EU pumps €16 million into Lesotho
‘MATHATO SEBOKA
MASERU – Lesotho and European Union (EU) signed a 2025 Cooperation Programme providing to a total of €16 million which is approximately M337 million to Lesotho of EU funding to Lesotho in Maseru this week. Finance minister, Dr Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane, signed for Lesotho and EU Ambassador Paola Amadei for the EU.
The 2025 programme is an initiative aimed to advance renewable energy production, smart energy saving, improved access to electricity and employment and entrepreneurship in the sector, in line with EU Global Gateway Strategy.
Furthermore, technical assistance to the government on a demand basis will be reinforced. Both Renewable Lesotho and the cooperation facility were launched in 2023 and are now expanded.
Inclusive Lesotho is set to enhance participation and inclusion in the political system in country and strengthen the administration of elections by strengthening civic education and empowering all citizens to fully participate in the democratic process, by supporting the establishment of an inclusive, accessible and accurate voter registry and by increasing transparency of electoral campaigns and party financing.
Speaking at the event, Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane, said that these initiatives reflect not only Lesotho’s unwavering commitment to progress but also the lasting partnership between Lesotho and the EU – a partnership that has endured over four decades of solidarity, collaboration, and mutual growth.
“Today’s occasion is particularly significant as we commemorate 25 years of the African Union-European Union partnership, an inter-continental alliance that has championed peace, sustainable development, and people-centred governance.
These milestones remind us that partnership rooted two in shared values and aspirations can transcend continents and generations,” Matekane stated.
He indicated that for nearly five decades, the EU has stood with Lesotho through moments of challenge and triumph.
“By helping us to strengthen our democratic institutions, expands access to education and healthcare, and advance rural development,” he said.
“The agreements you signed today with Dr Matlanyane, the Honourable Minister of Finance and Development Planning, mark a decisive leap forward. Inclusive Lesotho will deepen governance reforms, ensuring that voices of marginalised communities are heard and integrated into the fabric of our democracy,” Matekane said.
Matekane indicated that he wished to extend Lesotho’s heartfelt gratitude to the EU because their collaboration has been a catalyst for transformation, driving institutional reforms and empowering communities.
Amadei said that that the new EU cooperation programme, inclusive Lesotho, intends to support the Ministry of Home Affairs, Independent Electoral Commission, Ministry of Education, civil society and other relevant partners.
An EU Electoral Observation Mission took place for the first time in Lesotho in 2022, identifying key recommendations to improve the way elections are organised, managed and conducted in Lesotho.
“Allow me to congratulate the authorities involved, such as IEC for having already acted on some of them,” Amadei said
“The presence today of representatives of fourteen EU Members of States is a sign of the strong partnership between Lesotho and Team Europe. The partnership will be once more rekindled in the annual partnership and a continental level next week when Minister Lejone Mpotjoane will represent Lesotho at the EU-AU Ministerial meeting in Brussels,” Amadei stated.
She showed gratitude for the fruitful partnership Lesotho has with the EU.
“Allow me to extend my heartfelt gratitude to the Government of Lesotho for the continued fruitful partnership. May our joined efforts continue to bring improvements to the lives of the people of Lesotho,” she added.
She went on to show “Our Lesotho-EU cooperation strategy allowed us to commit to Lesotho EUR 83 million since 2021 to now, while for the next three years, we plan an additional EUR 36 million, to realise a green and resilient economy, supporting governance and conducive business environment.”
Amadei proceeded to say that EU’s contribution to the programmes was until now EUR 15 million (M316 million) co-funded by the German government with and additional EUR 860, 000.
“I am very proud to celebrate today the addition of EUR 10 million to endeavour to support energy sector infrastructure development,” she added.
For almost 50 years now, we have been partnering for democracy and sustainable development, EU engaged firmly by Lesotho’s side in the endeavour to end poverty.
“We strive to pursue the Sustainable Development Goals not only with our financial support programmes but also by facilitating and entertaining political and trade partnership, between Lesotho, the EU and members states, most of whom are today physically presents” Amadei stated.
Matekane announced that cabinet ministers have approved visa-free entry to citizens of European countries into Lesotho.
