Lesotho Strengthens Climate Resilience Partnership Through High-Level Engagement With Adaptation Fund Leadership

The Right Honourable Prime Minister, Mr. Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, today received the Head of the Adaptation Fund, Mikko Ollikainen, during an official courtesy call held in Maseru. The meeting reflected the growing importance of international cooperation in addressing climate change challenges that continue to affect vulnerable countries like Lesotho. It also reinforced the strong partnership between the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Adaptation Fund in advancing long-term climate resilience initiatives. The engagement highlighted shared priorities focused on improving livelihoods, strengthening food systems, and supporting sustainable development. It further demonstrated Lesotho’s commitment to working with global partners to secure practical solutions for climate adaptation.

The discussions focused on the progress of the “Improving Adaptive Capacity of Vulnerable and Food-Insecure Populations in Lesotho (IACoV)” project, which has become a key pillar in the country’s climate response strategy. The project has supported communities in improving agricultural productivity and strengthening resilience against climate shocks such as droughts and unpredictable rainfall patterns. The second phase of the initiative continues to expand its reach, ensuring more households benefit from improved farming techniques and better access to resources. These efforts are helping to reduce food insecurity while building stronger local systems that can withstand environmental pressures. The meeting also highlighted the importance of scaling up such interventions to reach more vulnerable populations across the country.

Prime Minister Matekane expressed appreciation for the Adaptation Fund’s continued support, emphasizing that climate change remains one of Lesotho’s most urgent development challenges. He noted that increased climate finance is essential to sustaining and expanding current initiatives that directly impact communities on the ground. The Prime Minister also stressed the need for strengthened cooperation in critical areas such as climate-smart agriculture, water resource management, renewable energy, and nature-based solutions. These sectors are seen as key drivers for building a more resilient and sustainable economy in Lesotho. He further highlighted that partnerships with international institutions remain vital in closing funding gaps and accelerating development outcomes.

Mr. Mikko Ollikainen’s visit reaffirmed the Adaptation Fund’s commitment to supporting vulnerable and mountainous countries like Lesotho in adapting to the impacts of climate change. The Fund continues to play a significant role in financing practical projects that help communities respond to environmental risks and improve their long-term resilience. His engagement with the Prime Minister also underscored the importance of sustained collaboration between national governments and global climate institutions. The discussions reflected a shared understanding that climate adaptation requires long-term investment, innovation, and inclusive development strategies. Both parties emphasized the need to ensure that climate finance reaches communities most affected by climate variability.

The meeting between Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane and Adaptation Fund Head Mikko Ollikainen marked an important step in strengthening Lesotho’s climate resilience agenda. It highlighted the progress achieved through the IACoV project while also identifying key areas for future expansion and investment. The partnership continues to play a crucial role in supporting vulnerable communities, improving food security, and promoting sustainable development across the country. Lesotho’s call for increased climate finance reflects the growing urgency of addressing environmental challenges with coordinated global action. With continued cooperation, the country is better positioned to build a more resilient future for its people while advancing long-term climate adaptation goals.