…As Lesotho Receives New Agricultural Storage and Logistics Hub
HA FOSO, BEREA – The Ministry of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition has received a significant boost with the establishment of a modern agricultural storage and logistics facility valued at M150 million from the Republic of China, marking another milestone in Lesotho–China cooperation.
The facility, located in Ha-Fose, Berea, was officially handed over by His Excellency Mr Yang Xiaokun, the Ambassador of the People’s Republic of China to Lesotho, to Prime Minister Sam Matekane.
This project is expected to enhance food security, reduce post-harvest losses, and rekindle interest in farming among the Basotho people.
The handover ceremony was attended by senior government officials, Chinese government representatives, farmers, and members of the Mokhethoaneng constituency.
During the event, Prime Minister Matekane described the handover as more than just a donation, stating it symbolised the start of a new chapter for Lesotho’s agricultural sector.
“The handover of this agricultural storage and logistics infrastructure is not merely a donation, but the inauguration of a new era of food security and self-reliance for our nation,” Matekane said.
He recalled that Lesotho had recently received agricultural machinery from China, emphasising that the new grain storage facility completes a comprehensive approach to addressing agricultural challenges.
“Our journey represents a revolution in the agricultural sector, where production, storage, processing, and marketing form a complete and functional value chain,” he said, expressing gratitude to the People’s Republic of China for its ongoing partnership in development.
Ambassador Yang Xiaokun noted that the project serves as a tangible symbol of the long-standing friendship between the two countries.
News in pictures: https://web.facebook.com/p/Seahlolo-100095464299368
“This project stands as a new milestone of friendship between China and Lesotho,” he said.
He urged those present to appreciate the significance of the moment, highlighting that the facility would now fulfil its intended purpose.
“It might be the last time this hall hosts a gathering, as it has been constructed to store piles of grain,” he remarked.
Ambassador Yang emphasised that food security is central to economic development, social stability, and national security.
“The Government of Lesotho has prioritised the transformation of food security by eliminating hunger, improving food systems, and practising climate-smart agriculture to build a hunger-free nation,” he stated.
He added that Lesotho’s commitment to food security aligns closely with China’s long-held belief that food is a nation’s first necessity.
“For Lesotho, 2025 has been a year of effectively addressing external challenges and achieving impressive outcomes,” he said.
The Ambassador also referenced the agricultural machinery donated to Lesotho in October, stating that it further strengthened cooperation between the two countries and contributed to agricultural modernisation.
Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, Lejone Mpotjoane, described the facility as a gift of lasting value to the nation.
“We are gathered to formally receive a modern and advantageous grain storage facility for the nation, a magnificent gift from the People’s Republic of China,” Mpotjoane said.
He noted that the handover represented more than just the transfer of infrastructure.
“This ceremony is not merely about the handover of bricks. It signifies the transfer of hope, resilience, and food security for the farmers and families of Lesotho,” he said.
“It embodies a shared vision for a prosperous, stable, and self-sufficient future for our nation.”
Mpotjoane thanked the Chinese government for its continued support, describing the facility as “a towering testament to the friendship and solidarity between our two nations”.
He highlighted that agriculture remains the backbone of Lesotho’s economy and the lifeblood of rural communities.
“For too long, our hardworking farmers have faced heartbreaking post-harvest losses – grains spoiled by moisture and produce damaged by pests. This storage facility is a solution to those losses,” he said.
Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, Thabo Mofosi, welcomed the project and expressed appreciation for China’s ongoing assistance to Lesotho’s agricultural sector.
“Your Excellency Yang, I have developed proper guidelines to ensure that the Government of Lesotho is supported with training young people as a specialised team to operate this storage facility,” Mofosi said.
He informed the gathering that discussions between the two countries were already underway, with the development of a memorandum of understanding in progress.
“I assure you that this storage facility will be operational immediately,” he said.
Mofosi added that the ministry would intensify efforts to promote climate-smart farming practices to help farmers adapt to climate change.
Following the speeches, the Minister of Agriculture and Ambassador Yang signed a handover certificate, after which the Prime Minister and the Ambassador toured the facility. The event concluded with a ribbon-cutting ceremony led by Prime Minister Matekane.
In his closing remarks, Matekane praised the strong relationship between Lesotho and China and urged officials to continue nurturing the partnership.
He noted with satisfaction that more Basotho were returning to farming in response to his call for agriculture to be revitalised as the backbone of the economy.
“Lesotho is affected by climate change, with droughts and heavy storms impacting farming and yields,” he said, adding that strengthened infrastructure is critical to overcoming these challenges.
The new storage facility is expected to reduce post-harvest losses significantly, enable farmers to store large quantities of grain safely, and improve market access. It also aims to increase production by giving farmers confidence that their harvests can be adequately preserved.
This handover marks another critical step in Lesotho–China cooperation. Through initiatives such as the Forum on China–Africa Cooperation (FOCAC), China has continued to support African countries, including Lesotho, in addressing development challenges and improving the livelihoods of ordinary citizens.
