Lesotho is moving to position itself within the growing global carbon market as stakeholders gather for a national sensitisation programme aimed at building knowledge and unlocking green investment opportunities.
The Private Sector Foundation of Lesotho (PSFL), in partnership with the Lesotho Meteorological Services (LMS) and international technical partner One Carbon World, will host a Sensitisation Programme on Carbon Markets on March 12–13, at Lehakoe Recreation and Cultural Centre in Maseru.
“This programme is the first major, coordinated effort to bridge the knowledge gap and build the foundation for a thriving carbon market in Lesotho. It is designed to be the catalyst that transforms potential into action,” PSFL said in a statement.
The programme seeks to equip government officials, entrepreneurs, investors and other stakeholders with the fundamentals of carbon markets and climate finance.
Organisers say the initiative will introduce participants to global carbon market frameworks, including Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and voluntary carbon trading systems, which allow countries and companies to offset their emissions by investing in projects that reduce greenhouse gases.
The programme also aligns with government efforts to attract climate finance and support green economic development initiatives, including the HMKLIII JET Ltd platform announced during international climate negotiations.
For Lesotho, participation in carbon markets could open new revenue streams while supporting sustainable development. Countries and organisations that successfully reduce greenhouse gas emissions can generate “carbon credits,” which are then sold to buyers seeking to offset their own emissions.
This means projects such as hydroelectric power generation, reforestation, sustainable agriculture and clean cooking technologies could generate income while also addressing environmental challenges.
Despite its potential, Lesotho has yet to establish a strong presence in the global carbon market. A 2024 assessment found that the country currently lacks a formal regulatory framework to support carbon trading and has no active carbon credit projects under development. As a result, Lesotho trails regional leaders such as South Africa in this emerging sector.
Other challenges include limited technical expertise in carbon finance and project development, as well as low awareness of carbon markets among communities, investors and government agencies.
Summary
- The Private Sector Foundation of Lesotho (PSFL), in partnership with the Lesotho Meteorological Services (LMS) and international technical partner One Carbon World, will host a Sensitisation Programme on Carbon Markets on March 12–13, at Lehakoe Recreation and Cultural Centre in Maseru.
- “This programme is the first major, coordinated effort to bridge the knowledge gap and build the foundation for a thriving carbon market in Lesotho.
- Organisers say the initiative will introduce participants to global carbon market frameworks, including Article 6 of the Paris Agreement and voluntary carbon trading systems, which allow countries and companies to offset their emissions by investing in projects that reduce greenhouse gases.
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