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The two neighbouring countries, South Africa and Lesotho who share a rich heritage ended their second Bi-National Commission (BNC) meeting on Wednesday, 23 April 2025, in Lesotho by signing six Memorandums of Understanding (MoU).
The President of South Africa H.E Cyril Ramaphosa with his entourage visited Lesotho with the aim to strengthen trade relations between the two countries and extend their trade footprint throughout the Southern African Development Community (SADC) and the African Continental Free Trade Area (ACFTA).
Ramaphosa met with the Lesotho Prime Minister H.E Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane, where they agreed on speeding up the implementation of some the trade agreements between the countries. Matekane said trade between the two countries is the corner stone of increased economic cooperation between the two countries as envisaged by the BNC agreement.
The Prime Minister, pointing to the unstable and rapidly changing global economic environment, said South Africa and Lesotho need to reinforce their trade integration.
“We need to explore more and irradiate non-tariff barriers to trade within the SACU, SADC and African Continent Free Trade Area, to increase bi-lateral and intra-Africa trade to expand the market,” said Prime Minister Samuel Matekane.
President Ramaphosa spoke in the affirmative saying the future between the two countries is bright and affirmed Lesotho that with South Africa, they have a trusted, reliable and committed partner.
“Our discussions today underscored the need to accelerate the implementation of decisions, projects and programmes arising out of the Bi-National Commission. Although we are making strides, more work still needs to be done to reach the desired outcomes.
South Africa and Lesotho have the opportunity for closer collaboration in many areas. Apart from greater private sector collaboration, we should give attention to infrastructure development, energy and food security, bilateral and regional value chains, and greater trade,” said the Minister for the Department of International Relations and Cooperation (DIRCO) Ronald Lamola on behalf of Ramaphosa who was not feeling well.
“While other countries are creating barriers, including imposing tariffs, it is incumbent on our two countries to promote trade relations that reflect our common interests. We will work closely with our partners and neighbours in SADC and through the African Continental Free Trade Area.
The BNC will remain seized with matters pertaining to such issues as immigration, security, capacity building and the well-being of our peoples. South Africa and Lesotho remain significant partners. Our common interests, historical links and shared heritage, forged through many years, remain strong,” he continued.
Lamola, reading President Cyril Ramaphosa’s speech said the two countries will continue to play constructive roles in SADC, on the African continent and globally in their collective desire for a peaceful and prosperous world.
Amongst the MoUs that were signed by the respective ministers were the MoU on Higher Education, Defence Cooperation, establishment of a Framework for Cooperation relating to proposed construction of two weirs on the Mohokare/Caledon River; and Economic Cooperation amongst others.
