Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane Commits to Annual Leadership Forum and National Accountability Summit in Lesotho

Prime Minister Mr. Ntsokoane Matekane has committed to making the Leadership Forum and National Accountability Summit an annual platform for structured dialogue between the government and the public in Lesotho. The announcement was made at the closing of a three-day summit held at the ‘Manthabiseng Convention Centre on Friday, where citizens, government leaders, development partners and institutions gathered to discuss governance, accountability and national development priorities. The Prime Minister praised Basotho from across the country for actively participating in the discussions both in person and through online platforms, showing strong public interest in national decision-making. He said the success of the summit depended on the willingness of citizens to share their views, raise concerns and directly engage leadership on key issues affecting their lives. The commitment to make the forum annual reflects a growing effort to strengthen transparency, participation and trust between government and citizens.

Prime Minister Matekane emphasised that the dialogue demonstrated the importance of involving citizens in shaping government decisions and national priorities. He noted that the initiative was made possible through collaboration between the Government of Lesotho, the United Nations Development Programme and the Government of Rwanda. This partnership highlighted the value of regional and international cooperation in strengthening democratic governance and public accountability systems. According to the Prime Minister, the summit created a space where citizens could freely raise concerns and receive direct responses from leadership. This type of engagement helps bridge the gap between policy making and public expectations.

One of the key issues raised during the summit was the need to commercialise agriculture in order to create employment opportunities and expand exports to international markets. Participants stressed that agriculture remains one of Lesotho’s most important economic sectors and requires stronger investment, modern techniques and better access to markets. The Prime Minister acknowledged these concerns and indicated that agricultural transformation is essential for long term economic growth. He noted that improving productivity and supporting farmers can contribute significantly to job creation, especially for young people in rural areas. The discussions reflected a shared understanding that agriculture can play a central role in reducing unemployment and strengthening food security.

Another major concern raised by participants was the need for greater skills transfer whenever international companies undertake construction projects in Lesotho. Citizens expressed the view that local workers should benefit more directly from large infrastructure developments taking place in the country. Prime Minister Matekane responded by recognising the importance of building local capacity through skills development and training opportunities. He emphasised that foreign investment should not only focus on infrastructure delivery but also on empowering Basotho workers with practical skills. This approach is expected to strengthen the local workforce and ensure long term economic benefits from national development projects.

Youth inclusion also featured prominently in the discussions, with the Prime Minister announcing that two youth representatives will be included in the Sebabatso committees. This decision is aimed at ensuring that young people have a direct voice in shaping national development policies and programmes. He further instructed the Ministry responsible for Gender, Youth and Social Development to address issues related to the National Youth Response Plan within the next three months. This directive reflects the government’s recognition of the challenges facing young people, including unemployment and limited access to opportunities. Strengthening youth participation in governance is seen as a key step toward inclusive national development.

Several service delivery concerns were also raised by members of the public during the summit. These included delays in waste removal services at Ha Ts’osane and slow processing of passport applications. The Prime Minister acknowledged these challenges and emphasised the need for improved efficiency in public service delivery across government departments. He stated that citizens expect timely and reliable services, and government institutions must respond more effectively to these expectations. Addressing such basic service delivery issues is seen as essential for improving public confidence in governance systems.

Prime Minister Matekane also announced a new accountability mechanism requiring ministries to produce quarterly progress reports. These reports will track the implementation of commitments made during the summit and ensure that government actions align with promises made to citizens. He explained that this system will improve planning, monitoring and accountability within the public sector. By regularly reviewing progress, government departments will be better positioned to address challenges and deliver on their commitments. This move is intended to strengthen transparency and ensure that dialogue leads to measurable action.

Deputy Prime Minister Justice Nthomeng Majara also addressed the closing session, thanking Basotho for their active participation throughout the summit. She stated that the strong public engagement demonstrated the importance citizens place on transparency and accountability in governance. According to her, a comprehensive report on the outcomes of the summit will be published to ensure that the public remains informed about decisions and recommendations. She further confirmed that next year’s summit will provide feedback on progress made in addressing the issues raised by citizens. This continuity is expected to reinforce trust between government and the public.

Justice Majara added that the forum has strengthened the relationship between the government and citizens by creating a structured space for dialogue and feedback. She encouraged all stakeholders to work together in building a Lesotho that reflects the aspirations of its people. Her remarks highlighted the importance of collaboration in achieving sustainable development and effective governance. By involving citizens in national discussions, the government is promoting a more inclusive approach to decision making. This engagement helps ensure that policies reflect real community needs and priorities.

During the closing session, representatives from the Judiciary and Parliament reaffirmed their commitment to ongoing public engagement beyond the summit. They also pledged to implement the resolutions discussed during the three-day event. Deputy Speaker of the National Assembly Mrs. Matlhohonolofatso Ts’ita-Mosena acknowledged public concerns regarding the performance of Members of Parliament and emphasised the responsibility of legislators to serve the nation effectively. She stated that public trust depends on accountability, discipline and consistent service delivery from elected officials. Her remarks reinforced the importance of parliamentary oversight and responsible leadership.

The Leadership Forum and National Accountability Summit, which ran from Wednesday to Friday, brought together government leaders, Parliament, the Judiciary, development partners and members of the public. The discussions focused on governance, accountability and national development priorities that affect everyday life in Lesotho. The strong participation demonstrated a growing demand for open communication between leaders and citizens. By committing to make the summit an annual event, the government has signaled its intention to maintain continuous engagement with the public. This initiative is expected to strengthen democratic participation and support more transparent and responsive governance in the years ahead.