Lesotho Hosts Climate Resilience Investment Conference to Safeguard Orange-Senqu River Basin
Lesotho has taken a leading role in Southern Africa’s climate adaptation efforts by hosting the Climate Resilience Investment Conference, a landmark event organized by the Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM). Held in collaboration with regional stakeholders, the conference brought together representatives from government, the private sector, and environmental sustainability advocates to chart a path toward a climate-resilient future for the Orange-Senqu River Basin.
The Orange-Senqu River, one of Southern Africa’s most vital transboundary watercourses, supports the livelihoods of millions across Lesotho, South Africa, Botswana, and Namibia. With the region increasingly vulnerable to climate shocks—ranging from droughts to floods—the conference aimed to foster meaningful dialogue and investment in sustainable water and land management.
Stakeholders from across the SADC region showcased ongoing projects designed to protect Lesotho’s water systems, restore degraded landscapes, and empower communities that depend on natural resources. These initiatives highlighted how community-led conservation and nature-based solutions are delivering tangible results, not only in improving ecosystem health but also in creating green jobs and enhancing food security.
A central message of the conference was the indispensable role of the private sector in building climate resilience. Corporate leaders and investors were urged to prioritize long-term environmental sustainability, recognizing that investing in climate adaptation is not just a moral imperative but also a strategic economic decision.
“Resilience is no longer a choice—it’s a necessity,” emphasized one of the keynote speakers. “By aligning capital flows with climate-smart strategies, businesses can safeguard assets, unlock new markets, and contribute to regional stability and prosperity.”
The conference also provided a platform to explore financing mechanisms and partnerships that can accelerate climate investments. Discussions included green bonds, blended finance models, and public-private partnerships aimed at scaling up nature-positive infrastructure and sustainable agriculture practices.
For Lesotho, a country known as the “Kingdom in the Sky” due to its mountainous terrain and rich water resources, the event was an opportunity to reaffirm its leadership in environmental stewardship. The nation’s strategic role at the headwaters of the Orange-Senqu River makes its actions critical for the broader basin’s resilience.
As climate change continues to affect water availability and agricultural productivity across Southern Africa, the Climate Resilience Investment Conference underscored the urgent need for integrated, cross-border solutions. With governments, businesses, and communities uniting around shared goals, the Orange-Senqu River Basin is poised to become a model for collaborative, climate-smart development.
