…launches Khotso Convos podcast to discuss key policy issues
Moroke Sekoboto
THE United States has reaffirmed its commitment to strengthening economic ties with Lesotho by working with the government, businesses and civil society to improve the investment climate, expand trade opportunities and promote private sector-led growth.
The commitment was made during the launch of the Khotso Convos podcast series at the American Corner in Maseru on Thursday.
The embassy-led initiative will provide a platform for discussions on policy issues affecting both countries, with the inaugural episode focusing on trade and investment.
Speaking at the launch, US Embassy Public Affairs Officer, Jess Tesoriero, said the initiative forms part of the United States’ Freedom 250 celebrations, marking the country’s 250th anniversary, while also reinforcing its commitment to deeper engagement with Lesotho.
“As the United States marks its 250th anniversary – Freedom 250 – we are reflecting on the ideas that shaped our nation and the ideals based on mutual understanding and a shared interest in growth and strength through diplomacy,” Ms Tesoriero said.
She said the name Khotso Convos reflected the spirit of the relationship between the two countries.
“Khotso. What a word. What a welcome! And what a fitting name for what we are launching here today. Khotso, meaning peace in Sesotho, is a greeting. It is also an aspiration and a declaration of intent. And it is exactly the spirit the United States brings to its relationship with Lesotho and with the Basotho people.”
Ms Tesoriero said the podcast series would feature in-person and recorded discussions on policies that directly affect people’s lives.
“Today, we are doing something new. We are launching Khotso Convos, an embassy-led series of in-person and recorded dialogues built on that same idea. Conversations about issues that impact real lives, heard from real voices, about real policy with real-life impacts.”
She said trade and investment were fitting themes for the inaugural discussion because of their significance to both countries.
“I can think of no better topic for our first conversation than trade and investment. Few things have more impact on the daily lives of people in Lesotho than the economic relationship between our two countries. A strong economic partnership benefits both our countries. When businesses invest, when entrepreneurs succeed and when markets grow, communities prosper.”
Ms Tesoriero said supporting a stronger and more prosperous economy driven by private sector growth remained one of the United States’ key priorities in Lesotho.
“We believe that trade and investment can create jobs, encourage innovation and provide opportunities for young people and entrepreneurs. The United States is committed to working with the government of Lesotho, businesses and civil society to improve the investment climate, strengthen economic partnerships and expand opportunities through trade.”
She added that mutual understanding remained the foundation of strong and lasting bilateral relations.
Former Lesotho Ambassador to the United States, Attorney Tumisang Mosotho, said Lesotho needed to adjust to changing global economic realities by building stronger economic partnerships rather than depending on foreign aid.
He said the country should embrace a more public-facing approach to diplomacy while creating an enabling environment for private sector growth.
“Lesotho must have a private sector as a catalyst for driving a stronger economy rather than public sector dependency. We must expand market access to create stable employment and foster entrepreneurial innovation for youth,” Mr Mosotho said.
Also speaking at the event, US Embassy Political and Economic Section Chief, Sean Lawlor, said sustainable economic partnerships should deliver benefits for both countries.
“When businesses invest, when entrepreneurs succeed and when markets grow, communities prosper,” Mr Lawlor said.
He said the United States remained focused on supporting private sector-led economic growth, adding that strategic investments could create jobs, stimulate innovation and unlock opportunities for young people and entrepreneurs.
Mr Lawlor said the US was working closely with the Government of Lesotho and local businesses to improve the country’s regulatory and investment environment, making it more attractive to investors and strengthening long-term economic cooperation.