The Lesotho-Botswana Water Transfer (L-BWT) Project is a groundbreaking transboundary water initiative that seeks to address critical water scarcity challenges in Southern Africa. Encompassing Lesotho, Botswana, and South Africa, the project aims to promote sustainable socio-economic growth by ensuring reliable water access for domestic, industrial, and agricultural use while enhancing climate resilience in the region. Managed under the Orange-Senqu River Commission (ORASECOM), this multi-purpose project exemplifies regional cooperation and innovation.

The L-BWT involves constructing a large dam on Lesotho's Makhaleng River, coupled with a 700-kilometer conveyance pipeline to supply 150 million cubic meters of water annually to Botswana and 50 million cubic meters to Lesotho and South Africa. Beyond water supply, the dam will generate hydropower, support irrigation, and strengthen energy security for the region. This ambitious project addresses water shortages exacerbated by severe droughts, especially in Botswana’s rapidly urbanizing southeastern areas around Gaborone.

The project, currently in the feasibility study stage, has received significant backing from international partners such as NEPAD-IPPF, the African Water Facility (AWF), and the Climate Resilient Infrastructure Development Facility (CRIDF). Its emphasis on climate resilience and inclusive development aligns with the African Union's Programme for Infrastructure Development in Africa (PIDA).

Upon completion, the L-BWT Project promises to improve water security, boost agricultural productivity, create employment opportunities, and enhance socio-economic resilience across the region. It stands as a model of transboundary collaboration for sustainable development in Africa.

For more information about this project: https://orasecom.org/l-bwt-project/

The Water and Sewerage Company (WASCO) of Lesotho is actively engaged in various projects designed to improve water supply and sanitation services across the country. These initiatives aim to enhance infrastructure, expand access to clean water, and ensure sustainable water resource management.

1. Greater Maseru Water Supply Project

This project aims to expand the water supply network to designated urban areas of Maseru, addressing the growing demand for potable water. It is divided into three packages:

• Package 1 (South): Ha Makhoathi, Ha Bosofo, Mazenod Ha Luka, Ha 'Masana.

• Package 2 (South West): Ha Tsautse, Qoaling, Ha Tšiame, Ha Lesia.

• Package 3 (North East): Ha Mabote, Tšenola, Foso/Marabeng/Berea.
  Funding is provided by the Government of Lesotho, the Arab Bank for Economic Development in Africa (BADEA), and the OPEC Fund.

2. Maseru Waste Water Project Works (5a)

This initiative involves the installation of approximately 3 kilometers of sewage network in the Khubetsoana-Bochabela Area 1. It is funded by the Government of Lesotho.

3. Maputsoe Water Supply Augmentation Project

This project aims to increase the current extraction capacity from the Mohokare River by 5 million liters. Funding is provided by the Government of Lesotho.

4. Mafeteng Asbestos Replacement Project

This initiative focuses on replacing 15 kilometers of asbestos cement (AC) pipeline to improve water quality and infrastructure reliability. To date, 14 kilometers have been completed in Mafeteng, with work ongoing in Mohale's Hoek. The project is funded by WASCO.

5. Pipeline Extension

This project extends the water network to areas such as Ha Foso (Ha Sepinare), Ha Jimisi, and Mpesi Likhoele. Mpesi and Ha Jimisi have been completed, while Ha Foso is in the procurement stage. The project is funded by WASCO.

6. Line 4 Migration

This initiative involves replacing the Line 4 AC pipe that runs through several areas, including C-Point, Moshoeshoe 2, Maseru East, Mabote, Litupung, DLM, and Selakhapane, with a uPVC pipe. Funding is provided by WASCO.

7. Moshoeshoe I International Airport Sewer Upgrade

This project aims to improve the current wastewater treatment facilities at Moshoeshoe I International Airport. It is funded by the Government of Lesotho.

8. Ha Belo Water Supply Project

This initiative seeks to increase the current extraction capacity from the Mohokare River to Butha-Buthe by 6 million liters. Funding is provided by the Government of Lesotho.

9. Metolong Conveyance Tertiary Lines and Connections (Lots 1 to 6)

This project focuses on augmenting water supply in areas along the Metolong Downstream Conveyance System. It involves extending and upgrading water network pipelines to cover all households in the Lesotho Lowlands Rural Water Supply Sanitation Project (LLWSSP) zones, ensuring proper metering, billing, and maintenance of the distribution network. The project is divided into six lots, with Lot 1 covering Thaba Bosiu (Zone 17) and Lot 2 covering Ha Makhalanyane (Zone 19). Funding is provided by the Government of Lesotho.

These projects highlight WASCO’s dedication to improving water and sanitation services, supporting the well-being of Lesotho’s citizens, and contributing to the nation’s sustainable development.

For more information about these projects: https://www.wasco.co.ls/current-projects/

The Project for Small Hydropower Improvement at Katse Dam is a collaborative initiative between the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the Government of Lesotho, formalized through a grant agreement signed on January 24, 2022. This project focuses on rehabilitating small-scale hydropower generation facilities at Katse Dam, leveraging Japanese technologies to enhance the stability and efficiency of power supply in Lesotho.

Key Objectives:

• Rehabilitation of Hydropower Facilities: Upgrade and refurbish existing small-scale hydropower infrastructure at Katse Dam to improve operational efficiency and reliability.

• Promotion of Renewable Energy: Increase the contribution of renewable energy sources to Lesotho's power grid, aligning with Sustainable Development Goal 7, which aims to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable, and modern energy for all.

• Capacity Building: Enhance the technical skills and knowledge of local personnel through training and technology transfer, ensuring sustainable operation and maintenance of the hydropower facilities.

Project Details:

• Funding: JICA has committed up to 1.415 billion yen in grant aid for this project.

• Implementation Period: The project is planned to be executed over a 36-month period.

• Executing Agency: The Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) is responsible for overseeing the project's implementation.

• Target Regions: The project focuses on the Leribe and Thaba-Tseka Districts, where Katse Dam is located.

Anticipated Outcomes:

• Enhanced Power Supply Stability: By rehabilitating the hydropower facilities, the project aims to provide a more reliable and consistent power supply to meet the energy needs of Lesotho's population.

• Environmental Benefits: The increased use of renewable energy sources is expected to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and lessen the environmental impact associated with fossil fuel-based power generation.

• Economic Development: Improved energy infrastructure can stimulate economic activities, attract investments, and contribute to the overall development of the region.

This project exemplifies international cooperation in advancing sustainable energy solutions and underscores the commitment of both JICA and the Government of Lesotho to fostering renewable energy development.

For more information about this project: https://www.jica.go.jp/english/information/press/2021/20220125_21_en.html

The Lesotho Lowlands Water Development Project Phase II (LLWDP-II) is a transformative initiative born from the Lesotho Lowlands Water Supply Scheme. This project focuses on Zones 2 & 3 in the Hlotse-Maputsoe area and Zones 6 & 7 in the Mohale’s Hoek-Mafeteng area, with funding from the World Bank and the European Investment Bank, in partnership with the European Union.

LLWDP-II is committed to constructing critical bulk water infrastructure, including intake structures, pump stations, water treatment plants, service reservoirs, and transmission lines. These efforts are accompanied by upgrades to local distribution networks and sanitation systems to ensure improved water service delivery in the prioritized areas.

The project also aims to build the capacity of service providers, focusing on reducing non-revenue water (NRW), enhancing billing systems, and strengthening planning and monitoring mechanisms. Technical assistance will be provided to develop long-term solutions for water security, ensuring reliable access for domestic and industrial use. Additionally, LLWDP-II emphasizes institutional strengthening to promote efficient and effective water sector operations.

This initiative is a critical step toward enhancing water security and improving living standards for communities in Lesotho's Lowlands, driving sustainable development and economic growth in the region.

For more information about this project: https://llwdp.co.ls

The Phase 3 of the Lesotho Lowlands Water Development and Sanitation Project is designed to increase the quality, access, and sustainable operations of improved water supply and sanitation services in Butha Buthe district and its resilience to climate change impacts. The LLWDSP III is designed to cover critical, urgent water supply infrastructure development and sanitation interventions in Butha Buthe district and 12 surrounding settlements. The Bank’s intervention is justified by the fact that WSS provision is one of the priority areas of the Country’s NSDP II. The project aims to satisfy the domestic, commercial, and industrial water demand in Butha Buthe district, surrounding settlements and villages which are currently experiencing poor service delivery compounded by aged and dilapidated infrastructure. The NSDP II identifies rehabilitation and development of WSS infrastructure as a priority area for promoting economic growth and reducing poverty. The project will comprise the following three main components: (i) Climate Resilient and Low Carbon Emission Water Supply Infrastructure Development, (ii) Sanitation Services Improvement; (iii) Institutional Strengthening, Capacity Building and Program Management.

For more information, visit: https://mapafrica.afdb.org/en/projects/46002-P-LS-E00-008

The Lesotho Highlands Water Project (LHWP) is a multi-phased initiative established by the 1986 Treaty between the Kingdom of Lesotho and the Republic of South Africa. Its primary objectives are to provide water to South Africa's Gauteng region and generate hydroelectric power for Lesotho.

Key Components:

• Water Transfer: Construction of dams and tunnels to harness the Senqu/Orange River, facilitating water delivery to South Africa.

• Hydropower Generation: Development of hydroelectric facilities to supply energy to Lesotho, promoting energy independence.
  
  

Project Phases:

• Phase I: Completed in 2003 and inaugurated in 2004, this phase included the construction of the Katse and Mohale Dams, the 'Muela Hydropower Station, and associated infrastructure.
   

• Phase II: Currently underway, this phase involves building the Polihali Dam and reservoir, a water transfer tunnel, and related infrastructure to enhance water transfer capacity and hydropower generation.
   

Governance:

The LHWP is managed by the Lesotho Highlands Development Authority (LHDA) and the Trans-Caledon Tunnel Authority (TCTA) of South Africa, under the oversight of the Lesotho Highlands Water Commission (LHWC). These entities ensure the project's implementation aligns with the Treaty and benefits both nations.

