The agriculture ministry has signed off on an action plan meant to bring government, farmers and business together to lift the sector from subsistence to commercial production.
By Lemohang Botsane · Maseru
The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition has approved an action plan to strengthen cooperation between government, the private sector, farmers and development partners. The plan was validated on Friday in Maseru at a joint meeting with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development, and sets out the terms of reference and work plan for a new working group under the Public Private Dialogue.
The working group covers agriculture, food security and nutrition. The process is supported by the World Bank through the Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion Project, known as CAFI.
A working group with four pillars
Speaking for the Principal Secretary for Agriculture, Thabo Sekhonyana said the validation was an important step. He said the group was formed after the National Public-Private Dialogue Forum in 2025, where stakeholders agreed to move from talk to action with practical solutions for specific sectors.
“The purpose of this group is to bring government, farmers, the private sector, civil society and development partners together to solve problems facing agriculture,” Sekhonyana said. He said the group sits within two national plans: the National Strategic Development Plan II, or NSDP II, and the World Bank-supported CAFI Project, which works to make Lesotho’s business environment more competitive.
Sekhonyana said the action plan is built around four pillars: inclusive and sustainable economic growth with the private sector leading job creation; stronger human capital through skills and training; better infrastructure such as roads, markets and storage facilities; and stronger governance and accountability in national systems.
He said transforming agriculture could not be done by one ministry. “We need a whole-of-government approach,” he said. “All ministries and stakeholders must play their part to make sure these reforms are implemented.” The plan supports the government’s aim of moving farming away from subsistence towards a commercial sector that creates jobs, attracts investors and improves food security for Basotho households.
How the Public Private Dialogue is meant to work
CAFI Managing Director Chaba Mokuku described the Public Private Dialogue as a platform where government, business and civil society sit together to find solutions for the economy. He said it is one of the main ways NSDP II will be put into action, with government setting policy and a fair business environment while the private sector drives growth and jobs.
Mokuku listed several priorities. He said investment laws should be finalised so that the rights and duties of investors are clear. He said many farmers and small businesses still struggle to get loans, and that CAFI is working with PostBank, the Central Bank of Lesotho and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning to make agricultural credit easier to access.
He said import and export permits are moving online, and that one-stop border posts are being set up to cut delays for traders. “Agriculture remains the backbone of Lesotho’s economy,” Mokuku said. “Modernising this sector is key to growth, food security and jobs.” He encouraged Basotho to use CAFI programmes, including the Basotho Enterprise Assistance Programme and initiatives for youth, women and climate resilience.
Implementation is the test
For the private sector, co-chairperson Mokone Mokokoane welcomed the new working group, saying it gives government and business a chance to work side by side on practical answers for farmers and companies. He warned that meetings alone would not be enough.
“The success of this initiative will depend on implementation. We must turn the agreed actions into real results that improve the lives of Basotho.”
Mokokoane called for stronger teamwork between government, the private sector and other partners to create jobs, raise agricultural production and support sustainable economic development.
The Public Private Dialogue is a government-led platform that brings the public and private sectors together to identify problems in specific industries and find solutions. Under the CAFI Project, several sector working groups have been set up to sharpen policy discussion, improve coordination and support private sector growth, with agriculture and food security named a priority. With the action plan validated, officials said work would begin immediately to roll out the four pillars and monitor progress in the months ahead.
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Source: Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion Project (CAFI)
