LNDC

𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗟𝗘𝗦𝗢𝗧𝗛𝗢’𝗦 𝗖𝗢𝗧𝗧𝗢𝗡-𝗧𝗢-𝗧𝗘𝗫𝗧𝗜𝗟𝗘 𝗩𝗔𝗟𝗨𝗘 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗜𝗡

Last week, LNDC participated in the launch of the Trans-Atlantic Cotton Partnership in Manhattan, New York, reaffirming Lesotho’s commitment to strategic trade and investment partnerships that advance industrialisation, job creation and sustainable economic growth.

The partnership brings together American cotton producers and African manufacturers, creating opportunities to expand textile value chains, attract investment and strengthen industrial capabilities.

For Lesotho, this presents an opportunity to build on our established export-oriented garment industry and move further up the value chain through investment in spinning, weaving, knitting, dyeing and fabric production.

The initiative also aligns closely with LNDC’s recently launched Letsema Strategy, which calls for stakeholders to work together to facilitate investment and trade, crowd in capital and build resilient value chains in strategic sectors.

From cotton production to manufacturing and global markets, partnerships such as these demonstrate what is possible when businesses, governments and development partners work together.

Through Letsema, we are steadily building the foundations for a more competitive and diversified industrial economy.

Lesotho.ls | Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development | Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Lesotho

LNDC joined farmers, agribusinesses, innovators and key stakeholders at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Seahlolo Farmers Pitso Agricultural & Excellence Awards last week Friday, celebrating those helping to shape the future of Lesotho’s agricultural sector.

As a proud sponsor and participant, LNDC had the honour of presenting awards in four sub-categories under the Innovation and Agribusiness category:

🏆 Agribusiness of the Year
🏆 Best Agro-Processing Enterprise
🏆 Best Agriculture Start-Up
🏆 Best Market Access Initiative

These categories represent more than recognition. They highlight the capabilities Lesotho needs to build - enterprises that create value, innovators that solve local challenges, businesses that move beyond primary production, and initiatives that connect Basotho products to markets.

This is closely aligned with the Letsema Strategy 2026–2031, which seeks to unlock economic potential by strengthening productive capabilities, supporting entrepreneurship and advancing industrialisation.

In the evening, LNDC was also part of His Majesty’s Honour Awards Gala Dinner, joining in celebrating excellence and contribution to the nation.

Thank you to the Farmers Pitso Awards for coordinating such a momentous event and creating a platform that celebrates the people, businesses and innovations shaping Lesotho’s agricultural sector.

It was a privilege for LNDC to be part of this important gathering and to recognise the excellence and enterprise driving our agricultural value chains forward.

From recognising excellence to building opportunity - this is Letsema in action.

𝗟𝗡𝗗𝗖 𝗪𝗘𝗟𝗖𝗢𝗠𝗘𝗦 𝗦𝗣𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚: 𝗥𝗘𝗩𝗜𝗧𝗔𝗟𝗜𝗦𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗣𝗘𝗢𝗣𝗟𝗘, 𝗦𝗧𝗥𝗘𝗡𝗚𝗧𝗛𝗘𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗨𝗥 𝗣𝗨𝗥𝗣𝗢𝗦𝗘

As we welcomed spring, LNDC took a moment to revitalise by re-energising our people, strengthening our minds and bodies, and reconnecting as one team.

The day brought together motivational talks and a physical bootcamp curated by the Lesotho Defence Force (LDF), challenging our teams to build mental resilience, discipline and physical strength. The experience was complemented by comedy, karaoke and live music, bringing the energy, creativity and talent of Lesotho’s creative industry to the celebration.

More than a Spring Day activity, this was an expression of the Letsema Strategy in action.

Under the Building Organisational Capabilities to Win pillar, Letsema recognises that transformation starts with capable, resilient and engaged people. It also reminds us that meaningful progress is built through collaboration - bringing together institutions, expertise and the creative energy of our nation.

From the discipline of the LDF to the creativity of our local entertainers, we were reminded that when we bring our strengths together, we become stronger as one.

