and above 1200 exhibitors have expressed interest in attending, including showcasing 297 tourism products. “Africa Tourism Indaba promises unparalleled networking opportunities and international exposure”, concluded Ms. Mathibela.

Mr. Kemang Leluma, speaking on behalf of Tour Operators Association of Lesotho (TOAL) stated that the primary objective for participating in the Africa Travel Indaba is to network with international participants, learn from likeminded businesses how to manage and overcome common challenges in the tourism sector, explore partnership opportunities, promote tour packages, and identify potential investment opportunities to support business growth.

Maseru

Lesotho hosted the Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM) Climate Resilience Investment Conference gathering aimed at enhancing water security and climate resilience across the Orange-Senqu River Basin. Organized by ORASECOM on May 8, the event convened high-level stakeholders from member states—Botswana, Lesotho, Namibia, and South Africa—alongside development partners, financiers, and private sector representatives.

Panel discussions focused on enabling investment frameworks in the water sector, with particular attention to the Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer Project and the Noordoewer–Vioolsdrif Dam, as well as private sector participation in implementing strategic water stewardship actions.

In his opening remarks, the Minister of Natural Resources, Hon. Mohlomi Moleko, emphasized that the basin’s lifeline is increasingly strained by climate change, droughts, floods, rising demand, and ecosystem degradation. He highlighted the basin’s critical role as the economic backbone of all four member states.

“From food and energy security to mining and manufacturing, the Basin underpins our regional economies. In Lesotho, for example, all national economic activity is situated within the basin,” Moleko noted.

Echoing these sentiments, South Africa’s Deputy Minister of Water and Sanitation, Hon. Isaac Sello Seitlholo, stated that South Africa receives hundreds of millions of cubic meters of water annually from the Orange River, which significantly contributes to national water security and socio-economic development.

“This is made possible through the work of the Commission, which goes the extra mile and leverages resources to undertake scientific and engineering studies for better resource management,” Seitlholo said. “These studies include the basin-wide Climate Resilient Strategy and Plan, developed by ORASECOM with support from the African Development Bank.”

Moleko also discussed the Climate Resilient Investment Plan: “We are here to showcase and respond directly to these pressures. This plan is an integrated, basin-wide framework that prioritizes strategic interventions that are bankable, scalable, and designed to build the long-term climate resilience of our people and our economies.”

He added that the presented projects are national, bilateral, and regional in nature—offering a range of financing and partnership opportunities. He concluded by thanking development partners and private investors for their engagement in discussing viable financing models for the proposed projects.

Also in attendance was Her Excellency Dr. Sanji Monageng, High Commissioner of Botswana to South Africa and Lesotho. She addressed the Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer (L-BWT) Project, first presented to ORASECOM ministers in March 2011. A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to deliver a desktop study was signed in March 2013 by Botswana, Lesotho, and South Africa.

“The project not only enhances investment in transboundary water security and climate resilience,” Monageng emphasized, “but it also contributes directly to implementing SADC regional cooperation instruments. For Botswana, the project is especially crucial given our current water situation.”

Mr. Ueritjiua Kauaria, speaking on behalf of Namibia’s Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries, Water and Land Reform, Hon. Ingenesia “Inge” Zaamwani, reaffirmed Namibia’s commitment to intergovernmental cooperation through ORASECOM. He invited regional and international partners to support innovative financing mechanisms to address water scarcity.

“As we look ahead, Namibia stands ready to work with like-minded partners to scale up investment, share knowledge, and deepen regional collaboration under the ORASECOM framework,” Kauaria said. “Together, we can turn resilient water infrastructure into the backbone of sustainable development for the entire Orange-Senqu River Basin.”

Basotho second-highest group in illegal crossings as South Africa steps up digital border surveillance

The Border Management Authority (BMA) of South Africa has revealed that 1,921 Basotho were among over 6,000 people intercepted while attempting to cross the country’s borders illegally during the Easter period, making them the second-largest group after Zimbabweans.

