Lesotho’s Prime Minister, Mr. Ntsokoane Matekane, is set to lead a high-level delegation to the 38th Ordinary Session of the African Union (AU) Heads of State and Government, scheduled to take place in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, from February 15th to 16th. The summit will bring together African leaders to discuss key continental issues, including governance, development, and regional cooperation.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Mr. Lejone Mpotjoane, emphasized the significance of this year’s summit, particularly as it includes the election of a new AU Commission. The newly elected Commission will serve for the next four years and play a critical role in shaping the Union’s policies and initiatives.
Beyond the main agenda, Prime Minister Matekane will also play a pivotal role in addressing Africa’s nutrition challenges. Acting on the instruction of King Letsie III, who serves as the AU Champion for Nutrition, the Prime Minister will host a high-level dinner under the theme “From Policy to Action: Towards a Common Position to Addressing Malnutrition in Africa.”
According to Minister Mpotjoane, this event will focus on consolidating lessons learned from past commitments, reigniting political interest in the upcoming Nutrition for Growth (N4G) Summit set to take place in Paris, and reinforcing Africa’s shared nutrition goals in alignment with Agenda 2063, the continent’s long-term vision for sustainable development.
Lesotho’s participation in the AU Summit is expected to strengthen its engagement with regional partners and ensure that the country’s interests are well represented on the continental stage. Additionally, the focus on nutrition highlights the nation’s commitment to addressing food security and public health challenges, key issues affecting many African countries.
As African leaders convene in Addis Ababa, discussions will likely revolve around economic growth, security, climate resilience, and health policies, making the summit a crucial platform for shaping Africa’s future. Prime Minister Matekane’s presence and leadership will reaffirm Lesotho’s role in advocating for sustainable development and equitable policies across the continent.
