21 November 2026
President Advocate Duma Boko says as Botswana ventures into cannabis production, a leaf can be taken out of Lesotho’s book as it is advanced in the area of cannabis production and its export routes.
“Lesotho is effectively a leader and pioneer in that field with full value chain beneficiation of the product and positioning for exports while Botswana cannabis production is still at an infant stage.
We are, therefore, looking forward to collaborating and learning from Lesotho,” said President Boko during a courtesy call by Lesotho Prime Minister, Samuel Matekane at the Office of the President on Friday.
President Boko said it was pleasing to note that the bilateral relations between the two countries dates back to the colonial era and were rooted in strong historical and cultural ties ,hence it was no surprise for the two countries to be working collaboratively on a water project whose feasibility study is in its final stage.
Upon completion, the project will contribute to the country’s water supply, particularly the Southern part of the country as well as to enable the construction of the proposed five megawatt hydropower station which would overhaul the country’s power generation. President Boko said Botswana expressed optimism that Lesotho would be a good partner for its success.
“I strongly believe that we have a good partner in Lesotho, as it has pulled off one of the biggest engineering projects in the design of its dams, and we are grateful to have them on board in this water project,” the President said.
He stated that both countries would explore other future areas of cooperation owing to the many affinities and opportunities of collaboration. Additionally, President Boko commended Lesotho for its successful fight against drugs and substance abuse.
“One of the areas that Lesotho has been successful in, is the ability to retrieve young drug addicts from the streets. The boot camp has rescued many and given them a new lease of life. Therefore, we also look forward to collaborating on such projects,” he said.
In reference to bilateral relations, President Boko stated that Botswana and Lesotho long established diplomatic relations, way before the so called definition of the nation’s states post-independence. He highlighted that the relations between the two nations were deeply rooted in the cultural similarities.
For his part, Prime Minister Matekane said the existing bilateral relations between Lesotho and Botswana provide an enabling environment for investors from across both countries to widen their business ventures and further enhance economic relations.
“There is no doubt that the private sector is the engine of growth for both countries’ respective economies to prosper, and it is against the backdrop of such that the relations between the two have created an enabling environment for private sector-led cross-border investments to thrive,” he said.
Matekane said there are various sectors the business communities between the countries could collaborate on, such as Lesotho’s citrus fruits industry. He reaffirmed Lesotho’s commitment to continuing to engage with Botswana on developmental issues relating to economic cooperation between the two countries.
“We sincerely appreciate the opportunity granted to us to explore the beef industry and how to master it,” he said, also highlighting the need to increase economic cooperation through the promotion of trade relations that could benefit both nation’s citizenries.
“Lesotho produces quality car leather seats for various models while Botswana has plenty of cow leather, which can be exported to Lesotho for mutual economic benefit,” he said.
Equally, Prime Minister Matekane said Botswana produces quality beef while Lesotho has mutton, presenting a plum trade opportunity. He also suggested the establishment of regular cultural exchange fora and food exhibitions between the two nations.
Source: https://shorturl.at/eFAl8