The interceptions came as part of a 10-day nationwide border operation conducted from April 15 to April 24, across South Africa’s 71 official ports of entry. During a media briefing on Monday, BMA Commissioner Dr Michael Masiapato said the success of the operation was largely driven by the use of drone technology and other smart surveillance tools.

“This marks a turning point in how we secure our borders,” said Masiapato. “The introduction of smart surveillance is proving critical in monitoring and responding to unlawful border activity.”

Basotho nationals accounted for nearly one-third of the 6,253 individuals intercepted by border officials. Of the total number:

• 4,795 were undocumented migrants
• 1,059 were declared “undesirables”
• 403 were deemed inadmissible due to fraudulent documents or failure to produce mandatory health certificates such as yellow fever cards

The majority of arrests were Zimbabwean nationals at 2,019, followed by Basotho (1,921), Mozambicans (1,143), and others including Swati nationals making up the remaining 1,170.

South Africa, which shares a long and porous border with Lesotho, has long grappled with challenges related to illegal migration, cross-border smuggling, and trafficking. The latest operation also coincided with a significant increase in cross-border traffic, with BMA reporting 1,057,063 recorded movements—a rise of 8% from the previous Easter period.

Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber praised the reforms introduced at the borders, especially the digital tools that are being integrated into border operations.

“While we are still early in the reform process, the digital transformation of border management is clearly yielding meaningful progress,” said Schreiber. “The success of the Easter operations builds on gains seen during the 2024/25 festive season and points to sustained improvements in our border security.”

Schreiber added that while enforcement measures are being strengthened, long-term solutions would require continued collaboration between South Africa and its neighbouring countries, including Lesotho.

Maseru – In a bold move toward fostering inclusion and accessibility, Vodacom Lesotho, through the Vodacom Lesotho Foundation, has officially launched the Braille versions of its Vodacom Foundation booklet and the Vodacom Consumer Protection Code . The launch, held in Maseru, marks a significant step in ensuring that persons with disabilities have equal access to critical information about their rights and services.

The translated materials are part of Vodacom’s broader initiative to promote inclusive education and sustainable growth. The Vodacom Consumer Protection Code, which was initially launched last year, aims to ensure that all Vodacom products and services are accessible.

Ts’epo Ntaopane, a representative of Vodacom Lesotho Foundation, emphasised the company’s commitment to “leaving no one behind”-whether due to lack of resources or impairments. “Too often, when we design services, we only look at ourselves. This code is our vow to make life easier for all our consumers. If any group is left behind, then we too are lagging behind as a company,” he said.

He further highlighted Vodacom’s investment in partnerships to advance this vision, including collaborations with the Resource Centre for the Blind, St. Catherine’s High School, and the National University of Lesotho (NUL). “These partnerships aim to support learning and independence for people with visual impairments and expand future access efforts, including the introduction of materials in sign language” he said.

“Our goal is to make access and inclusion central to everything we do. This is our pledge to the nation,” concluded Ntaopane.

Refiloe Hape Sesinyi, speaking on behalf of the Lesotho National Federation of Organisations of the Disabled (LNFOD),welcomed Vodacom’s continued commitment to disability rights. “For far too long, people with disabilities have been left behind due to lack of access to information. Access to information is a critical component of the Sustainable Development Goals and is affirmed by Lesotho’s own Persons with Disability Equity Act of 2021,” she said.

Sesinyi also urged stakeholders to consider the needs of people with intellectual disabilities who benefit from learning through visual aids. She referenced a 2023 LNFOD study on gender disparities, which found that people with disabilities face significant barriers in accessing education, healthcare, gender-based violence support services, and economic empowerment, largely due to limited access to information.

Vodacom Lesotho CEO, Mohale Ralebitso, echoed these sentiments, stressing that true progress lies in ensuring inclusion becomes the norm rather than the exception. “We’re working to make inclusion our default. It’s not just about connectivity- it’s about empowerment. Everyone must be in a position to make informed decisions,” he said.

