By: Mpho Shelile
Maseru – The Ministry of Development Planning, in collaboration with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), launch two pivotal initiatives aimed at accelerating Lesotho’s progress on the global development stage.
The event marks the unveiling of the Lesotho Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Investor Map 2024 and the Lesotho National Human Development Report 2024, both centred onthe theme “Harnessing Technology and Innovations to Accelerate Human Development in Lesotho.”
The Lesotho SDG Investor Map 2024 emerges as a strategic tool designed to identify and attract investments that align with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). This initiative targets key sectors and geographic areas within Lesotho where private sector investments can yield substantial social and economic returns, thereby aligning profit motives with the broader national development agenda.
In her address at the launch, the Minister of Finance Development and Planning Dr. Retšelisitsoe Matlanyane, emphasizes the map’s critical role in guiding investments towards sectors that are vital for Lesotho’s sustainable growth.
“This map is not just a tool; it is a blueprint for channeling much-needed investments into areas that will not only provide financial returns but also significantly contribute to the well-being of our people and the achievement of the SDGs,” Dr. Matlanyane highlights.
The SDG Investor Map is a collaborative effort between the Ministry of Finance & Development Planning and the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC), developed with technical assistance from UNDP. Dr. Matlanyane reiterates the government’s commitment to integrating the private sector into Lesotho’s development strategy, envisioning a private sector-led economy.
“Our theme ‘Harnessing technology and innovations to accelerate human development in Lesotho’ underscores our belief that the private sector is a key catalyst in driving growth and development,” she states.
Dr. Matlanyane expresses appreciation for UNDP’s partnership, acknowledging UNDP’s invaluable technical and financial support throughout the development of the report. She also extends gratitude to other partners whose unwavering dedication has been instrumental in bringing this initiative to fruition.
She also addresses the nation’s current standing on the global SDG Index, where Lesotho is ranked 143rd out of 166 countries. “This ranking underlines the urgency with which we must act, and the SDG Investor Map is a strategic response to this challenge,” Dr. Matlanyane notes.
Complementing the Investor Map, the Lesotho National Human Development Report 2024 offers an in-depth analysis of the state of human development in the country. This year’s report focuses on the transformative potential of technology and innovation in driving human development, reducing inequalities, and enhancing the quality of life for all Basotho.
Dr. Matlanyane elaborates on the concept of Human Development, emphasizing that it places individuals at the centre of development processes.
“Human Development is about creating an inclusive and equitable environment where everyone has access to essential services like health, education, shelter, and security, while also ensuring the freedom to participate in socio-economic activities. This approach is integral to our goal of leaving no one behind,” she explains.
She further highlights that this is the fourth Human Development Report released by Lesotho, with previous editions focusing on Human Security, Poverty and Food Security, and Leveraging the Power of Youth. The 2024 report builds on these foundations by exploring how technology and innovation can address the country’s development challenges.
“This report provides a ground-breaking analysis of critical development issues and serves as an advocacy tool for all stakeholders involved in national development processes, ensuring sustainable outcomes,” Dr. Matlanyane adds.
As the nation commemorates 200 years of existence, Dr. Matlanyane underscores the symbolic significance of launching the fourth version of the report during this milestone year. “We take pride in being Basotho and must unite to work towards a common vision, building Lesotho on the same principles and values cherished by our founder, King Moshoeshoe I,” she concludes.
UNDP Resident Representative in Lesotho, Dr. Jacqueline Olweya, underscores the report’s relevance, particularly in the context of job creation and addressing the challenges facing Lesotho.
“Technology and innovation are critical levers for overcoming the hurdles we face, and this report provides actionable insights and policy recommendations that can help Lesotho harness these tools to accelerate human development,” Dr. Olweya remarks.
Dr. Olweya also highlights the significance of the two documents in navigating the changing global landscape, characterized by what she termed the “triple C’s” – crisis, conflict, and climate change. These factors have severely impacted development financing, with a notable decline in resources available to least-developed countries like Lesotho.
“Development financing has dropped by about $1.2 trillion globally, from $3.7 trillion to $2.5 trillion, disproportionately affecting countries like Lesotho,” she notes.
She further stresses that while we are halfway through the SDG timeline, the decline in financing calls for innovative solutions. “The SDG Investor Map identifies key investment areas that have the potential to propel Lesotho towards achieving its priority development goals and moving us closer to realizing the SDGs,” Dr. Olweya emphasizes.
The launch of the Lesotho SDG Investor Map 2024 and the Lesotho National Human Development Report 2024 marks a pivotal moment in Lesotho’s development trajectory. These tools are expected to catalyze strategic investments and foster innovative solutions that will drive the nation closer to achieving its development goals.
As Lesotho embraces these new insights and resources, the potential for transformative change in the lives of Basotho becomes increasingly within reach.