The Reporter - Lesotho

[NEWS]
Standard Lesotho Bank to host agriculture forum

Staff Reporter
Standard Lesotho Bank will host the Agribusiness Drought Proofing Stakeholder Forum in Maseru on Wednesday.
The conference will bring together farmers, government representatives, agricultural experts, and key stakeholders to discuss practical strategies for strengthening resilience and supporting sustainable agricultural production.
The forum comes as Lesotho prepares for anticipated drier conditions associated with the El Nino season.

[NEWS]
Ministers visit Maputsoe factories to boost investment

By Lehlohonolo Sekonyela

The Minister of Trade, Industry and Business Development, Motlatsi Maqelepo, and his labour and employment counterpart, Ts’eliso Mokhosi, are today visiting clothing and textile factories in Maputsoe as part of efforts to strengthen engagement with the industry and promote job creation.

The visit is aimed at engaging directly with industry stakeholders, assessing the operations and challenges facing clothing and textile manufacturers, and exploring opportunities to attract manufacturing investment.

[NEWS]
Water sector sets 2029 target to cut losses

By 'Mants'ali Phakoana

Lesotho’s water sector has committed to reducing non-revenue water losses to 25 percent by 2029.

The plan is part of an 11-point reform plan adopted by key institutions following a three-day sector retreat held in Mohale's Hoek last week.

The commitment, which will be achieved through the digitisation of water services, was among resolutions reached by water authorities and government departments that met to address challenges affecting the sector.

The resolutions also call for improved cooperation between institutions, the restoration of dormant water assets, mobilisation of sustainable financing, increased private sector investment and stronger procurement planning and budget utilisation.

Participants, including representatives from the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority, Lesotho Highlands Water Commission, Water and Sewerage Company, Lesotho Electricity and Water Authority and the Department of Water Affairs, acknowledged that fragmented operations had slowed progress in delivering water services.

They also resolved to expand access to communities without reliable water supply, compensate communities affected by water projects, fast-track the review of the Lesotho Highlands Water Treaty, protect water catchments and strengthen the sector’s response to climate change.

The Minister of Natural Resources, Mohlomi Moleko, said the meeting had created a platform for coordinated action instead of institutions continuing to operate separately.

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[NEWS]
Ministry to strengthen GBV response

By Neo Kolane

The Ministry of Gender, Youth, and Social Development will have an online webinar on August 13, 2026 to discuss gender-based violence (GBV) coordination and gender mainstreaming under the theme: ‘Rethinking Coordination of GBV and Integrating Gender Mainstreaming Practices’.

The seminar aims to strengthen stakeholder collaboration and promote coordinated, multi-sectoral approach to addressing GBV, the ministry said in a statement, noting that GBV remains a major human right and public health challenge in the country.

“Despite existing legal and policy frameworks, gaps in coordination and mainstreaming continue to limit effective prevention and response,” the ministry said.