Hopolang Mokhopi
The government has formalised its relations with the private sector as it seeks to boost economic growth.
The Ministry of Trade, Industry, and Business Development?signed?a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Lesotho Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) and the Private Sector Foundation of Lesotho (PSFL)?on Friday.??
The?MoU?aims to establish, institutionalise, and strengthen an ongoing, sustainable process of dialogue that encourages clarity and effective implementation of private sector development, investment climate policies, and regulations.
This collaboration will drive necessary policy, legal, and other reforms, fostering an environment for increased national and regional trade and investment while nurturing private sector competitiveness across Lesotho.
Minister of Trade, Industry and Business Development, Mokhethi Shelile, described the MOU as a “living document” that will guide the collaborative work between the public and private sectors. He said the success of this partnership depended?on both sectors taking ownership and actively engaging in the process.
“As the government, we are committed to fostering an environment where the private sector can flourish,” Mr Shelile said.
He pointed to the National Strategic Development Plan II (NSDP II) priorities; export-led growth, improved infrastructure, and facilitated trade, affirming the government’s dedication to achieving these goals alongside private sector partners.
The?minister added that insights from the private sector would be crucial in ensuring policies are both well-targeted and responsive to market needs.
“Together, we can turn dialogue into action and create an environment where businesses thrive, jobs are created, and our people can prosper,” he said.
The Ministry’s Principal Secretary (PS), Palesa Matobako, also said the agreement was a commitment to advancing Lesotho’s economic development for the benefit of all Basotho.
“This partnership reaffirms our dedication to creating a sustainable framework for dialogue that will strengthen the business environment, support private sector-led growth, and drive essential reforms in trade facilitation, regulatory improvements, and investment promotion.”
Ms Matobako said the initiative had?been supported by partners including the African Development Bank (AFDB) and the CAFI Project, financed by the World Bank, with Millenium Challenge Account (MCA) Lesotho now leading the way.
“I encourage other development partners to join us in supporting this initiative, which is poised to drive key policy reforms and create a conducive environment for investment.”
The LCCI Secretary General, Fako Hakane, said the Public-Private Dialogue (PPD) was critical to governance and development. He praised the MCA for enhancing the process.
“The PPD process has gone through significant milestones, providing confidence that it will be effectively implemented,” Mr Hakane said.
He also explained that the private sector, which includes both large and small businesses, had?been essential to Lesotho’s economic landscape and served?as an entry point for foreign investment. He said the PPD would showcase the local business environment and offer a structured, inclusive approach to policy reform and governance.
The MCA Deputy CEO, Limpho Maema, addressed the financial challenges facing the private sector. She highlighted the importance of supporting the?secretariat in developing diverse financing mechanisms that meet the needs of Lesotho’s varied businesses.