Lesotho Advocates for Safer and Development-Focused Migration at Africa Ministerial Roundtable

Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Hon. Lejone Mpotjoane, delivered a compelling address at the Ministerial Roundtable on “Africa Migration at a Crossroads: From Cooperation to Solutions,” highlighting both the challenges and opportunities surrounding migration in Lesotho and the wider region.

Hon. Minister Mpotjoane underscored the critical role migration plays in Lesotho’s economy, particularly through remittances, which remain a vital source of income for many Basotho households. He acknowledged the ongoing challenges faced by Basotho migrants, including vulnerability to unsafe work conditions and limited access to social protections, and stressed the importance of improving labour mobility within the Southern African Development Community (SADC).

The Minister called for strengthened regional collaboration to combat human trafficking, increased investment in sustainable livelihoods, and climate-resilient projects that can benefit migrant communities. He also emphasized the need for enhanced border management and robust data systems, including the implementation of the International Organization for Migration’s (IOM) Migration Data Analysis System (MIDAS), to track migration trends more effectively. Furthermore, he reiterated Lesotho’s proposal for an African Diaspora Development and Investment Fund, highlighting the importance of engaging the diaspora to contribute to national development.

At the Ministerial Dinner convened to chart Africa’s approach ahead of the 2026 International Migration Review Forum (IMRF), Hon. Minister Mpotjoane advocated for a unified African approach to labour agreements, skills recognition, portable social protection, and digital migration tools. He stressed the need to advance the African Union Free Movement Protocol, ensuring that mobility across the continent is safe, orderly, and development-oriented.

The Minister also highlighted the importance of more robust support from the United Nations for African states, emphasizing rights-based governance and the protection of migrants’ rights. Lesotho reaffirmed its commitment to establishing safe and development-driven migration systems and ensuring that Africa’s priorities are represented at the 2026 IMRF.

Hon. Minister Mpotjoane’s remarks signal Lesotho’s proactive role in shaping migration policies that balance economic growth, human rights, and regional cooperation, positioning the country as a key advocate for safe and sustainable migration in Africa.