Maseru, Lesotho – 30 September 2025 (ECA) – The Government of Lesotho, in partnership with the Economic Commission for Africa (ECA), through its Subregional Offices for North Africa (SRO-NA) and Southern Africa (SRO-SA), today launched a two-day national workshop under the programme Strengthening the Migration-Development Nexus in Africa. The workshop, taking place from September 30 – October 1, 2025, brings together government ministries, the Central Bank of Lesotho, the private sector, diaspora association, and development partners.
The workshop aims to validate a comprehensive National Work Plan designed to leverage diaspora remittances and migration for sustainable development, aligning national priorities with the African Union’s Agenda 2063.
Speaking at the opening session, Ms. Masibongile Phangoa, Senior Financial Institutions Officer, Private Sector and Financial Affairs, Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Lesotho, emphasized the importance of translating dialogue into action:
“Today marks a significant step forward in our collective efforts to harness the potential of diaspora remittances and migration as drivers of sustainable development, inclusive growth, and national resilience. Migration has long shaped the social and economic landscape of Lesotho. To fully realize this potential, we must move beyond fragmented approaches and build a coherent, inclusive, and forward-looking framework that places migrants at the heart of our development strategies."
She further underscored the value of collaboration:
"This workshop is not just a space for dialogue – it is a platform for action. Over the next two days, we will explore innovative policies, share best practices, and identify concrete pathways to strengthen coordination among government institutions, civil society, the private sector, international partners, and migrants themselves."
Speaking at the same session, Mr. Henry Lubinda, Programme Management Officer, ECA, Subregional Office for Southern Africa, (SRO SA), highlighted the significance of the initiative:
"As part of this five-year programme, ECA is working closely with the Government of Lesotho to strengthen diaspora engagement and maximize the developmental impact of remittances. This workshop marks the next phase in the process – translating agreed principles into concrete actions, timelines, and responsibilities that will enable Lesotho to fully harness the developmental benefits of its diaspora."
He further stressed the importance of alignment and collaboration: "It is our hope that this national work plan will serve as a roadmap for operationalizing programme priorities while aligning them with Lesotho’s broader development agenda. We look forward to robust and interactive deliberations that will foster consensus among stakeholders and ensure effective implementation."
The workshop builds on earlier consultations, including a fact-finding mission in May 2025, the establishment of a National Technical Working Group (NTWG), and the endorsement of its Terms of Reference in June 2025. By consolidating efforts across government, financial institutions, civil society, and the diaspora, the workshop aims to unlock the full potential of migration and remittances in advancing Lesotho’s sustainable development and Africa’s Agenda 2063.
Issued by:
Communications Section
Economic Commission for Africa
PO Box 3001
Addis Ababa
Ethiopia
Tel: +251 11 551 5826
E-mail: eca-info@un.org