View over Maseru, the capital of Lesotho

Sub-Saharan Africa

Lesotho

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Lesotho is a small, mountainous, landlocked country surrounded by its much larger neighbor, South Africa. It has a population of about two million, and a per capita gross domestic product (GDP) of $999.7 in 2022. Lesotho is classified as a lower middle-income country. It is primarily highlands, with its lowest point 1,400 meters above sea level. Previously a British protectorate, the nation gained its independence in October 1966. Lesotho is a constitutional monarchy, ruled by a King as Head of State, and governed by a 33-member Senate and a 120-member National Assembly. 

The current government came into power in November 2022 and is led by the Right Honourable Prime Minister, Samuel Ntsokoane Matekane’s Revolution for Prosperity (RFP) party in coalition with the Movement for Economic Change (MEC) and Alliance for Democrats (AD) parties. 

The government has extended Lesotho’s Second National Strategic Development Plan (NSPD II) 2018/19–22/23 for another five years until 2027/28. The NSPD II’s four priorities are: enhancing inclusive and sustainable economic growth and private sector-led job creation; strengthening human capital; building enabling infrastructure; and strengthening national governance and accountability systems.

Source: World Bank, Lesotho Country Overview

Investment Opportunities
Describes the number of investment opportunities in the country.

12

Most Affected SDGs
Describes the three priority SDGs the investment opportunities address in the country.
Decent Work and Economic Growth (SDG 8) No Poverty (SDG 1) Zero Hunger (SDG 2)
Priority Target Sectors
Describes the three priority sectors the investment opportunities address in the country, based on the SASB Sustainable Industry Classification System®️ (SICS®️) classification.

Food and Beverage, Consumer Goods, Health Care

Human Development Index
Developed by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Human Development Index is a summary measure for assessing a country’s long-term progress in three basic dimensions of human development: a long and healthy life, access to knowledge and a decent standard of living.

0.514

How is this information gathered?

SDG Investor Maps employ an 8-step methodology, combining data research and stakeholder consultations to identify Investment Opportunity Areas (IOAs) and potential business models with significant financial and impact potential.

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