MASERU – The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, in collaboration with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development, on Friday validated the Terms of Reference and Action Plan for the Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition Thematic Working Group under the Public Private Dialogue (PPD) framework, supported by the World Bank through the Competitiveness and Financial Inclusion (CAFI) Project.

Speaking on behalf of the Principal Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture,Food Security and Nutrition  Mr. Thabo Sekhonyana said the validation marks an important milestone in strengthening collaboration between government, the private sector, farmers, development partners and civil society to address challenges affecting the agricultural sector.

He said the thematic working group was established following resolutions adopted during the National Public-Private Dialogue Forum held in 2025, where stakeholders agreed to move beyond consultations towards practical, sector-specific interventions that promote agricultural transformation.

Mr. Sekhonyana noted that the working group is aligned with the National Strategic Development Plan II (NSDP II) and the World Bank-supported CAFI Project, which seeks to improve the country's business environment and competitiveness.

He said the Action Plan is built around four  key pillars, which 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.

He stressed that transforming agriculture requires a whole of  government approach, calling on all ministries and stakeholders to actively participate in implementing the agreed reforms.

Mr. Sekhonyana further said the initiative supports the national goal of shifting agriculture from subsistence farming to commercial production that creates jobs, attracts investment and improves food security.

Meanwhile, CAFI Managing Director Mr. Chaba Mokuku said the Public Private Dialogue serves as a platform that brings together government, the private sector and civil society to jointly identify solutions that will strengthen Lesotho's economy.

He said the dialogue is one of the key implementation mechanisms of NSDP II, with the government responsible for creating enabling policies while the private sector drives economic growth and employment.

Mr. Mokuku said improving the investment climate remains a priority, highlighting the need to finalise investment legislation that clearly defines the rights and obligations of investors.

He also noted that access to finance remains a major challenge for businesses, saying CAFI is working with PostBank, the Central Bank of Lesotho and the Ministry of Finance  and Development to improve agricultural financing and make credit more accessible to entrepreneurs.

He further said the government continues to improve trade facilitation through digital systems for import and export permits and the development of one-stop border posts to reduce delays for traders.

Mr. Mokuku emphasised that agriculture remains the backbone of Lesotho's economy and that modernising the sector is essential for economic growth, food security and job creation.

He encouraged Basotho to take advantage of CAFI programmes, including the Basotho Enterprise Assistance Programme and initiatives supporting youth, women and climate resilience and preparedness facilities.

Speaking on behalf of the private sector, Co-Chairperson Mr. Mokone  Mokokoane welcomed the establishment of the thematic working group, saying it provides an opportunity for government and the private sector to work together in finding practical solutions for farmers and businesses.

He stressed that the success of the initiative will depend on implementation rather than discussions alone, urging all stakeholders to ensure that agreed actions are translated into tangible results that improve the livelihoods of Basotho.

He also called for stronger collaboration between government, the private sector and other stakeholders to create employment opportunities, strengthen agricultural production and promote sustainable economic development.

The Public Private Dialogue( PPD)  is a government led platform that brings together the public and private sectors to identify and address challenges affecting key industries.Under the CAFI project, sector specific ThematicWorking Groups were established to improve policy dialogue , strengthen coordination and promote private sector growth with agriculture and food security identified as one of the priority sectors.