Lesotho Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane Meets AfCFTA Secretary-General at World Investment Forum 2026 in Qatar

The Right Honourable Prime Minister of Lesotho, Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane, is engaging with the Secretary-General of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), His Excellency Wamkele Mene, during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the 9th World Investment Forum 2026 in Doha, Qatar. The meeting forms part of the Prime Minister’s engagements on the second day of the international forum, which is being held under the theme “Investing in the Future.” The discussions provide an opportunity to strengthen dialogue on African economic cooperation, trade integration and investment opportunities that could support Lesotho’s long-term development goals. The engagement also highlights the importance of connecting international investment discussions with Africa’s efforts to build stronger regional markets and expand economic opportunities. Prime Minister Matekane is expected to deliver his remarks later today as the forum continues.

The meeting between Prime Minister Matekane and AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene comes at a time when African countries are working to strengthen trade links and encourage greater economic cooperation across the continent. The African Continental Free Trade Area is a major African Union initiative designed to create a single market for goods and services among participating countries. It aims to reduce trade barriers, encourage cross-border business and support the development of regional value chains. For Lesotho, engagement with AfCFTA leadership provides an opportunity to discuss how continental trade integration can support domestic industries, improve market access and attract investment. Such discussions are important for identifying practical ways for smaller economies to participate more effectively in regional and international commerce.

Lesotho’s participation in the 9th World Investment Forum 2026 reflects its interest in attracting investment and building partnerships that can support economic growth. The forum brings together government leaders, policymakers, investors and international organisations to discuss investment priorities and opportunities across different sectors. Its theme, “Investing in the Future,” places emphasis on the role of investment in addressing economic challenges and supporting sustainable development. For Lesotho, these discussions are relevant to efforts to expand productive industries, create employment and strengthen the country’s economic resilience. Bilateral meetings on the sidelines of the forum also allow leaders to pursue specific areas of cooperation alongside the wider programme.

The African Continental Free Trade Area could offer Lesotho opportunities to reach a wider market for locally produced goods and services. Better access to regional markets can help businesses expand beyond domestic demand and explore new customers across Africa. However, making full use of these opportunities requires competitive products, reliable infrastructure, efficient trade procedures and clear information about market requirements. Lesotho’s businesses may also need support to improve production capacity, meet quality standards and build stronger connections with regional buyers. Continued engagement with AfCFTA institutions can help the country explore ways to address these challenges and strengthen its participation in continental trade.

Investment is closely linked to the success of regional economic integration because businesses need productive capacity, infrastructure and financing to take advantage of new market opportunities. Improved access to markets alone does not guarantee economic growth if local enterprises lack the resources to increase production or compete effectively. Lesotho can benefit from investment that strengthens manufacturing, supports small and medium-sized enterprises and improves the movement of goods across borders. Regional value chains could also create opportunities for businesses to supply materials, components or services to companies operating in other African countries. Cooperation between governments, development partners and private investors can help identify projects that support both domestic development and wider continental trade.

Prime Minister Matekane’s engagement with the AfCFTA Secretary-General also highlights the importance of ensuring that African trade agreements deliver practical benefits for businesses and communities. Trade integration can support economic diversification by encouraging countries to develop industries beyond a narrow range of products and activities. It can also create opportunities for entrepreneurs, improve competition and support the exchange of knowledge and technology. For these benefits to reach ordinary citizens, governments need to strengthen the conditions that allow businesses to grow and workers to access new opportunities. Effective implementation, coordination between institutions and continued support for local enterprises will remain important to turning continental trade ambitions into measurable results.

As the second day of the World Investment Forum 2026 continues in Doha, Prime Minister Matekane is expected to deliver his remarks later today. His address will form part of Lesotho’s broader participation in discussions about investment, economic cooperation and future development priorities. The forum provides a platform for participating countries to present their interests, build relationships and explore opportunities for cooperation with international partners. Lesotho’s engagement with AfCFTA leadership adds a regional dimension to these efforts by highlighting the connection between investment promotion and Africa’s wider economic integration agenda. The content of the Prime Minister’s anticipated remarks has not yet been provided, so their specific messages and any announcements should not be assumed.

Lesotho’s participation in the 9th World Investment Forum 2026 and Prime Minister Matekane’s bilateral engagement with AfCFTA Secretary-General Wamkele Mene demonstrate the value of combining international investment diplomacy with regional trade cooperation. The discussions offer an opportunity to consider how the African Continental Free Trade Area can support Lesotho’s economic priorities and help businesses access wider markets. Attracting productive investment, strengthening local industries and improving trade capacity will be important to making these opportunities meaningful. As the forum progresses under the theme “Investing in the Future,” Lesotho’s focus remains on building partnerships that can support sustainable growth and greater participation in Africa’s expanding economic landscape.