Benefits:

• Economic Growth: The project stimulates economic development through infrastructure investments and job creation.

• Environmental Management: LHWP incorporates environmental and social programs to mitigate impacts and promote sustainable resource use.

The LHWP exemplifies successful international collaboration, addressing water security and energy needs while fostering regional development.

For more information about this project: https://www.lhda.org.ls

The “Phela u Phelise” project is a community-based stroke prevention initiative in Lesotho. Its primary goal is to prevent, manage, and reduce the impact of stroke while promoting accessible, high-quality stroke care for all Basotho. The project emphasizes self-management of stroke risk factors and equips communities with the knowledge and tools to improve cardiovascular health.

Objectives of the Project:

• Assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices of Berea communities regarding stroke through a pre-intervention survey.

• Design and implement a comprehensive, community-focused stroke prevention program.

• Conduct a post-intervention assessment to evaluate changes in knowledge, attitudes, and practices within Berea communities.

Target Population:
The project primarily serves the members of the Berea communities in Lesotho.

For more information on the project, visit; https://sites.google.com/view/phelauphelisestrokeproject/home?authuser=0 

ICAP at Columbia University has been a transformative force in Lesotho’s healthcare landscape since 2005. Operating in partnership with the Ministry of Health, ICAP supports initiatives that strengthen health systems, expand access to essential healthcare services, and address critical public health challenges. With a focus on HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis (TB), maternal and child health, and non-communicable diseases, ICAP’s projects aim to improve health outcomes and enhance the quality of care for individuals and communities across Lesotho.

Key ongoing projects include:

• Expanding Access to Quality Laboratory Services (EQUALS): Supporting the enhancement of laboratory systems to provide timely, accurate diagnoses critical for effective disease management.

• HIV Recent Infection Surveillance: Providing data to improve understanding of HIV transmission dynamics in Lesotho and beyond.

• Population-based HIV Impact Assessment (PHIA): Conducting surveys across multiple countries, including Lesotho, to evaluate the impact of HIV programs and guide policy decisions.

• Promoting HIV Testing and Linkage to Care in Cross-Border Migrants in Lesotho (LeMiST): Addressing the unique challenges of providing care to cross-border migrants, ensuring access to HIV testing and treatment.

• PSA Lesotho: Aiming to strengthen Lesotho's healthcare response and promote sustainable health outcomes.

• Strengthening Strategic Information Activities in the Kingdom of Lesotho: Enhancing data collection, analysis, and use to improve decision-making and healthcare delivery.

• The CQUIN Project for Differentiated Service Delivery: A multi-country initiative, including Lesotho, aimed at improving the delivery of HIV services through innovative and patient-centered approaches.

By leveraging evidence-based approaches, ICAP contributes to building resilient healthcare systems capable of responding to the country’s evolving health needs. These projects not only emphasize disease prevention and treatment but also invest in capacity building, workforce development, and community engagement, ensuring sustainable health impacts for generations to come.

For more information about these projects: https://icap.columbia.edu/where-we-work/lesotho/

Project Objective

To achieve and sustain HIV epidemic control, while simultaneously strengthening Global Health Security (GHS)—including outbreak response—and improving Maternal, Newborn and Child Health (MNCH), nutrition, and malaria outcomes.

Scope

The project's scope is global, encompassing:

Providing strategic technical support and direct service delivery across the core health areas (HIV, GHS, MNCH, nutrition, malaria).

Building resilient health systems by equipping governments to effectively manage, deliver, and finance service delivery.

Specifically addressing Global Health Security by preparing governments and health workers in over 30 countries to prevent, detect, and respond to high-risk pathogens and priority zoonotic diseases.

Delivering services and capacity building in 78 countries via over 260 partners.

Implementing Partner & Core Partners

Lead Implementing Partner: FHI 360

Core Partners: Right to Care, Palladium, and Population Services International (PSI)

Total Partners: More than 260 partners have implemented activities.

For more information on the project, visit https://www.fhi360.org/projects/meeting-targets-and-maintaining-epidemic-control-epic/

Partners In Health (PIH) focuses its interventions across several key areas to strengthen healthcare in Lesotho. These include Primary Health Care (PHC) services provided in seven hard-to-reach clinics across four districts: Manamaneng, Bobete, and Methalaneng in Thaba Tseka; Nohana and Nkau in Mohale’s Hoek; Lebakeng in Qacha’s Nek; and Tlhanyaku in Mokhotlong. Additionally, PIH provides nationwide Multi-Drug Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB)treatment and care. The organization also supports health system strengthening in Berea, Leribe, Butha Buthe, and Mohale’s Hoek districts, along with offering technical assistance to the Ministry of Health for policy, strategy, and guidelines development. Further interventions encompass oxygen ecosystem support and biomedical equipment maintenance, mental health care and technical support, emergency and critical care, and oncology services, specifically laboratory and imagery investigations.

Key projects by PIH include:

• The TB Elimination Project

• Oxygen System Support Project.

For more information about these projects: https://pihlesotho.org/programs-projects

On April 11, 2024, the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the Government of Lesotho officially launched the Lesotho Health and Horticulture Compact, a $300 million initiative aimed at fostering sustainable economic growth and improving health outcomes in Lesotho.

Key Components of the Compact:

1. Health Systems Strengthening Project: This project focuses on enhancing primary healthcare services, improving healthcare financial and management systems, and modernizing health data systems to ensure better health outcomes for the Basotho people.

2. Market Driven Irrigated Horticulture Project: Aiming to increase rural incomes, this project invests in climate-smart irrigation infrastructure and promotes collaboration between commercial and local smallholder farmers to produce high-value crops and build robust value chains.

3. Business Environment and Technical Assistance Project: This initiative seeks to boost profits and formal employment opportunities, particularly for women and youth-owned enterprises, by providing technical assistance, business development services, and facilitating access to financing opportunities.

The compact builds upon the success of MCC's previous $362.5 million grant to Lesotho, which concluded in September 2013. That grant funded significant infrastructure projects, including the Metolong Dam, expanding access to clean water, and provided approximately 752,000 people with access to basic healthcare through the construction and rehabilitation of health facilities.

This partnership underscores a shared commitment to advancing Lesotho's economic development and improving the well-being of its citizens.

For more information about this project: https://www.mcc.gov/where-we-work/program/lesotho-health-and-horticulture-compact/

Pharmacovigilance monitors the safety of a drug once it has been launched onto the market. It is the process which improves the safety of medicines. It detects medicines that cause serious adverse drug reactions (ADRs) and ensures they are re-evaluated or removed from the market to protect public health. 

Lesotho, a country in need of pharmacovigilant health professionals, is a developing country with a high prevalence of HIV and tuberculosis (TB) which has affected all the development areas of the country including human resource. Lesotho has adopted a Primary Health Care approach in which the Ministry of Health (MoH) is responsible for developing policies, strategies and programs for health care and running half of the country's health care facilities. 

The ratio of doctors to the population is 0.9 per 10,000. For nurse-midwives, the ratio is 10.2 per 10,000. Both ratios are below the WHO AFRO regional average of 2.6 and 12.0, respectively, a poor result that has significant negative effect on the ability of the government to deliver quality health services. Newly graduated nurses and midwives need to be better prepared to provide care that is backed by strong pharmacovigilance knowledge and skills. 

In Lesotho, there is currently no pre-service training program aimed at scaling up newly graduated nurses and midwives’ pharmacovigilance knowledge and skills. The current state of pharmacovigilance in Lesotho is marked by a significant gap in training and capacity for healthcare professionals, particularly nurses. 

Overall, the current state of pharmacovigilance in Lesotho highlights the need for targeted education and training programs for nurses to enhance their understanding and implementation of pharmacovigilance practices. Therefore, this pre-service training will form part of the planned training and advocacy activities included in the Ministry of Health’s work plan. 

This two-year pharmacovigilance training project is managed by the Nursing department in the Faculty of Health Sciences at the National University of Lesotho.

The Comprehensive High Impact Community-Based HIV Prevention, Testing, and Treatment Initiation for Sustained Epidemic Control in Lesotho (CoHIP SEC) is a transformative five-year initiative (September 2022 – September 2027) funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) under PEPFAR. Operating in the districts of Berea, Leribe, Quthing, and Qacha’s Nek, the project aims to strengthen community-based HIV prevention and treatment interventions, with a focus on adolescent girls, young women (AGYW), and their sexual partners.

Objectives

The primary objective of CoHIP SEC is to integrate the DREAMS Core Package of Interventions, which is designed to empower AGYW while addressing their unique vulnerabilities to HIV.

Scope of Work

The CoHIP SEC project employs a comprehensive and integrated approach, focusing on the following activities:

• HIV Risk Assessment and Prevention Messaging: Conducting risk assessments and delivering tailored HIV prevention messages to vulnerable groups.

• Enrollment into DREAMS: Supporting AGYW by linking them with DREAMS programs that provide life-saving interventions.

• Routine/Rapid HIV Testing and Self-Testing: Offering accessible HIV testing services, including self-testing options to facilitate early detection.

• ART and PrEP Initiation: Starting antiretroviral therapy for individuals diagnosed with HIV and initiating pre-exposure prophylaxis for those at high risk.

• Family Planning (FP) Services: Providing a mix of contraceptive methods to support reproductive health.

• Condom Promotion and Distribution: Encouraging safe practices by making condoms widely available.

• STI Screening and Treatment: Identifying and treating sexually transmitted infections and ensuring appropriate care linkages.

• Gender-Based Violence (GBV) Support: Screening for GBV, offering referrals, and ensuring survivors access post-GBV care.

Impact

The CoHIP SEC project is a vital step toward achieving sustained epidemic control in Lesotho by delivering integrated, community-based health services. By addressing the unique needs of AGYW and fostering holistic health and empowerment, the project aims to reduce new HIV infections, enhance health outcomes, and build stronger, more resilient communities.

