Lesotho and AfDB to Launch 2025-2030 Country Strategy Paper to Boost Economic Growth

The Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, in partnership with the African Development Bank, is set to launch the Country Strategy Paper (CSP) for 2025-2030 this Wednesday. This strategy aims to tackle Lesotho’s persistent challenges, including slow progress in moving toward higher value-added economic activities. The CSP represents a comprehensive roadmap designed to strengthen the country’s economic foundation, improve public sector performance, and create opportunities for sustainable industrial growth. By aligning national priorities with regional and international development frameworks, the initiative seeks to enhance Lesotho’s competitiveness in both domestic and global markets. The launch is expected to provide clarity on the government’s plans for economic transformation and the role of development partners in supporting these efforts.

The 2025-2030 CSP identifies two main priority areas critical to driving growth and improving efficiency. The first priority focuses on developing sustainable and quality infrastructure that supports industrialisation. Investments in roads, energy, water, and digital networks will provide the backbone for manufacturing and service sectors to thrive. Well-planned infrastructure is expected to reduce operational costs, improve market access, and attract both domestic and foreign investment. By enhancing industrial infrastructure, Lesotho can transition from low-value activities to sectors that generate higher returns, create jobs, and promote economic diversification. The strategy emphasizes the importance of infrastructure that is resilient, environmentally sustainable, and aligned with long-term development objectives.

The second priority area centers on strengthening international and human capacities to enhance Lesotho’s competitiveness. Building human capital through skills development, education, and vocational training is crucial for ensuring the workforce meets the demands of modern industries. Similarly, improving institutional capacities and public sector efficiency will support policy implementation and regulatory oversight. Enhancing international cooperation and partnerships is also a key component, enabling Lesotho to leverage global expertise, technology, and investment opportunities. The CSP highlights that sustainable economic growth depends not only on physical infrastructure but also on the quality and capability of people and institutions.

The strategy emphasizes integrating both priorities to achieve comprehensive economic transformation. By combining infrastructure development with human and institutional capacity building, Lesotho can create a more dynamic and competitive economy. The CSP outlines practical approaches to facilitate private sector engagement, attract investment, and foster innovation in key sectors. It also sets clear indicators for monitoring progress, ensuring accountability, and adjusting strategies where necessary. Through these measures, the plan aims to address long-standing structural challenges that have limited Lesotho’s economic performance over the years.

The launch of the 2025-2030 Country Strategy Paper marks a significant step in Lesotho’s efforts to modernize its economy and improve public sector efficiency. By focusing on sustainable infrastructure and human capital development, the strategy provides a blueprint for inclusive growth and industrialisation. The partnership with the African Development Bank underscores the importance of regional and international support in achieving these goals. Successful implementation of the CSP could transform Lesotho into a more competitive, productive, and resilient economy. Ultimately, the strategy seeks to create opportunities for citizens, stimulate investment, and position Lesotho for long-term prosperity.