Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane Champions Sustainability as a Growth Strategy at WGS Sustainable Impact Forum

Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane delivered a focused and forward-looking address at the World Government Summit Sustainable Impact Forum, emphasizing that sustainability should be seen as a driver of economic competitiveness rather than a limitation. Speaking at the conclusion of the session, he highlighted the urgency of global cooperation in addressing overlapping crises, including climate change, energy insecurity, and geopolitical instability. He praised the host government and organizers for convening leaders at a critical moment when collective action is essential for sustainable development. His address reflected both the challenges and the opportunities that emerging economies face in shaping resilient and inclusive growth models. By framing Lesotho as a small nation with significant potential, he set the tone for a speech grounded in practical action and strategic vision.

Prime Minister Matekane challenged the traditional notion that sustainability constrains growth, asserting that for Lesotho, it is a competitive strategy. He highlighted how emerging economies now play a central role in driving innovation, resilience, and inclusive development across the globe. The transition to low-carbon economies, digital transformation, and diversified trade networks requires proactive leadership rather than passive adoption of policies. He argued that countries that secure clean energy, reliable water, and climate-smart food systems will grow faster, protect citizens, and maintain competitiveness. He also emphasized that multilateral platforms must amplify the voices of smaller and vulnerable economies to ensure global governance remains fair and responsive.

Lesotho’s strategic importance in Southern Africa was a key focus of the address. Although modest in size, the country functions as a water tower for the region and underpins a sub-regional economy valued at approximately US$450 billion, serving over 60 million people. Prime Minister Matekane stressed that sustainable growth in Lesotho must be rooted in climate resilience and environmental stewardship. He presented a vision for leveraging the country’s natural resources to create economic opportunities that benefit both local communities and the broader Southern African region. This includes investments in energy, water management, agriculture, and ecosystem protection that support long-term development.

Renewable energy lies at the heart of Lesotho’s strategy to combine sustainability with growth. The government plans to expand hydropower, solar, and wind projects to reduce reliance on imported energy and ensure a reliable supply for households and industries. Lesotho’s abundant water resources and cool climate also make it an ideal location for data centers powered by renewable energy. By combining existing and planned hydropower with solar generation, the country aims to exceed 1,000 megawatts in production, creating the largest natural renewable generation and storage system in the sub-region. This power can be monetized through peak and balancing sales into the Southern African Power Pool, ancillary domestic projects, and partnerships with Independent Power Producers.

Climate adaptation and ecosystem protection are central pillars of Lesotho’s approach to sustainable development. The government is implementing community-based strategies to manage drought, erratic rainfall, and soil erosion while strengthening early warning systems and disaster preparedness. Prime Minister Matekane also announced initiatives to generate carbon credits through programs focused on catchment restoration, wetland protection, invasive species removal, and climate adaptation. These programs, he emphasized, are not optional but essential for economic security, regional stability, and long-term prosperity. By protecting ecosystems, Lesotho can safeguard water security, create jobs, and generate investment opportunities for international partners.

Agriculture remains a key driver of inclusive growth in Lesotho, according to the Prime Minister. He outlined plans to promote agro-processing, value addition, and climate-smart farming to increase food security, generate foreign exchange, and create rural employment. The country’s irrigation potential allows for higher cropping intensity and consistent supply to agro-processing facilities, which reduces reliance on food imports. By developing export-oriented value chains, Lesotho aims to enhance regional trade while supporting local livelihoods. These measures align with the government’s broader strategy to integrate sustainable practices across the economy while maximizing productivity and resilience.

Water infrastructure is another cornerstone of Lesotho’s economic and regional significance. The Lesotho Highlands Water Project, launched three decades ago, continues to expand with new phases, including Phase II, supporting both hydropower generation and regional water security. Future projects include the Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer, with plans to extend to Namibia, reinforcing Lesotho’s role as the primary source and gateway of the Senqu Basin. The Prime Minister emphasized that the country’s water resources underpin regional economic activity, support agriculture, and sustain energy systems. By strategically managing these assets, Lesotho can provide long-term benefits to millions across Southern Africa while attracting investment in infrastructure and climate adaptation.

Prime Minister Matekane called for strategic partnerships to realize Lesotho’s full potential, presenting a clear investment pipeline for international collaborators. This includes a solar, hydro, and storage portfolio valued between US$300 million and US$800 million through Independent Power Producers, climate-resilient bulk water infrastructure, irrigation and agro-processing value chains, and nature-based solutions in the Senqu Basin. These initiatives also open pathways to climate finance and carbon market revenues, enhancing returns for partners while delivering environmental and social benefits. The Prime Minister stressed that collaboration between public and private sectors is essential to maximize economic growth, job creation, and regional development.

Prime Minister Matekane reaffirmed Lesotho’s readiness to engage with partners across the region and globally. He emphasized that blended investments create strong multiplier effects on employment, infrastructure, and economic growth. By leveraging strategic partnerships, Lesotho seeks to foster inclusive human progress while contributing to a sustainable and resilient global order. The Prime Minister called on all participants to embrace their shared responsibility in building a fair, equitable, and sustainable future, with strong regional and international institutions at the core of this effort.