Prime Minister Samuel Matekane Champions African Trade and Investment at Abuja Leadership Summit 2026

The Right Honourable Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane of the Kingdom of Lesotho has successfully concluded his participation in the Breaking Barriers to Trade and Leadership Summit 2026 in Abuja, Nigeria, where he called for stronger institutions, expanded intra-African trade and strategic partnerships to drive the continent’s long-term development. The high-level gathering brought together influential political leaders, investors, entrepreneurs and policymakers from across Africa to discuss practical strategies for accelerating economic growth and strengthening regional cooperation. Prime Minister Matekane used the platform to highlight Lesotho’s commitment to good governance, economic transformation and greater participation in the African Continental Free Trade Area, commonly known as the AfCFTA. His address reflected Lesotho’s determination to position itself as an active contributor to Africa’s economic future while creating new opportunities for investment and job creation at home. The summit also provided an important opportunity for Lesotho to strengthen relationships with key partners and showcase its economic potential before an international audience.

The Breaking Barriers to Trade and Leadership Summit 2026 focused on finding practical solutions to many of the challenges limiting economic growth across Africa. Participants explored ways to strengthen leadership, improve investment climates and accelerate the implementation of the African Continental Free Trade Area, which aims to create one of the world’s largest free trade markets. The summit attracted former heads of state, senior government ministers, business executives, development partners and investors who shared ideas on promoting sustainable development across the continent. By bringing together leaders from both the public and private sectors, the event encouraged meaningful discussions about policies that can unlock economic opportunities and strengthen regional integration. Lesotho’s participation demonstrated its willingness to play a more active role in shaping Africa’s economic future through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

During his keynote address, Prime Minister Matekane stressed that Africa’s economic transformation depends on building institutions that are strong, accountable and resilient. He explained that effective institutions create the confidence needed to attract investors, encourage innovation and support sustainable economic growth. According to the Prime Minister, governments must establish transparent systems that enable businesses to thrive while ensuring that economic progress benefits future generations. He reaffirmed Lesotho’s commitment to good governance, regional integration and policies that encourage private sector-led development. His message resonated with the summit’s broader objective of creating an Africa where economic growth is driven by sound leadership, responsible governance and increased cooperation among nations.

The summit featured an impressive lineup of distinguished African leaders and influential figures from government and business. Among those present were former Nigerian President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, former Tanzanian President Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete, former Liberian Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor and Africa Leadership Organization Founder Dr. Ken Giami. They were joined by senior Nigerian government officials, industry leaders and investors representing a wide range of sectors across the continent. Their participation reflected the summit’s importance as a platform for discussing Africa’s economic priorities and strengthening continental partnerships. The presence of such experienced leaders also provided valuable opportunities for dialogue on governance, investment and regional development.

Lesotho’s delegation reflected a comprehensive national approach that brought together government, development agencies and the private sector. Accompanying Prime Minister Matekane were the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Honourable Limpho Tau, and the Minister of Trade, Industry and Business Development, Honourable Motlatsi Maqelepo. The delegation also included senior government officials, representatives from the Lesotho National Development Corporation, the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation, the Sebabatso Programme and members of Lesotho’s private sector. This broad representation ensured that the country’s participation extended beyond diplomatic engagement to include practical discussions on investment and business development. The unified delegation demonstrated Lesotho’s determination to promote a coordinated national strategy for economic growth and international cooperation.

Throughout the summit, Lesotho’s representatives held discussions with investors, entrepreneurs and corporate leaders interested in exploring opportunities across several sectors of the economy. These engagements focused on manufacturing, agriculture, tourism, mining, renewable energy, financial services, digital innovation and skills development. Such conversations created valuable opportunities to establish new partnerships that could support long-term investment and economic diversification. Delegates also explored ways to improve market access, encourage business-to-business collaboration and promote technology transfer under the African Continental Free Trade Area framework. These interactions reinforced the importance of combining diplomacy with practical commercial engagement to achieve meaningful development outcomes.

Speaking about the importance of the summit, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations Honourable Limpho Tau emphasised that Prime Minister Matekane’s participation reflected Lesotho’s commitment to strengthening bilateral and continental partnerships. She noted that Africa’s future depends on closer cooperation, stronger institutions and deeper economic integration among member states. According to the Minister, the summit enabled Lesotho to reinforce its relationship with Nigeria while expanding strategic partnerships with governments, investors and development partners from across Africa. She added that Lesotho will continue using high-level diplomatic platforms to advance economic diplomacy, promote peace and support regional integration. These efforts remain closely aligned with the country’s foreign policy objectives and the African Union’s Agenda 2063 vision for sustainable development.

Minister of Trade, Industry and Business Development Honourable Motlatsi Maqelepo highlighted the importance of including investment promotion institutions and private sector representatives in the delegation. He explained that while governments create opportunities through diplomacy, businesses play the central role in driving lasting economic transformation. The participation of organisations such as the Lesotho National Development Corporation, the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation and the Sebabatso Programme ensured that diplomatic engagements were supported by practical commercial discussions. According to the Minister, these engagements have laid the foundation for new investments, stronger trade partnerships and opportunities that can create employment while growing Lesotho’s economy. He also reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a competitive business environment that supports Basotho entrepreneurs and attracts quality investment.

The Ambassador of the Kingdom of Lesotho to the Federal Democratic Republic of Ethiopia and Permanent Representative to the African Union, His Excellency Nts’iuoa Sekete, described the summit as an important milestone in advancing Lesotho’s economic diplomacy. He said Prime Minister Matekane’s keynote address elevated Lesotho’s profile before influential African leaders, policymakers and investors. More importantly, he noted that the summit created practical opportunities to strengthen partnerships, promote investment and position Lesotho as an attractive destination for business under the African Continental Free Trade Area. Ambassador Sekete stressed that the country’s focus is now on translating these discussions into concrete investments, increased trade, stronger industrial partnerships, expanded tourism and sustainable development outcomes. His remarks reflected the government’s determination to ensure that international engagements produce measurable benefits for the Basotho people.

The Breaking Barriers to Trade and Leadership Summit 2026 reinforced Lesotho’s growing reputation as an active participant in Africa’s economic transformation. Through the combined efforts of government ministries, investment agencies, tourism authorities, development programmes and private sector representatives, the country presented a unified vision centred on inclusive growth, regional integration and sustainable prosperity. Prime Minister Samuel Matekane’s participation demonstrated Lesotho’s commitment to turning diplomacy into practical economic opportunities that benefit businesses and communities alike. As the African Continental Free Trade Area continues to create new opportunities for trade and investment, Lesotho is positioning itself to take full advantage of deeper continental integration. The relationships strengthened and partnerships initiated during the summit have the potential to attract investment, create jobs, expand exports and support long-term economic development for the Kingdom of Lesotho.