Trade Minister Motlatsi Maqelepo says the EU-backed RVCL+ programme has helped 102 Basotho firms reach international trade fairs and created new jobs, while finance, certification and capacity still hold businesses back.
THE government has reaffirmed its promise to help Basotho-owned businesses grow, compete and create jobs, with the Minister of Trade, Industry and Business Development, Motlatsi Maqelepo, saying programmes such as RVCL+ are already showing results.
In a press statement on Thursday, Maqelepo said the Regional Value Chains Lesotho Plus (RVCL+) programme shows the government is building an economy that is strong, inclusive and able to compete in the region and beyond.
RVCL+ is supported by the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), and is implemented with GIZ. It focuses on developing competitive value chains in agro-processing and light manufacturing.
Maqelepo said the programme is helping local companies improve product quality, find new markets and create jobs. He said working with development partners helps the government deal with problems that slow business growth.
What the programme has delivered
According to the minister, the programme has already made progress across several fronts.
| Result | Figure |
| Basotho firms taken to trade fairs | 102, across 8 international fairs |
| New export destinations | Europe, Japan and South Africa |
| Public officials trained | 114 |
| Permanent jobs created | 122, plus 200 in the Duck and Geese value chain |
| MSMEs given technical support | More than 100 |
| Business Hubs set up (run by BEDCO) | 5 |
| Apparel Business Hub | 180+ machines, 9 production lines, up to 300 jobs |
The 102 firms were supported to take part in eight international trade fairs, and their products now reach customers in Europe, Japan and South Africa. The 114 officials were trained in trade policy, market research and value chain development so they can better help businesses. The five hubs, managed by the Basotho Enterprise Development Corporation (BEDCO), give firms shared equipment and space in essential oils, seed oils, herbs and spices, natural cosmetics and apparel. The Apparel Business Hub is now fully running, with more than 180 machines and nine production lines, and could create about 300 jobs.
The barriers that remain
Maqelepo acknowledged that many local businesses still face problems. He named meeting the certification requirements needed to export, limited access to finance to grow and buy equipment, production capacity gaps that leave firms unable to meet large orders, and difficulties with export logistics such as transport and packaging.
To address these, the Ministry is working with the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC) and BEDCO to find solutions.
Where the Ministry will focus
The minister said the Ministry will concentrate on five priorities: certification support to help businesses meet local and international standards, enterprise development through training and technical help for small businesses, market access to open more doors for Basotho products abroad, capacity building for both business owners and government officials, and digital transformation to help businesses use technology to raise productivity.
“We want businesses that are productive, innovative and sustainable so that more Basotho can get jobs and improve their livelihoods.”
Motlatsi Maqelepo, Minister of Trade, Industry and Business Development
“Government remains committed to creating an environment where Basotho enterprises can thrive, grow and compete,” Maqelepo said. He urged the private sector and development partners to keep working with the government to remove barriers and grow Lesotho’s presence in regional and international trade.
