Lesotho is set to host the inaugural Africa Cultural Exchange and Trade Expo 2025, a landmark event that promises to transform the Mountain Kingdom into a continental hub for business and cultural exchange.
The five-day extravaganza, running from September 3 to 7, will present a rare opportunity for local businesses to access new markets, forge international partnerships, and showcase Basotho products to buyers from across Africa right here at home.
The expo is expected to bring thousands of potential customers and business partners directly to Lesotho’s doorstep. In particular, local artisans specialising in wool, mohair, straw crafts, and textiles will have direct access to buyers from 15 confirmed African nations, including major economies like South Africa, Nigeria, Kenya, and Ethiopia.
More countries are expected to confirm their participation, potentially expanding the market reach even further.
Organised by MM Legacy Tour and Adventure International in partnership with Heritage Inc. and Lesotho Tourism Development Corporation (LTDC), the event strategically coincides with Lesotho’s Tourism Month, marking a unique way of commemorating the annual event this time around.
“Through this expo, we want to create a platform where African countries can come together, share heritage, and explore trade opportunities,” said Malaita E. Simelane, one of the directors of MM Legacy, in an interview with Newsday.
For Basotho businesses, this represents more than just an exhibition, but a gateway to the $3.5 trillion African market.
Kefuoe C Maroma, the company co-director, explained that the event was inspired by a need for deeper collaboration among African communities and entrepreneurs.
The expo’s format is designed to maximise business opportunities for local participants. Exhibition stalls will allow Basotho entrepreneurs to display their products alongside continental competitors, while structured networking sessions will facilitate partnership discussions.
Traditional Basotho performances including Mokhibo, Litolobonya, Ntlamu, and Lithoko will take center stage, creating a cultural backdrop that enhances the marketability of local products.
Youth and cultural groups will also showcase their talents, potentially opening doors to cultural tourism partnerships and performance contracts across the continent.
The event’s signature “African Caravan” – a convoy of buses and cars departing Nairobi on August 18 and traversing multiple African nations before reaching Lesotho – is expected to generate significant media attention and position Lesotho’s emerging potential as the ultimate destination for African unity and commerce.
“Our goal is to uplift Basotho businesses by exposing them to new markets and networks,” said LTDC’s acting Public Relations Manager Molapo Matela.
The economic impact extends beyond immediate sales opportunities. Local hotels, restaurants, transport operators, and service providers will benefit from an influx of international visitors during the five-day period.
The expo is expected to create temporary employment opportunities in logistics, hospitality, and event support services. More significantly, the connections formed during the expo could establish long-term trade relationships that continue generating revenue for Basotho businesses long after the event concludes.
The emphasis on small to medium enterprise (SME) empowerment means SMEs will have the same platform as larger companies to compete for continental contracts.
The expo’s timing aligns perfectly with the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) objectives, which aims to boost intra-African trade. Local businesses participating in the expo will be well-positioned to capitalise on reduced trade barriers and preferential access to African markets.
Seabata Mahao is a general news reporter with special focus on Business and Sports. Started working at Newsday in 2021. Working in a team with a shared goal is what I enjoy most and that gives me the motivation to work under any environment leading to growth.