Here’s to a revitalised LNDC, a stronger team and renewed energy to deliver on our slogan: Together We Build Sustainable Industry.

Masapo Mpiti | Lorenzo Photography

𝗟𝗡𝗗𝗖 𝗦𝗨𝗣𝗣𝗢𝗥𝗧𝗦 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗦𝗘𝗔𝗛𝗟𝗢𝗟𝗢 𝗙𝗔𝗥𝗠𝗘𝗥𝗦 𝗣𝗜𝗧𝗦𝗢 𝗔𝗚𝗥𝗜𝗖𝗨𝗟𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗔𝗟 𝗔𝗡𝗗 𝗘𝗫𝗖𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗦

Agriculture is not only about what we produce on the farm. It is also about what we can build around it.

LNDC is proud to be a sponsor and participant in the 2026 Seahlolo Farmers Pitso Awards Agricultural & Excellence Awards, a four-day gathering bringing together farmers, agribusinesses, innovators and key stakeholders across Lesotho’s agricultural sector.

LNDC’s participation reflects our commitment to entrepreneurship, value addition, industrialisation and sustainable economic development in line with the Letsema Strategy 2026–2031.

From agro-processing and food manufacturing to packaging, poultry, grain processing, and wool and mohair beneficiation, agriculture presents opportunities to build productive capabilities and create value across the entire value chain.

Through this engagement, LNDC will connect with farmers and emerging entrepreneurs, showcase our investment and financing support, identify opportunities for value addition, and strengthen partnerships across the agricultural ecosystem.

Most importantly, we are celebrating Basotho who are driving innovation, productivity and enterprise in agriculture.

This is Letsema in action.

Bringing people, sectors and opportunities together to build productive capabilities and unlock Lesotho’s economic potential.

𝗟𝗘𝗧𝗦𝗘𝗠𝗔 𝗕𝗟𝗘𝗡𝗗𝗘𝗗 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗨𝗠 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲

The Letsema Blended Finance Forum 2026, held on 28 August under the theme "Unlocking Capital for Growth: Mobilising Blended Finance in the Spirit of Letsema," brought together government, financial institutions, development partners, investors and entrepreneurs to explore how Lesotho can mobilise capital for industrialisation and inclusive economic growth.

The LNDC Board Chairperson highlighted the Corporation's strategic shift from a retail financing model to a wholesale model, positioning LNDC to mobilise and orchestrate capital beyond its own balance sheet.

In his remarks, the Honourable Minister of Trade, Industry and Business Development emphasised that LNDC cannot transform the economy alone. The Letsema Strategy calls for collective action among government, private investors, financial institutions, entrepreneurs and development partners, with government playing a critical role in creating an enabling environment, supporting project preparation and unlocking private investment.

The Forum also featured a keynote address by Dr. Farzam Kamalabadi and a presentation by Mr. Teni Ntoi, Coverage Manager at British International Investment. LNDC CEO Mr. Thabo D. Khasipe further unpacked how blended finance can de-risk investment opportunities and crowd in commercial and institutional capital.

Mr. Lekhooe Makhate, representing the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, spoke on food sovereignty as a key driver of economic growth.

In the true spirit of Letsema, panel discussions brought together representatives from the Central Bank of Lesotho, Nedbank Lesotho, Lesotho Pension Fund, Metropolitan Lesotho, Basotho Venture Capital, UNDP, IFAD, the World Bank, GIZ, Nedbank Group, DBSA, Afreximbank, SADC-DFRC and the Institute of Directors Lesotho. Discussions later transitioned into a Reverse Pitch session showcasing investment-ready opportunities across key sectors.

Later in the evening, participants gathered for a networking dinner to reflect on the day's discussions and strengthen partnerships. The session was graced by the presence of the Right Honourable Prime Minister of the Kingdom of Lesotho, Honourable Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane.

The Blended Finance Forum marked another important step in LNDC's journey from financing projects to mobilising capital at scale and building a thriving investment ecosystem for Lesotho.