Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane Delivers Keynote at Africa Down Under Conference

The Right Honourable Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane delivered a keynote address at the 23rd Africa Down Under Mining Conference in Perth, Australia, on 5 September 2025. The address highlighted Lesotho’s mining potential, economic diversification, and investment opportunities across multiple sectors.

In his speech, Prime Minister Matekane acknowledged the traditional custodians of the land, paid respect to elders past and present, and expressed gratitude to the hosts, Paydirt Media, and the Government of Australia for the platform. He noted the economic parallels between Lesotho and Australia, emphasizing mining, agriculture, and aquaculture as shared pillars.

Lesotho has long been known for its diamonds, with mines such as Letšeng, Kao, Liqhobong, and Mothae producing some of the world’s most remarkable stones. The Prime Minister acknowledged current challenges in the global diamond market, including low prices, competition from synthetic diamonds, and the lingering effects of COVID-19. Despite this, he emphasized optimism, highlighting the resilience and technical expertise of Basotho miners.

“The intrinsic quality of natural diamonds speaks for itself,” he said. “Lesotho is committed to supporting its mines and participating in global efforts to strengthen the natural diamond market.”

Prime Minister Matekane highlighted Lesotho’s human capital, noting that 98% of mine employees are Basotho nationals, and praised the technical skills of engineers, geologists, and operators working at high-altitude kimberlite mines. This expertise forms the foundation for a new mining strategy focused on rare earth elements, essential for electric cars, wind turbines, mobile devices, and the green energy transition.

The Prime Minister outlined a dual-track strategy for the mining sector: stabilizing the diamond industry through temporary relief measures and diversifying into critical minerals via exploration and investment partnerships. He emphasized transparency, joint ventures, and shared success as central to Lesotho’s investment framework.

Beyond mining, Matekane highlighted Lesotho’s broader economic potential. The country is a leading global producer of wool and mohair, with opportunities to move from raw exports to branded, value-added products. He also pointed to Lesotho’s trout farming industry, with SanLei Trout Farm achieving Best Aquaculture Practices Certification and supplying premium markets in Japan.

Water resources were identified as a key asset, underpinning hydroelectric power, irrigation, and regional water supply projects such as the Lesotho Highlands Water Project and proposed Lesotho–Botswana Water Transfer Scheme. These resources support renewable energy, commercial agriculture, and industrial growth, positioning Lesotho as a regional hub for sustainable development.

Prime Minister Matekane emphasized the country’s readiness to host data centers powered by renewable energy, highlighting the potential for Lesotho to become a secure and cost-efficient digital hub for Southern Africa. He encouraged Australian partners to invest in rare earth mining, renewable energy, aquaculture, agriculture, and digital infrastructure.

“Lesotho is open for business, open for innovation, and open for sustainable investment,” he said. “We are not only a diamond country; we are a country of possibilities, where resources, industries, and human capital converge to create shared prosperity.”

The keynote concluded with an invitation to engage with the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC) for guidance on investment opportunities. Prime Minister Matekane emphasized the government’s commitment to creating an enabling environment for sustainable growth and international partnerships.

This address positions Lesotho as a forward-looking investment destination, highlighting opportunities across mining, agriculture, renewable energy, aquaculture, and digital infrastructure while emphasizing sustainable development and regional integration.