NEWS & POLITICS
China deepens strategic ties with Lesotho, expands cooperation in agriculture, energy and infrastructure
China has reaffirmed its strategic partnership with Lesotho, pledging to deepen bilateral cooperation across key development sectors following an official visit by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi.
Noluthando Buthelezi
MASERU, Lesotho | (Running Africa)- During high-level talks, both countries reiterated their commitment to long-term development and praised the China–Africa cooperation framework for advancing Lesotho's modernization agenda.
Officials highlighted tangible progress in green energy, agriculture, healthcare and infrastructure, describing the partnership as increasingly central to the kingdom's economic ambitions.
China Backs Agriculture, Food Security and Infrastructure
Image: borgenproject.org
Lesotho's Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Lejone Mpotjoane, announced that China will support new initiatives to strengthen food security and agricultural productivity. These include assistance with food storage facilities, agricultural machinery and logistics infrastructure.
Wang said China also plans to establish agricultural produce aggregation centres in the next phase of cooperation, a move intended to improve market access for farmers and reduce post-harvest losses. Both sides agreed to develop a clear roadmap to expand collaboration and drive sustainable economic growth.
Water, Power and Textile Industry in Focus
Image: africanews.com
According to Africa News, Mpotjoane indicated that discussions also explored potential cooperation on water-related projects. He noted that Lesotho, often described as the "water tower" of Southern Africa, is seeking to harness its abundant water resources to generate electricity for domestic consumption and regional supply.
The visit comes at a pivotal moment for Lesotho's economy, particularly its textile sector, which has been under pressure following shifts in U.S. trade policy. Officials see stronger engagement with China as a critical strategy to diversify partnerships, revitalize manufacturing and cushion the impact of changing global trade dynamics.
As Lesotho navigates economic headwinds, government leaders say closer cooperation with China offers a pathway to investment, industrial recovery and long-term development in Southern Africa's mountain kingdom.