For more information about this project: https://baylorlesotho.org/ethics/

The Local Entities Advancing and Driving Health Responses (LEADR) project is a transformative three-year initiative (April 2023 – March 2026) funded by USAID. Operating across 26 sites in the districts of Mokhotlong, Butha-Buthe, Maseru (Center of Excellence), and Mohale’s Hoek (Satellite Center of Excellence), the project aims to strengthen Lesotho’s healthcare system.

Objective

LEADR’s primary goal is to support the Government of Lesotho in delivering high-quality, integrated prevention, care, and treatment services. By addressing HIV, TB, and COVID-19, the project seeks to sustain reductions in transmission, morbidity, and mortality through a comprehensive, person-centered approach.

Focus Areas

• Integrated Health Services: Delivering cohesive and effective prevention, care, and treatment interventions for HIV, TB, and COVID-19.

• Capacity Building: Enhancing the capabilities of local healthcare providers to ensure sustainable health outcomes.

• Community Engagement: Promoting health education and active involvement of communities in adopting healthier behaviors.

Impact

LEADR’s implementation in the Butha-Buthe and Mokhotlong districts is critical to advancing Lesotho’s health goals. By fostering a resilient, community-centered health system, the project contributes to improved healthcare access and outcomes, ensuring a healthier, more sustainable future for the nation.

For more information about this project: https://baylorlesotho.org/leadr/

The Lesotho Ministry of Health is actively engaged in several projects aimed at enhancing the nation's healthcare system and addressing critical health challenges. These initiatives focus on improving service delivery, expanding access to care, and strengthening health infrastructure.

Key Projects:

1. Support to Immunization Project: This ongoing initiative, funded by the Government of Lesotho and the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization (GAVI), aims to enhance the country's immunization program by strengthening vaccine logistics, advocacy, and social mobilization. Activities include procuring vaccines, conducting immunization campaigns, and training healthcare workers.

2. Establishment of Cancer Treatment Center: This project focuses on constructing a cancer treatment center in Lesotho to provide quality cancer care, accommodating necessary health technologies and specialized human resources.

3. Health Sector Reform: Aimed at strengthening human resources at all levels, this project enhances operational research and the functionality of the district health system. It supports the government in providing healthcare, HIV prevention, and treatment services, focusing on expanding access to quality PMTCT and pediatric care.

4. Support to Reproductive Health: This initiative seeks to increase the utilization of comprehensive sexual and reproductive health services, focusing on HIV/AIDS prevention, reducing maternal mortality, and improving access to voluntary health planning. It also emphasizes STI prevention and life skills education for vulnerable groups.

5. Support to Laboratory Services: This project strengthens health systems by coordinating HIV/AIDS prevention, care, and treatment programs through enhanced laboratory services.

6. Construction of Maseru District Hospital and Eye Clinic: Addressing the absence of a district hospital in Maseru, this project involves constructing a hospital and eye clinic at the old Queen Elizabeth II site to improve healthcare access and reduce the burden on existing facilities.

7. NDSO Warehouse Construction: In response to the increased need for ARV storage due to the "test and treat" initiative, this project involves constructing a warehouse for the National Drug Service Organization (NDSO) to ensure adequate storage capacity.

8. Southern Africa TB and Health System Support: This project aims to improve coverage and quality of TB control and occupational lung disease services in targeted areas, strengthening regional capacity to manage the burden of TB and occupational diseases.

9. Support to TB Control Programme: This initiative supports the National TB Programme by covering operational costs, capacity building, and accelerating the scale-up of ART, PMTCT, VMMC, HTC, TB, TB/HIV, and MDR TB interventions in five districts.

10. Improvement of Children's Nutritional Status: This project assesses body composition and breastfeeding practices among mothers and infants to generate accurate data on child health and nutrition, with assistance from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

11. Lesotho Nutrition and Health System Strengthening: Aiming to improve health and nutrition outcomes, this project focuses on increasing service quality and utilization, enhancing community capacity to address nutritional problems, and improving the nutritional status of the population, especially among adolescents, pregnant and lactating women, and children.

12. M-Mama Emergency Transport System: This project develops and implements a comprehensive emergency transportation system for pregnant mothers and newborns during emergencies.

13. Lesotho COVID-19 Emergency Preparedness and Response Project: This initiative assists the country in preventing, detecting, and responding to COVID-19 threats and strengthens Lesotho's national systems for public health preparedness.

These projects collectively aim to provide efficient and compassionate healthcare and social welfare systems, emphasizing the prevention and eradication of priority health and social welfare problems through cost-effective interventions.

For more information about these projects: http://health.gov.ls/projects/

Objective: To improve sexual and reproductive health and HIV (SRH-HIV) related outcomes and contribute to greater freedom of choice regarding sexuality for migrants, young vulnerable people, and sex workers living in migration-affected communities. The project focuses on demand creation for SRHR-HIV services, facilitating the supply and accessibility of responsive services, and creating an enabling environment.

Implementing Agencies: International Organization for Migration (IOM) and Save the Children Netherlands.

Recipient Districts: Maputsoe, Leribe district (Lesotho).

For more information on the project, visit: https://ropretoria.iom.int/sites/g/files/tmzbdl691/files/documents/PG%20FInal%20Evaluation%2014%2012%2020.pdf

Hirundo Energy is developing two significant wind farm projects in Lesotho: the Mohale’s Hoek Wind Farm and the Masite Nek Wind Farm.

Mohale’s Hoek Wind Farm

Located on a mountain ridge east of Mohale's Hoek, this project will feature 12 wind turbines, each with a capacity between 3 to 6 MW. The wind farm is expected to generate approximately 140 GWh annually, contributing about 15% to Lesotho's domestic electricity consumption. Comprehensive Environmental and Social Impact Assessments (ESIA) have been conducted to ensure sustainable development.

Masite Nek Wind Farm

Situated near Masite Nek (Ha ‘Majane), this project plans to install eight wind turbines, each with a capacity ranging from 3 to 6 MW. The wind farm aims to produce around 85 GWh per year, accounting for approximately 10% of the country's domestic electricity consumption.

Both projects align with Hirundo's commitment to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Lesotho by promoting access to clean energy and fostering climate action.

For more information about this project: https://www.hirundo.energy/projects-1

Program Title: Accelerating Sustainable and Clean Energy Access Transformation (ASCENT).

Primary Funders: The World Bank Group, leveraging the combined strengths of:

• • IDA (International Development Association)

  • IFC (International Finance Corporation)

  • MIGA (Multilateral Investment Guarantee Agency)

  • Supported by the Energy Sector Management Assistance Program (ESMAP).

• Region: Eastern and Southern Africa (a region representing over half of the world's unelectrified population).

• Funding Amount: Described as a multi-billion-dollar program.

• Target Goal: To provide energy access to 100 million people via ASCENT (contributing to a broader regional goal of 150 million people when combined with existing financing).

For more information on the project, visit; https://www.worldbank.org/en/region/afr/brief/afe-energy

The Lesotho Renewable Energy and Energy Access Project (LREEAP) is an initiative by the Government of Lesotho aimed at enhancing electricity access across the nation. The project focuses on extending the electrical grid to industrial zones and peri-urban households, thereby increasing the availability of reliable and affordable electricity. Additionally, LREEAP promotes private sector involvement in delivering electricity to underserved rural communities through the deployment of mini-grids. 

Objectives of LREEAP:

• Expand Electricity Access: Increase the availability of electricity to industrial areas and households, particularly in peri-urban regions.

• Promote Renewable Energy: Provide reliable and affordable electricity through renewable energy sources to the Basotho people.

• Support Private Sector Participation: Encourage private sector engagement in the energy sector to enhance service delivery and innovation.

• Empower Communities: Offer training on entrepreneurship and productive uses of electricity, focusing on vulnerable women and underserved rural populations.

Through these efforts, LREEAP aims to improve energy access, stimulate economic growth, and promote sustainable development in Lesotho.

For more information about this project: https://www.doe.gov.ls/post/view/31

The National University of Lesotho's Energy Research Centre (NUL-ERC) is dedicated to advancing sustainable energy solutions through a variety of projects that encompass research, collaboration, and community outreach. These initiatives aim to address energy challenges in Lesotho and promote sustainable development.

Ongoing Projects:

1. MOSCET Lesotho Collaboration (Since January 21, 2023):

   • Objective: Partnering with MOSCET Lesotho to develop and implement renewable energy technologies tailored to local needs.

   • Focus Areas: Solar energy systems, energy efficiency measures, and capacity-building programs.

2. Lesotho Electricity Company Collaboration (Since January 21, 2023):

   • Objective: Collaborating with the Lesotho Electricity Company to enhance the national grid's efficiency and integrate renewable energy sources.

   • Focus Areas: Grid modernization, renewable energy integration, and policy development.

3. Low-Carbon Economy Transformation through Sustainable Energy Modernization and Access in Lesotho (LETSEMA) (Since January 1, 2023):

   • Objective: Transforming Lesotho's energy sector into a low-carbon economy by promoting sustainable energy practices.

   • Focus Areas: Renewable energy adoption, energy efficiency, and community engagement.

4. SOLTRAIN Austrian Development Agency Collaboration (Since January 1, 2023):

   • Objective: Partnering with the Austrian Development Agency to implement solar thermal training and demonstration projects.

   • Focus Areas: Solar thermal technology training, demonstration projects, and capacity building.

5. EU Erasmus+ CBHE – LETSEMA (Since January 1, 2023):

   • Objective: Enhancing higher education capacity in sustainable energy through the Erasmus+ program.

   • Focus Areas: Curriculum development, academic partnerships, and research initiatives.

Past Projects:

1. Finnish Ministry of Education and Culture – Team Finland Knowledge (TFK) – PROPEL (July 1, 2022 – June 30, 2024):

   • Objective: Enhancing internationalization and capacity building at NUL to improve sustainable energy education.

   • Focus Areas: Problem-based learning methodologies, online and blended learning, and training of trainers.

2. Developing Problem-Based Pedagogies for Lesotho’s Sustainable Energy Future (DEPLOY) (June 1, 2022 – December 31, 2023):

   • Objective: Developing problem-based learning approaches to advance sustainable energy education in Lesotho.

