Westminster Africa Business Association (WABA) was delighted to partner with the High Commission of the Kingdom of Lesotho in hosting the Lesotho Trade & Investment Forum.
We were particularly honoured by the presence of His Majesty King Letsie III of Lesotho, who delivered the opening keynote address, marking a significant occasion for strengthening economic cooperation and investment relations between Lesotho and the United Kingdom.
The programme featured contributions from H.E. Mr Mosuoe Letuma, High Commissioner for the Kingdom of Lesotho, Ben Ainsley, His Majesty’s Deputy Trade Commissioner for Africa, and Laurence Robertson, Chief Executive of WABA.
A central focus of the Forum was the presentation of investment opportunities across renewable energy, infrastructure, agriculture and agro-processing, manufacturing, tourism and mining.
The Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC) presented a portfolio of investment projects, including opportunities in transport infrastructure, renewable energy, food production and pharmaceuticals, demonstrating the Kingdom’s ambition to attract international investment, develop sustainable industries and strengthen its position within regional and global markets.
We were pleased to hear contributions from Chaba Mokuku of the Competitive and Financial Inclusion Project, Lulu Naidoo of Africa Rising Global, Opeyemi Abebe of the The Commonwealth Secretariat, and Wayne Clarke of The Global Growth Institute.
The afternoon’s Finance and Investments Panel, moderated by Joel Popoola of the Institute of Directors Africa Group, brought together Vomic Nur Shah of UK Export Finance Finance, Daniel Berma of European Social Label, and Marina Bizabani of the Lesotho National Development Corporation to explore investment financing and the role of international partnerships in supporting economic development.
Beyond the presentations and panel discussions, the Forum provided an important platform for business-to-business, business-to-government and government-to-government engagement, encouraging practical dialogue and the development of future commercial relationships.
As Lesotho celebrates 60 years of independence, the Forum offered a timely opportunity to recognise the Kingdom’s economic ambitions and the potential for stronger UK–Lesotho partnerships.
WABA remains committed to supporting meaningful trade and investment relationships between the United Kingdom and African nations, connecting governments, businesses and investors to turn opportunities into lasting commercial partnerships.
We look forward to building on the relationships and opportunities developed during this important event.
