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About The Kingdom of Lesotho

The Kingdom of Lesotho is a founding member of the Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC) which was formed in Lusaka, Zambia, in April 1980. SADCC transformed into the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in 1992. Situated in the south-eastern region of Southern Africa, Lesotho is entirely surrounded by South Africa. Lesotho’s geographical formation is characterised by high mountains and deep valleys, and it is the only country in the world to have all its entire territory located at more than 1,000 metres above sea level. More than 75% of Lesotho is mountainous, with only 25% considered lowland.

Facts & Figures

Capital City: Maseru

Area of Country: 30355 km²

Currency: Maloti (LSL) M1=100 lisente

Website: Visit Website

Head of Government: Prime Minister Hon. Ntsokoane Samuel Matekane

Head of State: His Royal Highness King Letsie III

Independence Day: 04 Oct 1966

Official Languages: SeSotho, English

Natural Resources: Diamonds, Wildlife, Mohair, Wool and Water

National Planning Entity The Department of Development Planning, under the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, was established by Legal Notice No. 48 in March 1990 as the Ministry of Development Planning. Its mandate includes coordinating the development of Lesotho's long- and medium-term national development plans, resource mobilization, project management, and statistical information management. The Ministry oversees the implementation of national plans, programs, and projects to promote sustainable development in Lesotho. It facilitates effective engagement among the public and private sectors, development partners, civil society organizations, and academia to advance Lesotho's development agenda. The department coordinates the implementation of regional and international frameworks, such as the SADC Regional Indicative Strategic Development Plan, AU Agenda 2063, and UN Agenda 2030. A strategic plan for the newly structured Ministry is currently under development. Lear More >>

Programmatic Working Areas

Coordinate the formulation and implementation of medium-to-long-term development plans and support in the development of sector plans, strategies and policies.

Facilitate the development and implementation of the Public Sector Investment Programme, serve as the Secretariat to Public Sector Investment Committee which appraises and approves projects and programmes proposals.

Coordinate Monitoring and Evaluation activities to ensure effective implementation of medium and long-term plans together with regional and global development frameworks through a coherent and effective National M&E system.

Coordinate the development and management of Partnership Policy, resources mobilisation (grants), negotiations of development and technical assistance, and development and management of Technical Cooperation Agreements.

Coordinate national data collection and analysis, and dissemination of official statistics.

Key Documents

Protecting our fisheries

Author: SADC
Date: 22 April 2024
URL: Link
Thematic Area: Environmental Protection

Guidelines for Multilateral Environmental Agreements

Author: SADC
Date: 05 April 2024
URL: Link
Thematic Area: Environmental Protection

From Systemic Risks to Systemic Resilience

Author: SADC
Date: 10 March 2024
URL: Link
Thematic Area: Health

Focal Persons

Principal Secretary

Finance and Development Planning

Ms. Nthoateng Lebona

Email: nthoateng.lebona@gov.ls ,

Tel: 266 22325920

Chief Economist

Mr Mokone Mokokoane

Email: mokone.mokokoane@gov.ls

Tel: 266 22313122

Director Policy and Strategic Planning Department

Ms Mahlape Ramoseme

Email: mahlape.ramoseme@gov.ls

Tel: 266 22313122

NPE Address

Africa House, Government office Complex, P. O. Box 630 Maseru 100, Lesotho

Facts & Figures