   • Focus Areas: Curriculum innovation, faculty development, and student engagement.

3. Lesotho Renewable Energy and Electricity Access Project (LREEAP) (June 7, 2023 – July 6, 2023):

   • Objective: Discussing electricity subsidies and making recommendations to improve clean energy access for the poor.

   • Focus Areas: Policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, and subsidy optimization.

4. Africa UniNet Research Collaboration (June 5, 2023 – July 4, 2023):

   • Objective: Engaging in research collaborations to address energy challenges in Africa.

   • Focus Areas: Renewable energy research, knowledge exchange, and capacity building.

Through these projects, NUL-ERC demonstrates its commitment to fostering sustainable energy solutions, enhancing educational frameworks, and contributing to Lesotho's socio-economic development.

For more information about these projects: https://erc.nul.ls/projects/ 

The Lesotho Electricity Generation Company (LEGCO) is dedicated to enhancing Lesotho's energy infrastructure through the development of sustainable electricity generation projects. Their initiatives focus on harnessing renewable energy sources to ensure reliable and affordable power for the nation.

Key Projects:

1. 70MW Solar Power Project at Ha Ramarothole, Mafeteng

   • Objective: To generate 70MW of solar power, reducing reliance on imported electricity and promoting energy self-sufficiency.

   • Phases:

     • Phase I: Construction of a 30MW solar facility, including a 132 kV substation and a 55 km transmission line to integrate with the national grid.

     • Phase II: Expansion to an additional 40MW, aiming for completion by 2030.

2. Soil Conservation Project

   • Objective: To implement soil conservation measures in collaboration with the Ministry of Energy, Ministry of Environment and Forestry, and the Department of Energy.

   • Focus: Ensuring environmental sustainability in areas affected by energy projects.

   • Details: Specific activities and timelines are under development. 

Through these projects, LEGCO aims to promote sustainable electricity generation, enhance energy security, and contribute to Lesotho's socio-economic development.

For more information about these projects: https://www.legco.co.ls/projects-2/

The Lesotho Health and Horticulture Compact is a $300 million initiative between the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) and the Government of Lesotho, aiming to stimulate equitable and sustainable economic growth by addressing key constraints in health and agriculture. 

Key Components of the Compact:

1. Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) Project:

   • Objective: Enhance primary healthcare services and standards of care.

   • Strategies:

     • Improve healthcare financial and management systems.

     • Modernize health data systems in collaboration with the Ministry of Health.

   • Expected Outcomes: Better health outcomes, particularly in maternal and child health, and support for sustaining HIV/AIDS epidemic control efforts. 

2. Market Driven Irrigated Horticulture (MDIH) Project:

   • Objective: Increase rural incomes and combat food insecurity.

   • Strategies:

     • Invest in climate-smart irrigation infrastructure.

     • Attract commercial farmers to collaborate with local smallholder farmers in producing high-value crops.

     • Build robust value chains.

   • Expected Outcomes: Sustainable growth in the horticulture sector through government reforms and capacity building. 

3. Business Environment and Technical Assistance (BETA) Project:

   • Objective: Boost profits for high-growth potential firms, including those owned by women and youth, and enterprises in rural areas.

   • Strategies:

     • Provide technical assistance and business development services.

     • Facilitate access to financing opportunities.

     • Offer grant funding for select women- and youth-owned businesses to acquire equipment and implement business plans.

   • Expected Outcomes: Support growth across key sectors like agriculture, creative industries, manufacturing, and tourism. 

Financial Overview:

• Total Compact Budget: $300 million.

• Project Allocations:

  • HSS Project: $75.4 million.

  • MDIH Project: $118.6 million.

  • BETA Project: $62 million. 

Timeline:

• Compact Signing: May 12, 2022.

• Entry into Force: March 30, 2024. 

This compact builds upon the success of MCC's previous partnership with Lesotho, which included significant infrastructure improvements like the Metolong Dam and the enhancement of healthcare facilities, providing access to basic healthcare for approximately 752,000 people. 

Through these integrated projects, the Lesotho Health and Horticulture Compact aims to foster sustainable economic development, improve health outcomes, and create equitable business opportunities, particularly for women and youth in Lesotho.

For more information about this project: https://www.mcc.gov/where-we-work/program/lesotho-health-and-horticulture-compact/

The Agricultural Productivity Programme for Southern Africa (APPSA) is a regional project supported by separate World Bank (WB) – IDA credits. The project originally started with three countries (Malawi, Mozambique and Zambia), and it has now extended to Lesotho and Angola. APPSA seeks to promote regional collaboration and put in place mechanisms to encourage technology generation and dissemination across national borders of participating countries in the SADC region by:

• Supporting regional collaboration in agricultural research, technology dissemination, and training;

• Establishing Regional Centers of Leadership (RCoLs) on commodities of regional importance, and

• Facilitating increased sharing of agricultural information, knowledge, and technology among participating countries. 

For more information on the project, visit https://agricresearch.org.ls/projects/appsa/

The Sustainable Transformation of Enterprises in the Poultry Sector (STEPS) project is a collaborative initiative led by Land O’Lakes Venture37, in partnership with the International Livestock Research Institute (ILRI), Rural Self-Help Development Association (RSDA), and World Poultry Foundation (WPF). Funded by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Food for Progress program, STEPS aims to revitalize Lesotho's poultry industry by enhancing private sector capabilities and market dynamics. 

Project Duration: 2023 – 2028

Primary Objectives:

1. Enhance Poultry Quality: By segmenting and supporting the commercial poultry market, STEPS provides tools, technical assistance, and financing to elevate local poultry quality to match imported standards. \

2. Achieve Economies of Scale: Through piloting innovations and financing scalable models, the project aims to boost local poultry product retail and consumption, enabling Lesotho's poultry sector to compete regionally in terms of quantity and price. 

3. Stimulate Innovation and Investment: The STEPS Poultry Challenge Fund encourages the development of solutions addressing value chain gaps, while a poultry investment fund reduces lending risks and promotes business expansion. 

Expected Outcomes by 2028:

• Profitability Enhancement: Improve profitability for 35,000 poultry value chain actors. 

• Production Increase: Achieve up to a 40% increase in meat production and a 30% rise in egg production. 

• Food Security Improvement: Strengthen food security and bolster local poultry markets in Lesotho. 

Context:

Lesotho imports nearly 80% of its poultry products. The STEPS project addresses this dependency by developing both dual-purpose (hardy, slow-growing) and single-purpose (efficient, maintenance-intensive) poultry markets to meet diverse consumer demands and producer preferences. 

By focusing on quality improvement, scaling production, and fostering innovation, the STEPS project aims to transform Lesotho's poultry sector into a competitive and self-sustaining industry.

For more information about this project: https://www.landolakesventure37.org/projectspotlight/120

The Smallholder Agriculture Development Project II (SADP II) is an initiative by the Government of Lesotho, supported by the World Bank, the Government of Japan, and the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The project aims to enhance agricultural productivity, commercialization, and nutrition among smallholder farmers across Lesotho's ten districts. 

Project Objectives:

• Climate-Smart Agriculture: Promote sustainable farming practices to improve resilience against climate change. 

• Agricultural Commercialization: Strengthen value chains and market access to boost farmers' incomes. 

• Nutrition Improvement: Enhance dietary diversity and food security among rural households. 

Key Components:

1. Promoting Climate-Smart Agricultural Practices and Advisory Services:

   • Implement stress-tolerant crop and livestock breeds.

   • Adopt biofortified crops and sustainable landscape management. 

2. Improving Agricultural Commercialization and Nutrition:

   • Develop market infrastructure and greenhouse agriculture.

   • Establish commodity standards and warehouse receipt systems. 

3. Project Management, Coordination, and Monitoring and Evaluation:

   • Oversee implementation, financial management, and procurement.

   • Conduct environmental management and safeguard monitoring. 

Targeted Districts:

• Maseru

• Leribe

• Botha-Bothe

• Mokhotlong

• Thaba-Tseka

• Berea

• Mafeteng

• Mohale’s Hoek

• Quthing

• Qacha’s Nek 

Expected Outcomes:

• Increased adoption of climate-smart agricultural technologies.

• Enhanced commercialization and improved rural incomes.

• Improved food security and dietary diversity among beneficiaries. 

Through these efforts, SADP II seeks to empower smallholder farmers, promote sustainable agricultural practices, and contribute to Lesotho's overall economic development.

For more information about this project: https://www.sadpii.org.ls

The Regeneration of Landscapes and Livelihoods (ROLL) Project is a collaborative initiative between the Government of Lesotho and the Global Environment Facility (GEF), implemented by the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). The project aims to enhance rural livelihoods through sustainable land management practices, leading to improved agro-ecosystem services, increased climate resilience, and diversified household incomes. 

Project Overview:

• Objective: Transform rural landscapes and livelihoods by promoting sustainable land management (SLM) practices. 

• Implementing Agencies: International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD). 

• Executing Agencies: Ministry of Forestry, Range and Soil Conservation (MFRSC); Ministry of Tourism, Environment and Culture (MTEC); with coordination from the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftainship (MLGC); Ministry of Water (MoW) - Department of Water Affairs; Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS); and Ministry of Development Planning. 

Funding:

• • GEF Project Grant: $3,502,968.

  • Co-financing Total: $40,694,307. 

Timeline:

• • Received by GEF: September 27, 2020.

  • Concept Approved: December 11, 2020.

  • Project Approved for Implementation: July 19, 2022. 

Key Components:

1. Sustainable Land Management Practices:

   • Promote SLM to enhance agro-ecosystem goods and services.

   • Improve climate change resilience.

   • Diversify household income sources. 

2. Community Engagement:

   • Support coalitions of local groups and decision-makers in landscape regeneration efforts.

   • Invest in activities benefiting both the environment and rural communities. 

Expected Outcomes:

• Enhanced flow of agro-ecosystem goods and services.

• Improved climate resilience for rural communities.

• Diversified and increased household incomes. 

By integrating sustainable land management practices with community-driven initiatives, the ROLL Project seeks to restore degraded landscapes, bolster environmental sustainability, and uplift the livelihoods of rural populations in Lesotho.

