His Majesty King Letsie III has on Monday held bilateral meetings with the President of International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD), Mr. Alvaro Lario, and the African Union Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development and Blue Economy, Mr. Moses Vilakati at Africa Forward Summit 2026 in Nairobi.

The summit is held under the theme: “Partnerships between Africa and France for Innovation.”

In an interview with the Minister of Agriculture, Food Security and Nutrition, Selibe Mochoboroane the meeting with the IFAD President reviewed progress on the Smallholder Agriculture Development Project Phase II (SADP II) and the Wool and Mohair Value Chain Competitiveness Project (WAMPP), which are funded by IFAD within the ministry.

Minister Mochoboroane said the meeting agreed that there should be an urgent engagement with the IFAD office in the SADC region to decide on repurposing project priorities following the outbreak of foot-and-mouth disease in Lesotho.

He highlighted that the disease threatens the country’s economy through losses in livestock trade, reduced farmers’ income and increased government spending on disease control measures.

Minister Mochoboroane further indicated that both parties agreed that the lengthy process of allocating funds should be reviewed as it delays project implementation.

Meanwhile, he said the meeting between His Majesty and African Union Commissioner Moses Vilakati agreed that Lesotho should establish legacy agricultural projects in honour of His Majesty’s role as Nutrition Champion.

He said the projects are expected to create long-term improvements in farming, food systems and rural livelihoods in the country.