Rescinding of US Funding Freeze a Wake-Up Call for Lesotho’s Economic Growth, Says Economist
In the wake of US President Donald Trump’s decision to rescind the freeze on funding for international HIV and AIDS programs, economist Mr. Majakathata Mokoena has suggested that the move serves as a wake-up call for Lesotho to strengthen its own economic foundations. In an interview with the Agency, Mokoena stressed the importance of the country using its own resources to grow its economy, rather than relying on external donations, which he argued often become diverted for personal gain by those entrusted with aid.
While the United States’ funding freeze for international health programs was eventually lifted, the decision highlighted vulnerabilities in countries like Lesotho, which depend heavily on foreign aid to address public health challenges, including the HIV and AIDS epidemic. Mokoena pointed out that Lesotho must take greater responsibility for its own future and economic development, especially in times of crisis.
“It’s crucial that Lesotho learns from this experience. While the US has reversed its decision, it should serve as a warning that we need to grow our own economy,” Mokoena said. He further emphasized that too often, funds meant for crucial development and humanitarian purposes are misused, benefiting those in power rather than the communities they are meant to assist.
“We need to be serious about what we want Lesotho to become. We cannot afford to let corruption continue to undermine our progress,” Mokoena added. He cited Lesotho’s Vision 2020, which was hindered by corruption and mismanagement, as a prime example of how poor governance can derail long-term development goals. The country’s economic growth and development have repeatedly been stifled by political and financial mismanagement, leaving many of its citizens vulnerable to crises.
Mokoena stressed that if Lesotho is to overcome its challenges and build a sustainable future, it must focus on developing local industries, improving governance, and fostering a business environment that encourages entrepreneurship and innovation. The country’s reliance on foreign aid and donations has left it vulnerable to external political changes, such as the funding freeze, making it even more critical for the government to prioritize self-sufficiency and economic independence.
“Lesotho has the potential to thrive, but it must start with a strong commitment to fighting corruption and creating an economy that serves its people. We need to shift the focus from dependency to development,” Mokoena concluded.
As Lesotho looks ahead, the country must heed the lessons of this moment and take proactive steps to diversify its economy, strengthen institutions, and ensure that the wealth generated benefits all citizens, rather than a select few. The wake-up call from international developments such as the US funding freeze can be a catalyst for long-term positive change, if the country acts decisively to grow its own resources and reduce its reliance on foreign aid.