For more information on this project: https://www.thegef.org/projects-operations/projects/10723

The Improving Adaptive Capacity of Vulnerable and Food-Insecure Populations in Lesotho (IACOV) project is a collaborative initiative between the Government of Lesotho and the World Food Programme (WFP), funded by the Adaptation Fund. The project aims to enhance the resilience of communities to climate change by strengthening institutional capacities, raising awareness, and implementing community-based adaptation measures. 

Project Overview:

• Objective: Enhance the adaptive capacity and resilience of vulnerable and food-insecure populations in Lesotho to the impacts of climate change. 

• Implementing Entity: World Food Programme (WFP). 

Key Components:

1. Institutional Capacity and Systems Building:

   • Strengthen national and community-level capacities for climate change adaptation and management.

   • Develop and implement policies and systems to support adaptive practices. 

2. Awareness Raising:

   • Educate vulnerable communities on climate change impacts and adaptation strategies.

   • Promote knowledge sharing and community engagement in adaptation efforts. 

3. Community-Based Adaptation Measures:

   • Implement concrete adaptation and resilience-building activities at the community level.

   • Focus on improving food systems and livelihoods through sustainable practices. 

Expected Outcomes:

• Enhanced institutional frameworks and capacities for climate adaptation.

• Increased community awareness and engagement in adaptive practices.

• Improved food security and resilience among vulnerable populations through sustainable community-based interventions. 

By integrating institutional strengthening, community education, and practical adaptation measures, the IACOV project seeks to build a more resilient and food-secure future for Lesotho's vulnerable communities in the face of climate change.

For more information about this project: https://www.adaptation-fund.org/project/improving-adaptive-capacity-vulnerable-food-insecure-populations-lesotho-2/

Wool and mohair account for almost two thirds of Leotho’s agricultural exports. The raising of wool sheep and mohair goats contributes significantly to the livelihood of about 45,000 rural Basotho families and is concentrated in districts recording high levels of poverty.

Building on the Wool and Mohair Promotion Project, this project continues to work with 45,000 wool and mohair farmers to consolidate the outcomes of WAMPP and achieve deeper impacts.

The project aims to increase the economic and climate resilience of wool and mohair farmers and promote inclusive and sustainable economic growth and private sector-led job creation.

For more information on the project, visit: https://www.ifad.org/en/w/projects/2000003942

Objectives

The HASTEN Project aims to drive transformative changes in agrifood systems across Africa by:

• Strengthening capacities: Nurturing the next generation of leaders in sustainable agrifood systems to foster new mindsets and competencies.

• Promoting transdisciplinary systems thinking: Encouraging a shift from incremental to transformative change by developing skills to analyze SDG interlinkages, identify synergies, and manage trade-offs for multifaceted impacts.

• Fostering institutional change: Promoting formal changes and new competencies for the creation of effective, inclusive, and accountable institutions within the agrifood sector.

• Enhancing private sector contribution: Increasing the private sector's role in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through innovative business practices.

• Aligning with global goals: Supporting the overall alignment with the 2030 Agenda and its Sustainable Development Goals.

Partners

• Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO): Providing extensive technical expertise and crucial assistance for project launch and ongoing support.

• Government of Rwanda

• Government of Lesotho

• Government of Sierra Leone

Scope and Operational Area

The HASTEN Project operates within Lesotho, Rwanda, and Sierra Leone. Its scope encompasses fostering transformational changes in:

• People: Developing the capacities and mindsets of young leaders.

• Processes: Encouraging new approaches to analysis, planning, and implementation within agrifood systems.

• Markets: Enhancing the private sector's contribution through innovative and sustainable business practices.

The project specifically focuses on promoting a shift from incremental to transformative change within these areas by nurturing transdisciplinary systems thinking, building capacity for SDG interlinkage analysis, encouraging formal institutional changes, and enhancing private sector engagement for SDG achievement.

For more information on the project, visit https://www.fao.org/sustainable-development-goals-helpdesk/sdg-acceleration-and-integration-portfolios/hasten/ and https://www.fao.org/sustainable-development-goals-helpdesk/transform/news-detail/fao-launches-new-project-in-lesotho-on-harnessing-sdg-based-agrifood-system-transformation-through-the-empowerment-of-the-next-generation-of-agrifood-leadership-in-africa-(hasten)/en 

The Sebabatso Project is a transformative youth empowerment initiative in Lesotho, launched to tackle the country’s high youth unemployment rates and foster entrepreneurial growth. This program equips young Basotho with critical skills in leadership, entrepreneurship, and innovation, enabling them to actively contribute to Lesotho’s economic development. By focusing on high-potential sectors such as agriculture, arts, science, technology, and tourism, Sebabatso aims to create youth-led businesses prepared for both local and international investment opportunities.

Recognizing the untapped potential in STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) fields—where only 2% of Lesotho’s tertiary graduates currently venture—the initiative takes a bold stance to address the underrepresentation of women. Sebabatso is committed to fostering an inclusive and equitable environment for innovation, empowering all participants to drive meaningful change.

Supported by various development partners, including the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Sebabatso provides training, mentorship, and international exposure to help young entrepreneurs unlock their potential. It’s not just a program—it’s a platform for building a brighter future for the youth of Lesotho. 

For more information about this project: https://linktr.ee/Sebabatso_Lesot?fbclid=IwY2xjawGSFn5leHRuA2FlbQIxMAABHVi2mHEE_h0i6ZdckIT2SYVrVMb2e1VkbeBAnmhulVTuj_yBcRYKQzqcTw_aem_GtQ0ID6u3OzKhkF08nRyXA

Youth Empowerment and Entrepreneurship Training Project empowers high school dropouts aged 15 to 30. There are three vocational courses freely offered by SOS Children’s Villages Lesotho namely: Food Art, Fashion Design and Construction. SOS Children’s Villages continues to empower Basotho youth to improve their entrepreneurship skills and employability in Four community councils – Hlotse urban, Maoa Mafubelu, Sephokong and Litjotjela community council.

For more information on the project, visit; https://sos.org.ls/stories/youth-empowerment-and-entrepreneurship-training-project-leribe/

The HER Voice Fund initiative in Lesotho is dedicated to empowering adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) by amplifying their voices and enhancing their leadership in health advocacy and policy-making processes. This initiative aligns with the global objectives of the HER Voice Fund, managed by the Global Network of Young People Living with HIV (Y+ Global), in collaboration with the Global Fund and ViiV Healthcare.

Key Objectives:

• Advocacy Empowerment: Equip AGYW in Lesotho with the skills and resources needed to engage in national health advocacy efforts and influence policy decisions.

• Capacity Building: Provide financial support to community-based organizations in Lesotho that work directly with AGYW, enhancing their capacity to foster leadership and meaningful engagement in decision-making processes.

• Health-Focused Leadership: Foster the active involvement of AGYW in addressing critical health challenges, particularly those related to HIV and reproductive health.

Country-Specific Activities:

1. Grant Allocation:

   • Support community organizations that prioritize AGYW advocacy and training.

   • Fund initiatives aimed at gathering data, facilitating mentorship, and driving policy accountability.

2. Ambassadorship:

   • The HER Voice Fund appoints a dedicated ambassador in Lesotho to advocate for AGYW needs, represent the fund in local engagements, and ensure alignment with the initiative’s goals.

3. Community Engagement:

   • Through workshops, mentoring, and advocacy campaigns, the initiative actively involves AGYW in shaping policies that directly impact their health and well-being.

   • Promote access to reproductive health services, HIV prevention strategies, and rights-based health education.

Impact in Lesotho:

The HER Voice Fund has catalyzed the participation of AGYW in national health dialogues, fostering an environment where their needs and perspectives are prioritized in policies and programs. By working with local organizations and leveraging international partnerships, the fund has strengthened efforts to build a more inclusive and equitable health system in Lesotho.

For more information about this project: https://www.facebook.com/permalink.php?story_fbid=pfbid02SDnL22jDdF7tuQvBVBEHESpSFTRfsST6dWVRfw8bMsMYSpKxWdpeyc5g9ymHjJMJl&id=100079266842735

https://www.yplusglobal.org/her-voice-fund

The Youth Power Hub is a joint effort by the European Union (EU), UNICEF, and the International Organization for Migration (IOM). 

Purpose and Focus

This initiative aims to create an environment in Lesotho where young people can actively participate in decision-making and have their voices heard consistently. Running from 2024 to 2029, it specifically targets youth aged 10 to 25, with a particular emphasis on:

• Adolescent girls and young women

• Youth living with disabilities

• Youth in rural areas

• Migrants

• Youth in the diaspora

The goal is to amplify the voices of these groups, fostering stronger and more inclusive communities throughout Lesotho. The Hub will operate in all ten districts of Lesotho, engaging young people both in-person and online, including those in the diaspora.

Funding

The EU has committed EUR 2,457,000 (approximately LSL 45,083,000) to the initiative, with UNICEF providing an additional EUR 117,719.618 (approximately LSL 2,372,818).

For more information on the project, visit https://www.unicef.org/esa/lesotho-youth-power-hub

The Private Sector Competitiveness and Economic Diversification Project (PSCEDP) is an initiative by the Government of Lesotho, under the Ministry of Trade and Industry, Cooperatives and Marketing, with funding from the World Bank. Launched in 2007 and expanded in 2013, PSCEDP aims to enhance Lesotho's business environment and diversify its economic base.

Key Objectives:

1. Improving the Business Environment: PSCEDP focuses on streamlining business registration processes, reducing the time and cost associated with starting and operating businesses in Lesotho. This includes reforms to make trading across borders simpler and providing streamlined, accessible, and efficient government-to-business services to attract private investment and boost growth. 

2. Supporting Economic Diversification: The project promotes growth in non-textile sectors such as horticulture and tourism, aiming to create 50,000 new jobs in these key areas. It also supports the development of the Lesotho Enterprise Assistance Program (LEAP), a matching grant scheme designed to strengthen the business capacity of privately owned Basotho SMMEs through financial and technical support.

