Maseru, Feb. 10 — The Portfolio Committee on the Economic and Development Cluster is expecting the government debt to reduce in the 2026/2027 financial year due to the declining percentage of the American dollar.
This was said by the Committee’s Chairperson Mr. Sello Hakane in an interview with the Agency, a few days ahead of the presentation of the 2026/2027 National budget.
Mr Hakane said the biggest government debt is external which is often granted in dollars thus the shrinking United States (US) dollar will make a positive impact.
” The government debt stands at about M20 Billion and of this amount, M3 Billion is in domestic while M19 Billion is in external debt” he added.
He also said the country is unable to consume the capital budget due to slow-moving regulations which include those of procurement amongst others.
He further said they anticipate limited growth in revenue collection due to US tariffs.
Meanwhile the Minister of Finance and Development Planning Dr. Rets’elisitsoe Matlanyane is expected to present the 2026/2027 budget in the National Assembly next week Wednesday as per circular savingram from the Ministry.
Amongst those expected include Heads of Diplomatic Missions in Lesotho, private sector, senior government officials and all members of two Houses of Parliament.
ends/LP/BM