THE PRIME MINISTER WILL ADDRESS OTHER AFRICAN LEADERS ON NATION-RELATED CHALLENGES WHILE PAVING THE WAY FOR STRATEGIC NETWORKING OPPORTUNITIES IN THE ENERGY AND MINING SECTORS.

  The Right Honourable the Prime Minister Samuel Matekane is expected to address Heads of State and Government as well as other senior African leaders at the African Leadership Colloquium underway in Abuja, Nigeria.

Speaking to the agency, the Minister of Trade, Industry and Business Development, Mr. Motlatsi Maqelepo, said the Prime Minister will be among leaders addressing more than 400 delegates from across the African continent.

Mr. Maqelepo said Mr. Matekane is expected to share his experience as the leader of the Mountain Kingdom and highlight Lesotho’s approach to leadership and governance.

He noted that Lesotho, being completely surrounded by South Africa, depends on strong diplomatic relations to advance its national interests.

“There is nothing a country can achieve without diplomacy,” he said.

Mr. Maqelepo also highlighted that the Prime Minister’s background as a successful businessman prior to going into politics gives him a unique perspective on leadership, adding that delegates are expected to benefit from his experience.

He further stressed that accountability remains one of the key pillars of good governance in Lesotho.

He said the government recently participated in a programme where it reported on its accountability to the nation, adding that the summit provides an opportunity for the Prime Minister to share with other African leaders how accountability strengthens leadership and public confidence.

Mr. Maqelepo also expressed hope that Lesotho would benefit from Nigeria’s experience in the energy sector and attract investors to support the country’s development.

Meanwhile, Mr. Pitso Nts’ekhe of Formalising Artisans Mining (LYDY), who is also attending the summit, said the gathering offers valuable networking opportunities with stakeholders in the energy and mining industries.

He said LYDY aims to engage with mining organisations from across Africa to explore ways of industrialising the mining sector in Lesotho.

Mr. Nts’ekhe said the organisation also advocates for creating opportunities for disadvantaged people to use their skills productively.

He said LYDY works with local communities to help vulnerable people realize their potential, saying this will contribute towards reducing unemployment and strengthening the country’s economy.

Established in 2019, LYDY is a non-profit organization open to young Basotho committed to working together to fight unemployment and economic decline.

The African Leadership Colloquium is an invitation-only gathering of about 400 of Africa’s influential leaders, including serving and former Heads of State and Government, Cabinet ministers, Central Bank Governors and development finance leaders.

This year’s theme is ‘From Authority to Enduring Impact: African Leadership in the Age of Consequences,’ with discussions focusing on strengthening leadership, governance and sustainable development across the continent.

Source: Lesotho News Agency [LENA]