3. Enhancing Investment Promotion: PSCEDP works to improve Lesotho's status as an investment destination by implementing targeted initiatives that facilitate linkages between foreign investors and domestic SMEs. This includes providing technical assistance on implementing targeted initiatives that would facilitate linkages between foreign investors and domestic SMEs. 

Achievements:

• Ease of Doing Business: Lesotho improved its business environment, particularly with regards to access to credit. Lesotho’s Doing Business ranking jumped by 12 spots to number 100 in 2017, largely due to the credit bureau supported under the project and now covering over 7% of the adult population. 

• Economic Growth: The project is aligned with the Government of Lesotho’s National Strategic Development Plan II (2018-2022) with a special focus on economic diversification in the non-textile sectors such as horticulture and tourism, improving the status of Lesotho as an investment destination of choice based on the ease of doing business index as well as private sector-led economic growth. Overall, the Project is envisaged to increase Lesotho’s annual GDP growth by 5%.

Through these efforts, PSCEDP aims to foster a more conducive environment for private sector development, leading to sustainable economic growth and job creation in Lesotho.

For more information about this project: https://www.psc.org.ls

The Ministry of Finance in Lesotho plays a pivotal role in advancing the country's economic development through innovative policies, infrastructure modernization, and fiscal reforms. Below are the Ministry's key projects and their timelines, highlighting their commitment to sustainable growth and improved public services.

Key Projects 

1. Border Post Infrastructure Refurbishment

   • Objective: Upgrade border facilities to streamline trade and enhance security measures.

   • Project Validity: 30 March 2027

   • Outcome: Improved customs processes and modernized border infrastructure to support regional trade.

2. Millennium Challenge Account Lesotho

   • Objective: Support national initiatives under the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) to address critical development challenges.

   • Project Validity: 30 March 2027

   • Outcome: Strengthened infrastructure, education, and health systems.

3. Integrated Revenue Management System (IRMS)

   • Objective: Modernize revenue collection processes to enhance efficiency and transparency.

   • Project Validity: 30 March 2027

   • Outcome: Streamlined tax administration and improved revenue generation mechanisms.

4. Tax Modernization Project

   • Objective: Overhaul tax systems to align with global best practices, ensuring fairness and efficiency in tax collection.

   • Project Validity: 30 March 2027

   • Outcome: A simplified and more effective tax system fostering compliance and economic growth.

5. Public Sector Modernization Project

   • Objective: Enhance public sector efficiency and service delivery through process improvements and digital transformation.

   • Project Validity: 30 March 2027

   • Outcome: A responsive and efficient public sector capable of meeting citizens' needs.

Conclusion

Through these strategic initiatives, the Ministry of Finance demonstrates its commitment to driving economic resilience, fostering trade, modernizing fiscal systems, and ensuring efficient public service delivery. These projects are instrumental in achieving Lesotho's development goals and building a robust economic foundation for the future.

For more information about this project: https://www.finance.gov.ls/projects

The Basotho Enterprises Development Corporation (BEDCO) is dedicated to fostering the growth of micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) in Lesotho. Through targeted projects, BEDCO aims to enhance entrepreneurship, formalize informal businesses, and support the expansion of small enterprises.

Key Projects:

1. Youth Development Project

   • Objective: Address youth unemployment by promoting entrepreneurship among Basotho youth and startups.

   • Components:

     • Access to Finance: Facilitating financial resources for young entrepreneurs.

     • Business Incubation: Providing mentorship and support to nurture startup growth.

   • Alignment: Supports Pillar 1 of the National Strategic Development Plan II (NSDP II): Promoting Inclusive and Sustainable Economic Growth and Private Sector-led Job Creation. 

2. Micro Business Development Project

   • Objective: Assist informal enterprises in transitioning to formal operations by simplifying registration, licensing, and compliance processes.

   • Approach: Collaborate with relevant stakeholders to create platforms that facilitate the formalization of micro and informal businesses across Lesotho. 

3. SME Development Project

   • Objective: Support the growth of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) by implementing activities that encourage their progression to larger businesses.

   • Focus: Provide resources and guidance to help small businesses scale up to medium-sized enterprises and medium businesses to expand into larger operations. 

Through these initiatives, BEDCO plays a pivotal role in strengthening Lesotho's entrepreneurial ecosystem, contributing to economic diversification and job creation.

For more information about these projects: https://www.bedco.org.ls/projects-3

The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) runs a number of projects in Lesotho. Some of the projects  under FAO Lesotho include but not limited to, Enhancing sustainable Aquaculture sector in Lesotho, Promoting digital agriculture under Digital Village Initiative, Green Cities Initiative: Investing in sustainable cities, urban agriculture and green spaces, Formulation of a Special FAO Support Programme for Agri-Food Systems Transformation in Lesotho.

For more information on these projects, visit: https://www.fao.org/lesotho/projects/en

The Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion (CAFI) project is a six-year initiative by the Government of Lesotho, launched in April 2023, aimed at enhancing the country's economic landscape. Implemented under the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Business Development, and Tourism, and financed by the World Bank, CAFI seeks to strengthen the private sector's role in the economy.

The primary objective of CAFI is to increase access to business support services and financial products for Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) and entrepreneurs, with a particular focus on women and youth. The project emphasizes:

• Enhancing Financial Inclusion and Resilience: Improving access to financial services and digital solutions to better serve MSMEs, thereby strengthening their resilience to economic shocks.

• Scaling Support for Entrepreneurship: Establishing initiatives like the Lesotho Entrepreneurship Hub and Seed Financing Facility to foster a comprehensive entrepreneurial ecosystem, providing training, mentorship, and seed funding to startups and innovative SMEs.

• Horticulture Incubation: Supporting the expansion of commercial horticulture farming to build a robust fruit industry in Lesotho, addressing gaps in the value chain, and promoting climate-smart agricultural practices.

By focusing on these areas, CAFI aims to create a more inclusive and competitive economic environment, empowering MSMEs and entrepreneurs to contribute significantly to Lesotho's sustainable development.

To find out more about the project: https://cafi.org.ls

This project is supporting the Government of Lesotho to prepare the First Biennial Update Report (BTR1) and the Fourth National Communication to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC). The project is part of the UNEP Umbrella Programme for Preparation of National Communications (NCs) and Biennial Transparency Reports (BTRs) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

For more information on the project, visit: https://www.thegef.org/projects-operations/projects/10973

The United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) plays a pivotal role in advancing industrial development and economic growth in Lesotho. Through its diverse portfolio of projects, UNIDO is committed to fostering sustainable industrialization, promoting economic diversification, and enhancing the competitiveness of local industries. These initiatives focus on creating employment opportunities, supporting small and medium enterprises (SMEs), and ensuring environmental sustainability. By leveraging innovative approaches and partnerships, UNIDO's projects in Lesotho aim to empower communities, strengthen the industrial sector, and contribute to the country's overall socio-economic development.

To find out more about the project: https://open.unido.org/projects/LS/projects/

The Initiative for Climate Action Transparency (ICAT) has developed a comprehensive implementation plan to establish a robust Measurement, Reporting, and Verification (MRV) system for Lesotho's energy sector. This plan aims to enhance the country's capacity to monitor and report greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions accurately, thereby supporting its commitments under international climate agreements.

Key Components of the Implementation Plan:

1. Institutional Arrangements: The plan outlines the establishment of clear roles and responsibilities among stakeholders to ensure effective coordination and data management within the MRV system.

2. Data Needs and Gaps Assessment: It emphasizes the importance of identifying existing data gaps and developing strategies to collect and manage necessary information for accurate GHG emissions reporting.

3. MRV System Design: The plan provides a framework for designing the MRV system, incorporating international best practices and tailored to Lesotho's specific context.

4. Data Management: It highlights the need for robust data management systems to ensure the integrity and accessibility of information used in GHG emissions reporting.

By implementing this plan, Lesotho aims to strengthen its transparency framework, improve the accuracy of its GHG inventories, and enhance its ability to track progress toward its climate goals.

To find out more about the project: https://climateactiontransparency.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/Deliverable4.2_ICAT-Lesotho-Implementation-Plan-for-Energy-MRV.pdf

The "Enabling Lesotho's Enhanced Transparency Framework" project, initiated on January 17, 2023, and scheduled to conclude on May 31, 2026, aims to strengthen Lesotho's national capacities for planning, monitoring, and evaluating its climate policies and actions as defined in its Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC). This initiative aligns with the requirements of the Paris Agreement's Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF).

Key Objectives:

• Capacity Building: Enhance the ability of national institutions to effectively plan, monitor, and evaluate climate-related policies and actions.

• Compliance with Paris Agreement: Ensure that Lesotho meets its reporting obligations under the ETF by developing robust systems for data collection and analysis.

• Sustainable Development: Promote environmentally sustainable growth by integrating transparency mechanisms into national climate strategies.

Project Details:

• Co-financing: $200,000

• Project Grant: $1,182,500

• Total Value: $1,382,500

• Implementing Agency: United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)

• Partner: Lesotho Meteorological Services

By bolstering transparency and accountability in climate action, this project seeks to facilitate informed decision-making and foster international trust and cooperation in addressing climate change.

To find out more about the project: https://www.unep.org/gef/projects/enabling-lesothos-enhanced-transparency-framework and Enabling Lesotho’s Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) – Lesotho Climate Change Portal 

The project aims to reduce stigma, discrimination, and violence against women, girls, and LGBTQI+ communities in Lesotho communities. The project, which will be implemented in Maseru, Leribe and Mokhotlong, will also build the capacity of civil society organizations to advocate for LGBTQI+ rights as well as provide quality and inclusive GBV prevention, mitigation, and response services.

For more information on the project, visit; https://genderjustice.org.za/news-item/usaid-khutlo-activity-launched-in-maseru-lesotho/ and https://genderjustice.org.za/publication/usaid-lesotho-khutlo-project-formative-research-report/ 

Funder: Marang LGBTQI Fund (with support from the European Union)

Implementer: International Human Rights Lab

Objectives:

• Promote dignity, safety, and inclusion for LGBTIQ+ individuals in Lesotho.