Ralebitso also underscored the need for collaborative efforts in driving inclusive development. “This isn’t a competition. We need to complement one another to empower the most vulnerable. Inclusion must be a societal imperative. The most vulnerable should not be the last we think about- they should be the first.”

‘Mathabo Pama, Director of Disability Services at the Ministry of Gender, Youth, and Social Development, described the Braille booklets as more than just documents- they are “a symbol of inclusion in action.” She praised the initiative as a bold and meaningful step toward the realization of the rights of people living with disabilities and commended Vodacom for aligning its corporate social responsibility with national development goals.

“These booklets ensure that no citizen is left behind. They enable full and equal participation in society,” she said. “Let this launch serve as a catalyst for continued and expanded collaboration between government, the private sector, civil society, and organizations of persons with disabilities. Together, we can dismantle barriers, change mindsets, and ensure that inclusion becomes the norm, not the exception.”

Pama also highlighted the ministry’s ongoing work, which includes developing accessibility standards and guidelines, ensuring private service providers incorporate accessibility, and training stakeholders to recognize and address barriers to inclusion.

The sad reality remains; people with disabilities may have rights- like the right to access information- but those rights often remain out of reach due to systemic barriers. Vodacom’s initiative is a powerful reminder that inclusion requires deliberate action. 

Dear Reader,

For decades, Lesotho has occupied a quiet yet essential place in the global fashion supply chain. In industrial zones across the country, thousands of workers—primarily women—have produced garments for global brands such as Levi’s, Jean Wears, Calvin Klein, and Walmart. These clothes, stitched in Lesotho’s factories to internationally accepted standards, are shipped abroad, rebranded, and then reintroduced into the local market as premium products.

Despite their origin, many Basotho consumers continue to attach higher value to imported labels, often overlooking local equivalents—even when the difference is only the name on the tag. This suggests the issue is not rooted in production capacity or quality, but rather in perception and psychological conditioning.

Lesotho has already demonstrated the technical ability to meet global expectations. The infrastructure exists. The workforce is skilled. The international demand is present. But domestically, the narrative still leans toward foreign validation. Garments made in Lesotho are rarely worn with pride unless first endorsed elsewhere.

This has resulted in a curious paradox: exporting quality while importing prestige. The transformation of a product’s perceived value lies not in its making but in its marketing—something Lesotho has yet to master at home. A Levi’s tag confers confidence; a local tag often does not. The problem, therefore, is not lack of production—it is lack of belief.

Recent developments in global trade highlight this internal contradiction. Earlier this month, Minister of Trade Mokhethi Shelile addressed the significant tariff disparity between Lesotho and the United States. While Lesotho imposes tariffs of up to 99% on U.S. imports, it faces a 50% tariff from the U.S.—the highest among countries affected by the new policy. This is in the context of a deeply lopsided trade relationship: Lesotho exports goods worth M4.7 billion to the U.S., but receives only M56 million in imports.

These heavy tariffs, while economically constraining, may serve an unintended but valuable purpose. They should be seen not only as penalties but also as necessary mind openers. They force a confrontation with the long-standing dependency on foreign markets and labels. They call into question why local consumers and producers continue to seek affirmation from outside, despite already meeting international standards.

Within the textile industry, the imbalance extends beyond trade. Only 40% of the work done in Lesotho’s factories is attributed to Basotho workers. The remaining 60%—which includes design, fabric sourcing, and value addition—belongs largely to external entities. Much of the industry’s USD 240 million in export value ultimately flows out of the country. One foreign firm reportedly shipped 40 containers daily, a telling indicator of who benefits most from Lesotho’s industrial output.

On the continental stage, the opportunity remains underutilized. WTO Director-General Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala recently pointed out that Africa spends $7 billion a year on textile imports, yet countries like Lesotho, which already produce these goods, are missing from the equation. Despite exporting over $1.14 billion in 2023—led by diamonds and garments—Lesotho has not fully tapped into African markets.

