Lesotho reinforced its commitment to promoting safe, orderly, and regular migration by participating in the Ministerial Meeting of African Global Compact for Migration (GCM) Champion Countries held in Cairo, Egypt. The delegation was led by Hon. Lejone Mpotjoana, Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, who emphasized the kingdom’s dedication to advancing migration governance and regional cooperation. The meeting, supported by the International Organization for Migration, brought together African ministers and senior officials to review progress in implementing the Global Compact for Safe, Orderly, and Regular Migration. Participants focused on strengthening regional coordination ahead of the International Migration Review Forum (IMRF) 2026, ensuring that African perspectives are represented in global migration processes. This high-level engagement provided a platform for Lesotho to showcase its ongoing efforts and policy achievements in the migration sector.
During the discussions, African countries adopted a Joint Ministerial Statement and agreed on a coordinated position for IMRF 2026. Key priorities included governance frameworks for migration, protection of vulnerable migrants, combating trafficking in persons, and improving data systems for evidence-based policymaking. Lesotho highlighted its national strategies to enhance migration management, including policy development, stakeholder engagement, and coordination with international partners. The country also stressed the importance of regional collaboration in addressing shared migration challenges, noting that collective approaches are critical for sustainable solutions. By actively contributing to these discussions, Lesotho positioned itself as a proactive participant in shaping migration policies across the continent.
A significant outcome of the meeting was Lesotho’s proposal to establish the African Diaspora Investment Fund, which was adopted in the Joint Ministerial Declaration. The kingdom expressed readiness to host this institution, signaling its commitment to leveraging diaspora resources for continental development. This initiative aims to mobilize investments that support economic growth and strengthen migration linkages across Africa. Lesotho’s active participation in the formulation of such continental initiatives underscores the country’s strategic role in advancing innovative solutions within the African migration agenda. By championing this proposal, Lesotho highlighted the potential contributions of small, landlocked countries to broader regional development.
Beyond the plenary sessions, Hon. Mpotjoana engaged in bilateral meetings with key leaders, including the Director General of IOM, Ms. Amy Pope, and Egypt’s Foreign Minister, Dr. Badr Abdelatty. These discussions explored areas for enhanced cooperation in infrastructure development, agriculture, health, and education. Strengthening these bilateral relations complements Lesotho’s regional engagement and supports its broader migration objectives. By combining global advocacy with practical partnerships, the kingdom demonstrates a holistic approach to addressing migration challenges while promoting national development priorities.
Participation in the Cairo meeting positions Lesotho as an influential voice in African migration dialogue and ensures its perspectives are included in global migration governance. The outcomes of the meeting will guide Lesotho’s preparations for IMRF 2026, where countries will review progress and renew commitments under the Global Compact for Migration. The kingdom’s active involvement illustrates a clear strategy to integrate national priorities with continental and global migration agendas. Through leadership, proposals like the African Diaspora Investment Fund, and bilateral cooperation, Lesotho reinforces its commitment to safe, orderly, and regular migration while advancing socio-economic development across the region.
Lesotho News WhatsApp Channel | Lesotho News
Join ‘Lesotho News’ WhatsApp Channel
Get breaking Lesotho news — delivered directly to your WhatsApp.
CLICK HERE TO JOIN
