Sam Matekane has been sworn in as Lesotho’s new prime minister after his party secured the most seats in the recent elections. He plans to address the country’s economic challenges and improve the garment export industry, which is vital for employment. His coalition includes several smaller parties, and prominent regional leaders were present at his inauguration.
On October 7, Lesotho’s elections culminated in businessman Sam Matekane transitioning into a political role, becoming the new prime minister. His party, the Revolution For Prosperity, secured the most seats but required alliances with smaller parties to establish a governing coalition. Regional dignitaries, including South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, attended the swearing-in ceremony, reflecting on Lesotho’s historical role as a refuge for those facing hardship in neighboring nations.
Prime Minister Matekane emphasized the urgency of addressing the pressing challenges faced by Lesotho’s 2.1 million citizens. During his campaign, he focused on enhancing export markets for Lesotho-made garments while diversifying products eligible for export to the United States under the African Growth Opportunities Act. The garment sector, crucial for employment in Lesotho, had seen significant job losses due to the adverse effects of the pandemic, with approximately 25% of textile workers affected.
In summary, Sam Matekane’s electoral victory marks a significant political shift in Lesotho. His immediate focus is on economic recovery and expanding garment exports. His administration aims to tackle the impacts of the global economic downturn on the workforce.
Original Source: apnews.com
