Lesotho Prime Minister Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane has called on global investors to partner with his country in mining, agriculture, energy and digital infrastructure during his keynote address at the Africa Down Under Mining Conference in Perth, Australia, on Friday.
Matekane told delegates that Lesotho, long known for its diamond mines, is seeking to diversify its economy by tapping into rare earth minerals, renewable energy projects and commercial agriculture. He said studies had revealed that coal deposits once thought to have little value contain rare earth elements critical for electric vehicles, wind turbines and digital devices.
“Our goal is to stabilise the diamond sector while also opening opportunities for rare earth exploration,” he said. “We want to build joint ventures that deliver shared success for our people and our partners.”
The prime minister said Lesotho’s workforce remained central to its mining industry, with 98 percent of mine employees being Basotho nationals who have mastered high-altitude kimberlite operations.
He further urged investors to explore opportunities in aquaculture, wool and mohair processing, and high-value agriculture, noting that Lesotho is among the top global producers of mohair and trout. He added that the country’s vast water resources underpin its potential in hydropower generation, irrigated farming and regional water supply projects.
Matekane also pointed to the Kingdom’s push into renewable energy and digital infrastructure, including data centres powered by clean energy. He said King Letsie III is championing the Lesotho Just Energy Transition Fund to ensure that the shift to green power creates jobs and benefits communities.
“Lesotho is not only a diamond country,” Matekane told the gathering. “We are a country of possibilities, open for business, innovation and sustainable investment.”
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