According to the Observatory of Economic Complexity (OEC), Lesotho’s exports have grown by $127 million since 2018. South Africa, Belgium, the United States, the UAE, and India are the top destinations. Still, the country’s presence in regional trade, particularly in textiles, remains muted.

This gap between potential and recognition is not a matter of policy alone. It is psychological. The inability to perceive local products as equal in value to imported ones reflects a deeper issue about identity, self-worth, and economic independence. Until this mindset shifts, Lesotho may continue to export craftsmanship and import confidence.

Tariffs may sting in the short term, but they expose a longer-standing discomfort with self-reliance. They are an invitation—not to retreat—but to reflect. Perhaps Lesotho’s most significant economic challenge is not what it lacks, but what it refuses to see in itself.

Today, young people gathered at the American Corner in Maseru to engage in an important conversation on reducing Lesotho’s dependence on foreign aid. The dialogue, organized jointly by youth from different backgrounds, marked a growing movement toward national sustainability, especially as the country approaches 60 years of independence in 2026.

Former Prime Minister and former Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Dr. Moeketsi Majoro, delivered the keynote address, challenging the youth to rethink Lesotho’s future. Referring to global shifts, including the United States’ withdrawal of certain aid packages under the Trump administration, Dr. Majoro urged Basotho to embrace a “Lesotho First” mindset.

“Trump told 192 countries to prioritize themselves — and so should Lesotho,” he said. “What have 60 years of foreign aid really done for our country?”

He further warned that privilege often perpetuates itself, while the underprivileged remain stuck without bold, structural change.

One of the organisers of the event, Kananelo Boloetse, stated that the discussion was inspired by social media debates questioning why Lesotho continues to celebrate milestones like the Bicentennial while still depending on donations, such as food aid, proving the country’s inability to feed its people.

Boloetse further clarified that today’s conversation was not simply a reaction to foreign critiques, but part of a long-standing, necessary discussion for the country’s future. A key outcome of the event was a proposal to launch district-wide dialogues starting in June. Insights from these discussions will be compiled into a vision document (Independence Charter) with objectives and strategies to be submitted to government and used as a possible strategic planning framework, also necessary for universities and youth programs.

Participants reflected critically on previous national plans such as Vision 2020 and the National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP), citing lack of accountability and follow-through. There was a collective call for young people to take ownership of this new effort, grounded in Section 20 of Lesotho’s Constitution, which guarantees citizens the right to participate in governance.

“The future belongs to us, and it’s time we shape it ourselves,” one participant concluded.

Maseru

The Minister of Trade and Small Businesses, Mokhethi Shelile, has responded to concerns over the 50% increase in reciprocal tariffs imposed by the United States.

Addressing the issue yesterday, he clarified that Lesotho’s tariffs on U.S. imports—including those influenced by currency manipulation and trade barriers—already stand at a staggering 99%. In contrast, the U.S. has imposed a 50% tariff on Lesotho, making it the highest-charged nation under this new policy.

Minister Shelile attributed this significant tariff disparity to an ongoing trade imbalance. Lesotho exports 99% of its goods to the U.S., while only 1% of its imports come from the U.S.

He highlighted that Lesotho’s exports to the U.S. are valued at approximately M4.7 billion, whereas U.S. imports into Lesotho amount to just M56 million further emphasizing the disproportionate nature of the trading relationship.

Shelile also shed light on a major challenge within Lesotho’s textile industry. Despite the country’s strong presence in this sector, only 40% of the work done in local factories involves Basotho workers.

The remaining 60% of textile production value—encompassing fabric sourcing and design—originates from other countries. As a result, a significant portion of the USD 240 million generated from textile exports benefits foreign economies. He illustrated this by citing a Chinese firm that ships 40 full containers daily, showcasing the international influence in Lesotho’s textile production.

