Theko Tlebere
…continuation
Lesotho’s development challenges are reflected in global indicators: the country ranks low on the Human Development Index (HDI) due to widespread poverty, high unemployment, and restricted access to healthcare. Over 50 percent of Basotho live below the poverty line, with the most severe conditions found in rural districts. Unemployment is especially acute among youth, and job opportunities outside of Maseru are scarce.
The country faces serious health issues, including an HIV/AIDS prevalence rate exceeding 20 percent, exacerbated by a shortage of medical professionals in rural regions. These statistics underscore the urgent need to rethink Lesotho’s national development strategy to ensure a more equitable and balanced distribution of economic and social progress across all districts.
A sustainable development model for Lesotho must prioritise decentralisation, economic diversification, and infrastructure expansion to uplift all ten districts. One of the most critical steps is moving away from the Maseru-centric economic model by establishing regional economic hubs that can drive localised job creation.
Districts such as Mafeteng and Berea have the potential to develop agro-processing industries, while Mokhotlong, with its scenic landscapes, could leverage tourism and eco-businesses. Attracting private sector investment to these regions is essential; the government should consider offering tax incentives and infrastructure support to encourage businesses to operate outside the capital.
Infrastructure is a crucial enabler of economic development, yet rural areas remain neglected. Improving road networks would facilitate better movement of goods and people, thereby promoting trade and economic activities.
Expanding rural electrification projects is also vital, as access to electricity would support small businesses, enhance educational opportunities, and improve the overall quality of life. Prioritising digital infrastructure is necessary to connect rural areas to national and global markets, ensuring participation in the digital economy.
Agriculture, historically the backbone of Lesotho’s economy, remains an underutilised sector with significant potential for rural development. Introducing modern farming techniques, providing access to finance for small-scale farmers, and establishing agro-processing plants in rural districts could enhance productivity and create jobs. Mining operations located in rural areas should also be restructured to ensure that local communities benefit from natural resource extraction rather than being marginalised.
In addition to economic infrastructure, healthcare and education are crucial pillars of national development. Decentralising healthcare services is essential to ensure that every district has access to medical professionals and essential facilities. Prioritising well-equipped district hospitals and community health centers, along with introducing incentives to attract medical professionals to rural areas, is vital.
In the education sector, expanding technical and vocational training in rural regions would equip young people with skills that align with market demands, reducing unemployment and boosting local economies. E-learning platforms could bridge the educational gap between urban and rural students, ensuring quality education is accessible to all.
Lesotho’s long history of skilled migration presents a unique opportunity for national development. Instead of viewing migration solely as brain drain, the government should actively encourage brain circulation, allowing skilled Basotho living abroad to contribute their knowledge and expertise to national development.
Providing incentives for returning professionals, such as business grants and tax breaks, could encourage them to establish businesses or contribute to key sectors requiring specialised skills. Creating knowledge-sharing networks between the Basotho diaspora and those within the country would help transfer valuable expertise to sectors such as healthcare, education, and technology.
For these initiatives to succeed, Lesotho must strengthen its local governance structures. Empowering district councils to lead economic and social development is essential for decentralisation. National development budget allocations should be fairly distributed across all ten districts, ensuring rural areas receive adequate funding for essential projects. Greater community participation in decision-making processes would allow local development plans to effectively reflect each district’s specific needs.
Lesotho’s approach to national development can no longer focus solely on Maseru. For the country to achieve sustainable progress, development must be inclusive and decentralised, ensuring that all ten districts benefit from economic opportunities, healthcare, education, and improved infrastructure. By establishing regional economic hubs, enhancing rural infrastructure, modernising agriculture, decentralising healthcare and education, and leveraging the skills of the Basotho diaspora, Lesotho can transition toward a more balanced developmental model.
Aligning these efforts with the AU Agenda 2063 and the UN Sustainable Development Goalswould not only accelerate progress but also ensure the benefits of development are felt across the entire country. For Lesotho to truly advance, no district should be left behind. It is time to rethink national development and create a future where progress is shared by all Basotho, regardless of their location. The future is NOW!
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