Lesotho will host the 45th Annual Roundtable Conference of the African Association for Public Administration and Management (AAPAM) in Maseru from 8 to 11 December 2026.
AAPAM, established in 1971 with roots dating to 1962, is the continent’s leading professional body bringing together public-sector practitioners, academics, policymakers and governance experts to strengthen public administration and management across Africa. The association works to promote excellence, professionalism and the exchange of practical solutions aligned with the African Union’s Agenda 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals.
The conference will be held under the theme “From Ambition to Impact: Reimagining Public Administration for the Realisation of Agenda 2063 and the SDGs Towards the Africa We Want.”
Discussions are expected to focus on translating continental development commitments into tangible results through public-service modernisation, institutional accountability, youth participation, digital innovation, sustainable financing and the restoration of public trust.
This will be the second time Lesotho hosts the event, having previously done so in the early 2000s. Delegates, including experts, researchers and civil servants from across Africa’s 54 countries, are expected to attend. Registration costs US$600 (approximately M9 600), while members of the Lesotho Association of Public Administration and Management (LAPAM) will pay half, US$300 (about M4 800).
The conference will be officiated by Prime Minister Ntsokoane Matekane. Ahead of the main event, a national marathon will be held to raise public awareness.
Minister of the Public Service Moeketsi Motšoane said government intends to make the Lesotho Institute of Public Administration and Management (LIPAM) autonomous and to strengthen collaboration with LAPAM.
“You will agree with me that there is an urgent need to change the way we conduct our business when implementing the country’s plans, including those for the continent. There is also a need to ensure transparency in the nation we serve,” Motšoane said.
He invited all stakeholders to take full advantage of the conference.
Public service is one of the seven thematic areas identified for reform and professionalisation in Lesotho. The Principal Secretary noted that a performance management system is already in place, though it currently applies only to principal secretaries. The system will gradually be extended to other senior officers, including directors, until every civil servant is covered.
The minister acknowledged ongoing challenges of fraud, corruption and bribery in the civil service, some of which have been exposed by parliamentary committees. Last month, officers from the Ministry of Home Affairs were arrested and charged with corruption and bribery. Home Affairs Minister Voeswa Tsheka said some of the officers had been suspended and would face disciplinary proceedings.
“We should not think that corruption will end in a day. These things take time, but slowly and surely, we will make progress. This conference will be helpful because it will inspire us to take action. The Ministry will also benefit from the knowledge and experience of other countries,” Motšoane said.
LIPAM, established in 1967 and operating under the Ministry of the Public Service, provides training, research and consultancy to build the capacity of public officers. LAPAM serves as the national professional association advancing ethical governance and improved service delivery. Hosting the AAPAM conference is expected to reinforce these domestic reform efforts while positioning Lesotho as an active contributor to continental public administration discourse.
Summary
- Minister of the Public Service Moeketsi Motšoane said government intends to make the Lesotho Institute of Public Administration and Management (LIPAM) autonomous and to strengthen collaboration with LAPAM.
- “You will agree with me that there is an urgent need to change the way we conduct our business when implementing the country’s plans, including those for the continent.
- LIPAM, established in 1967 and operating under the Ministry of the Public Service, provides training, research and consultancy to build the capacity of public officers.
Thoboloko Ntšonyane is a dedicated journalist who has contributed to various publications. He reports on accountability, human rights, exposes corruption and wrong doing by those in power. He reports have exposed corruption, abuse of power, fraud, misconduct and negligence. He subscribes to evidence-based reporting. He reports on governance, parliament, courts, climate change, human rights, sexual and reproductive health rights (SRHR), health, business and agriculture. He gives a voice to the marginalised while also demanding accountability. His work inspires change, triggers dialogue and also promote transparency in a society.
