The National University of Lesotho (NUL) has opened a special new Centre called the Confucius Institute of Agricultural Science and Technology (NULCI). The institute will focus on Language, Culture and Agriculture!
“NULCI is like a bridge between NUL and the prestigious Chinese Universities,” says Dr. Moeketsi Ntakatsane, the Director of the new institute.
Dr. Fanxing Meng from China is the Co-Director, and together they will lead this exciting project.
But the institute isn’t just about farming and language—it’s about friendship. “Education can shape the future,” says Professor Kananelo Mosito, NUL’s Pro-Vice-Chancellor. “Today, we’re planting seeds of understanding and cooperation that will grow for generations.”
What makes this institute so special?
It’s the only one in Africa opened in 2024, out of just 11 in the whole world.
The journey started back in 2017 when NUL dreamed of working closely with Chinese universities. After years of planning, the NUL Council finally approved the plan on
19 December 2024 —and now the doors are open!
What will make this institute effective is its focus on Agriculture.
China has been farming successfully for many years. Now Basotho farmers will learn new ways to grow more food, save water, and fight climate change from the Chinese experience. Chinese experts will visit Lesotho to share knowledge with farmers.
One of the coolest things about the NULCI is that anyone can learn the Chinese language through it.
Whether you’re a student, a teacher, a lecturer, or just curious, there’s a class for you—beginner, intermediate, or advanced. In fact, NUL will also offer a degree in Chinese Language and Culture. This may as well open doors for more Lesotho students to study in China!
There’s also a planned computer lab where students will take online lessons and write special Chinese language exams.
NULCI will work with two Chinese universities—Jilin Agricultural University (JLAU) for farming and Tonghua Normal University (THNU) for language and culture.
The Chinese International Education Foundation is supporting the institute and it officially approved it on 6 June 2024. By 27 September 2024, NUL received the Confucius Institute insignia, making the partnership official.
This partnership will create jobs, improve education, and help Lesotho’s economy grow. “It’s more than just farming,” says Dr. Meng. “It’s about bringing our universities closer through language and culture.”
Whether you’re a student, teacher, farmer, or simply curious, there’s something for everyone at the Confucius Institute.
