“Data is the lifeblood of policy and without reliable statistics, it’s impossible to measure progress, identify gaps or design effective interventions.”
These words were uttered by the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning Deputy Principal Secretary, MahlapeRamoseme when delivering her remarks during the launch of the Three-Year Equitable Lesotho project aimed at reducing multidimensional poverty among Basotho by strengthening the National Statistical System in Lesotho.
The project, funded by the European Union (EU) to the tune of EUR 1,800,000 (M34,123,320.00), will be implemented by Expertise France with INSEE (French National Statistical Institute), providing long-term technical assistance embedded within the Bureau of Statistics (BoS).
Ramoseme emphasised that the project will ensure Lesotho’s data is accurate, inclusive and accessible, all factors she said will strengthen governance, improve service delivery and empower citizens. “The project represents a milestone in our national journey to enhance equity, inclusion and evidence-based development,” she said.
She also highlighted Lesotho’s profound challenges, quoting a widespread poverty that is at 49 percen, high inequality at 44.9 percent, increasing youth unemployment that rests at 38 percent, persisting gender-based violence,41 percent, prevalent among women aged 15-49 years and the marginalisation of persons with disabilities.
However, Ramoseme said with the right tools, partnerships and vision, there is hope to transform these challenges into pathways for progress.
Speaking at the same launch, the EU Ambassador, Mette Sunnergren, said supporting statistical systems is vital for fostering transparency, accountability and informed decision-making. Reliable statistical data, she informed, is the backbone of effective governance which enables policymakers to develop strategies that truly resonate with community needs.
Sunnergren said the EU has consistently championed the enhancement of statistical systems worldwide, underscoring its commitment to strengthening institutional capacities, ensuring sustainable development and driving positive societal change through comprehensive and precise data.
It has also emphasised gathering quality, gender-sensitive data that speaks to the challenges faced by citizens in Lesotho with a focus on gender equality.
She stressed the importance of coordination among institutions involved, effective communication and collaboration to ensure aligned efforts and enhance the overall impact of the programme.
Sunnergren added to her sentiments by acknowledging the upcoming Housing and Population Census as a vital tool for gathering comprehensive data, however urging that the activity should not disrupt other activities of the Equitable Lesotho project.
The three-year project commenced in September 2025 and is expected to come to an end in 2028. Ramoseme called on all stakeholders to utilise the opportunity to harness their collective strengths, working together to ensure data collection is a powerful tool for promoting inclusion and gender mainstreaming in Lesotho.
