President Duma Boko and his counterpart, the Prime Minister of Lesotho, Samuel Matekane, have agreed to strengthen strategic cooperation amid persisting global challenges threatening economic stability and human progress.
Speaking during the Inaugural Session of the Botswana-Lesotho Bi-National Commission (BNC) this week, Boko noted that for small, landlocked, and developing countries, global fluidities present both challenges and opportunities. He stated that the task before the two nations is to pool their strengths, align strategies, and confront these issues together.
Boko called for a deliberate, structured effort to remove barriers to trade, facilitate cross-border movement and investment, and create an environment in which their respective private sectors can forge meaningful, lasting partnerships.
“Under trade and investment, for example, Lesotho’s dynamic textile and manufacturing sector, combined with Botswana’s strong economic fundamentals and diversification agenda, present significant opportunities for increased trade, investment, and mutually beneficial partnerships,” he said.
As both countries seek to harness the potential of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Boko highlighted a compelling case to approach these opportunities as strategic partners with aligned interests and shared aspirations. He explained that by leveraging complementary economic strengths, Botswana and Lesotho can position themselves as active participants in regional value chains and beneficiaries of continental market integration.
“Agriculture and food security equally demand a prominent place in our Bi-National Commission agenda. By working together in veterinary cooperation, animal disease surveillance, vaccine development, agro-processing, and the development of regional agricultural value chains, we can protect rural lives and livelihoods,” he said.
In the areas of education, skills development, health, tourism, youth, culture, and the creative industries, Boko said there is abundant scope for collaboration that will deliver tangible benefits to Batswana and Basotho alike.
Boko also highlighted the importance of the proposed Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer Project, stating that its successful implementation will strengthen Botswana’s long-term water security, support industrial development, enhance regional integration, and unlock broader economic opportunities for all participating countries.
Boko announced that South Africa has expressed keen interest in joining the proposed infrastructure development. In this regard, partners intend to rename it the Lesotho-South Africa-Botswana Water Transfer Project.
In his remarks, Lesotho Prime Minister Matekane called for deepened cooperation in the fields of education and training to ensure that the youth are equipped for the challenges of the 21st century.
“Lesotho is the water tower of Southern Africa, a source of life and vitality for our region. Together, we can harness this precious resource to advance sustainable development and ensure water security for our peoples. We should therefore expedite the feasibility studies and move to the design phase of the water transfer project,” he said.
He also noted that Lesotho possesses immense potential in renewable energy, particularly in hydropower, wind, and solar resources, positioning the nation as a key contributor to the region’s transition towards sustainable energy. In this regard, Matekane noted that cooperation with Botswana offers a unique opportunity to complement strengths and build a shared energy future.
