Lesotho Champions Hydropower and Youth Development at TICAD 9

The Kingdom of Lesotho is actively participating in the Ninth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 9) in Yokohama, Japan. The delegation is led by Prime Minister Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane and includes the Government Secretary, the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Principal Secretary Lekhela, and Lesotho’s Ambassador to Japan, Retšelisitsoe Theko.

At the ninth plenary session, Prime Minister Matekane delivered a keynote address highlighting Lesotho’s abundant water resources and hydropower potential. He emphasized that the government is committed to leveraging this resource to meet national energy needs, create jobs, and reduce youth unemployment. The Prime Minister noted that youth employment projects are being established nationwide to fight poverty and provide young people with meaningful opportunities.

TICAD 9, held from 20–22 August 2025, serves as a critical platform to strengthen Africa-Japan cooperation. The conference focuses on sustainable growth, technology, innovation, and human development. Japan has pledged significant financial support through the African Development Bank and announced plans to train tens of thousands of young Africans in artificial intelligence, preparing the continent for the future of work.

The conference also includes “Youth TICAD 2025,” a program that engages African and Japanese youth in shaping a long-term vision for development through 2055. Lesotho’s participation underscores its commitment to sustainable development, youth empowerment, and regional collaboration.

The Prime Minister’s address reinforces Lesotho’s strategy to harness natural resources while creating socio-economic opportunities for its citizens, positioning the country as an active player in Africa’s development agenda.