Maseru, Feb.25 – The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development on Thursday hosted high-impact Business-to-Business (B2B) meetings and the Lesotho Made Products Exhibition aimed at promoting locally produced goods and strengthening market access for Basotho entrepreneurs.
Speaking at the event, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Business Development, Mr. Mokhethi Shelile, said the initiative reflects the ministry’s ongoing efforts to promote sustainable market linkages and strengthen domestic production.
On behalf of the Government of Lesotho, he expressed sincere appreciation to the Federal Government of Germany for its support through the regional value chains project and economic partnership implementation support.
Mr. Shelile reaffirmed the government’s commitment to building a resilient private sector, highlighting the importance of the “Buy Local” agenda, which promotes local sourcing and consumption of domestically produced goods, stimulates industrial growth and creates employment to reduce poverty.
He noted that the country must move beyond exporting raw products and focus on value addition, particularly in wool and mohair. He added that clothing and home textile retail stores will soon be able to source some of these products locally, while supermarkets are expected to diversify their sources of poultry and other commercial products.
The minister stressed that the event should not be viewed merely as corporate social responsibility, but as a strategic investment in national industrial growth and product diversification.
He expressed confidence that the engagements would result in signed contracts, lasting partnerships and tangible economic impact. The Minister further indicated that the event would recognise outstanding performance under various quality award categories to promote a culture of excellence in products and services.
Speaking on behalf of the Principal Secretary in the Ministry, Ms. Likonelo Lebone said the event represents a vital step towards building resilient value chains and empowering entrepreneurs.
She noted that the platform provides Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) with an opportunity to connect directly with buyers and retailers, gain credibility and secure business partnerships. Ms. Lebone emphasised that the initiative will contribute to the growth of the manufacturing sector, boost product diversification and create employment opportunities.
She added that the Ministry remains committed to creating an enabling environment for trade and investment, empowering the private sector, expanding market access and fostering sustainable linkages between producers and buyers. European Union Representative, Ms. H.E. Mette Sunnergren, expressed her pleasure in joining government and private sector representatives in advancing the National Strategic Development Plan’s vision of private sector-led growth anchored in sustainable domestic production and trade.
She explained that the regional value chain Lesotho project is designed to strengthen value chains from end to end from promoting backward linkages with producers and aggregation, to standards development, quality improvement, market access and competitiveness.
Ms. Sunnergren said the event signals a transition from preparatory and capacity-building phases into practical market engagement and real-time trade interactions.
She further announced that, in collaboration with the Ministry and the Basotho Enterprise Development Corporation, the European Union will this year commission fully equipped industrial-level business hubs for cosmetics, essential oils and fancy textiles.
The government of Lesotho has in recent years intensified efforts to strengthen domestic production and reduce reliance on imports as part of its broader economic transformation agenda.
Ends/MK/BM