MASERU, Lesotho — Prime Minister Sam Ntsokoane Matekane on Monday led a ceremonial event marking the launch of three key initiatives between the Government of Lesotho and the European Union. The programs — Inclusive Lesotho, Renewable Lesotho, and the Cooperation Facility for Civil Society — are part of a renewed push to deepen development cooperation and drive national transformation.
Held in Maseru, the event signaled a strengthening of the more than 40-year partnership between Lesotho and the EU, aimed at improving public services, stimulating the economy, and promoting inclusive governance.
The Inclusive Lesotho initiative is designed to make the government more responsive, particularly to communities in remote and underserved areas such as Maloto. It prioritizes listening to citizens’ needs and making governance more participatory.
Under the Renewable Lesotho program, the government will invest in clean and sustainable energy sources including solar, wind, and hydropower. The move aligns with a call from King Letsie III to make Lesotho energy self-sufficient and less reliant on imported electricity.
The third program, the Cooperation Facility for Civil Society, seeks to expand public involvement in policy-making and development planning. It will create avenues for civil society organizations to influence national dialogue and encourage a sense of shared responsibility for Lesotho’s future.
Matekane said the programs represent more than development targets — they are symbols of transformation through collaboration. He described them as steps toward a stronger, economically empowered Lesotho where all citizens can thrive.
