Maseru – Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, Mr. Selibe Mochoboroane and Minister of Agriculture Botswana Dr. Edwin Dikoloti, conveyed a meeting with farmers in Lesotho aimed at strengthening collaboration in agricultural development and trade between the two countries in an effort to share experience and discuss ways forward in tackling agricultural gaps.
Mr. Mochoboroane commended the meeting, challenging farmers to be determined in agricultural production for them and for economic development of Lesotho.
He emphasised that Botswana is a reliable source for agriculture development. He however said farmers need to look into easy transportation while the government still strengthens ties and trade business within African countries.
The meeting which was held on Tuesday where on behalf of cattle farmers in Lesotho, Mr. Sebabatso Makoanyane appealed to two ministries to support the farming existing programs in Lesotho in an effort to ease production and export.
Lesotho National Wool and Mohair Growers Association Chairperson, Mr. Mokoenihi Thinyane emphasised that over 2000 people in Lesotho make a living out of wool and mohair. He said two ministries must collaborate and ensure open borders and trade development.
Furthermore, Mrs. Mapule Maema from Aquaculture Organization Lesotho pointed out that Trout fish production is still a major challenge in the country, saying fish consumption needs to be increased looking at their target by 2035 of producing 6000 tons. She said they recently piloted Trout production in 3 districts, and they found out that it can attain significantly in the highlands.
The Minister of Agriculture Botswana, Dr. Dikoloti, after gaps and challenge identification by farmers highlighted that collaboration is key, saying, as African countries they are committed to secure jobs for Africans.
He pointed out that border movements on exports are challenging and come at a high cost, but promised to deepen discussions and bring long solutions.
He also encouraged Lesotho farmers to be determined on what they want for them to succeed and reep positive outcomes.
He further recommended plant protection, organics and apple production collaboration for two countries, indicating that there is an open market, hence Lesotho needs to invest more on them.
He concluded by saying Botswana is way beyond in food security, emphasising that they breed and export layers among others.
This meeting follows the inaugural Botswana Lesotho Bi-National Commission session in June 2026, which focuses on expanding bilateral cooperation in beef and establishing joint technical frameworks.
