Maseru __ In a remarkable show of diplomatic and economic engagement, Lesotho is witnessing an influx of interest from Ethiopian investors following a recent investment pitch made by Prime Minister Samuel Matekane during his tour of Ethiopia. Lesotho’s Ambassador to Ethiopia, H.E. Ntšiuoa Sekete, expressed her enthusiasm for the burgeoning relationship between the two nations.

"In pursuit and in fulfilment of our economic diplomacy mandate from the Capital Addis Ababa, it is an absolute pleasure and honour to see that the Ethiopian Business Community is warming up to the idea of investing in the Kingdom of Lesotho," said Ms. Sekete, signifying the potential for enhanced economic collaboration between the countries.

On Friday, a notable engagement took place at the Lesotho National Development Corporation (LNDC) when Mr. Afaw Girma Sahilegeberal, representing J.OIL Coffee Import and Export, PLC, one of Ethiopia's leading coffee exporters, was briefed on the myriads of investment opportunities available in Lesotho's agricultural and other key sectors.

Mr. Sahilegeberal is exploring the establishment of a state-of-the-art facility capable of producing 75 to 130 tonnes of roasted, ground, and packed coffee annually. With current coffee consumption in Lesotho estimated at 356 tonnes per year, projected to rise to 378 tonnes by 2026, this venture presents a substantial opportunity for market penetration.

The total projected investment for the coffee production plant stands at M 5,931,637, with M1,146,074 earmarked specifically for essential plant and machinery. If realized, this initiative will not only meet local demand but is also expected to create numerous employment opportunities, addressing the issue of joblessness that afflicts many Basotho citizens.

Despite the Southern African region not being a major coffee-producing area, the market for coffee has seen remarkable growth over the past three decades. The rise of specialty coffee shops and a burgeoning coffee culture have fuelled a stronger demand for high-quality, artisanal coffee, creating space for new entrants in the market.

Ambassador Sekete highlighted that while the LNDC conducts due diligence and appraisals on potential investments, she remains optimistic about the fruition of this opportunity. She encouraged Basotho to leverage Ethiopia's growing market and consider it a potential partner for economic integration and development. She is confident that the successful processing and exporting of coffee will confer substantial benefits to the Lesotho economy, expanding its horizons in regional and international markets.

As excitement builds around this fresh chapter in Lesotho-Ethiopia relations, the prospect of Ethiopian investments could signify a transformative phase for Lesotho’s agricultural sector and overall economic landscape.