Many African countries remain overwhelmed by the withdrawal of support on a number of the United States funded programs; due to that that Prime Minister Mr Ntsokoane Matekane says that it is time for Lesotho to be economically independent.
He highlighted that Lesotho holds great potential in production fields such as agriculture which needs to be nurtured to achieve improved economy, food security as well as job creation to mention but a few.
He indicated that in the 2025/26 financial year, government has allocated funds which are aimed at development projects for the well-being of the nation.
He also stated that this is also a good time for the country to explore its other potentials which will ensure that it does not depend on aid.
The United States (US) suspension of foreign aid assistance is likely to put more than 20 million lives of people living with HIV globally at risk.
The Donald Trump administration issued an executive order on January 20 that instructed for
a halt on disbursement of foreign assistance funding for at least 90 days, with no assurance of
continuing after the suspension period.
This includes the US President’s Emergency Plan for Aids Relief (PEPFAR) program, which is in operation in 54 countries, mostly in Africa, Lesotho included.
Source: Lesotho News Agency (LENA) 28/2/2025
