The Minister of Education and Training Professor Ntoi Rapapa says the opening of the Confucius Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology is a sign of a new era of international collaboration and academic advancement.
The Confucius Institute established at the National University of Lesotho (NUL) is a cooperation between NUL, Jilin Agricultural University and Tonghua Normal University. Confucius is a great representative of Chinese culture. As a bridge for educational exchanges and a platform for cultural mutual learning, Confucius Institutes have promoted understanding and friendship among people of different countries.
He said this on Tuesday evening during the reception held at the Chinese Embassy in Maseru, where he said it is established through the support of the Chinese government, saying it represents a powerful partnership that will go a long way in diversifying the university’s academic and research programs.
He said this collaboration is not only timely but also strategic, saying it comes at a moment when the Basotho nation, like many others, face increasing climate-induced challenges which threaten their agricultural productivity, their food systems and the livelihoods of their people.
He stated that the institute will serve as a platform for the exchange of knowledge, skills and innovation in agricultural science and technology. He said it will equip their students, researchers and farmers with practical tools and modern techniques to improve productivity, adapt to climate change and ensure long-term food security.
He indicated that President Xi Jinping put forward three global initiatives, advocating respect for the diversity of world civilizations, promoting the common values of all mankind, and strengthening international people-to-people exchanges and cooperation. “China is willing to continue working hand in hand with Lesotho to explore new prospects of cultural exchange and people-to-people connectivity between the two countries”, he said.
Moreover, he stated that last year, Prime Minister Samuel Matekane attended the Beijing Summit of the FOCAC, where the establishment of the first Confucius Institute in Lesotho featuring “Agricultural Science and Technology” was listed as one of the important achievements of his visit. This Confucius Institute is the only one among the more than 500 institutes worldwide featuring “Agricultural Science and Technology”. In just half a year, it has officially opened, becoming a highlight in the cultural and agricultural exchanges between China and Lesotho.
Since the signing of the agreement to establish the first Confucius Institute in Africa at the University of Nairobi in Kenya in 2004, a total of 77 Confucius Institutes and Confucius Classrooms have been established in 47 African countries, including Lesotho.
Source: Lesotho News Agency (9/4/2025)