• Address structural discrimination in financial services, public infrastructure, prisons, and gender-based violence (GBV) response systems.

• Advocate for inclusive policies and strengthen institutional capacity.

Implementation Areas:

• Maseru

• Berea

• Leribe

Implementing Partners:

• National University of Lesotho Faculty of Law

• KP Consortium

For more on the information on the project, visit: https://genderlinksgmu.org.za/marang/marang-southern-africa-fund-grantees/international-human-rights-lab/

The project will support the implementation of the ILO Convention 190 to end GBVH in the world of work which Lesotho ratified in 2023. At industry level, the project will enhance the Lesotho agreement to curb gender-based violence and sexual exploitation in the textile and garment sector, which was reached by unions, non-governmental organizations, and Nien Hsing Textile Company in 2019. IDUL is a signatory and sits on the oversight committee on the implementation of the agreement. 

For more information on the project, visit; https://www.industriall-union.org/lesotho-enhancing-safety-and-inclusiveness-at-work

The Roads Directorate of Lesotho is actively working to improve the country’s road infrastructure, focusing on projects that boost connectivity, facilitate trade, and support economic growth. These initiatives aim to address the increasing demand for modern and reliable transportation networks, ensuring access to key regions and enhancing overall mobility for citizens and businesses alike. Some of the projects include but not limited to;

Pavement Rehabilitation of the A06 Moshoeshoe Road (4.0 km) and A07 Kofi Annan road (20 km)

Upgrading of Marakabei to Monotša Road

 To find out more about the project: https://www.rd.org.ls/projects.php

The Lesotho Road Fund is dedicated to financing the maintenance and rehabilitation of the nation's road infrastructure, ensuring safe and efficient transportation for all road users. Below is an overview of the ongoing projects sponsored by the Road Fund:

1. Routine Maintenance of B12 TY to Kubetu Paved Road

   • Scope: Undertaking routine maintenance activities to preserve and enhance the condition of the B12 TY to Kubetu paved road.

   • Implementing Agency: Roads Directorate

   • Current Status: Ongoing protection works

   • Investment: Over M800,000.00

2. Plant and Design Repair of Vented Fords and Drifts along Makhoroana to Tšabang Road

   • Scope: Construction of two vented fords and two drifts to improve road accessibility and resilience.

   • Implementing Agency: Roads Directorate

   • Current Status: Implementation in progress

   • Investment: Approximately M3.6 million

3. Routine Maintenance of B26 Mafeteng to Thabana-Morena Paved Road

   • Scope: Routine maintenance to ensure the road remains in good condition for users.

   • Implementing Agency: Roads Directorate

   • Current Status: Ongoing

   • Investment: Not specified

These projects reflect the Road Fund's commitment to sustaining and improving Lesotho's road network, thereby enhancing safety and mobility across the country.

 To find out more about the project: https://www.roadfund.org.ls/projects/

The Expanding Enterprise Participation in the Textile and Clothing (T&C) Global Value Chain Project is a sub-component of the Lesotho Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion Project, funded by the World Bank.  This project aims to enhance the competitiveness of Lesotho's T&C global value chain, aiding firms in recovering from the pandemic's impacts and capitalizing on new opportunities in global value chain reorganization. The primary objectives are to expand opportunities for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs), improve productivity, and employment conditions.

The project is a collaborative effort between the Government of Lesotho, the International Labour Organization (ILO), and the International Trade Centre (ITC). It targets all active firms in Lesotho's T&C sector, particularly emphasizing Basotho companies, as the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) in 2025 is uncertain.

The project offers tailored technical assistance packages covering pre-production support, production improvement, and post-production enhancement. It involves a 42-month international Technical Assistance phase, integrating the ILO's Sustaining Competitive and Responsible Enterprises (SCORE) program and the ITC's Global Textile and Clothing (GTEX) program. This will be followed by a 30-month national implementation phase, developed during the international TA phase.

To find out more about the project: https://www.intracen.org/our-work/projects/lesotho-increasing-competitiveness-and-decent-work-in-the-tc-sector

Project Introduction

The Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN) is a globally recognized program dedicated to helping countries identify, mobilize, and strategically manage the financial resources necessary to protect their biodiversity and strengthen ecosystem resilience.

In Lesotho, the BIOFIN project for the 2024 to 2028 period is specifically designed to address the significant gaps in current biodiversity financing. This initiative will provide crucial support for the effective implementation of the National Biodiversity Strategy and Action Plan III (NBSAP III), ultimately contributing to the nation's ecological health and sustainable development.

Project Objectives

The primary goal of the BIOFIN Lesotho Project is to improve the national capacity to manage and increase financial resources for biodiversity conservation.

The key objectives are to:

1. Assess the Finance Landscape: Conduct thorough policy, institutional, and public/private biodiversity expenditure reviews to understand the current financial context and identify inefficiencies.

2. Determine Financial Needs: Perform a detailed financial needs analysis to accurately quantify the resources required to achieve NBSAP III targets.

3. Develop a Finance Strategy: Create a comprehensive National Biodiversity Finance Plan outlining innovative financing solutions and reforms to close the existing finance gap.

4. Strengthen Mainstreaming: Enhance national capacity to effectively incorporate biodiversity considerations into cross-sectoral planning and budgeting processes.

📅 Timeline

The BIOFIN Lesotho Project is slated to run for four years, 2024 - 2028

For more information on the project, visit https://www.biofin.org/country/lesotho

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is implementing the Global Biodiversity Framework Early Action Support (AFRICA 2) project, aiming to expedite the readiness and initial actions for the post-2020 Global Biodiversity Framework.

Project Details:

• Start Date: March 27, 2023

• End Date: February 28, 2026

• Objective: To provide financial and technical support to GEF-eligible Parties to the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) in reviewing and aligning their national targets, National Biodiversity Strategies and Action Plans (NBSAPs), policy frameworks, monitoring frameworks, and financing with the Global Biodiversity Framework.

• Total Budget: $1,917,811

• Implementing Agency: UNEP

• Participating Countries: Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa, Zambia, Zimbabwe

This initiative underscores UNEP's commitment to supporting African nations in achieving global biodiversity targets through enhanced readiness and early action.

To find out more about the project: https://www.unep.org/gef/projects/global-biodiversity-framework-early-action-support-africa-2

Global Environment Facility funded projects. There are numerous Global Environment Facility projects in Lesotho such as the The Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) Project (implemented by UNDP in collaboration with the Ministry of Environment and Forestry). 

For more information on the projects, visit; https://www.thegef.org/projects-operations/database?f%5B0%5D=regional_country_list%3A93&page=1 

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is implementing a project titled "Integration of Natural Capital Accounting into Lesotho's Policy and Decision Making for Sustainable Development." This initiative aims to incorporate natural capital considerations into the country's watershed management practices, thereby promoting sustainable development.

Project Details:

• Start Date: March 4, 2024

• End Date: September 30, 2027

• Objective: To mainstream natural capital into integrated watershed management through the application of natural capital accounting in Lesotho.

• Total Budget: $4,628,539

  • Project Grant: $1,228,539

  • Co-financing: $3,400,000

• Implementing Agency: UNEP

• Executing Agencies: Ministry of Defense, National Security and Environment (MDNSE); Ministry of Natural Resources (MNRS)

This project underscores Lesotho's commitment to integrating environmental considerations into national policies, ensuring that natural resources are managed sustainably for long-term economic and ecological benefits.

To find out more about the project: https://www.unep.org/gef/projects/integration-natural-capital-accounting-lesothos-policy-and-decision-making-sustainable

Short Description:

This Global Environment Facility (GEF) funded project aims to enhance Lesotho's capacity to implement the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS), focusing on medicinal plants and bioprospecting. It seeks to promote environmental conservation and socio-economic development, with a strong emphasis on equity and gender mainstreaming, benefiting at least 19,531 people and conserving 373,886 hectares.

Objectives:

• Strengthened Institutional Capacity and Regulatory Framework:

  • Enhance Lesotho's ability to implement the Nagoya Protocol on ABS.

• Building Capacities for Bioprospecting and Value-Addition:

  • Develop skills and infrastructure for bioprospecting and value-addition of genetic resources.

• Gender Mainstreaming & Knowledge Management:

  • Integrate gender considerations into all aspects of the project.

  • Establish effective knowledge management systems.

• Biodiversity Conservation:

  • Conserve 373,886 hectares of land.

• Fair and Equitable Benefit-Sharing:

  • Ensure equitable distribution of benefits from the use of genetic resources and traditional knowledge, with a focus on women and vulnerable populations.

• Improved Livelihoods:

  • Improve the livelihoods of local communities through sustainable utilization of medicinal plants.

Implementing Agencies:

• United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

• Government of Lesotho (in collaboration with UNDP)

Duration:

• 5 years

Budget:

• $2,913,699 USD (provided by the Global Environment Facility (GEF))

Contextual Information:

• The project aligns with Lesotho's National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) and UNDP's Country Programme Document (CPD).

• It is part of UNDP's broader Strategic Plan (2022-2025), which emphasizes environmental sustainability as a key signature solution.

• The project specifically addresses UNDP's objective to help governments protect, manage, and value their natural assets.

• The project will directly benefit at least 19,531 people, with an almost even split between men and women. (9,489 men and 10,042 women)

For more information on the project, visit https://www.thegef.org/projects-operations/projects/9799 and

https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/view/4195950485/

Lesotho Council of Non Governmental Organizations (LCN) runs a number of projects funded by different donors. The projects page provides a list of such projects and their corresponding donors.

For more information, visit the projects page at http://lcn.org.ls/projects/default.php

UNDP Deputy Resident Representative Taye Amssalu has inaugurated the launch of the IEC Strategic Planning Process for the next electoral cycle of 2024-2028, as part of the Africa Election Fund Project funded by German Cooperation. 

