Lesotho awaits continental cultural interchange
‘MATHATO SEBOKA
MASERU – Lesotho preparing to host a continental celebration of Africa Cultural Exchange and Trade Expo come September 3. The grand event – the first of a kind in the kingdom – will be a celebration of culture, trade, and unity right here in the heart of Maseru, hosting more than 15 from across Africa.
The event is organised through a strategic partnership between M Legacy Tour and Adventure International, Heritage Inc. and the Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC) according to a presser this Tuesday.
LTDC Head Strategic Marketing, Phomolo Lebotsa said that the primary objective of the expo is to foster unity among African nations through cultural exchange, business networking, and trade collaboration.
“The Expo will be a celebration of Africa’s cultural wealth, with traditional dance performances, storytelling, fashion, music, and culinary displays, cultural practitioners from across the continent will share their heritage through performances and interactive sessions,” he said.
He also added that the cultural exchange could enrich mutual understanding and deepen pan-African ties.
“One key responsibility of the LTDC is to promote, preserve, and develop traditional handicrafts, cultural festivals, and heritage. In line with this, the Corporation deemed it essential to support this prestigious event,” Lebotsa said.
Beyond culture, the Expo is a platform for trade and business engagement: exhibitions by African entrepreneurs and opportunities for partnerships and market access
“Our Basotho entrepreneurs will benefit greatly from this exposure showcasing their different crafts, such as wool, mohair, and straw products, to a continental audience,” he stated.
“This event supports our bigger goal of positioning Lesotho as a unique and compelling tourism and business destination. It will contribute to tourism development , SME empowerment, job creation and regional integration”.
Lebotsa extended his gratitude to M Legacy Tour and Adventure International; the visionary companies committed to reshaping tourism through immersive, culturally driven experiences that promote inter African connectivity.
“Your commitment to integrating African cultures with Lesotho’s natural beauty perfectly aligns with LTDC’s vision of promoting the Kingdom in the Sky as a must-visit destination.”
He called upon the private sector to participate and exhibit, cultural groups and artists to seize the opportunity for visibility, the media to help spread the gospel and rally public support.
“Basotho take pride in hosting fellow Africans and showcasing our renowned hospitality by offering memorable tourism experiences that inspire return visits and positive word-of-mouth promotion. This Expo is more than an event; it is exciting initiative, a lively celebration of African identity, unity, innovation, and trade. This endeavour also positions the Kingdom in the Sky as a rising hub for premier cultural gatherings on the continent,” Lebotsa stated.
M Legacy Tour Director Lesotho, Kefuoe Moroma stated that they are expecting 17 African countries and about 938 participants coming in 30 groups.
“The celebration will start on September 3 at Morija. This is because Morija is rich in Lesotho culture,” she said.
She said that they have collaborated with Basotho businesses; this will help to market Lesotho in different countries. “This expo will help us promote Lesotho internationally and to also promote the products made by Basotho”.
There will also be an expo at Mokhotlong to give the visitors the feeling on the Kingdom in the Sky, for them to see the mountainous Lesotho.
Heritage Inc., Pokane Tsietsi stated that they call upon Basotho who want to partake in the Expo to register.
“We will have vendors selling their products on those days, the doors are open for registration for artists, entrepreneurs and anyone else who would like to participate during the expo,” he said.
Countries like Kenya, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Botswana and many more will showcase their unique cultures, trade strengths and creative industries.
