On 10th April, 2026, the Confucius Institute at the National University of Lesotho (NULCI) and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition (MAFS) convened a consultative meeting aimed at strengthening collaboration in agricultural development.
Held under the theme “Strengthening Sino-Lesotho Partnerships in Agricultural Education, Innovation, and Youth Empowerment,” the meeting focused on identifying practical strategies to align institutional efforts with Lesotho’s national priorities.
Deliberations underscored the vital role of strategic partnerships in advancing the country’s agricultural sector, particularly through skills development, innovation, and knowledge exchange. A key outcome of the meeting was a joint commitment to identify three to five priority areas for collaboration, including agricultural training workshops, collaborative research initiatives, and targeted capacity-building programmes.
During the session, NULCI Directors presented an overview of the Institute’s mandate, programmes, and achievements, highlighting opportunities within Sino-Lesotho partnerships. These include specialised training in agro-processing and modern farming techniques aimed at enhancing productivity and sustainability.
In the same manner, the Ministry outlined its strategic priorities, focusing on improving food security, strengthening agricultural extension services, and expanding vocational training opportunities for field workers.
The meeting also emphasized the importance of clear follow-up actions and defined timelines to guide implementation.
Both institutions identified several key areas for future collaboration, including the development of joint agricultural programmes, the introduction of Chinese language training for agricultural extension workers, and coordinated efforts to mobilize funding and technical resources.