Another critical issue raised was the lack of proper data on Lesotho’s use of U.S. digital services such as Android and Microsoft. Shelile emphasized the need for improved tracking of digital trade, identifying digitization as a key area requiring urgent investment to ensure comprehensive trade data collection.In response to concerns about production standards, the Minister announced that a new laboratory, valued at M90 million, is set to be established in Ha Tsolo.

Expected to be operational within two years, this facility aims to enhance Lesotho’s production quality and boost its industrial capabilities.The Principal Secretary (P.S.) in the Ministry of Trade and Small Businesses also stressed the importance of investing in the domestic market as a strategic response to potential job losses caused by the tariff hikes.

She noted that the Ministry is actively working to create employment opportunities by equipping local businesses to supply established retail stores within the country.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Finance and Development Planning, Dr. Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Lejone Mpotjoane, reaffirmed Lesotho’s strong diplomatic ties with the U.S.

They urged the public to view the tariff increase as an opportunity for economic reflection and sustainable growth, rather than a punitive measure.

Local economist, Thabo Qhesi, warned that the increased tariffs could be catastrophic, not only for the textile industry but also for sectors such as transport, retail, financial services, and property development.

He expressed doubt that the government has a backup plan to address the potential job losses and economic gaps that could arise from these changes. “I don’t see the government having a fallback position to address the gaps to be created. It is clear that the production process cannot continue to export to the U.S. market where companies will now be forced to pay 50% tariffs. They will likely relocate to regions where it remains more profitable, especially after having enjoyed duty-free, quota-free access under AGOA since 2000,” Qhesi explained. He also highlighted that Lesotho’s garments are bought by major international brands like Gap, Levi’s, Reebok, Calvin Klein, and Jean’s Wear, emphasizing the importance of the sector to the country’s economy.

Today, the Internet Society Lesotho Chapter (ISOC Lesotho), in collaboration with the Lesotho Communications Authority (LCA) and the Internet Corporation for Assigned Names and Numbers (ICANN), commemorated Universal Acceptance (UA) Day. The event sought to ensure a more inclusive and multilingual internet by bringing together industry leaders, policymakers, developers, and digital innovators to discuss and promote the adoption of UA-compliant systems. This initiative is crucial in making the internet accessible to all, regardless of language or script.

During the event, Mark Elkins highlighted Lesotho’s challenges in integrating its native language into digital platforms. He noted that Sesotho words such as tšea (loincloth) and tsea (laugh) appear similar but have completely different meanings due to diacritical marks, which are often not supported online. This lack of language accessibility hinders the effective use of Sesotho in domain names and websites. The event aimed to educate developers and industry leaders on the importance of making Sesotho more accessible online.

Furthermore, Elkins pointed out that, according to Africa NDS Observatory statistics, only about 15% of Lesotho’s websites are locally hosted. This results in significant economic opportunities being lost to external hosting providers, as well as concerns regarding data privacy and security.

Speaking on behalf of ISOC Lesotho, Mr. Liaho Monaheng emphasized that Universal Acceptance is more than just a technical issue—it is a matter of digital equity and inclusion. UA Day is an initiative led by ICANN to raise awareness and drive action around a fundamental principle: all valid domain names and email addresses—regardless of language, script, or length—should be accepted equally by all internet-enabled systems. “This day is not just about technology—it is about inclusion, digital equity, and the right to participate fully in the digital economy, no matter what language you speak or where you are from,” Monaheng stated.

ISOC Lesotho has been at the forefront of efforts to enhance digital accessibility and inclusion. Their initiatives include championing digital literacy and internet governance, promoting local content and infrastructure development, including the refurbishment of the Lesotho Internet Exchange Point (LIXP), ensuring that no one is left behind in the digital age, and strengthening multistakeholder collaboration across various sectors.