UNDP continues supporting IEC Lesotho in consolidating and strengthening Institutional Capacity of IEC for peaceful and credible electoral process. As part of the project, IEC will engage political parties, COSs, media and other electoral stakeholders in strategic planning discussions. The IEC strategic plan is intended to be finalized early next year and will cover the next electoral cycle for the period of 2024-2028.

The African Election Fund project will focus on priority areas such as IEC Strategic Planning for the Electoral Cycle of 2024-2028, finding the strategic solution to the Voters’ Roll challenges, improving the IEC Strategic communication and capacity and team building of IEC staff.

For more information on the project, visit

https://www.undp.org/lesotho/news/africa-election-fund-project-lesotho-launched

The African Development Bank and the government of Lesotho have jointly launched an innovative state-of-the-art initiative which uses the power of information and communications technology (ICT) to collect project data remotely in digital formats directly from the field.

The Remote Appraisal, Supervision, Monitoring and Evaluation (RASME) project is transforming operations through project data collection and analysis across the Bank’s regional country members.

For more information, please visit https://www.afdb.org/en/news-and-events/lesotho-launches-ict-initiative-remote-monitoring-and-evaluation-development-projects-rasme-74079

The Strengthening Community Resilience Project in Lesotho is a collaborative effort between UNICEF and World Vision International Lesotho, with the generous support of the Government of Japan. The project aims to build resilience in the most deprived rural communities in Mohale’s Hoek and Thaba - Tseka districts, which have been severely affected by the compounded humanitarian crises.

For more information on the project, visit

https://www.wvi.org/publications/capacity-statement/lesotho/strengthening-community-resilience-project-lesotho

AIR, as a sub-contractor to Catholic Relief Services, and funded by U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Food for Education project, is implementing the Foundational Literacy Improvement Package (FLIP) model in Lesotho’s Thaba-Tseka, Mokhotlong, and Maseru Districts over the course of five years (2023-2027).

https://www.air.org/project/mcgovern-dole-food-education-project-lesotho

Peace Corps in Lesotho run a number of projects under the health and education themes. 

For more information, visit https://www.peacecorps.gov/lesotho/projects/

Objective: To improve the educational environment of the school by constructing a new classroom building and providing school furniture (student desks, teacher's desks, teacher's chairs, blackboards), thereby contributing to the promotion of higher education in the region.

Funder: Grant Assistance for Grassroots Human Security Projects (GGP), a Japanese funding scheme established in 1989 that supports non-profit organizations with a direct impact on the well-being of people at the grassroots level, prioritizing basic human needs and human security.

Cost: USD 69,736

For more information on the project, visit https://www.za.emb-japan.go.jp/files/100814022.pdf

The POMISA project aims to contribute to the advancement of higher education and workforce development in Southern Africa by unlocking the potential of micro-credentials. Through collaborative efforts and strategic initiatives, the project seeks to establish a robust framework for the recognition, quality assurance, and regulation of micro-credentials, ultimately fostering innovation, mobility, and economic growth in the region.

For more information on the project, visit https://pomisa.hec.mu

The development objective of Basic Education Strengthening Project is to improve student retention and teaching quality in junior secondary schools in targeted community councils of Lesotho and support the roll out of a new curriculum to strengthen Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) service delivery. This project has three components. 1) The first component, Improving student retention in junior secondary education, has the following sub-components: (i) Improving the efficiency of cash transfer schemes for students from poor households; (ii) Scaling up implementation of youth clubs for girls and boys; and (iii) Strengthening online training models in mathematics and science for junior secondary school teachers.

For more information on the project, visit https://projects.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/project-detail/P175065

Objective: To improve the quality of teaching and enhance the physical learning conditions in targeted primary and secondary schools.

Components and Sub-Components

1. Improving the Quality of Teaching in Primary and Secondary Schools * Strengthening teaching of foundational skills (literacy and numeracy) in early primary grades (Grades 1-3). * Implementing a National Learning Assessment in junior secondary (Grade 9). * Scaling up online mathematics and science training for junior secondary school teachers.

2. Enhancing Physical Learning Conditions in Primary and Secondary Schools * Improving basic infrastructure in targeted primary schools. * Constructing laboratories and workshops in targeted secondary schools.

3. Strengthening Project Management and Governance of Education System * Supporting decentralization of the Teaching Service Department to districts. * Project monitoring, evaluation, management, environment and social safeguards, procurement, financial management, and audit activities.

Total Amount: US$ 20.00 million

For more information on the project, visit; https://projects.worldbank.org/en/projects-operations/project-detail/P500587 and http://www.education.gov.ls/img/Final%20final%20Advert%20for%20Market%20Sounding%20LEIP%20August.pdf

• Overview: UNIICo-create is an Erasmus+ CBHE-funded project led by HERE-Africa and coordinated by THENSA. It aims to transform entrepreneurship education and build entrepreneurial universities in the SADC region (specifically South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, and Eswatini) by fostering co-creation among universities, industries, and civil society. The project develops policies, curricula, and systems to cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets and enhance graduate employability, with the goal of empowering universities to create innovative ecosystems for sustainable economic development.

• Purpose: To transform entrepreneurship education in the SADC region and build entrepreneurial universities that foster co-creation between universities, industries, and civil society. The ultimate mission is to empower universities with tools, networks, and resources to create impactful, innovative ecosystems that drive sustainable economic development, cultivate entrepreneurial mindsets, and enhance graduate employability.

• Scope: The project operates across South Africa, Lesotho, Namibia, and Eswatini within the SADC region. It focuses on developing policies, curricula, and systems related to entrepreneurship education.

• Funder: Erasmus+ CBHE (Capacity Building in Higher Education)

For more information on the project, visit; https://uniico-create.org

NETWORK OF EARLY CHILDHOOD DEVELOPMENT OF LESOTHO (NECDoL) projects focus on pursuing the objectives aimed at the overall well-being of young children. Such projects include, but not limited to, School Readiness Initiative and Book Distribution projects.

For more information on the NECDoL projects, visit https://necdol.org.ls/project/

The People’s Republic of China supports a number of projects in Lesotho. While there is no dedicated page on the projects, the information available is from Lesotho News Agency (LENA).

For more information on the projects, visit https://www.lena.gov.ls/china-on-more-projects-in-lesotho/

The European Union Delegation Lesotho funds a number of projects under different categories. Some of the projects that appear in this list may have been listed elsewhere in this repository.

For more information on the projects, visit https://www.eeas.europa.eu/eeas/projects_en?f%5B0%5D=project_site%3ALesotho&s=103

The Adventist Development and Relief Agency (ADRA) implements various cross-cutting projects in Lesotho. ADRA Lesotho implements programs and projects in the health, livelihoods, education and emergency sectors.

For more information on each category, visit the following pages;

Health programs, https://adralesotho.org/health.html

Sustainable livelihoods, https://adralesotho.org/livelihoods.html 

Education, https://adralesotho.org/education.html 

Emergency response management, https://adralesotho.org/emergency.html

The ``Stadium of Life`` project is the result of a unique collaboration between several influential organizations. Local charity and football club Kick4Life (K4L), which has long been dedicated to empowering young people through sports and health education, joined forces with rise International, a non-profit organization focused on creating social enterprises and building resilient communities.

For more information on the project visit, https://riseint.org/gallery/kick4life-stadium/ and https://www.kick4life.org/stadium-of-life/

The project funded by the European Union and implemented by the UNESCO Regional Office in Southern Africa aims to foster culture and heritage-based sustainable tourism and strengthen cultural production capacities in six Southern African countries, namely Botswana, Eswatini, Lesotho, Namibia, South Africa and Zimbabwe. It will promote regional integration, foster sustainable social and economic development, and build bridges between the people and communities of Southern African countries through the development of attractive and meaningful culture and heritage-based itineraries. These itineraries will attract visitors and encourage responsible travel while fostering longer stays in destinations, encouraging travelers to experience the local culture and history, and promoting a deeper knowledge and appreciation of the values associated to these destinations.

For more information on the project, visit; https://careers.unesco.org/job/Johannesburg-Project-Coordinator/812739002/

Overview: The Morija Museum & Archives actively engages in various projects designed to modernize its operations and expand its influence and reach. These initiatives are made possible through the generous financial and in-kind support of numerous partner organizations, businesses, and individuals. 

Project Focus: The museum's projects primarily focus on:

• Modernization: Implementing contemporary practices and technologies within the museum's operations.

• Vision Enhancement: Broadening the museum's scope and future aspirations.

• Increased Reach: Expanding its impact and accessibility to a wider audience.

Projects include;

• Sound Connects Project 2022

• The Hub @ Morija

For more information on the museum projects, visit: https://www.morijamuseum.org/projects 

Project objectives: To improve the efficiency and equity of selected social assistance programs. To strengthen the livelihoods of poor and vulnerable households. To foster sustainable livelihoods in vulnerable communities. To improve the delivery of social development grants. To enable the efficient delivery of emergency cash transfers during a crisis. To strengthen social assistance delivery systems with an emphasis on improving equity. To strengthen the institutional capacity of the Ministry of Social Development (MoSD). To reach 10,000 households through entrepreneurial training, financial education via savings and lending groups, agribusiness support, and productive grants.

Duration: Five years (2022 - 2027)

Components:

1. Strengthening livelihoods with economic and social inclusion activities: (i) Economic inclusion activities and referral services (ii) Disability inclusiveness

2. Contingency finance for shock-responsive social assistance

3. Developing equitable and efficient social assistance delivery systems

4. Project management, monitoring and evaluation (M&E) and capacity building

Implementing partners: Ministry of Social Development (MoSD) Catholic Relief Services (CRS) Caritas Lesotho Dunamus Agri Advisory Doorways

For more information about this project: https://documents.worldbank.org/en/publication/documents-reports/documentdetail/340621654550658758/lesotho-pathways-to-sustainable-livelihoods-project

http://www.socialdevelopment.gov.ls/docs/jobs/files/PSLP_TOR_Monitoring_and_Evaluation.pdf

2|4Designs projects focus on helping create a world where art & design still plays a role in human connection & communication. 

For more information on 2|4Designs projects, visit https://sites.google.com/view/twofordesigns/project-page?authuser=1