The National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) II time frame has been extended to 2027 following the implementation failure in the past three years.

In her opening remarks, the Deputy Principal Secretary (DPS) in the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning, Mrs. Malisebo ‘Mokela said the implementation of the plan failed due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Mrs. ‘Mokela said the meeting held with planning stakeholders is to embark on the journey of marking a direction of where Lesotho is going and to build further the plan, so it becomes a success.

She stressed that this time, the NSDP must focus on issues of unemployment through agriculture, manufacturing, tourism, creative industry, technology and innovation to mention a few.

Sharing the same sentiments, Mrs. Mahlape Ramoseme from the Planning Unit stated that one of the challenges that led to NSDP II implementation failure was the fact that no data was recorded from the previous tasks that were done, adding that there was no monitoring and evaluation as well.

She noted that this time the focus is mainly on enhancing the private sector, enabling infrastructure development, improving human capital and strengthening a good governance and accountability system.

The National Strategic Development Plan (NSDP) II (2018/19 – 2022/23) is intended to transform Lesotho’s economic structure to be more private -sector led for creating employment and achieving sustainable and inclusive growth.

Source: LENA 15/05/2023