ICANN, with its mandate to oversee the global domain name system (DNS), plays a crucial role in allocating domain names (such as “.com,” “.org,” and “.net”) and IP addresses. The event also addressed issues of trademark protection and intellectual property in DNS, as many domain names reflect registered trademarks to safeguard brand identity and prevent misuse. A key concern discussed was cybersquatting, where individuals or entities register domain names identical or confusingly similar to established brands, potentially leading to legal and commercial disputes. ICANN’s role in preventing such practices was emphasized as essential in maintaining a fair and secure digital ecosystem.

The domain name system has also evolved to become more diverse and flexible, moving beyond traditional three-letter domains with the introduction of generic top-level domains (gTLDs) and Internationalized Domain Names (IDNs). These advancements allow greater linguistic representation online, reinforcing the importance of Universal Acceptance in fostering a truly global and multilingual internet.

As discussions on digital inclusivity continue, Lesotho faces legislative gaps that hinder progress. Despite the Data Protection Act of 2011 mandating the establishment of a Data Protection Authority, this body has yet to be formed. Additionally, the Cybersecurity Bill remains stalled in parliament, further delaying necessary legal protections in the digital space. Addressing these regulatory shortcomings is imperative for ensuring a safe and inclusive digital future for Lesotho.

Maseru

In a world where gender equality remains a critical issue, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), through its Accelerator Lab, recently took a bold step forward by hosting a transformative assessment workshop dedicated to strengthening women-led enterprises.

The workshop, titled Her Empire, brought together trailblazing women from various sectors to share insights, foster collaboration, and inspire actionable change. It concluded with a certificate ceremony celebrating the participants’ achievements.

The workshop, held just days after International Women’s Day, marked the second cohort of the initiative and reinforced UNDP’s commitment to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 5, which focuses on gender equality.

“Today we celebrate a significant milestone for these businesswomen on their journey toward the development and growth of their enterprises. In August 2024, these women embarked on an intensive 10-day boot camp where they were trained in various core business functions and explored existing market conditions,” said Teboho Daniel Molopi, Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Advisor.

Molopi highlighted the rigorous coaching and mentorship program that followed in October and November 2024, which included on-site visits to address challenges head-on.

He also stressed the need for climate-resilient and smart technologies to mitigate the negative effects of climate change, such as the impacts of drought and hazardous rainy seasons, on these enterprises.

Although some products from the women-led enterprises have made their way onto the shelves of major supermarkets like Pick and Pay, Molopi noted that they continue to face challenges in accessing larger, more lucrative international markets.

He encouraged the entrepreneurs to remain determined in their pursuit of success, emphasizing their potential to inspire future generations of women entrepreneurs and to create more jobs in the process.

Dr. Jacqueline Olweya, Resident Representative at UN Lesotho, also emphasized the timeliness of the event. “We recently celebrated International Women’s Day, and this event coincides with the national budget process, which is ongoing and will culminate at the end of March,” she said.

Dr. Olweya expressed hope that the presence of the Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Business Development at the event would help secure resources to create an enabling environment for market access, credit facilities, and financial support, with a special focus on women and youth enterprises as well as other vulnerable groups, including women with disabilities.

Dr. Olweya also addressed a significant challenge faced by businesses in Lesotho, particularly women-led enterprises—the difficulty in meeting international standards. This issue, she explained, prevents these businesses from accessing international and regional markets.

She praised the inclusion of enterprises from four districts and five key sectors—agriculture, tourism, manufacturing, ICT, and services.Noma Hoohlo, an alumna of the program, expressed heartfelt gratitude to Dr. Olweya and the entire UNDP team for their dedication to advancing gender equity in enterprise development.

“Through your efforts, you have empowered us as women-led enterprises and paved the way for our active participation in driving Lesotho’s economic growth,” Hoohlo said.

Hoohlo also pledged that the participating enterprises would play a crucial role in job creation and environmental protection.

She urged her fellow participants to become beacons of inspiration for other women and youth, saying, “Let us be the inspiration that other women and youth need to realize their dreams. Through this ripple effect, we will see a transformed Lesotho—a country that is empowered, hopeful, vibrant, and prosperous.”