Lesotho’s Foreign Minister Lejone Mpotjoana Champions Africa-Europe Partnership in Brussels
On 21 May 2025, Honourable Lejone Mpotjoana, Lesotho’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, took centre stage at the 3rd AU-EU Ministerial Meeting and the inaugural AU-EU Ministerial Follow-up Meetings in Brussels. These high-level gatherings, convened to mark the 50th anniversary of the Lomé Convention, reinforced a shared commitment to democracy, peace and security, sustainable development and youth empowerment across both continents.
Lesotho’s voice was clear and resolute as Minister Mpotjoana joined counterparts from African Union (AU) and European Union (EU) member states in revitalising the strategic partnership between Africa and Europe. Amid discussions on climate change, inequality, renewable energy, governance and trade, the minister emphasised the necessity of inclusive frameworks that empower young people and strengthen democratic institutions. By advocating for robust governance reforms and targeted renewable energy investments, he ensured that Lesotho’s priorities aligned with continental objectives and global sustainability goals.
Minister Mpotjoana’s presence in Brussels followed closely on the heels of the Lesotho-EU Partnership Dialogue held in Maseru on 15 May 2025—a forum where both sides reviewed progress under the Samoa Agreement (signed in 2023) and explored pathways to leverage the Global Gateway Africa–Europe Investment Package, which seeks to mobilise €150 billion for sustainable development projects across Africa. Mpotjoana highlighted how Lesotho stands ready to harness these funds for solar and hydroelectric projects that will expand access to clean power for rural communities.
Diplomatic credentials were further bolstered when Ambassador H.E. Mantoetsi Mohatonyane presented her letters of credence to the EU on 20 May 2025. This accreditation underscores Lesotho’s deepening engagement with European partners and sets the stage for more frequent high-level exchanges. With a reinforced diplomatic footprint in Brussels, Lesotho is well positioned to influence forthcoming initiatives under the AU-EU framework.
As the ministerial meetings concluded, attention turned to the forthcoming 2025 AU-EU Summit, where Lesotho aims to champion policy coherence on climate finance and governance. Minister Mpotjoana’s interventions in Brussels have already laid the groundwork for Lesotho to emerge as a key advocate for renewable energy deployment and institutional reform at the Summit. His balanced approach—blending national interests with collective continental aspirations—demonstrates Lesotho’s firm commitment to multilateralism and its active role in shaping Africa-Europe relations for the next half-century and beyond.
