By: Mpho Shelile
In a groundbreaking initiative aimed at fostering holistic community growth, the Minister of Trade, Industry, and Business Development through both public and private sectors has joined hands to embark on a transformative journey of community development. This collaborative effort was marked by its innovative approach and shared vision by panelists, as they promised to bring about tangible improvements in the lives of citizens across Lesotho.
The launch of this initiative underscores the recognition that sustainable development requires a multidimensional strategy, one that transcends the traditional boundaries between public and private entities. By pooling together resources, expertise, and networks, stakeholders from diverse backgrounds are poised to address complex societal challenges more effectively than ever before. Addressing the economic challenges facing Lesotho requires a holistic approach that encompasses policy reforms, institutional capacity building, investment in infrastructure,
The Right Honorable the Prime Minister, Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane stated that the day marked a significant milestone in Lesotho’s journey towards progress and prosperity. “The revamped framework signifies our collective determination to address the challenges hindering our economic growth and job creation. This launch builds upon previous initiatives undertaken over the last fifteen years. What we seek to do is to make the process of government-to-business interaction more structured, consistent, and sustainable,” said Hon. Matekane.
Matekane further stated that now, the new framework provides a platform for consistent engagement to address operational issues promptly and contribute to reform processes.
“Domestic market is too small for sustainable growth. We must endeavor to build upon our great textile track record to diversify to new products and new markets. This is our ultimate goal with this new Forum. To achieve this aim, we must overcome our poor investment climate,” said Hon Matekane.
At the heart of this initiative lies a commitment to inclusivity and empowerment. By actively engaging with local communities and stakeholders, the aim is to co-create solutions that are not only impactful but also reflective of the unique needs and aspirations of the people they serve. Through meaningful collaboration and dialogue, the initiative seeks to build trust, foster resilience, and unlock the full potential of every community.
The structured Public Private Dialogue framework panel discussions provided a vital platform for stakeholders from both the public and private sectors to engage in productive and collaborative dialogue on issues of mutual interest and concern. That is where discussions such as this one offered an opportunity to exchange ideas, share experiences, and explore innovative solutions to complex challenges facing society today.
The Panel discussion clearly, demonstrated the challenges we have as a nation. One of the inheritances of statehood that we celebrate today is the ability to engage on issues of national importance like we are doing today.
The discussion also demonstrated the need for all to restore our customs of gathering at family, community, district, and national levels to seek solutions to our everyday challenges.
Mrs. Mannana Phalatse from MCA outlined the key pillars of the collaborative endeavor. These pillars include infrastructure development, investing in transportation, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions to improve the quality of life and promote economic opportunities. Capacity building is another pillar that focuses on empowering individuals and organizations through skills development, training programs, and access to resources to foster innovation and entrepreneurship
Sustainable practices is another key aspect that involves promoting environmentally friendly practices and technologies to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience in the face of climate change and other environmental challenges. The fourth pillar is social welfare programs which aim to implement targeted initiatives to address social inequalities, improve healthcare outcomes, and provide support to vulnerable populations, including ; women, children, the elderly, and people with disabilities.
Mrs. Mannana Phalatse emphasized that the success of this initiative hinges on the collective commitment of all stakeholders involved, from government agencies and corporations to non-profit organizations and community leaders. By working together in a spirit of cooperation and shared purpose, they can overcome barriers, unlock new possibilities, and build a future where every individual and community can thrive.
She further added that collaboration, empathy, and sustainability are the principles that should guide the journey of community development. Together, they have the power to make a positive and lasting impact on the world around them. This would leave behind a legacy of progress and prosperity for generations to come.
Mr. Thabo Qhesi, from PSLF, emphasized the importance of proper urban planning to create livable, sustainable, and resilient cities that meet the needs of both current and future generations. Without it, cities can face a range of challenges, such as congestion, inequality, environmental degradation, and economic stagnation. Unfortunately, Lesotho lacks proper urban planning. Mr. Thabo believes that well-planned cities can stimulate economic growth by attracting business, investment, and skilled labor.
.Mr. Thabo Qhesi, from PSLF, emphasized the importance of proper urban planning to create livable, sustainable, and resilient cities that meet the needs of both current and future generations. Without it, cities can face a range of challenges, such as congestion, inequality, environmental degradation, and economic stagnation. Unfortunately, Lesotho lacks proper urban planning. Mr. Thabo believes that well-planned cities can stimulate economic growth by attracting businesses, investment, and skilled labor.
Minister of Trade, Industry, and Business Development, Hon. Mokhethi Shelile indicates the new PPD framework demonstrates that the pandemic continued to have a persistent and multifaceted negative impact on cross-border investment, at national, regional, and global levels. And that its severity is way more than the global financial crisis which occurred a decade ago.
Hon. Shelile expressed that to ensure Lesotho’s economic recovery, the government and private sector must forge a robust partnership. This partnership aims to cultivate a rapidly expanding economy that can reintegrate those affected by the pandemic; job losses while simultaneously generating fresh employment prospects.
Adding that it is through the partnership between the government and private sector that is being launched today critical to help accelerate service delivery, scale up policy implementation, and remove obstacles and bottlenecks to investment.
Finally, the dialogue has also been designed to be Economy-wide, sector-specific, or Issue-specific to ensure that we leave no stone unturned. “I am optimistic that the outcome of this forum will add value to our efforts towards implementation of the Extended Second NSDP II. We should, therefore, remain resolute in our pursuit to achieve the objectives we have set, and ultimately reach economic growth propelled by clear and predictable policies, laws, and strategies,” Mokhethi said. Adding that these strategies will undoubtedly result in export success by taking full advantage of the African Continental Free Trade Agreement and the world markets at large.