By Karabo Nkoe
The government, in partnership with the private sector and with support from the World Bank through the Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion (CAFI) project, will host the fourth high-level Public Private Dialogue (PPD) on May 20, 2026.
The dialogue will be held under the theme: “Accelerating Economic Transformation through Private Sector-Led Growth and Resilience.”
According to a recent statement issued by CAFI, the forum will bring together government leaders, private sector players, development partners, academia and other key stakeholders to discuss practical solutions aimed at driving economic growth, investment and private sector development in Lesotho.
Prime Minister Samuel Matekane is expected to deliver the keynote address, providing leadership and strategic guidance on how resolutions from the forum can be translated into actionable outcomes.
The statement noted that the dialogue builds on progress made following the third PPD, including the establishment of thematic working groups in the textiles and apparel, agriculture and food security, as well as tourism and hospitality sectors.
The working groups were established to advance sector growth and strengthen collaboration between government and business.
The fourth PPD is expected to strengthen partnerships, promote innovation and advance concrete action plans towards building a more resilient, inclusive and competitive economy.
CAFI aims to increase access to business support services and financial products targeted at Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME’s) and entrepreneurs, especially women and youth.
CAFI is a US$52.5 million project funded by the World Bank and the Lesotho government. The project is founded on three mutually reinforcing pillars: Enhancing Financial Inclusion and Resilience of MSMEs, Scaling Support for Entrepreneurship and MSMEs, and Project Management Support.
The initiative became effective in September 2022 and is due to end in April 2028.
