Lesotho opens AfCFTA export-readiness workshop for MSMEs

Lesotho opened a three-day workshop in Maseru to help smaller businesses prepare for regional exports, according to the Economic Commission for Africa’s original account dated 28 September 2026. The report describes training and official objectives, rather than independently verified export gains or commercial agreements. The Ministry of Trade, Industry and Business Development organised the initiative with support from ECA, UNDP Lesotho, the UN Resident Coordinator’s Office and other partners. Principal Secretary Palesa Matobako said access to a larger African market would not by itself ensure business success. Firms also needed to understand customer demand, identify viable destinations, satisfy certification and standards requirements, navigate tariffs and rules of origin, and make contact with buyers. Jacqueline Olweya, speaking for the Resident Coordinator’s Office, linked the exercise to productive capacity, export diversification and employment, particularly for young Basotho. The source presents enterprise growth and regional supply-chain participation as intended benefits, not outcomes already measured by the workshop. ECA regional adviser Zodwa Mabuza highlighted the vulnerability associated with concentrated exports. Her technical presentation addressed International Trade Centre tools, priority-market selection and interpretation of market-access conditions. Consultant Lira Khalala then introduced trade tools covering tariffs, non-tariff measures and market intelligence. Participants also received a presentation on the SADC SME strategy and competitiveness, while representatives of the SADC and SACU secretariats attended. Nexus analysis The workshop addresses the operational gap between preferential trade rules and the ability of a company to fulfil an export order. Market information is useful only when it informs product, compliance and buyer decisions. The evidence supports a concrete training initiative and a diversification rationale, but not claims of additional exports, investment secured or jobs created. Follow-through into actual buyer relationships would distinguish capacity building from commercial delivery.