Sam Matekane, Lesotho Prime Minister, has reaffirmed his government’s commitment to deepening ties with China, signalling a new phase of cooperation aimed at accelerating development and delivering tangible benefits for both nations.
In a recent interview, the Lesotho leader emphasised that relations between the two countries have continued to produce “fruitful results,” particularly in priority sectors such as infrastructure, agriculture, and education.
He highlighted agriculture as a central pillar of cooperation, noting that Chinese-backed initiatives – including machinery support and food assistance are helping strengthen food security and boost farmer confidence. These interventions come at a critical time as Lesotho works to reduce reliance on imports and improve rural livelihoods.
Matekane also welcomed China’s policy of granting zero-tariff access to exports from African countries with diplomatic relations, describing it as a major opportunity for Lesotho’s economy. Textile products – already a key export, have begun reaching Chinese markets, demonstrating the potential for expanded trade flows.
This trade dimension builds on a long-standing economic relationship. Chinese investment has played a significant role in Lesotho’s textile and manufacturing sectors, which employ tens of thousands of Basotho and contribute substantially to national income.
People-to-people exchange is another growing pillar of cooperation. Through initiatives such as youth training programs in China, Basotho participants are gaining practical skills that can be applied back home.
One example cited by the prime minister involved a young Mosotho who trained in aquaculture in China and later established a successful fish farm – illustrating how technical exchange can translate into entrepreneurship and local job creation.
This aligns with broader China-Africa cooperation trends, where capacity building and knowledge transfer are increasingly prioritised alongside infrastructure financing.
China’s footprint in Lesotho is also visible in major infrastructure and public service projects. These include roads, government buildings, and healthcare facilities such as the Maseru District Hospital, constructed with Chinese support as part of broader development cooperation.
Over the years, China has provided financial assistance, technical expertise, and training programs, with at least a dozen agreements signed covering economic and technical cooperation.
The two countries have also collaborated under multilateral frameworks such as the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), where joint commitments span industrialization, agricultural modernization, and green development.
Beyond economics, Matekane underscored shared positions on global issues, stating that Lesotho supports peaceful conflict resolution and values China’s role in promoting international stability.
“China… is standing firmly to try to bring peace to the world,” he said, reflecting a broader alignment between the two countries on multilateral cooperation and Global South solidarity.
Lesotho has consistently upheld the one-China principle and signalled its willingness to strengthen strategic trust, expand cultural exchanges, and collaborate on global platforms.
As Lesotho marks 60 years of independence, the government is looking to diversify its economy and unlock new sectors for growth. The prime minister pointed to renewable energy, water resource management, and wool and mohair production as areas ripe for Chinese investment.
Often referred to as the “water tower” of southern Africa, Lesotho sees significant potential in leveraging its natural resources through international partnerships – particularly with China, which has demonstrated sustained engagement across the continent.
With both sides expressing confidence in the future of their relationship, the evolving China-Lesotho partnership reflects a broader trend in Africa-China relations: one that combines trade, infrastructure, and human capital development into a comprehensive model of cooperation.
As Matekane put it, the goal is clear – ensure that this partnership “brings greater benefits to the two peoples” in the years ahead.
