AfDB President Dr. Akinwumi Adesina Meets King Letsie III to Strengthen Development Partnership
The President of the African Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, paid a courtesy call on King Letsie III at the Royal Palace in Matsieng on Monday. The visit underscored the long-standing partnership between the AfDB and Lesotho, which has significantly contributed to the country’s development across various sectors.
Dr. Adesina highlighted the bank’s enduring commitment to Lesotho, tracing their collaboration back to 1973, with official support commencing in 1974. Over the years, the AfDB has played a vital role in financing numerous projects aimed at enhancing infrastructure, strengthening institutional capacity, and fostering socio-economic growth.
According to Dr. Adesina, the bank has successfully implemented approximately 87 projects in Lesotho, amounting to at least M528.66 million ($29 million). He further revealed that an additional eight projects are in the pipeline, valued at M1,093.78 million ($60 million). These initiatives align with the bank’s broader vision of promoting sustainable development and economic resilience within the country.
The AfDB’s support has been instrumental in key areas such as transport, water supply, energy, agriculture, and human development. The bank has also contributed significantly to capacity-building efforts aimed at strengthening governance and policy implementation in Lesotho.
King Letsie III expressed his gratitude for the AfDB’s unwavering support and commended the institution for its role in transforming Lesotho’s development landscape. He acknowledged the importance of continued collaboration to ensure the effective implementation of projects that will benefit the people of Lesotho.
The visit further reinforced the strong ties between Lesotho and the AfDB, paving the way for deeper cooperation and sustained development efforts in the years to come.
