Lesotho Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane Attends 9th World Investment Forum 2026 in Qatar to Strengthen Bilateral Cooperation and Investment Opportunities

The Right Honourable Prime Minister of Lesotho, Ntsokoane Matekane, is participating in the 9th World Investment Forum 2026 in Doha, Qatar, as Lesotho seeks to strengthen international partnerships, attract investment and promote sustainable economic development. The forum officially opened on 26 October 2026 under the patronage of His Excellency Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani, Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs of the State of Qatar. The gathering brings together leaders, policymakers and international organisations to discuss investment opportunities, economic cooperation and strategies for sustainable growth. Lesotho’s participation reflects the country’s interest in building stronger economic relationships and exploring partnerships that can support its long-term development priorities. Through high-level diplomatic engagements and discussions on renewable energy, social development and bilateral cooperation, Prime Minister Matekane and his delegation are seeking opportunities that could contribute to Lesotho’s economic future.

During the forum, Prime Minister Matekane held discussions with the Prime Minister of Qatar on matters of mutual interest, including social development and the strengthening of bilateral cooperation. These discussions provide an opportunity for both governments to explore areas where closer engagement could deliver benefits for their respective countries. Strong bilateral relations can support cooperation in economic development, investment promotion, technical exchange and other areas of shared interest. For Lesotho, strengthening ties with Qatar could help expand access to international investment networks and create opportunities for collaboration beyond traditional diplomatic relations. The meetings also highlight the importance of direct engagement between national leaders in identifying shared priorities and establishing a foundation for future cooperation.

Prime Minister Matekane also held courtesy meetings with the Acting Secretary-General of the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD), Mr Pedro Manuel Moreno, and the Director-General of the World Trade Organization (WTO), Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala. These engagements placed Lesotho’s participation within the broader context of international trade, investment and economic development. UNCTAD focuses on trade and development issues, including investment and the participation of developing economies in global markets, while the WTO provides a framework for international trade cooperation. Engagement with leaders of these institutions offers an opportunity to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing developing countries as they seek to attract investment and strengthen their economies. For Lesotho, international dialogue can help advance its economic priorities and encourage partnerships that support trade, investment and sustainable development.

In his opening remarks, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al-Thani highlighted Qatar’s ambition to strengthen its position on the global economic map. He emphasised the need to turn economic aspirations into productive partnerships, expand investment opportunities, promote economic diversification and support sustainable growth. These priorities reflect the importance of creating an investment environment that encourages collaboration between governments, businesses and international institutions. Economic diversification is particularly important for countries seeking to reduce dependence on a limited number of industries and build more resilient economies. By encouraging investment across different sectors, countries can create opportunities for innovation, employment and long-term economic progress.

The World Investment Forum 2026 provides a platform for participating countries to consider how international investment can support national development goals. Governments face growing pressure to identify investment opportunities that deliver lasting economic and social benefits while responding to challenges such as climate change, energy security and changing global trade patterns. International forums create space for countries to present their economic priorities, exchange ideas and establish relationships with potential investors and development partners. For smaller economies such as Lesotho, these engagements can be particularly valuable because international partnerships can help address constraints related to financing, infrastructure and access to technology. However, the long-term benefits of such participation depend on the ability to turn discussions into practical projects, investment commitments and sustained cooperation.

Speaking about Lesotho’s participation, the Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Honourable Limpho Tau, said the forum offers Lesotho and other participating countries an opportunity to explore investment partnerships that can sustain their economies in the future. His remarks underline the importance of engaging with international partners to identify new sources of investment and support economic resilience. Investment can contribute to national development by supporting infrastructure, expanding productive industries, improving access to technology and creating employment opportunities. For Lesotho, attracting suitable investment requires a focus on projects that match the country’s development priorities and make effective use of its natural and human resources. The forum therefore offers an opportunity to promote Lesotho as a potential partner for investors interested in sustainable development and long-term economic cooperation.

Honourable Tau also highlighted the longstanding friendship between Lesotho and Qatar as an important foundation for strengthening bilateral relations. He noted that both countries have opportunities to invest in one another, further advancing a relationship based on mutual benefit. Strong diplomatic ties can create favourable conditions for economic cooperation by helping governments identify shared interests and build confidence between potential partners. Reciprocal investment could allow businesses and institutions in both countries to explore opportunities in areas that complement their respective economic strengths. Turning this potential into measurable progress will require continued dialogue, the identification of viable projects and practical arrangements that support investors from both countries.

One of the key areas highlighted during discussions was clean energy, where Lesotho has significant potential for renewable energy development. The country already generates almost all its domestic electricity from renewable sources, making clean energy an important area for future investment and international cooperation. Lesotho’s mountainous terrain and water resources provide opportunities for hydropower development, while its natural conditions may also support further exploration of other renewable energy technologies. Expanding investment in the energy sector could help strengthen electricity infrastructure, improve reliability and support the needs of households, businesses and industry. International partnerships could also provide access to financing, technical expertise and technology needed to develop energy projects responsibly.

Renewable energy investment could play a wider role in Lesotho’s economic development by supporting industries that depend on reliable electricity and encouraging more productive use of the country’s natural resources. Improved energy infrastructure can help businesses manage operating costs, support the delivery of public services and create conditions for future industrial growth. Clean energy projects may also contribute to climate objectives when they are designed and implemented with appropriate environmental and social safeguards. However, investment decisions must consider the costs of infrastructure, the long-term sustainability of projects and the needs of communities affected by development. Cooperation with experienced international partners could help Lesotho evaluate opportunities and identify projects that offer clear economic and environmental benefits.

Lesotho’s participation in the World Investment Forum 2026 also highlights the connection between investment promotion and social development. Economic partnerships are most valuable when they contribute to improvements in living standards, create decent employment and expand opportunities for local communities. Investments in energy, infrastructure and productive industries can support these goals when they respond to national needs and include effective plans for implementation. Government engagement with international partners can help identify projects that align commercial interests with broader development objectives. By pursuing partnerships that deliver practical results, Lesotho can work towards a more diversified economy and stronger foundations for sustainable growth.

The 9th World Investment Forum 2026 in Doha provides Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane and the Lesotho delegation with an important opportunity to strengthen diplomatic relations, explore international investment partnerships and promote the country’s renewable energy potential. Discussions with Qatar’s Prime Minister, UNCTAD’s Acting Secretary-General and the WTO Director-General demonstrate Lesotho’s engagement with key international stakeholders on issues related to development, trade and economic cooperation. The emphasis on clean energy also presents a relevant opportunity for Lesotho to attract partnerships that build on its existing renewable electricity generation and wider natural advantages. While the forum creates opportunities for dialogue and collaboration, its value for Lesotho will ultimately depend on the practical outcomes that follow, including investment projects, stronger institutional relationships and measurable development benefits. By building on its longstanding friendship with Qatar and engaging actively with the international investment community, Lesotho can pursue partnerships that support economic diversification, social development and a more sustainable future for its people.