MASERU — The construction industry has been identified as a potential driver of employment, business growth and economic development in Lesotho, with stakeholders calling for stronger partnerships to increase local participation in infrastructure projects.

Speaking at the Lesotho Construction, Roads and Infrastructure Expo and Conference at Maseru Club Grounds on Wednesday, Prime Minister Sam Ntsokoane Matekane said building a better Lesotho required cooperation between government, the private sector, financial institutions and educational institutions.

He said infrastructure development should go beyond constructing roads and bridges to creating sustainable employment and opportunities for businesses throughout the construction value chain.

The Prime Minister emphasised the importance of equipping young people with relevant skills, encouraging innovation and improving access to finance for businesses seeking to participate in infrastructure development.

He said development partners, educational institutions and communities also had important roles to play in ensuring that infrastructure projects contributed to national development.

Minister of Public Works and Transport Matjato Moteane said Lesotho needed to accelerate infrastructure development to improve connectivity and support economic and social progress.

He said roads connect farmers to markets, children to schools and patients to health facilities, making infrastructure essential to people's daily lives.

Mr. Moteane said the country needed stronger cooperation among government, financial institutions and construction industry stakeholders to improve planning and ensure that infrastructure investment translated into meaningful employment opportunities.

Lesotho PostBank Managing Director Ms. Mabakoena Thamae said construction projects generated economic opportunities beyond the main contractors.

She explained that road construction created business opportunities for transport operators, hardware suppliers, brick manufacturers, electricians, plumbers, equipment operators and consultants.

Ms. Thamae said access to finance remained important as construction required substantial capital, while some contractors struggled to secure funding due to limited working capital and insufficient collateral.

She said financial institutions could help local businesses expand their participation in the sector through financing solutions, including working capital, contract financing and guarantees.

The expo provides a platform for contractors, manufacturers, suppliers, financial institutions and government representatives to exchange knowledge, showcase services and explore partnerships in the construction, roads and infrastructure sectors.

The event also commemorates Lesotho's 60th anniversary of independence and the 15th anniversary of the Roads Directorate.