Africa-Press – Lesotho. Climate resilience efforts has been highlighted as one of the focal areas in which Lesotho will be assisted on by the African Development Bank (AFD).
This was said by the bank President Dr Akinwumi Adesina in his recent visit to Lesotho.
Owing to the country’s topography as it is characterised by high-altitude mountainous terrain makes her vulnerable to climate change. The country is already bearing the costly consequences of global warming, as evidenced by the growing frequency of natural disasters, severe droughts, and the emerging signs of desertification especially in the southern part of the country.
To adapt, the experts have warned that the country needs sustainable land management, climate resilient agriculture practices, reforestation and improved water management strategies amongst others.
“The African Development Bank Group plans to invest $331 million [about M6 billion] in key strategic sectors in Lesotho as part of its proposed Country Strategy Paper for 2025-2030 to boost economic growth and industrial competitiveness.
“During an official visit to Lesotho -the first by an African Development Bank President -Dr. Akinwumi Adesina met with His Majesty King Letsie III to discuss strengthening development partnerships and expanding the Bank’s investments in the country,” read the Bank’s statement.
The Bank’s investment strategy for Lesotho will focus on several priority areas including energy infrastructure will be a key focus, particularly the development of electricity transmission lines connecting Lesotho to South Africa. Agricultural development will be prioritised to enhance food security and improve rural livelihoods.
To address environmental challenges, the strategy will support climate resilience initiatives. Digital transformation will also be a major area of investment, including broadband expansion to promote digital financial inclusion and the digitalisation of government services. Water resource management will build on the progress of the Lesotho Lowland Rural Water Supply Project.
Under the Climate Change Adaptation project for Sustainable Rural Water Supply in the Lowlands, the project financed by the Global Environment Facility (GEF) and the Least Developed Countries Fund (LDCF) in the north of US $4.4 million (M80,1 million), is co-financed by the AfDB to the tune of US $17 million (M309 million). The project aims to improve the livelihoods of communities in the southwestern lowlands, which are facing significant challenges due to climate change, with a particular focus on better resource management.
Water and sanitation issues in the lowlands have been aggravated by the increasing frequency and severity of droughts. The overall decline in rainfall is a growing concern for the sustainability of domestic water sources, with severe consequences for the livelihood and well-being of the region’s residents, especially vulnerable rural communities.
Also, the Bank will provide support for public financial management and debt management. The trade competitiveness will be strengthened through improvements in grades and standards for exports.
The King has accepted the gesture and expressed happiness at the Bank President’s visit commending it as a reflection of the Bank and Adesina’s appreciation for Lesotho’s progress in improving people’s lives.
The King emphasised the urgency of putting in place the necessary policies and incentives to accommodate the needs of and attract the private sector, particularly in healthcare, agriculture, and manufacturing.
He expressed confidence in Adesina stating that he believed he would help drive progress on the Bank’s strategic projects in Lesotho.
Dr Adesina also held meetings with the Prime Minister Rt Hon Samuel Matekane, along with the Ministers of Foreign Affairs and International Relations; Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition; Natural Resources; Health; Communication, Science and Technology; and Education and Training.
The Bank’s delegation to Lesotho included its Executive Director for Lesotho, Dr Nomfundo X. Ngwenya; Deputy Director General for Southern Africa, Moono Mupotola; and Senior Adviser to the President for Communication and Stakeholder Engagement, Dr Victor Oladokun.
The Bank is also expected to assist Lesotho in securing approximately $260 million, approximately M4.7 billion for the integrated water transfer project, which will deliver 308 million cubic metres of water for domestic, agricultural, and industrial use through a 700 km pipeline system. The project also has the potential to generate up to 22 MW of hydropower.
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