The government has signed two important Southern African Development Community (SADC) Protocols — the Protocol on Statistics and the Protocol on Employment and Labour — during a ceremony held on Tuesday in Maseru.
According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Relations, the signing reaffirms Lesotho’s commitment to regional integration, good governance, and evidence-based development.
The SADC Protocol on Statistics, approved by Heads of State in 2021, provides a legal framework for cooperation in statistical development, data harmonization, and innovation across the region. It aims to ensure the use of reliable and high-quality data in planning, policy formulation, and decision-making.
Meanwhile, the Protocol on Employment and Labour, adopted in 2023, seeks to promote decent work and inclusive employment opportunities, especially for youth, women, persons with disabilities, and migrant workers. It also establishes a foundation for fair labour standards and stronger social dialogue among SADC Member States.
The Ministry stated that by signing these protocols, Lesotho demonstrates its commitment to advancing regional development, strengthening labour systems, and ensuring that national policies are informed by credible data.
Lesotho is a founding member of SADC, having been part of the original Southern African Development Coordination Conference (SADCC) formed in April 1980, which later transformed into the Southern African Development Community in 1992.
