Government Outlines New Policies and Legislative Reforms Across Key Sectors

The Government of Lesotho has tabled several new policies and legislative reforms aimed at boosting infrastructure, agriculture, education, aviation, sports, environmental protection, and public health.

The Ministry of Information, Communications, Science and Technology has submitted a request for a broadband infrastructure policy to be in place by 2025. The policy will allow media and network companies to share infrastructure while enabling investors and businesses to connect equipment to existing towers. The move is expected to expand connectivity and reduce duplication of infrastructure costs.

The Ministry of Agriculture has proposed a policy on mechanization to accelerate farming in the country. Under this initiative, Basotho will be supported with 30% of the purchase price of tractors, while farmers will cover 10%. The tractors will be distributed through the Post Office to improve access for smallholder farmers.

The Ministry of International Affairs has requested approval to sign an agreement from the UNESCO 2019 conference. The agreement will recognize Lesotho’s high school diplomas worldwide, ensuring international parity while maintaining recognition of foreign diplomas in Lesotho.

The government also released a schedule of upcoming graduation ceremonies:

• National University of Lesotho (NUL): 22-26 September (Undergraduates), 30 October (Postgraduates)
• Lesotho College of Education (LCE): 25-26 September
• Fokothi College: 3 October
• Centre for Accounting Studies: 17 October
• Institute of Development Management (IDM): 28 November

Legislation to improve the aviation system is being developed. Unlike in many countries where aviation is managed by a dedicated agency, Lesotho’s system falls under the Ministry of Public Works. The proposed law will establish a regulatory framework to streamline aviation, regulate airport operations, and strengthen safety and efficiency in air transport.

A draft sports and recreation law has also been requested. This law will address anti-doping measures, create a center for sports planning, establish mechanisms to inspect stadiums and players, and provide a platform to resolve sports-related disputes.

The government has also called for a law to regulate the harvesting of plants unique to Lesotho and to protect wildlife threatened by overhunting. The legislation aims to safeguard biodiversity and ensure sustainability of natural resources.

In another development, the production of vehicle license plates and collection of fees will be handled by private businesses to speed up service delivery.

At the continental level, cabinet was briefed on a resolution from an African conference held in Ethiopia, where member states agreed to improve food production to drive job creation and strengthen food security.

Public health remains a priority. A measles and rubella vaccination campaign will be rolled out from 22 to 26 September across health facilities in all districts. These diseases remain among the most common childhood illnesses, making the campaign critical for child health and community protection.

These new policies and legislative reforms reflect the government’s multi-sectoral approach to modernize infrastructure, promote economic growth, strengthen public health, and protect the environment.