The Principal Secretary in the Ministry of Trade, Industry, Business Development and Tourism, Mr. Thabo Moleko says NSDP II aims to transform Lesotho from a consumer-based economy to a producer- and export-driven economy.

He said this during the visit of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Regional Director, Ms. Ahunna Eziakonwa where there will be Her AFCFTA & Her Empire facilitated discussions on positioning the Kingdom of Lesotho for enhanced trade in the region and beyond women, youth, PWDs, private sector and the Ministry of Trade.

Mr. Moleko said the government of Lesotho aims to empower women and youth entrepreneurs, saying the requisite regulations favour women.

He mentioned that NSDP II emphasizes private-sector development and prioritises pursuing people-centred development, this strategy re-enforces the Government of Lesotho’s commitment to directly engage citizens.

When closing the event, Ms. Eziakonwa said this was a moving session that was worth all the energy.

She mentioned that this is the best time to be an African woman, adding that there are signs of long-awaited hope.

She, therefore, congratulated Basotho for voting for the government they deserve, noting that it is not UNDP that will rescue Basotho from its state but the government that advocates for inclusion.

The Director of Trade, Mrs. Mary Motebang said the National Trade Policy Framework and National Trade Strategy developed for 2021 to 2025 is aimed at upgrading the Lesotho Trade Information Portal (LTIP) in December 2020 as part of the efforts to improve the predictability and transparency of Lesotho’s trading laws, procedures, and processes.

She noted that Phase I of the Lesotho National Single Window (LNSW) has been implemented and was launched in June 2022, saying two Government Agencies have been connected and the rollout into Phase II is underway where ten (10) more Government agencies will be connected once fully commissioned, the LNSW: Will reduce transaction costs for the private sector.

She added that it will also facilitate timely clearance and release of goods, and foster increased transparency and predictability in relation to the processes and procedures to be followed.

While in the country, Ms. Eziakonwa had discussions with the national leaders and government counterparts, civil society and academia as well as youth.